A presentation from the STEM Annual Conference 2014.
Systems training in Mathematics Informatics and Computer Science (SysMIC) is a web-based training suite for researchers in all areas of the biosciences. Bioscientists are faced with ever-changing technologies and increasing amounts of data that require advanced mathematical and computational skills for top performance. With support from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) SysMIC offers concepts techniques and tools for current quantitative research. Currently nearly 400 people are enrolled in the first two modules with the third module starting in spring 2014.
The training is developed around biological examples and challenges that benefit from mathematical and computational concepts for their formulation and solution. All examples are supported by systematic and tested materials in mathematics and computer science. Matlab and statistical package R are used throughout the modules. Additional instructions on web-based databases and simulation tools are updated regularly. This talk describes the modular structure and the integrated multimedia materials available to trainees and demonstrates how SysMIC operates. Additionally we discuss the vision of a combination of web-based self-study and face-to-face problem solving in interdisciplinary groups for the future training of UK bioscientists.
