VCell Modeling

How to Model in the Virtual Cell
Modeling tips and V.Cell Documentation.

Educational Resources

Undergraduate and graduate level projects and exercises in quantitative cell biology.

FRAP Tutorials

Movie Demonstration and Explanation

Modeling Resources

Modeling resources

VCell Login
Run the Virtual Cell.

Virtual Cell Education Usage and Resources

This page contains links to projects and exercises used in undergraduate and graduate courses to teach quantitative cell biology. We define quantitative cell biology as the research field that measures biological properties and uses those measurements to posit the behavior of the biological system. Quantitative Cell Biology makes use of computer modeling to test the hypothesis generated from experimental measurements. The CompCellBio Twiki contains additional teaching resources being developed by faculty around the country.

If you have used Virtual Cell in a biology course or want help to do so, please let us know.

Course Related Exercises and Projects

School	Course	Level	Topic
Univeristy California at Davis	Modeling in Biology	Undergraduate	Full Course, multiple topics
Description	Research Project with homework exercises designed to have students develop concept maps and create simple computer based models.
Beloit College	Cell, Developmental Biology	Undergraduate	Cell Cycle
Description	Research Project with homework exercises designed to have students develop concept maps and create simple computer based models.
UCHC, Biomedical Sciences	Biochemistry	Graduate	FRAP
Description	Homework exercise in which students become familiar with Virtual Cell tool using FRAP tutorial and modification of an existing model.
UCHC, Biomedical Sciences	Logic of Modern Biology	Graduate	Nuclear transport
Description	Homework exercise in which students become familiar with Virtual Cell tool using tutorial and modifying an existing model.

Topic Related Resources

The materials listed below are links to Flash movies, teaching modules, powerpoint slides, and models. Flash animations have been used in classrooms to aid in learning concepts.

Topic	Resource Type	Level	Provider
Cell Cycle: Basics, Switches and Hysterisis	Teaching Module*: Powerpoint, XPP	Undergraduate	Sible and Tyson
Cell Cycle: Cdc2 Models	Flash Animation of cdc2 activation	Graduate	Terasaki
Circadian Rhythm	Teaching Module*: Powerpoint, WinPP	Undergraduate	Watrous
FRAP	Animation of FRAP process (Quicktime)	Graduate	Cowan
FRAP	Teaching Module*: Powerpoint, VCell, Exercises, Primer	Graduate	Cowan

*Teaching modules are in development, some have yet to be tried in classrooms.

Request more information on use of materials in your classroom or workshop.

Training Opportunities

From Microscopes to Models July 13-14, 2009
Biologists who are new to modeling and have some experience with microscopy will be introduced to the first Virtual Microscopy tool, Virtual FRAP. The Virtual Microscopy tools meet analysis needs of basic cell biologists and extends their capacity to research quantitative spatial temporal biological questions. Course Registration

Workshops will occur in the summer of 2009. Please e-mail us, if you would like to be notified of future workshops.