Mathematical Modeling as a Means to Demonstrate the

Mathematical Modeling as a Means to Demonstrate
the Interdisciplinary Nature of Science
Cindy Howard, Jerry Kavouras, Sarah Powers, Ray Klump
Approach
Need
■
§ A more diverse workforce.
§ Attrition from the first to second year
§
remains a challenge often due to
mathematics requirements.
Increasing demand for workers with
greater computational and analytical
skills.
■
Use computer modeling in lessons
on the relevant mathematics that
integrate the richness of the
biological systems.
The revised course includes
1.
Computational modeling
activities, using Maple,
MATLAB and Excel.
2.
Case studies, illustrating
concepts studied in the course
Goals
Redesign Calculus for the Life
Sciences to
§ Address barriers to success
§ Strengthen academic
performance
§ Improve first-year retention of
Biology and Computer Science
students
1.Greater motivation and
engagement in Calculus for Life
Sciences.
2.Improved learning outcomes,
academic performance, and
retention.
3.Transfer of best practices from the
course redesign to other courses
across the Computer Science,
Biology, and Mathematics curricula.
4.Transfer of best practices from the
course redesign to Calculus
classrooms within the regional
STEM pipeline.
Broader Impacts
Integrate effective practices from
this study across Computer
Science, Biology, and Mathematics
curricula
■
■
Changes are implemented within a
culturally responsive pedagogical
framework.
Anticipated Outcomes
Math study tables that create a
sense of community
Presentations and workshops for
faculty that focus on culturally
responsive pedagogy
Summer workshops for area
community college and high
school calculus instructors