Python foundations

Python is widely used in mathematical biology for numerical calculations, simulation, data analysis and visualisation.

Variables and expressions

beta = 0.3
gamma = 0.1
R0 = beta / gamma
print(R0)

Variables store values, while expressions combine them using arithmetic operations.

Functions

def growth(N, r):
    return r * N

print(growth(100, 0.2))

Loops

N = 10.0
r = 0.1
dt = 0.5
for step in range(10):
    N = N + r * N * dt

Functions organise model equations, and loops allow repeated numerical updates.