BioMath Problems

Who could use these problems?

Target audience

Beginning college level biology students, with the usual wide range of mathematical backgrounds and confidence levels

To obtain a deeper understanding of the biological concepts
To get an appreciation for what biologists need to know about mathematics
To develop critical thinking in questioning, analyzing data and evaluating assumptions
To develop written presentation skills and the ability to work with others

How we use them

Our course has a 50 minute recitation section each week. A different problem is given to each group of 4 or 5 students. After grading, the solutions are posted on a bulletin board. The students can read the other problems and solutions, as well as see how their own problem was approached by groups from a different sections.
Other options
- To fill unstructured time after the completion of an experiment
- For extra credit
- To motivate a mathematical concept in a mathematics class

Robert W. Keck, Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
rkeck@iupui.edu
Richard R. Patterson, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
rpatterson@math.iupui.edu