INTRO.
Quantitative analysis and modeling has become increasingly important in modern biology. This modern synthesis of biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science has recently emerged as a new discipline, systems biology, which holds the promise of providing unbiased insights into fundamental problems in the molecular and cellular biosciences. The importance of systems biology makes it imperative that it should be integrated into undergraduate research training and education. The nature of modern biology also requires close collaboration of faculty from biology, mathematics, and physics to offer integrated learning experiences for undergraduates. The proposed activity seeks to bring systems biology to the
same status as other biology fields recognized by undergraduate programs, and plan coordinated curriculum changes. The interdisciplinary nature of systems biology has the potential of channeling more underrepresented minority students into STEM field, and can lead to a more prepared future workforce.