Biology

Biology is a science which studies how living things survive, grow, reproduce and evolve. As such, biologists are always counting, measuring, collecting and presenting numerical data. The numbers are processed and presented in a consistent way so other biologists can understand and repeat the experiments. Standard mathematical concepts are used in biology to ensure this. Examples include preparing and recording the dosing of patients via concepts such as the ratio of drug to body weight and the use of pH to describe H+ concentrations in solutions. Scientists must be able to communicate these procedures and outcomes via conventions such as scientific units, molarity and graphs.

The videos presented will give you a simple introduction into the use of maths in biology. Use these videos to refresh some of the maths you may have encountered in first year university regardless of your specialisation area. As you move through your degree, the complexity of the problems will increase and you may be exposed to other mathematical processes. These skills will be called upon constantly in your future. Employers expect a biology graduate to be able to handle, use and communicate numerical data; one of the most important generic skills developed during a science degree.