9354437 Cornette Iowa State University faculty members in Mathematics and in Zoology and Genetics will develop and implement a one-year mathematics/mathematical modeling course for freshman and sophomore students majoring in the biological sciences. The emphasis of the course will be on understanding mathematical models using biological processes to demonstrate the applications of calculus. Calculus and differential equations are essential tools for describing systems that change with time and will form the core of the mathematical content. The students will collect data from a number of 'wet lab' experiments that demonstrate time varying systems, and will use the data to construct models and learn the concepts and manipulations of calculus. This lab feature is a unique component of the proposal. The mathematics will begin with the elements of calculus and will culminate with stability analysis of the solutions to two differential equations in two unknown functions. Both discrete and continuous systems will be studied. Students will also develop computer models of more complex biological systems using commercially available software (Stella) and will write some elementary codes. We also plan to have students use Stella later in the curriculum in physiology and environmental science. Faculty in Zoology and Genetics will develop the biological experiments and descriptions. To facilitate use of the materials with large numbers of students and at other institutions, the illustrations of biological systems and some analyses will be developed as multimedia computer software recorded on read only memory compact disks. The targeted student population includes the large fraction of biology students who do not take an engineering calculus course. The majority of these students are women.
