Explorations in Medicine and the Biosciences

Course Description:

This is a 30-hour workshop designed to introduce high school students to the investigation of a wide variety of medical and bioscientific problems through the application of computational science techniques. Using state-of-the-art research-level software on various computing platforms, students build computer models of events in epidemiology, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, biochemistry, cardiovascular science, and physiology. As a part of the scientific process, students also learn to communicate their observations and findings to both lay and professional audiences.

This workshop uses a "case study" approach, in which students are presented with background readings (case studies) in a variety of biomedical topics. Working collaboratively, students use one or several computing tools to develop solutions for a given topic.

The workshop involves formal lectures, structured hands-on labs and activities, visits by practicing computational scientists, and the opportunity to work collaboratively with other students on a small research project. Careful observations and reporting of those observations are emphasized at all times.

Past research projects are available for viewing.

STUDENT PROJECTS, SUMMER 1999

STUDENT PROJECTS, SUMMER 2000

Educational Objectives:

We expect that, upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to provide authentic and appropriate answers/discussions to the following questions:

What is the role and purpose of computational science? How does computational science help people in the medical and bioscience professions?
What is the acceptable blood glucose level? How do diabetics control blood glucose levels? What are some alternate methods for maintaining control?
What is the basic SIR algorithm? How does the introduction of a vaccine effect the number of people who get sick? How does the rate of vaccination effect the model? What are some ways to control or even prevent an epidemic?
Define "threshold dosage? What are the five components that determine dosage? What is the equation that explains the rate of change of the drug in the body? What are two major concerns/problems scientists encounter when determining dosage?
What are the three compartments of the Windkessel model? How does pressure, flow, and volume effect the cardiac output?
How do scientists use computational chemistry in the medical and bioscience professions?

Students are also able to:

Create (using STELLA software), understand and explain mathematical models that represent various medical and bioscience situations.
Use spreadsheets, databases, and Powerpoint to present findings in a formal manner.
Conceive, implement, and provide an analysis for a small research question in a collaborative environment, and be able to communicate the results of that analysis in a variety of formats to diverse audiences.

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