About
Integrating Concepts in Biology (ICB) is a living digital textbook that organizes and presents the main concepts of biology in new ways for majors' introductory biology courses:
- focuses on 5 “Big Ideas” at 5 size scales so students attain deeper understanding of major concepts rather than disjointed facts
- emphasizes experimental design, data interpretation, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking – the process of science
- employs pedagogy that maximizes student learning and retention
The core recommendations of BIO2010 and Vision and Change are the foundation for ICB. Vision and Change called for new textbooks to support student learning. Specific recommendations included a focus on core concepts (what we call Big Ideas) and core competencies, which include quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, the ability to apply the process of science and understanding the link between science and society. Students using ICB will learn core concepts and analytical skills simultaneously.
ICB uses original data from the literature and Integrating Questions that facilitate exploration of the data. Students interpret data that were analyzed by biologists in the context of answering fundamental questions about biology. Integrating Questions help students focus on the main points, analyze data, apply mathematics and construct knowledge.
Bio-Math Explorations, the pedagogy that will interest QUBES users, help students understand how mathematics can yield profound insights into biological concepts. The math is readily accessible, ranging from simple arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, to more challenging examples in probability, statistics and modeling. We provide the content and pedagogy necessary for biologists to use math while teaching biology.
Ethical, Legal, Social, Implications sections (ELSIs) raise student awareness about the real-world aspects of case studies as they learn fundamental concepts. ELSIs help students grapple with their own ethical perspectives on emotional topics that relate to biology, such as evolution, stem cells, the definition of life, a species’ right to exist, and the costs and benefits of genetically modified organisms.
ICB can help you convert your classroom to a place where the scientific process provides the context and substance of teacher-student interaction. If you want your students to experience their first college biology course the way you experience biology in your professional life, then take the leap and be a part of the national movement to improve introductory biology education. Bring the passion of science back into your class and watch your students realize why biology fascinates you every day.
Visit http://www.trunity.com/products/digital-textbooks/integrating-concepts-in-biology/integrating-concepts-in-biology-dcr-email-copy/ to request an exam copy of Integrating Concepts in Biology