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NIQB Cell Biology – Alien Action Potential

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This module is designed to help students strengthen skills in quantitative reasoning using mathematical models of biological systems presented in equations and graphs. The exercises review how membrane potential is established through differences in ion concentrations on either side of the plasma membrane. Students compare the contributions of several individual ions to the overall membrane potential, and gain experience using the Nernst equation to quantify these contributions. They then interpret a graph to determine how membrane voltage changes during the firing of an action potential. Finally, students are asked to make a hypothesis about how addition of more ions or addition of different drugs that block ion movement will affect membrane potential and action potential, and to design an experiment to test their ideas. Pre-work is provided to allow students to practice using log base ten calculations that are needed to use the Nernst equation, and to interpret graphs that quantify membrane voltage changes. This module is designed for students to work in small teams to process and analyze from a dataset, using a scientific calculator or equivalent software. This module has been implemented as part of the NEXUS Institute for Quantitative Biology (NIQB), Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) Project, which is a collaboration between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and community college partners, including Howard Community College and Montgomery College. Attached files: NIQB Cell Biology – Alien action potential prework NIQB Cell Biology – Alien action potential Module student version NIQB Cell Biology – Alien action potential Module Instructor version – KEY- no assessment
DOI: 10.13016/m2fvwu-tzqc
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165166187
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