Random Walk and Diffusion Models: An Introduction for Life and Behavioral Scientists

This book provides an accessible introduction to random walk and diffusion models for students in the life sciences, covering their traditional origins in physics and their wide applications in areas such as animal behavior, ecology, sociology, sports science, population genetics, public health, and human decision-making. It offers detailed explanations, step-by-step instructions, and examples of successful applications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 209 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive textbook provides an accessible introduction to random walk and diffusion models, suitable for students with a background in the life sciences. These models have expanded their applications beyond their traditional roots in physics to diverse fields such as animal behavior, ecology, sociology, sports science, population genetics, public health, and human decision-making. The book develops the fundamental formal concepts and offers detailed and intuitive step-by-step explanations, progressing from simple to more complex models. It concludes with a chapter showcasing successful and innovative applications of random walk and diffusion models in the life and behavioral sciences. Throughout the text, basic techniques and models are consolidated and extended through a series of carefully designed exercises. This textbook is an invaluable resource for students and researchers seeking to understand and apply these models in their respective fields.

Random walk and diffusion models have gained widespread popularity in recent decades, extending their applications beyond their traditional origins in physics. These models have found significant use in diverse fields such as animal behavior, ecology, sociology, sports science, population genetics, public health, and human decision-making. In this comprehensive textbook, we provide an accessible introduction to these models, tailored to students with a background in the life sciences.

The book begins by developing the fundamental formal concepts of random walk and diffusion models. It offers detailed and intuitive step-by-step explanations, ensuring a smooth transition from simple to more complex models. Throughout the text, exercises are carefully designed to consolidate and extend the treatment of basic techniques and models.

One of the key strengths of this textbook is its emphasis on practical applications. The last chapter showcases successful and original applications of random walk and diffusion models in the life and behavioral sciences. These applications illustrate the versatility and power of these models in understanding complex systems and processes.

By providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to random walk and diffusion models, this textbook serves as an invaluable resource for students and researchers seeking to understand and apply these models in their respective fields. Whether you are a life sciences student, researcher, or professional, this book will help you gain a deeper understanding of these models and their applications, enabling you to make informed decisions and contribute to the field of your choice.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031120992
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022