This book contains two review articles on mathematical physiology that deal with closely
related topics but were written and can be read independently. The first article reviews the
basic theory of calcium oscillations (common to almost all cell types) including
spatio-temporal behaviors such as waves. The second article uses and expands on much of this
basic theory to show how the interaction of cytosolic calcium oscillators with membrane ion
channels can result in highly complex patterns of electrical spiking. Through these examples
one can see clearly how multiple oscillatory processes interact within a cell and how
mathematical methods can be used to understand such interactions better. The two reviews
provide excellent examples of how mathematics and physiology can learn from each other and
work jointly towards a better understanding of complex cellular processes. Review 1: Richard
Bertram Joel Tabak Wondimu Teka Theodore Vo Martin Wechselberger: Geometric Singular
Perturbation Analysis of Bursting Oscillations in Pituitary Cells Review 2: Vivien Kirk James
Sneyd: Nonlinear Dynamics of Calcium
