Applying mathematical thinking : the role of mathematicians and scientists in equipping the new generation scientist

The ability to make effective use of mathematical and statistical thinking and reasoning within context is an essential skill for graduating science students. The challenge for educators in higher education is to determine how best to foster the development of these skills. Many argue this challenge is becoming greater, given the increasingly diverse student body (often with weaker mathematics backgrounds) and the increasing use of modelling and data in modern science (meaning that the need to be able to apply mathematical and statistical thinking and reasoning is increasing). This paper discusses the implementation of initiatives within four institutions (University of Queensland, James Cook University, University of Maryland and Purdue University) that address these needs. In addition to describing the initiative itself, the change process is described. Therefore each initiative is examined through a framework based on: the need for the change, vision for the change, implementation of the change and evaluation of the change. In particular we explore the role of mathematicians and statisticians in these processes.