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、扩展和评估一系列互动式网络教学模块-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，以加强生物学概念和提高定量素养。 这些模块使用幽默、对流行文化的引用和互动元素来吸引学生，同时也建立在学生的直觉理解之上，帮助他们使用数学方法探索生物学概念。 这些模块侧重于大学教师确定的十项主要定量技能，这些技能对于全面了解现代生物学至关重要。 26个模块是以前开发的，并在五个基础生物课程进行了试点。 来自伙伴机构的教师正在合作修改部分模块，以满足附近社区学院学生的具体需求，越来越多的大学毕业生开始在该学院接受教育。 整个MathBench模块套件也正在通过更强大的交互式元素来丰富，这些元素充分利用了技术增强型教学的优势。 目前正在评估这些单元对学生学习成果和态度的影响，并利用反馈意见进一步完善这些单元。智力优势：该项目通过加强生物科学本科生的跨学科培训，解决了国家的迫切需要。 MathBench生物学模块完全基于教学研究，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，教学技术的创新使用以及教学和学习的奖学金方面具有很强的专业知识。更广泛的影响：MathBench生物学模块具有更广泛的影响。 首先，它们通过使学生接触对深入理解生物学概念至关重要的数学方法来加强高等教育机构的教育使命。 其次，在社区学院一级使用的MathBench模块的适应将有助于平衡在大学一级的生物科学专业的定量基础，无论他们在哪里接受他们的介绍生物学。 由于社区大学的入学人数包括大量的少数民族和家庭中第一个上大学的学生，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具有持久的影响力，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。 这些单元易于获取，因此可以在社区学院和大学各级的各种教育环境中广泛传播。