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Calculus for the natural sciences
Helfgott M., SIAM, New York, NY, 2023. 456 pp. Type: Book (9781611977684)
Date Reviewed: Sep 13 2024

Calculus is “a part of the name of some branches of mathematics dealing with rules for the computation of and operation with objects of a definite type” [1]. More commonly, it refers to the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and the differentiation and integration of functions. This book is concerned with calculus for the natural sciences. It consists of five chapters and five appendices.

The first chapter is on differential calculus. The usual concepts of functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, and maxima and minima, along with other important concepts, are discussed here. The second chapter is on integral calculus. The calculation of areas under simple curves, approximating areas, definite and indefinite integrals, the fundamental theorem of calculus, integration by parts, and differential equations are discussed. The third chapter covers the basic characteristics of series, alternating series, power series, Taylor series, and applications. The fourth chapter is on enzyme kinetics; topics include the steady state hypothesis and the pseudo steady state hypothesis (PSSH), the Lineweaver-Burk plot, the integration of the Michaelis-Menten equation, and nonlinear regression. Chapter 5 looks at transport across cell membranes, including diffusion across cell membranes, the integrated form of the diffusion equation, facilitated diffusion, and Fick’s law. Note that the fourth and fifth chapters are very brief (about ten pages each).

The appendices consist of a list of enrichment notes found in various chapters, proofs, supplementary materials, a note on technology, and solutions to the odd-numbered exercises.

Calculus for the natural sciences may be used as a textbook for a two-semester course on single-variable calculus. The target audience includes science students studying biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and other related disciplines. The general public and professionals may also benefit from this book, which is a byproduct of the Symbiosis Project at East Tennessee State University. The first three chapters are the most essential, in which instances from biology, chemistry, and physics are probed. The book contains numerous figures and emphasizes the use of R and SageMath. The adequate examples and ample exercises make it suitable for teaching. It also has a brief bibliography and a short index. The book is highly recommended for its intended readers.

Reviewer:  S. V. Nagaraj Review #: CR147816
1) The Encyclopedia of Mathematics, s.v. "Calculus," accessed September 13, 2024, https://encyclopediaofmath.org/wiki/Calculus.
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