Book cover of Mathematical Ideas in Biology

Book description

This is a lucid introduction to some of the mathematical ideas which are useful to biologists. Professor Maynard Smith introduces the reader to the ways in which biological problems can be expressed mathematically, and shows how the mathematical equations which arise in biological work can be solved. Each chapter has…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Mathematical Ideas in Biology as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a classic! I have had (and worn through copies) since 1969.

There is no explicit mention of disease in Maynard Smith’s book, but the two chapters on population regulation will give you all the tools you need to start applying ideas from disease biology.

As with the Feynman lectures, there is mathematics in this book – but it begins with arithmetic. I recommend it for much the same reason that I recommend Feynman because it will show you how mathematical reasoning can illuminate biology and was written by one the great mathematical biologists of the 20th century.

The…

If you love Mathematical Ideas in Biology...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like Mathematical Ideas in Biology?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Mathematical Ideas in Biology.

Browse books like Mathematical Ideas in Biology

Book cover of The Feynman Lectures on Physics
Book cover of Cybersecurity and Cyberwar
Book cover of Cyberspace in Peace and War

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,299

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Mathematical Ideas in Biology, you might also like...

Book cover of Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles

Courting the Sun by Peggy Joque Williams,

Can a free-spirited country girl navigate the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that is the court of Louis XIV—the Sun King--and still keep her head?

France, 1670. Sixteen-year-old Sylvienne d’Aubert receives an invitation to attend the court of King Louis XIV. She eagerly accepts, unaware of her mother’s…

Book cover of Whispers on the Wind

Whispers on the Wind by Elizabeth Revill,

Wales between the wars, a place of poverty and a world full of anguish. Yet, there is hope. Within family, within community, and most of all in the brave heart of one young girl.

Set in the lush Dulais Valley; Carrie is fated to a life of hardship and sorrow,…

5 book lists we think you will like!