QBCC Modules sorted by Quantitative Biology Skills Concepts
These quantitative skill concepts arose from research conducted by Dr. Sondre LoRe that identified core quantitative biology skills that community college students need based on surveying community college faculty.
List of Quantitative Categories
Some QBCC modules fit into multiple categories. There are currently 13 unique QBCC modules listed multiple times in the following categories.
1. Understand the relationship between fractions, decimals, ratios & percents - 3 modules
2. Write mathematical equations from a verbal equation - 0 modules
3. Understand rates of change - 4 modules
4. Choose appropriate model to describe a phenomenon - 2 modules
5. Explain descriptive statistics - 2 modules
6. Use statistics when appropriate - 2 modules
7. Make probability calculations - 1 module
8. Convert units of measurements - 3 modules
9. Estimate accuracy of answer/calculation - 1 module
10. Change scales (order of magnifications, scientific notation, significant digits) - 3 modules
11. Use elementary functions - 2 modules
12. Create graphs - 8 modules
13. Interpret graphs - 10 modules
14. Interpret tables - 5 modules
15. Manipulate equations - 4 modules
Modules in Each Category
1. Understand the relationship between fractions, decimals, ratios & percents
The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use v1.0
In this activity, students will explore the use of a hemocytometer for counting cells, demonstrate the relationship between the grid seen in the microscope with volume of liquid in suspension and count cells to determine concentration.
The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will explore the use of a hemocytometer for counting cells, demonstrate the relationship between the grid seen in the microscope with volume of liquid in suspension and count cells to determine concentration.
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Back to top
2. Write mathematical equations from a verbal equation
No resources found.
3. Understand rates of change
Fitting Exponential and Logistic Growth Models to Bacterial Cell Count Data
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will model a noisy set of bacterial cell count data using both exponential and logistic growth models. For each model the students will plot the data (or a linear transformation of the data) and apply the method of least squares to fit the model's parameters. Activities include both theoretical and conceptual work, exploring the properties of the differential equation models, as well as hands-on computational work, using spreadsheets to quickly process large amounts of data. This activity is meant as a capstone to the differential calculus portion of a typical undergraduate Calculus I course. It explores a biological application of a variety of differential calculus concepts, including: differential equations, numerical differentiation, optimization, and limits. Additional topics explored include semi-log plots and linear regression.
Using Linear Regression Adaptation: Exploring Vector-borne diseases in an online classroom
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases v1.0
In this adaptation students in online classrooms will use linear regression at home and in synchronous online time to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors affect disease transmission.
Choosing healthy data for healthy relationships: how to use 5-point summaries, box and whisker plots, and correlation to understand global health trends.
Version: 1.0
This module utilizes a user-friendly database exploring data selection, box-and-whisker plot, and correlation analysis. It also guides students on how to make a poster of their data and conclusions.
Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases
Version: 1.0
In this activity students will use linear regression to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors such as climate change or population density influence the transmission of these diseases.
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Back to top
4. Choose appropriate model to describe a phenomenon
Fitting Exponential and Logistic Growth Models to Bacterial Cell Count Data
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will model a noisy set of bacterial cell count data using both exponential and logistic growth models. For each model the students will plot the data (or a linear transformation of the data) and apply the method of least squares to fit the model's parameters. Activities include both theoretical and conceptual work, exploring the properties of the differential equation models, as well as hands-on computational work, using spreadsheets to quickly process large amounts of data. This activity is meant as a capstone to the differential calculus portion of a typical undergraduate Calculus I course. It explores a biological application of a variety of differential calculus concepts, including: differential equations, numerical differentiation, optimization, and limits. Additional topics explored include semi-log plots and linear regression.
Big Data, Graphs, and Prediction
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students are introduced to graphing and modeling data in a step-wise fashion. Real data of covid-19 deaths over time are used to incrementally ask students to fit the data to several models and discuss which model fits best.
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Back to top
5. Explain descriptive statistics
Linear Regression (Excel) and Cellular Respiration for Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
Version: 1.0
Students typically find linear regression analysis of data sets in a biology classroom challenging. These activities could be used in a Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Statistics course. The collection provides student activity files with Excel instructions and Instructor Activity files with Excel instructions and solutions to problems.
Students will be able to perform linear regression analysis, find correlation coefficient, create a scatter plot and find the r-square using MS Excel 365. Students will be able to interpret data sets, describe the relationship between biological variables, and predict the value of an output variable based on the input of an predictor variable.
