Theoretical biology is a field of academic study and research that involves the use of quantitative tools in biology.
Many separate areas of biology fall under the concept of theoretical biology, according to the way they are studied. Some of these areas include: animal behaviour (ethology), biomechanics, biorhythms, cell biology, complexity of biological systems, ecology, enzyme kinetics, evolutionary biology, genetics, immunology, membrane transport, microbiology, molecular structures, morphogenesis, physiological mechanisms, systems biology and the origin of life. Neurobiology is an example of a subdiscipline of biology which already has a theoretical version of its own, theoretical or computational neuroscience.
The ultimate goal of the theoretical biologist is to explain the biological world using mainly mathematical and computational tools, though not necessarily. Though it is ultimately based on observations and experimental results, the theoretical biologist's product is a model or theory, and it is this that chiefly distinguishes the theoretical biologist from other biologists. Over recent years the theoretical biologist has become nearly obsolete, as tests prove the impossibility of accurate results where the environment of the observations is not homogeneous.
More on [ Theoretical biology ]
Artificial Life
Biophysics :: Biology
Cognitive Science :: Social Sciences
Cybernetics :: Technology
Philosophy of Mind :: Philosophy

Santa Fe Institute - SFI draws scientists from universities and research institutions world-wide to pursue broad research problems. Much of the work focuses on the science of complexity (emergence), which examines underlying patterns and regularities behind a wide assortment of real-world phenomena. Projects range from the communication patterns of ants to the way information spreads across economic markets.
Careers in Theoretical Biology - Guidance brochure for high school and undergraduate students. Defines theoretical biology, gives examples of its application, and provides advice on preparing for a career in the field.
Claus Emmeche - Home page of a theoretical biologist with general interests in Philosophy of Nature, Philosophy of Science, and Science Studies, and research interests in artificial life and theoretical biology. Links to online papers, other resources, and to the Center for the Philosophy of Nature and Science Studies.
Meta Description: [ I am a theoretical biologist with general interests in Philosophy of Nature, Philosophy of Science, and Science Studies, and research interests in artificial life and theoretical biology. Here are links to online papers, other ressources, and to the Center for the Philosophy of Nature and Science... ]
David Liley - Home page of a theoretical neurobiologist at Swinburne University of Technology. Papers on theoretical models of the mammalian electroencephalogram and related lecture notes (medical imaging, physiological modeling).
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University - The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Department carries out research in a wide range of areas across evolution and ecology. Areas of particular interest include molecular evolution, behavioural ecology, the dynamics of communities and populations, and conservation biology.
Honig Lab at Columbia University - Research combines computational biophysics and bioinformatics to aid in understanding the structural, physical, and chemical basis of a wide range of biological phenomena, with a focus on protein structure and function. Includes publications list and information on software developed by the group.
Meta Description: [ Theoretical and computational tools to study
the structure and function of biological macromolecules ]
Molecular Information Theory - The theory of molecular machines from the NIH Laboratory of Computational and Experimental Biology.
Program in Theoretical Biology, Institute for Advanced Study - The Program in Theoretical Biology has many diverse interests, including immunology and virology, the evolution of language, evolutionary genomics, epidemiology, the evolution of cancer and the evolution of cooperation and fairness.
Random Variations to Biological Choice - Philosophical speculations on physics and biology.
Short Courses on the Mathematics of Biological Complexity - Three short courses will be held at the University of Tennessee to give biologists a rapid introduction to the mathematical and computational topics appropriate for understanding current research in biological complexity.
Theoretical Biology and Biophysics (T-10) - The Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group (T-10) at Los Alamos National Laboratory focuses on the modeling of biological systems and the analysis and informatics of molecular and cellular biological data.
Meta Description: [ Los Alamos National Laboratory is a DOE national laboratory that applies science and technology to solve problems in national security and defense. ]
Theoretical Biology at Utrecht University, Netherlands - Formal models in ecology, spatial pattern formation, (molecular) evolution, immunology, and ethology. Formalisms range from mathematical models, cellular automata, genetic algorithms, to discrete-event individual-oriented simulation models. Bioinformatic approach typically involves spatial, multi-leveled models with many interacting entities whose behavior is determined by local information.
Theoretical Biology Groningen - Focuses on competition and natural selection, more specifically evolutionary game theory, life history theory, sexual selection, sex allocation, metapopulation genetics, resource competition, and interference competition.
University of Lund - Department of Theoretical Ecology. Members, teaching and research.
University of Vienna - Department of Theoretical Biology. Research groups and resources.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Department of Theoretical Biology. A do-it-yourself online course in 'methods in theoretical biology' and yearly organised online courses on the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory of the development and growth of organisms.
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