Integrating interactive computational modeling in biology curricula

PLoS Computational Biology
Tomáš HelikarJim A Rogers

Abstract

While the use of computer tools to simulate complex processes such as computer circuits is normal practice in fields like engineering, the majority of life sciences/biological sciences courses continue to rely on the traditional textbook and memorization approach. To address this issue, we explored the use of the Cell Collective platform as a novel, interactive, and evolving pedagogical tool to foster student engagement, creativity, and higher-level thinking. Cell Collective is a Web-based platform used to create and simulate dynamical models of various biological processes. Students can create models of cells, diseases, or pathways themselves or explore existing models. This technology was implemented in both undergraduate and graduate courses as a pilot study to determine the feasibility of such software at the university level. First, a new (In Silico Biology) class was developed to enable students to learn biology by "building and breaking it" via computer models and their simulations. This class and technology also provide a non-intimidating way to incorporate mathematical and computational concepts into a class with students who have a limited mathematical background. Second, we used the technology to mediate the use of s...Continue Reading

References

Dec 1, 1973·Journal of Theoretical Biology·R Thomas
Feb 2, 1999·Health Affairs·S M ButlerG R Wilensky
Jul 20, 2002·Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics·Amardeep S Dhillon, Walter Kolch
Nov 15, 2002·Nature·Hiroaki Kitano
Aug 30, 2008·Blood·Jinfang Zhu, William E Paul
May 12, 2009·Bio Systems·A NaldiC Chaouiya
Jul 28, 2010·Journal of Theoretical Biology·Assieh SaadatpourRéka Albert
Sep 9, 2010·PLoS Computational Biology·Aurélien NaldiDenis Thieffry
Mar 16, 2011·Pathology Research International·Alyssa M Krasinskas
Mar 19, 2011·Cell·Adam P Arkin, David V Schaffer
Aug 9, 2012·BMC Systems Biology·Tomáš HelikarJim A Rogers
Oct 20, 2012·Bulletin of Mathematical Biology·Alex MadrahimovJim Rogers
Apr 4, 2013·Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics·T HelikarJ A Rogers
May 31, 2013·Journal of Cell Science·Kevin A Janes, Douglas A Lauffenburger
Jun 8, 2013·Bio Systems·Pablo Martínez-Sosa, Luis Mendoza

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Aug 14, 2015·Integrative and Comparative Biology·Lindsay D WaldropLaura A Miller
Feb 15, 2020·Advances in Physiology Education·Alexandra K DaemickeHeather E Bergan-Roller
Dec 19, 2020·Trends in Molecular Medicine·Tomáš Helikar
Jun 9, 2021·CBE Life Sciences Education·Sachel M VillafañeJennifer Loertscher
Oct 17, 2020·Briefings in Bioinformatics·Anna Niarakis, Tomáš Helikar

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

NetLogo
BioQuest
Cell Collective
Cell

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antimalarial Agents (ASM)

Antimalarial agents, also known as antimalarials, are designed to prevent or cure malaria. Discover the latest research on antimalarial agents here.

Antimalarial Agents

Antimalarial agents, also known as antimalarials, are designed to prevent or cure malaria. Discover the latest research on antimalarial agents here.

Related Papers

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education : a Bimonthly Publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Daphne Q-D PhamMary Kay Schleiter
Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
Semahat Demir
Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
Semahat Demir
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved