Biocomplexity(computational biomodeling)

by

Helene DauertyElkhart Central High School

Mike SinclairKalamazoo Area Mathematics & Science Center

Biocomplexity:

Biocomplexity is the interdisciplinary study of the complex structures and behaviors that arise from the interaction of biological entities such as molecules, cells, or organisms.

It blends biology, chemistry,

physics, mathematics, and computer science in

an effort to both accurately model

and predict biological phenomena.

www.liv.ac.uk/biocomplexity/biocomplexity_homepage.jpg

ICSB tutorial (screenshot).

http://www3.nd.edu/~biocomp

Projects for summer 2013.

Mike:1. Completed article for publication in The Science Teacher; submitted on Wednesday, July 24.2. Reviewed and analyzed other biocomplexity research.3. Continued to upgrade the website (with the long-term goal of completely overhauling all the original pages).Helene:1. Completed a protein binding NetLogo™ simulation.2. Supported students’ development of NetLogo™ programs: a. Neural networks – Alex Madey. b. Zombie apocalypse model – Ryan Bartholomew.

In addition, Ryan worked with Shant Mahserejian on an image analysis project studying myxobacteria under high-resolution imaging.

Cover page; submitted Science Teacher article.

Actual image of myxobacteria vs. model.

Modeled protein binding vs. NetLogo™ model.

Future projects:

1. Upgrade and replace the current website with a more comprehensive, more easily navigable, and complete version including student research pages.2. Develop several more classroom and online activities.3. Write assessment and evaluation materials.4. Have students develop new NetLogo™ programs . . . a. Flocking behavior with predators, b. Additional modifications to Conway’s Game of Life, c. More work on zombie apocalypse and contagion, d. Blood flow and blood clotting, e. Large- and small-scale swarming behavior, and f. Population dynamics.

Special thanks to:

Dr. Mark AlberVincent J. Duncan Family Professor in Applied Math Dr. Josh LioiNewly-minted PhD, ACMSShant Mahserejian Doctoral student, ACMS

The University of Notre Dame, the Department of Applied & Computational Mathematics and Statistics, and entire QuarkNet community.

P.S. Brian; we’ve got to finish our future Nobel Prize-winning work on the D-S Quantum Theory of Classroom Interactions … next year for sure!