Main features of BIOSYM

• The concept is based on tested didactical scenarios
• Experienced teachers, scientists and e-learning experts, are involved in the project
• It incorporates webbased training, team work and e-collaboration
• It promotes time independent active participation (distance learning)
• It offers links to data banks relevant to modeling topics

• BIOSYM is based on widely used mathematical software packages
• It makes use of OLAT whose 2007 release will contain a formular editor to represent mathematical formulas and symbols easily
• Lectures can be recorded and streamed in specialized lecture recording software

• The modular structure allows one to incoporate individual models into science curricula at institutions with different needs
• It contains modules which can be used in basic as well as in advanced courses
• The learner acquires skills which make BIOSYM also useful for “marketable” professional advancement courses
• New contents can be added at any time which assures sustainable usability for a long period of time

• BIOSYM addresses important questions relevant to a developing scientific field
• Real life data are used for model building
• Europe-wide it is a leading approach to promote learning and teaching in an emerging scientific field
• It might also be of interest to institutions which do not have the full competence to offer courses in systems biology