ABSTRACT
This paper introduces a course design for a post-Calculus undergraduate course on mathematical modeling for the life sciences. The course includes differential equations, discrete, and cellular automata approaches (among others) to modeling questions in the life sciences, as well as a variety of biological topics. The course focuses on model set-up and revision for these different scenarios and approaches as well as contemporary science approaches. Changes in student ranking of biology and math as well as student feedback are included. This paper may be of interest to any faculty member designing or revising a similar course or inserting modules on these topics into any related course.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Douglas E. Norton
Doug Norton first found his fascination with biological applications of mathematics in the curriculum when teaching in a program on Biology, Mathematics, and Computing for high school students and teachers, sponsored by the NSF and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, during his first years at Villanova. His other main mathematical interest is in another intersection: that of Mathematics and the Arts. He enjoys singing in choirs and volunteering in community groups.