Fantastic Numbers in Biology and How to Find Them

Catalog description

In the context of biological numeracy, we will discuss size/scale big and small, temperature/concentration high and low, probability/population broad and scant. By tackling quantitative aspects in biology, we scientists build falsifiable claims and implement experimental approaches to find realistic estimates or numbers with reproducible precision - thanks to advances in research methodologies as highlighted in this tech-savvy class. A quantitative understanding grants us the ability to judge whether a statement in biology (or our everyday life) makes sense; and when numerical anomalies arise, they often prompt us to build the missing links between facts and make discoveries. As your final project (in-person presentation), choose a biological problem of interest and create/design experiments to find the desirable numbers, test your hypothesis, or debunk common misconceptions/disinformation.