From Descriptive to Adaptive Understanding: Using Interactive Computer Simulation in Quantitative Biology and Statistics Labs

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This project improves the effectiveness of laboratory exercises in quantitative biology so that undergraduates can develop essential analytical skills and an adaptive understanding of dynamic statistical and biological principles. The premise is that the requisite laboratory instrumentation for teaching adaptive knowledge of quantitative biology is high-speed computers running responsive Monte Carlo simulations tailored to exercise objectives. The differecne with this project is that it provides a set of focused and appealing lab exercises based on realistic computer simulations running at spectacular speeds and set in a playful learning environment. The intent is not to push, but rather to lure, students toward an adaptive working knowledge of important principles in statistics and quantitative biology. Most of the simulations are Monte Carlo simulations of random processes in biology. Students are required to execute and interpret appropriate hypothesis tests and to file reports (on the server) describing the behavior of the simulated models in a digital portfolio complete with tables and charts. Appropriate software can be acquired externally (when available) or developed by the PI. The instrumentation includes computers based on the new PowerPC processor family: 20 networked student workstations on carts, 3 courseware development stations dedicated to the foup PIs, 1 file/print server, 1 printer and 1 scanner, and software required to provide the necessary functionality and maintain the network. SWT's Aquatic Biology program is the focus of the project, and the targeted courses include two ecology courses (either required for all Biology and Aquatic majors), Aquatic Biology, Biometry (all required for Aquatic majors), and a practical statistics course in the Math Department.