The aim of this learning exercise was to harness current interest in zombies in order to educate audiences about the epidemiology of infectious disease. Participants in the activity were provided with an outbreak scenario, which they then used as the basis of play-based activities. By considering the mode and speed of transmission, size of…

This study highlights the computer-mediated discursive activity of two dyads of first year educational sciences students, each collaboratively exploring several options for increasing the equilibrium size of a fish population in a lake. Our focus is on peers' attempts to come up with justified predictions about the adequacy of several options for…

Introduces MacClade which is a Macintosh-based software package that uses the techniques of cladistic analysis to explore evolutionary patterns. Describes a novel and effective exercise that allows undergraduate biology majors to test a hypothesis about behavioral evolution in insects. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a computer simulation program which helps students learn the main biochemical tests and profiles for identifying medically important bacteria. Also discusses the advantages and applications of this type of approach. (ML)

Describes a sequence of five computer programs (listings for Apple II available from author) on tactic responses (oriented movement of a cell, cell group, or whole organism in reponse to stimuli). The simulation programs are useful in helping students examine mechanisms at work in real organisms. (JN)

Discusses the advantages of basing computer simulations on analogues of nature rather than mathematical models. Explains the concept of heritability and describes how a computer simulation can help undergraduate students understand this concept. (ML)

Describes two computer simulation programs, "Nerve Physiology" and "Frog Heart," as practical alternatives to the use of live animals in class experiments. Discusses the potential of computer simulation as a feasible alternative to experiments with animals in the classroom laboratory. (CW)

The assumptions common to all capture-recapture models for estimating population size are reviewed. A simulation using either a playing board, counters, and dice or computers is described. Classroom implications of using the board game are discussed. (KR)

This article describes a computer simulation of bacterial physiology during growth in a chemostat. The program was designed to help students to appreciate and understand the related effects of parameters which influence plasmid persistence in bacterial populations. (CW)

Described are two methods which use microcomputers to illustrate the use of the electrocardiogram and the function of the heart. Included are a simulation and a method of collecting live electrocardiograms. Hardware, software, and the use of these systems are discussed. (CW)