Abstract

Citation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Caldwell, A. (2023). 2013-Alicia_Caldwell-Students Rise to the Challenge of Modeling Yeast Growth Despite Sour Hiccups from Imperfect Data. SIMIODE, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/M7Z9-PH85

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Article Context

Description

Caldwell, Alicia. 2013. Students Rise to the Challenge of Modeling Yeast Growth Despite Sour Hiccups from Imperfect Data.  Utah State University. All Graduate Plan B and other Reports. Paper 330.

See https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/330/ . Accessed 28 March 2023.

Abstract: Students rarely receive the opportunity to experience a learning activity involving mathematical modeling. This paper describes a lab in which students in an Applied Mathematics in Biology course observe the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast strain, in differing sugar concentrations for use in learning modeling. They parameterized the logistic equation and an alternate model, which they themselves constructed, based on the data they collected. I participated in this lab as a student in 2012 then observed and reviewed the work of other students involved. I found that students gained a deeper understanding of limiting factors and the role of parameter values in a model. Creative approaches were applied and problem solving skills refined as students exposed themselves to the modeling process. Student results and methodology are discussed.

This paper contains analysis of models of growth of yeast, plots of data (but no table of data), step by step modeling outlined and comparison with data. Good explanation of fermentation for background.

Keywords: yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, growth, logistic, parameter estimation, alcohol, death, sugar