In this paper, we report on an experimental activity for discussing the concepts of speed, instantaneous speed and acceleration, generally introduced in first year university courses of calculus or physics. Rather than developing the ideas of calculus and using them to explain these basic concepts for the study of motion, we led 82 first year…

Biology is well suited for mathematical description, from the perfect geometry of viruses, to equations that describe the flux of ions across cellular membranes, to computationally intensive models for protein folding. For this short Web review, however, the author focuses on how mathematics helps biologists sort, evaluate, and draw conclusions…

"BIO2010" put forth the goal of improving the mathematical educational background of biology students. The analysis and interpretation of microarray high-dimensional data can be very challenging and is best done by a statistician and a biologist working and teaching in a collaborative manner. We set up such a collaboration and designed a course on…

As a newcomer to the Department of Natural Sciences at University of Maryland-Eastern Shore (UMES) in fall 2007, assistant biochemistry professor Jennifer L. Hearne concluded from teaching "Principles of Chemistry I" that the introductory general education course needed a makeover. In addition to alleviating teaching inefficiencies,…

The advancement of computer technology used for research is creating the need to change the way classes are taught in higher education. "Bringing Research Tools into the Classroom" has become a major focus of the work of the Office of Educational Innovation and Technology (OEIT) for the Dean of Undergraduate Education (DUE) at the…

This article presents an overview of the education system in Malaysia and highlights some issues pertaining to higher education. In addition, this article also looks at some issues specific to the teaching and learning of mathematics both at school and in the universities. Some data on students' achievements in mathematics examination at public…

This article illustrates how a computer algebra system, such as Maple[R], can assist in the study of theoretical fluid mechanics, for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The continuity equation, the stress equations of motion, the Navier-Stokes equations, and various constitutive equations are treated, using a full, but straightforward,…

Summarizes papers appearing in other journals: (1) "Assessing the Impact of Computer-Based Instruction"; (2) "Computers as Tutors: MENDEL as an Example"; (3) "Computers in the Education of Science Students: A Comparison of Universities and Colleges in Japan and the United States"; (4) "Differentiation and Integration in a CAI Format"; and (5)…

Provides an annotated bibliography of references which deal with specific topics for educators using computers in the classroom in teaching mathematics and science. Also appropriate for researchers gathering background material for the preparation of articles, grant proposals, and presentations. (TW)

Discusses the present status of mathematics teaching for engineering students in Spain. Stresses the importance of mathematics (particularly numerical analysis) and computers to engineers in the future. Promotes the motivation of engineering students in the joint use of mathematics and computers. (TW)

Discusses the need for mathematics laboratories to supplement classroom instruction in mathematics for engineering students. Provides a description of such a laboratory, including a listing of equipment and materials that are recommended. Describes the uses for personal computers and suggests various problems that could be explored in the…