nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

Maths and biology: bioNRICH

Steve Hewson, NRICH Projecthttp://nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

NRICH

Is part of the Cambridge University maths enrichment project.

Is website full of carefully designed MATHS QUESTIONS

Provides a way to help to solve the decline in standards of mathematical skill exhibited by school leavers

nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

Is there a problem with maths/science education? Standards in science exams in UK schools have been eroded and the

system is failing a generation (Royal Society of Chemistry). Dr Pike, from the RSC, added: “We are witnessing an illusory great leap forward in education, where achieving contrived targets has become the end in itself. The proof lies in the enormous expense to provide remedial mathematics and even remedial science classes at university, and the lack of skills of graduates highlighted by employers.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7750717.stm Cambridge University’s director of admissions, Dr Geoff Parks, on the

current generation of science and engineering entrants: “They’re just too slow. That’s why we have to spend a lot of time priming up their maths in the first and second years. That’s why most science courses are now four years instead of three.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article5467255.ece “The decline in the level of mathematical skill displayed by students upon

entry to universities in the United Kingdom has been well documented in numerous learned society, professional body and research reports”

Pell and Croft, Teaching Mathematics and its Applications Vol 27, No. 4, 2008 PISA (Programme for student international assessment):

Its latest table, which covered 57 countries, shows that the UK has plummeted from 8th to 24th in maths

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article5467255.ece

nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

What are the mathematical problems faced by biology students? Overly procedural thinking Inability to translate mathematical meaning to

biological meaning Inability to make estimates or approximations Poor problem solving skills Lack of practice at basic mathematical routines Lack of confidence Lack of mathematical interest

nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

What are the mathematical problems faced by biology teachers? Confidence! The curriculum and targets Students

nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

bioNRICH

bioNRICH is a part of the NRICH website devoted to the application of mathematics to biology.

It is for teachers and students with an interest in science

The applications were chosen first; the maths questions were designed around these.

Needs to be used by teachers and experienced by students.

nrich.maths.org/bioNRICH

What to do now

Use some of these materials in your teaching practice – lead the way.

Encourage A-level students to try some of the problems themselves.