Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find the latest BIOMAAP materials?

At https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/biomaap/allresources

2. I don't think I want to use any of the current materials, but I have a great idea for a new material to address math anxiety.  Can I make my own from scratch?

Absolutely!  Please bring all your ideas.  We only ask that you share the final product, after a brief internal review process, at biomaap.org.  You will be credited as the author.

3. What are faculty mentoring networks?

Faculty Mentoring Networks (FMNs) are a method for building supportive communities of faculty interested in addressing similar challenges around teaching quantitative biology.  FMNs usually consist of anywhere from ten to twenty faculty participants working with content and pedagogical mentors from the community. The groups share a private space on the QUBESHub where they can have discussions, share resources, and manage group projects.  The larger group is subdivided into smaller groups to facilitate discussions. Faculty work together to brainstorm, plan, troubleshoot and generally support one another in their efforts to implement new materials or approaches in the classroom. Mentors facilitate the discussion and provide some guidance and resources.

As faculty grapple with the many details and new challenges of implementing fundamental changes in their classrooms, ongoing community interaction is vital. The virtual nature of FMNs makes this long-term interaction possible by reducing both time and financial barriers to participation.

4. Is this opportunity only available to full-time faculty or can a long-term adjunct faculty member apply?

Yes, adjunct faculty are welcome to apply. Postdocs who are teaching are also encouraged to apply.

5. How flexible is the requirement to implement the materials in a course in Spring 2019?  I am not sure yet what/whether I will be teaching in the spring.

The reason for this requirement is twofold: 1) One goal of this particular FMN is to collect assessment data in Spring 2019, which requires that participants are currently teaching, and 2) We have found that participants are much more motivated to prioritize working on the materials when they are using them in a current course.  Having the deadline of knowing that the content is on your syllabus or that you will need to have materials ready for lab the next week can be very motivating to busy instructors!

Still have a question about BIOMAAP or this specific mentoring network?  Email Arietta Fleming-Davies at aflemingdavies@sandiego.edu. 

More general question about QUBESHub?  Login broken?  See our QUBESHub FAQ or submit a help ticket (click on "Services" at the top of this page).