Calculus for the Life Sciences: Growth Mindset and Active Learning

MATH 124 aims to provide calculus skills and abilities to students in the life sciences. There are two issues that needed immediate attention in the course. First, low enrollment: In the academic year 2015–2016, the original course format served 25–30% of students compared to 2014-2015; this represented just 21% of the population of freshmen students in biology, although MATH 124 is a requirement for students in biology and other life sciences majors. Second, repeatable grades: In the two past academic years the average percentage of repeatable grades was 57%. Thus, it was key to redesign MATH 124 to reach a more sustainable balance for the undergraduate biology program. We addressed these two issues by revising the content of the course and aligning it better with key learning outcomes required for students in the life sciences. Online material (lecture notes, online videos, and practice problems) were developed as resources, and class time was combined with a hands-on computational lab for training, practice, discussion, and scaffolding using team activities.