A Team Approach to Undergraduate Research in Biomathematics: Balance Control

¹ Joint Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges
² W. M. Keck Science Center, 925 N. Mills Ave. Claremont, CA 91711, USA
³ Department of Mathematics, Pomona College, 610 North College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711 USA
⁴ Department of Mathematics, Scripps College, 1030 Columbia Ave., CA 91711, USA

^⋆ Corresponding author. E-mail: jmilton@jsd.claremont.edu

Abstract

The question, how does an organism maintain balance? provides a unifying theme to introduce undergraduate students to the use of mathematics and modeling techniques in biological research. The availability of inexpensive high speed motion capture cameras makes it possible to collect the precise and reliable data that facilitates the development of relevant mathematical models. An in–house laboratory component ensures that students have the opportunity to directly compare prediction to observation and motivates the development of projects that push the boundaries of the subject. The projects, by their nature, readily lend themselves to the formation of inter–disciplinary student research teams. Thus students have the opportunity to learn skills essential for success in today’s workplace including productive team work, critical thinking, problem solving, project management, and effective communication.