Product Information
A zebrafish, the hull of a miniature ship, a mathematical equation and a food chain - what do these things have in common? They are examples of models used by scientists to isolate and study particular aspects of the world around us. This book begins by introducing the concept of a scientific model from an intuitive perspective, drawing parallels to mental models and artistic representations. It then recounts the history of modelling from the 16th century up until the present day. The iterative process of model building is described and discussed in the context of complex models with high predictive accuracy versus simpler models that provide more of a conceptual understanding. To illustrate the diversity of opinions within the scientific community, we also present the results of an interview study, in which ten scientists from different disciplines describe their views on modelling and how models feature in their work. Lastly, it includes a number of worked examples that span different modelling approaches and techniques. It provides a comprehensive introduction to scientific models and shows how models are constructed and used in modern science. It also addresses the approach to, and the culture surrounding modelling in different scientific disciplines. It serves as an inspiration for model building and also facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations by showing how models are used in different scientific fields. The book is aimed primarily at students in the sciences and engineering, as well as students at teacher training colleges but will also appeal to interested readers wanting to get an overview of scientific modelling in general and different modelling approaches in particular.Product Identifiers
PublisherSpringer International Publishing A&G
ISBN-139783319270791
eBay Product ID (ePID)223155340
Product Key Features
Number of Pages96 Pages
Publication NameScientific Models: Red Atoms, White Lies and Black Boxes in a Yellow Book
LanguageEnglish
SubjectEngineering & Technology, Mathematics
Publication Year2016
TypeTextbook
AuthorPhilip Gerlee, Torbjoern Lundh
FormatHardcover
Dimensions
Item Height235 mm
Item Weight355 g
Additional Product Features
Country/Region of ManufactureSwitzerland
Title_AuthorTorbjoern Lundh, Philip Gerlee