2015 AAAS Annual Meeting (12-16 February 2015)

February 12 - 16, 2015

Preparing Researchers for the Quantitative Biology of the Future

Advances in quantification of biology and medicine will soon render obsolete researchers and practitioners who are not fluent in quantitative assessment of data and mechanistic understanding of biological and medical systems through modeling and simulation. How can graduate programs across the life sciences create and deliver content and learning practices to prepare students to evolve with quantitative advances and their translational impact? The consensus that graduate programs in the biological, medical, and health sciences should include quantitative skills in the training of researchers, clinicians, and health care deliverers has yet to coalesce on statistical and mathematical content, use of software, and ways to integrate with existing curricula and
expertise. Because of cultural mismatches within the university, successful programs must address teaching load disparities in biological, mathematical, and medical departments; use of focused modules or full courses; individual or team teaching; and rewards for teaching and curriculum innovation. Stakeholder disciplines include genomics, bioinformatics, molecular and systems biology, medicine, statistics, mathematics, and computer science. Speakers, experts in these areas and in STEM education and evaluation, will address the justifications and challenges for quantitative curricular reform. A final panel discussion will identify national actions in the U.S. to overcome cultural obstacles, share methods, and build consensus.