MathBench Modules: Mathematics for all biology undergraduates

生物科学(61)。该项目正在完善、扩展和评估一系列互动的、基于网络的教学模块--MathB边生物学模块--这些模块以强化生物概念和提高量化素养的方式，将数学更深入地融入本科生物科学课程。这些单元使用幽默、对流行文化的引用和互动元素来吸引学生，但也建立在学生的直觉理解基础上，帮助他们使用数学方法探索生物概念。这些单元集中于大学教员确定的对全面理解现代生物学至关重要的十种主要量化技能。以前开发了26个模块，并在五门基础生物学课程中进行了试点。合作机构的教职员工正在合作修改模块的一个子集，以满足附近社区大学注册的学生的特定需求，越来越多的大学毕业生从那里开始接受教育。整个MathBtch模块套件也正在丰富更强大的互动元素，充分利用技术增强型教学的优势。正在评估这些模块对学生学习结果和态度的影响，并利用反馈进一步完善这些模块。智力价值：该项目通过加强生物科学本科生的跨学科培训，满足了国家的迫切需求。数学本奇生物学模块完全植根于教学研究，并充分利用现代教育技术的能力。将数学本奇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量化技能，为他们在高级课程中采用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、技术在教学中的创新应用以及教学和学习的学术方面拥有强大的专业知识。更广泛的影响：MathBitch生物模块具有重大的更广泛的影响。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，增强了高等教育机构的教育使命。其次，将MathBitch模块改编用于社区大学水平，将有助于平衡大学生物科学专业学生的数量基础，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，该项目的努力使传统上在科学界代表性较低的学生群体受益。第三，该项目将在正在开发模块的校园之外产生持久的影响，因为模块将在MathBtch网站上免费提供，并将提交国家数字图书馆。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背景下广泛传播。

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.