Why BioMath? Why Now?

Abstract

The rationale for and the opportunities to bring the biology- mathematics interface into the high schools are explored through examples from the author's career. Among topics considered are (1) epidemiological modeling, (2) biology as information science, (3) physical mapping of DNA, (4) DNA and RNA chains and the "RNA detective game," (5) systems biol- ogy, (6) graph-theoretical models of the spread of disease, (7) measurement of cough severity and fatigue, (8) biosurveillance, and (9) location of bioterror- ism sensors. With each, activities appropriate for the high school Biology and Mathematics classrooms, and often both in partnership, are described.