Population Growth and the Logistic Curve (UMAP)

Author: Brindell Horelick, Sinan Koont, Sheldon F. Gottlieb

A unit that applies calculus to population growth. This module describes the mathematical assumptions that lead to the logistic equation. The logistic model is criticized as some of its strengths and weaknesses are discussed. The behavior of the logistic function is also discussed as well as the shape of its graph.

Table of Contents:

1. GROWTH

2. THE MODEL

3. THE LOGISTIC EQUATION

4. EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION

5. DETERMINING MATHEMATICALLY WHETHER GROWTH IS LOGISTIC

6. CRITICISM OF THE MODEL

7. POSTSCRIPT

8. REFERENCES