PARENT SESSION
Poster Session 16: Ecology Education
Tuesday, August 9, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Exhibit Hall 220 A-E, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Using interactive web-based modules to infuse mathematics into the undergraduate biology curriculum.
Nelson, Karen*,1, Ries, Leslie1, Fagan, William1, 1 University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
ABSTRACT- There is a pressing need to increase both the amount and rigor of mathematics in the biology curriculum. However, there are significant barriers to doing this. Students are famously adverse to any content containing mathematics, and most professors are not comfortable introducing mathematical content because of the negative reactions and lack of mathematical mastery that they perceive amongst their students. Finally, even when students have mastered both biology and mathematics, the bridge between the two is problematic. In order to tackle these problems, we are developing a series of interactive web-based modules that introduce the mathematical underpinnings of the biological content being taught in lecture. The modules will cover a variety of topics but will focus repeatedly on a core set of skills and concepts. Each module steps the students through a set of mathematical tools, and then provides a mathematically-informed discussion of biological applications. As designed, undergraduate biology majors will encounter 15 such modules spread over their first 5 core biology courses. Initial feedback from a pilot class indicates that the students felt the first module (on diffusion) was friendly in tone and helpful in content, and the professor felt that his teaching job was made easier.
Key words: web-based education, interactive teaching, teaching with technology, mathematical education