Exploring Marine Primary Productivity with Descriptive Statistics and Graphing in Excel
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students use real water chemistry data and descriptive statistics in Excel to examine primary productivity in an urban estuary of the Salish Sea. They will consider how actual data do or do not support expected annual trends.
Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Falls Dam: Hypothesis Testing and t-Tests
Version: 1.0
Students are introduced to concepts of hypothesis testing using elementary hypothesis tests, t-tests, and p-values as they compare a given fish population for methylmercury levels (using real and hypothetical data) against real-world mercury standards.
Choosing healthy data for healthy relationships: how to use 5-point summaries, box and whisker plots, and correlation to understand global health trends.
Version: 1.0
This module utilizes a user-friendly database exploring data selection, box-and-whisker plot, and correlation analysis. It also guides students on how to make a poster of their data and conclusions.
6. Use statistics when appropriate
Linear Regression (Excel) and Cellular Respiration for Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
Version: 1.0
Students typically find linear regression analysis of data sets in a biology classroom challenging. These activities could be used in a Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Statistics course. The collection provides student activity files with Excel instructions and Instructor Activity files with Excel instructions and solutions to problems.
Students will be able to perform linear regression analysis, find correlation coefficient, create a scatter plot and find the r-square using MS Excel 365. Students will be able to interpret data sets, describe the relationship between biological variables, and predict the value of an output variable based on the input of an predictor variable.
Exploring Marine Primary Productivity with Descriptive Statistics and Graphing in Excel
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students use real water chemistry data and descriptive statistics in Excel to examine primary productivity in an urban estuary of the Salish Sea. They will consider how actual data do or do not support expected annual trends.
Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Falls Dam: Hypothesis Testing and t-Tests
Version: 1.0
Students are introduced to concepts of hypothesis testing using elementary hypothesis tests, t-tests, and p-values as they compare a given fish population for methylmercury levels (using real and hypothetical data) against real-world mercury standards.
Choosing healthy data for healthy relationships: how to use 5-point summaries, box and whisker plots, and correlation to understand global health trends.
Version: 1.0
This module utilizes a user-friendly database exploring data selection, box-and-whisker plot, and correlation analysis. It also guides students on how to make a poster of their data and conclusions.
7. Make probability calculations
Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Falls Dam: Hypothesis Testing and t-Tests
Version: 1.0
Students are introduced to concepts of hypothesis testing using elementary hypothesis tests, t-tests, and p-values as they compare a given fish population for methylmercury levels (using real and hypothetical data) against real-world mercury standards.
8. Convert units of measurements
The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use v1.0
In this activity, students will explore the use of a hemocytometer for counting cells, demonstrate the relationship between the grid seen in the microscope with volume of liquid in suspension and count cells to determine concentration.
Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Adapted to add scientific notation review
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Using Relative Proportions and Scientific Notation to Highlight the Diversity of Cell Types v2.0
This module explores how cell size and shape varies across cell types in the human body by having students calculate relative proportions of numbers in scientific notation. The adaptation has added a review of scientific notation.
Students examine the diversity of human cell sizes and number using scientific notation
Version: 1.0
In this powerpoint, several of the resources from the published module 'Sizes, Scales and Specialization' are used to create a mini-module that has students examine the size and abundance of different human cell types using scientific notation.
Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Using Relative Proportions and Scientific Notation to Highlight the Diversity of Cell Types
Version: 2.0
This module explores how cell size and shape varies across cell types in the human body by having students calculate relative proportions of numbers in scientific notation.
The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will explore the use of a hemocytometer for counting cells, demonstrate the relationship between the grid seen in the microscope with volume of liquid in suspension and count cells to determine concentration.
Back to top
9. Estimate accuracy of answer/calculation
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Back to top
10. Change scales (order of magnifications, scientific notation, significant digits)
The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use v1.0
In this activity, students will explore the use of a hemocytometer for counting cells, demonstrate the relationship between the grid seen in the microscope with volume of liquid in suspension and count cells to determine concentration.
Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Adapted to add scientific notation review
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Using Relative Proportions and Scientific Notation to Highlight the Diversity of Cell Types v2.0
This module explores how cell size and shape varies across cell types in the human body by having students calculate relative proportions of numbers in scientific notation. The adaptation has added a review of scientific notation.
Students examine the diversity of human cell sizes and number using scientific notation
Version: 1.0
In this powerpoint, several of the resources from the published module 'Sizes, Scales and Specialization' are used to create a mini-module that has students examine the size and abundance of different human cell types using scientific notation.
Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Using Relative Proportions and Scientific Notation to Highlight the Diversity of Cell Types
Version: 2.0
This module explores how cell size and shape varies across cell types in the human body by having students calculate relative proportions of numbers in scientific notation.
The Perfect Brew: An Activity Demonstrating Cell Counting and Hemocytometer Use
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will explore the use of a hemocytometer for counting cells, demonstrate the relationship between the grid seen in the microscope with volume of liquid in suspension and count cells to determine concentration.
Back to top
11. Use elementary functions
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Why are Cells Small? Surface Area to Volume Ratio
Version: 1.0
This module explores surface area to volume ratios in a cube and sphere in relation to cell size.
Back to top
12. Create graphs
Uninhibited Growth of Cells
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Graphing bacterial growth rates: semi-log graphs v linear graphs v1.0
In this activity, students will explore the concept of binary fission, generation time, and bacterial growth curves, with an emphasis on the log phase. Students will use semi-log graphs and linear graphs to plot bacterial cell growth.
Exploring Marine Primary Productivity with Descriptive Statistics and Graphing in Excel
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students use real water chemistry data and descriptive statistics in Excel to examine primary productivity in an urban estuary of the Salish Sea. They will consider how actual data do or do not support expected annual trends.
Using Linear Regression Adaptation: Exploring Vector-borne diseases in an online classroom
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases v1.0
In this adaptation students in online classrooms will use linear regression at home and in synchronous online time to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors affect disease transmission.
Choosing healthy data for healthy relationships: how to use 5-point summaries, box and whisker plots, and correlation to understand global health trends.
Version: 1.0
This module utilizes a user-friendly database exploring data selection, box-and-whisker plot, and correlation analysis. It also guides students on how to make a poster of their data and conclusions.
Graphing bacterial growth rates: semi-log graphs v linear graphs
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will explore the concept of binary fission, generation time, and bacterial growth curves, with an emphasis on the log phase. Students will use semi-log graphs and linear graphs to plot bacterial cell growth.
Big Data, Graphs, and Prediction
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students are introduced to graphing and modeling data in a step-wise fashion. Real data of covid-19 deaths over time are used to incrementally ask students to fit the data to several models and discuss which model fits best.
Analysis of Amylase Activity
Version: 1.0
This lab is an exploration of enzyme function and the effects of environmental conditions on the activity of the enzyme amylase. The lab utilizes analytical and graphing skills to assess enzyme activity.
Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases
Version: 1.0
In this activity students will use linear regression to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors such as climate change or population density influence the transmission of these diseases.
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Why are Cells Small? Surface Area to Volume Ratio
Version: 1.0
This module explores surface area to volume ratios in a cube and sphere in relation to cell size.
Back to top
13. Interpret graphs
Uninhibited Growth of Cells
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Graphing bacterial growth rates: semi-log graphs v linear graphs v1.0
In this activity, students will explore the concept of binary fission, generation time, and bacterial growth curves, with an emphasis on the log phase. Students will use semi-log graphs and linear graphs to plot bacterial cell growth.
Exploring Marine Primary Productivity with Descriptive Statistics and Graphing in Excel
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students use real water chemistry data and descriptive statistics in Excel to examine primary productivity in an urban estuary of the Salish Sea. They will consider how actual data do or do not support expected annual trends.
Using Linear Regression Adaptation: Exploring Vector-borne diseases in an online classroom
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases v1.0
In this adaptation students in online classrooms will use linear regression at home and in synchronous online time to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors affect disease transmission.
Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Falls Dam: Hypothesis Testing and t-Tests
Version: 1.0
Students are introduced to concepts of hypothesis testing using elementary hypothesis tests, t-tests, and p-values as they compare a given fish population for methylmercury levels (using real and hypothetical data) against real-world mercury standards.
Choosing healthy data for healthy relationships: how to use 5-point summaries, box and whisker plots, and correlation to understand global health trends.
Version: 1.0
This module utilizes a user-friendly database exploring data selection, box-and-whisker plot, and correlation analysis. It also guides students on how to make a poster of their data and conclusions.
Graphing bacterial growth rates: semi-log graphs v linear graphs
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will explore the concept of binary fission, generation time, and bacterial growth curves, with an emphasis on the log phase. Students will use semi-log graphs and linear graphs to plot bacterial cell growth.
