Date of Award
5-2013
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Mathematics (MMath)
Department
Mathematics and Statistics
Committee Chair(s)
James A. Powell
Committee
James A. Powell
Committee
Brynja R. Kohler
Committee
Luis Gordillo
Committee
Nghieum Nguyen
Abstract
Students rarely receive the opportunity to experience a learning activity involving mathematical modeling. This paper describes a lab in which students in an Applied Mathematics in Biology course observe the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast strain, in differing sugar concentrations for use in learning modeling. They parameterized the logistic equation and an alternate model, which they themselves constructed, based on the data they collected. I participated in this lab as a student in 2012 then observed and reviewed the work of other students involved. I found that students gained a deeper understanding of limiting factors and the role of parameter values in a model. Creative approaches were applied and problem solving skills refined as students exposed themselves to the modeling process. Student results and methodology are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Caldwell, Alicia, "Students Rise to the Challenge of Modeling Yeast Growth Despite Sour Hiccups from Imperfect Data" (2013). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 330.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/330
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