The understanding of core concepts and processes of science in solving problems is important to successful learning in biology. We have designed and developed a Web-based, self-directed tutorial program, "SOLVEIT," that provides various scaffolds (e.g., prompts, expert models, visual guidance) to help college students enhance their…

Reconstructing phylogenies from nucleotide sequences is a challenge for students because it strongly depends on evolutionary models and computer tools that are frequently updated. We present here an inquiry-based course aimed at learning how to trace a phylogeny based on sequences existing in public databases. Computer tools are freely available…

Illustrates an account of the University of Illinois Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO) system of individualized instruction by describing four undergraduate topics. (AL)

Describes a computer-generated natural selection game which deals with various factors influencing survival and speciation processes. Variation of population size, growth rate, brood size, and selection pressure are permitted by the program, which is written in ASA Basic FORTRAN IV. (PR)

The educational design of a project option in an Open University course on evolution is described. Also described is the simulation which models the genetic and evolutionary consequences of two populations of a species of flowering plant coming together after a period of genetic isolation. (Author/JN)

An evaluation study comparing a computer assisted learning-based project with three more conventional ones in an Open University course on evolution is reported. Special attention is paid to reasons why students chose to do different projects and the factors contributing to the variance in the marks awarded for their work. (Author/JN)

These materials were designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. This module describes the application of irreversible thermodynamics to biology. It begins with…

Describes a microcomputer program that simulates the pattern of evolution and produces clade diagrams and summary statistics. Allows users to vary the odds affecting the fate of a species. (TW)

These materials were designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. This module is concerned with the exchange of energy between an organism and its environment in…

These materials were designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. This report introduces two models of the thermal energy budget of a leaf. Typical values for…