The Larmor Society

IA Elementary Maths for Biologists

If, like me, the sight of numbers triggers an uncomfortable feeling and you don't have A level maths, then this is the course you'll probably be taking. As scientists, we can't escape calculations and therefore EMB has been designed to help those who haven't done things like differentiation and integration and other scary stuff. The great thing about this course is that it allows students with a lesser maths-based background to do subjects like chemistry, as well as helping with calculations in Cells practicals. In all, it's really like doing an A level in a year, and does have quite a fast pace, so I recommend maybe refreshing yourself with the basics before you come, or even delving into a mates AS maths textbook (scary as the thought may be), just so it helps a bit for when you get here. There are examples classes every week where you have the opportunity to ask questions about lecture material and have a go at set exercises yourself. The great thing about this subject is that 'proper' mathematics get two exams at the end of the year but we only get one!

You may find that the majority of your mates doing natsci all have A level maths, if not further maths too, but use this to your advantage as you can ask any one of them about questions you're stuck on and you'll be sure that any of them will know the answer!

Subjects that go with EMB:

If you're taking EMB then you'll be a bio natsci as you need to have A level maths to be a physical natsci. Therefore all the biological options are suitable for this maths. I took chemistry too, but I have to say that it was a big struggle as the maths is quite challenging if you haven't done integration before. However, if you still want to do chemistry, and are doing EMB then looking at an AS maths textbook before you come will REALLY help in the long run, and you should get by!

Which textbooks?

To be honest, the lecture notes are enough, with some recommended texts suggested by the lecturers should you want more examples. However supervisors are really the best way to learn how to tackle problems and I'm sure you'll find them invaluable for maths! If you really want a text book, even an A level textbook would be great, as well as:

Foster, P.C. (1998) Easy Mathematics for Biologists. Harwood Academic Publishers, Australia (ISBN: 90-5702-339-3). Lots of examples for you to work with answers. Good for revision of GCSE level and a bit above.

Cornish-Bowden, A. (1999) Basic Mathematics for Biochemists, 2nd Edition. Oxford.