MCB

60
Developing data analysis and problem solving skills
The problem sets and assessments in MCB 60 focus strongly on data analysis and developing
problem solving skills. We encourage students to discuss problem sets with their peers, facilitators
and TFs. However, this means very often people might entertain multiple explanations for a given
question. What we want each student to do is consider which explanation provides the best fit
given the data presented. A useful strategy in trying to identify the best fit answer to a given
question is to check whether the answer can explain all the data presented (i.e., whether the answer
gels completely with the data and the particular biological concept). For example, if even one lane
in a Western blot does not agree with the explanation you might be entertaining as a possible
answer, it is not likely to be the right answer.
One of the challenges with formal scientific language is that it is loaded with jargon. This might
make the background presented in questions seem intimidating. A useful approach is to write down
each component involved (name and function/role) on a piece of paper when trying to understand
what the question is asking. You can even make a concept map, which will further enable distilling
the key components of the question, and allow you to approach the problem piecemeal.
In the past we have seen the average scores on problem sets to be fairly high, so they are a lowstakes platform to learn problem solving. We recommend getting started on the problem sets as
soon as they are released, as you would benefit from mulling ideas over and consider different
explanations. You should focus on developing problem-solving skills with the problem sets as you
will need to directly apply these skills in an individual setting during the assessments.
The TFs and facilitators are important resources to brainstorm ideas, and they will entertain every
idea that you come up with, just as is the norm in scientific discussions, but they will try and point
out flaws in logic or play devils advocate and challenge your answers. What they will not do is
say whether your answer is right or wrong. In short, they are a source of ideas, not verification of
answers. The facilitators do not possess the answer keys. We highly encourage you to talk to them
as they are a great resource to discuss ideas. Your final answer should be based on your own
judgement of the bet fit explanation for the data presented (i.e., the facilitators are not liable for
incorrect answers that resulted from their discussions with the students).