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Competency 2: Ability to use quantitative resoning

Biology relies on applications of quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning.

The application of quantitative approaches (statistics, quantitative analysis of dynamic systems, and mathematical modeling) is an increasingly important basic skill utilized in describing biological systems (Jungck, 1997; Brewer and Gross, 2003).  Advances in several fields of the biological sciences provide opportunities for students to appreciate the impact of mathematical approaches in biology and the importance of using them.  For example, the dynamic modeling of neural networks helps biologists understand emergent properties in neural systems.  Systems approaches to examining population dynamics in ecology also require sophisticated modeling.  Advances in understanding the nonlinear dynamics of immune system development have aided scientists’ understanding of the transmission of communicable diseases.

All students should understand that biology is often analyzed through quantitative approaches. Developing the ability to apply basic quantitative skills to biological problems should be required of all undergraduates, as they will be called on throughout their lives to interpret and act on quantitative data from a variety of sources.