ERIC Number: EJ1332174
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 42
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1051-1970
EISSN: N/A
Biological Models for Finite Mathematics
Jungck, John R.
PRIMUS, v32 n3 p304-345 2022
Finite Mathematics has become an enormously rich and productive area of contemporary mathematical biology. Fortunately, educators have developed educational modules based upon many of the models that have used Finite Mathematics in mathematical biology research. A sufficient variety of computer modules that employ graph theory (phylogenetic trees, food webs, networks), cellular automata (pattern formation, diffusion limited aggregation), fractals (both measurement and generation of self-similar structures), finite difference equations and deterministic chaos (logistic growth, predator-prey, SIR epidemiology), combinatorics and probability (genetics and evolution), information theory (biodiversity, sequence logos), and Boolean logic (operons) are available to adopt, adapt, and implement. An emphasis has been placed on modules that are freely available, that have been educationally vetted, and that run on a variety of operating systems. Most modules are easy to use, graphically visual, and amenable to modification. In this paper, two different approaches are stressed: (1) "glass box models" that allow students to see equations associated with each cell in a spreadsheet and to modify/extend those models with minimal effort; and (2) agent-based models that emphasize "bottom-up" modeling and that instantiate the power of massively parallel simulation and address the misconceptions of a "centralized mind-set."
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Teaching Methods, Mathematical Models, Learning Modules, Interdisciplinary Approach, Biological Sciences, College Mathematics, Aesthetics, Learning Activities, Concept Formation, Spreadsheets, Models, Geometric Concepts, Genetics, Mathematical Concepts, Scientific Concepts, Graphs, Algebra, Equations (Mathematics), Probability, Statistics, Game Theory, Ecology, Information Science
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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