Alternative Routes to Quantitative Literacy for the Life Sciences

本提案的目标是通过关注理科学生所采取的一般生物学序列来开始加强许多本科生命科学课程的定量组成部分。所提出的努力将向学生说明多样化的定量工具对分析生命科学问题的重要性，强调定量方法在整个生命科学领域的效用，有助于减少学生只需要数学课程的观念，并提高学生对理论在科学过程中的重要性的认识。这些目标将通过为入门级生物学课程开发适当的定量示例来实现，这些示例基于数据并说明关键的生物学概念。结果的传播将通过出版定量生物学入门和各种基于网络的产品进行。该项目还将开发评估工具，以帮助教师确定生命科学学生的定量能力水平，特别是在生命科学的关键主题领域。

The objective of this proposal is to start the process of enhancing the quantitative components of many undergraduate life science courses by focusing on the general biology sequence taken by science students. The proposed efforts will illustrate to students the importance of a diversity of quantitative tools to analyze life science problems, emphasize the utility of quantitative methods across the spectrum of life sciences, serve to reduce the perception by students that math is only needed for math courses, and enhance students appreciation for the importance of theory in the scientific process. The objectives will be met through development of appropriate quantitative examples, based upon data and illustrating key biological concepts, for entry-level biology courses. Dissemination of results will proceed through publication of a Primer of Quantitative Biology and a variety of web-based products. The project will also develop assessment tools to aid faculty in determining the level of quantitative competency of life science students, particularly in topic areas critical to the life sciences.