Abstract. "Calculus for Kinetic Modeling" is a completely computer-based interactive text written in Maple V3. It has been designed to emphasize the introduction of calculus concepts using exploratory problem-solving and visualization via plots and math movies. In addition, motivating applications from the life sciences have been integrated into the primary content of the course.

My approach has been to refocus and reprioritize the learning goals of a standard calculus course in order to ensure that the course would be both appealing and useful to math nonmajors. In particular, a primary goal of this project has been to provide life science (prepharmacy) students the opportunity to acquire a mathematical understanding of the basics of kinetic modeling, including an introduction to reaction kinetics, Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics, Makoid-Banakar drug dissolution, and several first-order drug absorption models.

In this talk I will demonstrate how I use this interactive computer text to create a learning environment in which students (especially math nonmajors) develop their understanding of calculus concepts through exploratory problem-solving and visualization via plots and math movies. Several modeling examples draw from reaction and drug kinetics will be discussed.