Developing CAS models in immunology teaching

Abstract

How can mathematical modelling be integrated with complex network of biological system in comprehensive education? There are mutual agreements between academia from various fields that mathematical modelling is an important part of the curriculum. Immunology is a complex subject and for student to fully understand its complex interaction at molecular level requires computer supported models. This research tries to resolve the ever emerging problem of teaching immunology in higher education. The main objective is to develop multimedia educational software to enhance immunology teaching, with the use of a Computer Algebra System (CAS) that fully utilizes mathematical equation, modelling and simulation of complex network of gene regulation and metabolism. A survey was conducted among students in higher learning institutions, and the result clearly shows that the current teaching method is not feasible to the current learning style. To overcome this, new teaching techniques to support the required understanding need to be introduced. With the development of this educational package that uses new modelling and simulation techniques hopefully can aid in teaching some of immunology courses.

Virtual immunology: Software for teaching basic immunology

“…3 and Table 1). This is supported by other studies which have demonstrated that Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education using multimedia resources, such as computer dynamic simulations and educational software, that have been very successfully applied in the teaching-learning process and increases interest and improving the understanding of concepts, related to areas such as genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology [26][27][28][29]. Thus, from the qualitative assessment of "Virtual Immunology," we are providing a good quality product for learning topics of immunology both in undergraduate and graduate courses.…”

PHARMAVIRTUA: educational software for teaching and learning basic pharmacology

“…They have been shown to increase interest and improve the understanding of concepts related to areas such as genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology (1,4,13,14). However, software evaluation is a formal procedure that uses three different techniques (5).…”

Virtual immunology: an educational software to encourage antigen-antibody interaction learning

“…It comprises the study of mechanisms involved in body responses to foreign elements and microorganisms and reactions involved in pathological states, such as immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases, as well as mechanisms essential in maintaining homeostasis, such as dead cell phagocytosis and tissue repair initiation. However, many of the concepts taught in immunology are complex and abstract, making them difficult for students to understand (1,2,4,8,9,22,32). Furthermore, mastering immunological concepts requires the integration of information from many other areas, such as biochemistry, physical chemistry, mathematics, cell biology, and molecular biology, among others.…”

“…Among active methodologies applied in this regard, evidence-based learning (26), concept maps (37), digital games (10,31), card games (38), virtual reality (44), and educational software (1,17) are noteworthy. The literature suggests that all active learning strategies, which make the learner discuss and think and not only listen to the teacher, are effective, to a greater or lesser degree, in developing student skills and abilities of scientific practice in the immunological area (37).…”

“…Many researchers in the educational field have reported the advantages of using informatics resources, in particular educational software, as useful tools in the learning-teaching relation (6,12,17,27,28,39,41). Several authors have reported these advantages to immunology-related concepts (1,19,33).…”