Maths from Scratch for Biologists (Paperback)

by Alan J. Cann (Author) "Some people opt to undertake studies in biology in the belief (conscious or unconscious) that this is a way of pursuing a scientific career while..." (more)
Key Phrases: one white mouse, brown mice, following dataset (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Numerical ability is an essential skill for everyone studying the biological sciences but many students are frightened by the 'perceived' difficulty of mathematics, and are nervous about applying mathematical skills in their chosen field of study. Having taught introductory maths and statistics for many years, Alan Cann understands these challenges and just how invaluable an accessible, confidence building textbook could be to the fearful student. Unable to find a book pitched at the right level, that concentrated on why numerical skills are useful to biologists, he wrote his own. The result is Maths form Scratch for Biologists , a highly instructive, informal text that explains step by step how and why you need to tackle maths within the biological sciences.

Features:

• An accessible, jargon-busting approach to help readers master basic mathematical, statistical and data handling techniques in biology
• Numerous end of chapter problems to reinforce key concepts and encourage students to test their newly acquired skills through practise
• A handy, time-saving glossary
• A supplementary website with numerous problems and self-test exercises

From the Back Cover
Numerical ability is an essential skill for everyone studying the biological sciences, but many students are frightened by the 'perceived' difficulty of mathematics, and are nervous about applying mathematical skills in their chosen field of study. Having taught introductory maths and statistics for many years, Alan Cann understands these challenges, and is aware just how invaluable an accessible, confidence building, textbook could be to the fearful student. Unable to find a book pitched at the right level, that concentrated on why numerical skills are useful to biologists, he wrote his own. The result is Maths from Scratch for Biologists, a highly instructive, informal text that explains step by step how and why you need to tackle maths within the biological sciences.

Features:

An accessible, jargon-busting approach to help readers master basic mathematical, statistical and data handling techniques in biology.

Numerous end of chapter problems to reinforce key concepts, and encourage students to test their newly acquired skills through practise.

A handy, time saving glossary.

A supplementary website with numerous problems and self-test exercises. Essential reading for all students within the biological sciences, taking core skills and numeracy courses, and an invaluable reference for those working within academia and industry.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; illustrated edition edition (January 13, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471498351
• ISBN-13: 978-0471498353
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #523,598 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit overwhelming for those trying to catch up to forgotten math concepts..., November 10, 2008

By	Princess Yahm Serna "Yahmeela" (Long Island City, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is very good, but you have to already have reviewed those forgotten math concepts such as simple algebra and a few other things that the author purposely skipped to get to the details of the book.

Unfortunately I ended up returning it after realizing I probably need a book not only to refresh some of the concepts and formulas, but also give me more detailed exercises.

I read a few chapters but felt lost without a guide. But the book is a great reference for those already familiar with most mathematical concepts. The author does explain how to apply them very well and the examples are of good use.

Before purchasing this book, especially if you're entering the science field or starting college courses in science, make sure to get familiar with algebra, trigonometry, calculus, etc. before diving into this helpful book. Then buy it! Otherwise for those already into it, it's a very small, organized and great book that you can carry in a small purse for those who commute on public transportation.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It was a gift for my daughter, October 24, 2008

By	George Winstead (Gainesville, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book as a stocking stuffer for my daughter who is a psychology major and is not particularly fond of math. She tells me that the book was right-on and considerably helped her out in her labs.