Beschreibung
Biomedical Calculations: Principles and Practice is an accessible, student-friendly introduction to calculating, applying formulae and solving quantitative problems within these subjects. This book targets a problem area for many students and aims to give them the confidence which they are so often lacking when undertaking scientific calculations. It takes a unique approach to the subject and uses unit analysis as a central theme throughout the book to enhance student understanding. Clearly structured throughout, little basic knowledge of mathematics is assumed, but even the most numerate readers will be interested in the sometimes-novel biological detail. Numerous worked examples, supplementary questions and practice problems are provided and although the book is written to be read in sequence, it will also be a useful reference. The central theme of the book focuses on the value of unit analysis in solving quantitative problems, with explanations on how to avoid errors in calculations and in checking, understanding and deriving formulae and equations. As a background to this, there is extensive treatment of physical units, both individually (e.g. kg, m, mmol) and in combination (e.g. m s², mmol L¹), and also of other aspects of quantitative thinking. A variety of topics (mostly from physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry) are used to demonstrate these calculations in practice. Key features: * An accessible, student-friendly introduction for all those hesitant in calculating, applying formulae and solving quantitative problems * An innovative approach to scientific calculations and how to work with unfamiliar formulae for the biomedical and life sciences * Includes modern, up to date definition of pH eliminating the need for logarithms and a discussion of the importance of pH * Clear introduction on how to use the book, guidance on units and unit conversion, and an appendix on basic mathematics and notation * Use of unit analysis as a central theme * Includes numerous worked examples and supplementary questions throughout the text to enhance student understanding
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Preface. Acknowledgements. This book, and how to use it. PART I. 1. Unit analysis: the neglected key to confidence. PART II. 2. Units: length, area, volume, mass, moles and equivalents. Problems. 3. Percentages. Problems. 4. Composite units I - density. Problems. 5. Composite units II - concentration. Problems. 6. Aspects of problem solving. Problems. 7. Making up and diluting solutions. Problems. 8. Calculating drug doses. Problems. 9. More about solutions - electroneutrality, osmotic pressure and activity. PART III. 10. Graphs, straight lines and equations. Problems. 11. On shapes and sizes. Problems. 12. Body size, body build, fatness and muscularity: unit analysis as an aid to discovery. PART IV. 13. Introducing time. Problems. PART V. 14. Force, pressure, energy, work and power. Problems. 15. Lessons from another formula. Problems. 16. Heat and temperature. Problems. 17. Gases: dry and wet gas mixtures, partial pressures, gases in solution. Problems. PART VI. 18. Introduction to logarithms. Problems. 19. Exponential time courses. Problems. 20. Nernst equations in physiology and biochemistry: logarithms and ''RT/zF''. Problems. 21. pH - two definitions and a possible dilemma for teachers. Problems. 22. Equilibrium constants, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, dose-response curves. Problems. 23. Buffering and acid-base balance. Problems. References. Appendix A. Basic mathematics and mathematical language. Appendix B. Some non-metric units. Appendix C. Notes. Appendix D. Solutions to problems. Index.
