An Introduction to Optimal Control Problems in Life Sciences and Economics

Combining two important and growing areas of applied mathematics―control theory and modeling―this textbook introduces and builds on methods for simulating and tackling concrete problems in a variety of applied sciences.

Emphasizing "learning by doing," the authors focus on examples and applications to real-world problems. An elementary presentation of advanced concepts, proofs to introduce new concepts, and carefully presented MATLAB® programs guide the reader through methods in optimal control and related models. This approach not only fosters an understanding of the basic topics, but also leads the way to new, independent research.

With minimal prerequisites and exercises in each chapter, An Introduction to Optimal Control Problems in Life Sciences and Economics, serves as an excellent textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, as well as biology, biotechnology, economics, and finance. The work is also a useful reference for researchers and practitioners working with optimal control theory in the above areas.

Sebastian Aniţa is Full Professor on the Faculty of Mathematics at the University “Al.I. Cuza” Iaşi, Romania. His research interests include: optimal control of partial differential equations; mathematical biology; mathematical models in the applied sciences; and industrial problems in the areas of heat transfer and materials science. Professor Aniţa is the author of more than 50 scientific papers in refereed international journals, one monograph, and three textbooks.

Viorel Arnaŭtu is Full Professor on the Faculty of Mathematics at the University “Al.I. Cuza” Iaşi, Romania. His research interests include: numerical methods (theory, algorithms and computer programs) for optimal control problems; numerical methods for Hamilton-Jacobi equations; numerical methods for PDEs and integral equations; and applications to free boundary problems, epidemic models, optimization of plates, laser hardening of steel, 3-D curved mechanical structures, and population dynamics. Professor Arnaŭtu is the author of more than 30 scientific papers in refereed international journals, one monograph, and one textbook.

Vincenzo Capasso is Professor of Probability and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Milano, Italy. He is the Founder and Director of MIRIAM (Milan Research Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics) and later of ADAMSS (Research Centre for Advanced Applied Mathematical and Statistical Sciences) at the University of Milan. His research interests include: spatially structured stochastic processes; stochastic geometry; reaction-diffusion systems; statistics of structured stochastic processes; and applications to biology, medicine, and industrial problems. Professor Capasso is the author of more than 150 scientific papers and approximately 10 monographs, edited books, and textbooks by international scientific publishing companies.