SysMIC: A Blueprint for interdisciplinary online training in the life sciences

, , , , , , , , , ,
1 Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom
2 School of Mathematics and Statistics, Open University distance learning and adult educationSchool of Mathematics and Statistics, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
3 School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
4 School of Computing and Communications, Open University distance learning and adult education, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
5 Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
6 School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
DOI
10.7287/peerj.preprints.2523v1
Published
Accepted
Subject Areas
Computational Biology, Mathematical Biology, Science and Medical Education, Statistics, Computational Science
Keywords
Interdisciplinarity, eLearning, Computing, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Professional Development, Online Course, Quantitative Biology, Big Data
Copyright
© 2016 Baier et al.
Licence
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction and adaptation in any medium and for any purpose provided that it is properly attributed. For attribution, the original author(s), title, publication source (PeerJ Preprints) and either DOI or URL of the article must be cited.
Cite this article
Baier G, Barnes C, Crowe D, Gilmore S, Grimm U, Lewis P, Morse D, Sansom C, Saunders RDC, Shepherd A, Thomas G. 2016. SysMIC: A Blueprint for interdisciplinary online training in the life sciences. PeerJ Preprints 4:e2523v1

Abstract

‘Big Data’ and a surge in quantitative methodologies increasingly urge bioresearchers to train and improve their mathematical and computational skills. In response to this challenge the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in the United Kingdom offered funds to develop web-based training in mathematics and computation for life scientists in all fields. The SysMIC consortium won the bid and implemented a new type of online course, which so far has been delivered to more than 1400 scientists, mostly in the UK. Researchers train self-paced or in cohorts in a media rich environment with materials based around intuitive biological examples. We describe the course, its trainee spectrum, and the modes of trainee engagement. We propose that tailored interactive online training is a scalable model for continuing professional development in the interdisciplinary life sciences in the 21st century.

Author Comment

This is a preprint submission to PeerJ Preprints.