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Yeast for Mathematicians: A Ferment of Discovery and Model Competition to Describe Data

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Abstract

In addition to the memorization, algorithmic skills and vocabulary which are the default focus in many mathematics classrooms, professional mathematicians are expected to creatively apply known techniques, construct new mathematical approaches and communicate with and about mathematics. We propose that students can learn these professional, higher-level skills through Laboratory Experiences in Mathematical Biology which put students in the role of mathematics researcher creating mathematics to describe and understand biological data. Here we introduce a laboratory experience centered on yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) growing in a small capped flask with a jar to collect carbon dioxide created during yeast growth and respiration. The lab requires no specialized equipment and can easily be run in the context of a college math class. Students collect data and develop mathematical models to explain the data. To help place instructors in the role of mentor/collaborator (as opposed to jury/judge), we facilitate the lab using model competition judged via Bayesian Information Criterion. This article includes details about the class activity conducted, student examples and pedagogical strategies for success.

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Acknowledgements

The authors received support from the NSF through a TUES Phase I Grant (NSF 1245421). We also wish to thank Brynja Kohler, Andrea Bruder and Miro Kummel for helpful discussions and deeply appreciate feedback from 2 anonymous reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA

    Matthew Lewis & James Powell

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  1. Matthew Lewis
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  2. James Powell
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Correspondence to Matthew Lewis.

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Lewis, M., Powell, J. Yeast for Mathematicians: A Ferment of Discovery and Model Competition to Describe Data. Bull Math Biol 79, 356–382 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-016-0236-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-016-0236-3

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