Next week, I'm doing a short talk at a local high school (who have a science specialism) on Food Safety and the role for mathematical modelling (QMRA - Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment).
First outing as a STEM ambassador - so hoping that it will go well.
Friday 26 November 2010
Thursday 18 November 2010
Mathematical Challenges for Biologists
I attended this event on Tuesday at Reading University. Organised by the UK Centre for Bioscience and BBSRC, it was well attended (~40 people) and discussions centred upon the fact that some candidates starting a Biology degree encounter problems with mathematical concepts that are essential to biology (e.g. calculating how to make up Molar solutions or in the use of logs in calculating pH) i.e. 'toolkit' skills.
Additionally, awareness needed improving that candidates hoping to progress into areas like Systems Biology or Mathematical modelling need even more advanced maths skills.
Actions suggested include communicating better to prospective candidates of the advantages of having AS or A2 Maths and remedial course modules targetting the deficiencies where they exist.
I learnt quite a bit about the areas of maths that e.g. GCSE holders have covered (depending upon grade in Foundation or Higher) which may well be useful when designing outreach activities for STEm activities.
Extremely productive day and hopefully it will improve the Biology degree experience for undergraduates.
(I have a great deal of sympathy as in my day,I did all 3 sciences at A-level and only O-level Maths and had to work hard to catch up and still am via the OU. With the way in which Biology has changed the need for mathematical skills has grown).
Additionally, awareness needed improving that candidates hoping to progress into areas like Systems Biology or Mathematical modelling need even more advanced maths skills.
Actions suggested include communicating better to prospective candidates of the advantages of having AS or A2 Maths and remedial course modules targetting the deficiencies where they exist.
I learnt quite a bit about the areas of maths that e.g. GCSE holders have covered (depending upon grade in Foundation or Higher) which may well be useful when designing outreach activities for STEm activities.
Extremely productive day and hopefully it will improve the Biology degree experience for undergraduates.
(I have a great deal of sympathy as in my day,I did all 3 sciences at A-level and only O-level Maths and had to work hard to catch up and still am via the OU. With the way in which Biology has changed the need for mathematical skills has grown).
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