Big Data, Graphs, and Prediction
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students are introduced to graphing and modeling data in a step-wise fashion. Real data of covid-19 deaths over time are used to incrementally ask students to fit the data to several models and discuss which model fits best.
Why Cells Change Weight: Demonstrating Linear Regression Through an Osmosis Experiment
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will perform an experiment utilizing dialysis tubing to create cellular models to demonstrate the linear relationship between cell weight and time in varying tonicities. Videos and data sets (of faculty results) are provided for
Analysis of Amylase Activity
Version: 1.0
This lab is an exploration of enzyme function and the effects of environmental conditions on the activity of the enzyme amylase. The lab utilizes analytical and graphing skills to assess enzyme activity.
Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases
Version: 1.0
In this activity students will use linear regression to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors such as climate change or population density influence the transmission of these diseases.
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Why are Cells Small? Surface Area to Volume Ratio
Version: 1.0
This module explores surface area to volume ratios in a cube and sphere in relation to cell size.
Back to top
14. Interpret tables
Using Linear Regression Adaptation: Exploring Vector-borne diseases in an online classroom
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases v1.0
In this adaptation students in online classrooms will use linear regression at home and in synchronous online time to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors affect disease transmission.
Choosing healthy data for healthy relationships: how to use 5-point summaries, box and whisker plots, and correlation to understand global health trends.
Version: 1.0
This module utilizes a user-friendly database exploring data selection, box-and-whisker plot, and correlation analysis. It also guides students on how to make a poster of their data and conclusions.
Analysis of Amylase Activity
Version: 1.0
This lab is an exploration of enzyme function and the effects of environmental conditions on the activity of the enzyme amylase. The lab utilizes analytical and graphing skills to assess enzyme activity.
Using Linear Regression to Explore Environmental Factors Affecting Vector-borne Diseases
Version: 1.0
In this activity students will use linear regression to analyze real data on vector-borne diseases and explore how environmental factors such as climate change or population density influence the transmission of these diseases.
Why are Cells Small? Surface Area to Volume Ratio
Version: 1.0
This module explores surface area to volume ratios in a cube and sphere in relation to cell size.
Back to top
15. Manipulate equations
Uninhibited Growth of Cells
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Graphing bacterial growth rates: semi-log graphs v linear graphs v1.0
In this activity, students will explore the concept of binary fission, generation time, and bacterial growth curves, with an emphasis on the log phase. Students will use semi-log graphs and linear graphs to plot bacterial cell growth.
Linear Regression (Excel) and Cellular Respiration for Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
Version: 1.0
Students typically find linear regression analysis of data sets in a biology classroom challenging. These activities could be used in a Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Statistics course. The collection provides student activity files with Excel instructions and Instructor Activity files with Excel instructions and solutions to problems.
Students will be able to perform linear regression analysis, find correlation coefficient, create a scatter plot and find the r-square using MS Excel 365. Students will be able to interpret data sets, describe the relationship between biological variables, and predict the value of an output variable based on the input of an predictor variable.
Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Adapted to add scientific notation review
Version: 1.0 Adapted From: Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Using Relative Proportions and Scientific Notation to Highlight the Diversity of Cell Types v2.0
This module explores how cell size and shape varies across cell types in the human body by having students calculate relative proportions of numbers in scientific notation. The adaptation has added a review of scientific notation.
Students examine the diversity of human cell sizes and number using scientific notation
Version: 1.0
In this powerpoint, several of the resources from the published module 'Sizes, Scales and Specialization' are used to create a mini-module that has students examine the size and abundance of different human cell types using scientific notation.
Sizes, Scales and Specialization: Using Relative Proportions and Scientific Notation to Highlight the Diversity of Cell Types
Version: 2.0
This module explores how cell size and shape varies across cell types in the human body by having students calculate relative proportions of numbers in scientific notation.
Graphing bacterial growth rates: semi-log graphs v linear graphs
Version: 1.0
In this activity, students will explore the concept of binary fission, generation time, and bacterial growth curves, with an emphasis on the log phase. Students will use semi-log graphs and linear graphs to plot bacterial cell growth.
Why does Blood Flow Change? Investigating the Math of Blood Flow Dynamics
Version: 1.0
This collection of activities explores the relationship between blood flow, pressure, and the factors of resistance through graphs and modeling direct and inverse variation.
Why are Cells Small? Surface Area to Volume Ratio
Version: 1.0
This module explores surface area to volume ratios in a cube and sphere in relation to cell size.
Back to top