BIOL 312L - Modeling in the Life Sciences

(2.00)

Humans possess a superior ability to generate new knowledge by creating and manipulating abstract models of the world and by extrapolating from past experiences. This natural ability reaches its full potential when it is enhanced with the tools of experimental design, mathematics, logic, and computer simulation. BIOL 312L will be offered as a practical guide to creating and using models in the context of life sciences laboratory research. It will include classroom lectures, activities and computer applications intended to illustrate and implement the five basic elements of modeling: experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, model formulation, and simulation. Through the course, students will address a minimum of four concrete biological problems by defining key physical quantities to be measured, applying data visualization techniques to uncover trends, drawing statistically valid inferences, formulating algebraic and analytical models, and performing computer simulations.

Course ID: 100628
Consent: No Special Consent Required
Components: Laboratory
Requirement Group: BIOL 300L, STAT 350 or MATH 151 or MATH 155 with a grade of ‘C’ or better.