MathBench Modules: Mathematics for all biology undergraduates

MathBench 模块：所有生物学本科生的数学

• 批准号: 0736975
• 负责人: William Fagan
• 金额: $ 19.12万
• 依托单位: University of Maryland, College Park
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-01-15 至 2010-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0736975&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: MathBench; Modules; Mathematics; biology; undergraduates

Biological Sciences (61). This project is refining, expanding and assessing a series of interactive, web-based instructional modules - the MathBench Biology Modules - which integrate mathematics more deeply into the undergraduate biological sciences curriculum in a way that reinforces biological concepts and increases quantitative literacy. The modules use humor, references to popular culture and interactive elements to engage students, but also build upon students' intuitive understanding to help them explore biological concepts using mathematical approaches. The modules focus on ten major quantitative skills identified by university faculty as being essential for a comprehensive understanding of modern biology. Twenty-six modules were previously developed and were piloted in five fundamental biology courses. Faculty from the partnering institutions are collaborating to modify a subset of the modules to address the specific needs of students enrolled at a nearby community college where increasingly large numbers of university graduates begin their education. The entire MathBench suite of modules is also being enriched with more robust interactive elements that fully capitalize on the advantages of technology-enhanced instruction. The effect of the modules on student learning outcomes and attitudes are being assessed, with the feedback being used to further refine the modules. Intellectual Merit: This project addresses a pressing national need by enhancing the interdisciplinary training of biological sciences undergraduates. The MathBench Biology Modules are thoroughly grounded in pedagogical research and fully leverage the capabilities of modern instructional technology. Integration of the MathBench modules into fundamental courses across the biological sciences curriculum will allow students from diverse educational backgrounds to hone their quantitative skills, preparing them for more complex mathematical approaches in upper-division courses. The project team has strong expertise in interdisciplinary biological research, innovative use of technology in instruction, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Broader Impacts: The MathBench Biology Modules have significant broader impacts. First, they enhance the educational mission of institutions of higher education by exposing students to mathematical approaches essential for a deep understanding of biological concepts. Second, the adaptation of the MathBench modules for use at the community college level will help equilibrate the quantitative foundation of biological sciences majors at the university level regardless of where they receive their introduction to biology. Because community college enrollment includes large numbers of minorities and students who are the first in their families to attend college, this project's efforts benefit groups of students traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Third, the project will have a lasting reach beyond the campuses where the modules are being developed because the modules will be freely available on the MathBench website and will be submitted for inclusion in national digital libraries. The modules' easy accessibility will make it possible for them to be disseminated widely in a variety of educational contexts at both the community college and university levels.

生物科学 (61)。 该项目正在完善、扩展和评估一系列交互式、基于网络的教学模块——MathBench 生物学模块——这些模块将数学更深入地融入本科生生物科学课程中，从而强化生物概念并提高定量素养。 这些模块使用幽默、流行文化参考和互动元素来吸引学生，同时也建立在学生的直观理解的基础上，帮助他们使用数学方法探索生物概念。 这些模块侧重于大学教师认为对于全面理解现代生物学至关重要的十种主要定量技能。 之前开发了二十六个模块，并在五门基础生物学课程中进行了试点。 合作机构的教师正在合作修改部分模块，以满足附近社区学院就读学生的特定需求，越来越多的大学毕业生在该学院开始接受教育。 整个 MathBench 模块套件也通过更强大的交互元素得以丰富，充分利用了技术增强教学的优势。 正在评估这些模块对学生学习成果和态度的影响，并利用反馈进一步完善模块。智力优势：该项目通过加强生物科学本科生的跨学科培训来解决紧迫的国家需求。 MathBench 生物学模块完全植​​根于教学研究，并充分利用现代教学技术的能力。 将 MathBench 模块整合到整个生物科学课程的基础课程中，将使来自不同教育背景的学生能够磨练他们的定量技能，为他们在高年级课程中学习更复杂的数学方法做好准备。 该项目团队在跨学科生物学研究、教学技术的创新运用以及教学学术方面拥有丰富的专业知识。更广泛的影响：MathBench 生物学模块具有更广泛的影响。 首先，它们通过让学生接触深入理解生物学概念所必需的数学方法来增强高等教育机构的教育使命。 其次，将 MathBench 模块调整为在社区大学级别使用将有助于平衡大学级别生物科学专业的定量基础，无论他们在哪里接受生物学入门。 由于社区大学的招生对象包括大量少数族裔和家庭中第一个上大学的学生，因此该项目的努力使传统上在科学领域代表性不足的学生群体受益。 第三，该项目将在开发模块的校园之外产生持久的影响，因为这些模块将在 MathBench 网站上免费提供，并将提交纳入国家数字图书馆。 这些模块易于访问，使其能够在社区学院和大学级别的各种教育环境中广泛传播。