Reimagining calculus for life‑science learners to advance student success

April 27, 2026

Educational Leadership: Open Educational Resources

Dr. Paul Tsopméné
Assistant Professor of Teaching, Mathematics and Statistics

Resource Innovation

Integral Calculus with Applications to Life Sciences: an open educational resource textbook published through the UBC Library in September 2025 to support multidisciplinary calculus learning for life-science students.

Dr. Paul Tsopméné selects lab problems from the textbook.

Life‑science students often encounter calculus as a barrier rather than a bridge, taught through fragmented and abstract resources with limited connection to biological applications. Dr. Paul Tsopméné developed Integral Calculus with Applications to Life Sciences to reframe calculus by presenting concepts through a life‑sciences lens that highlights relevant, real-world application.

The textbook integrates topics rarely combined in a single resource—including integration, infinite series, differential equations, linear algebra, probability and statistics—while emphasizing clear learning outcomes, detailed step-by-step examples, and applications to biology and medicine.

Designed to improve accessibility and student success, the text embeds algebra review throughout, includes critical-thinking exercises and provides fully worked solutions. This structure supports learners with varied mathematical backgrounds while encouraging confidence and independent problem‑solving.

Since its introduction, the textbook has been used by more than 400 students at UBC Okanagan and downloaded in over 50 countries worldwide. As an open‑access textbook it removes financial barriers and supports equitable learning opportunities.

Key Impact areas

Functions Outcomes
  • Develops a comprehensive open-access textbook tailored to life-science students
  • Integrates calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability and statistics in one resource
  • Embeds algebra review directly within examples and explanations
  • Provides detailed step-by-step solutions with explicit use of rules
  • Includes critical-thinking exercises such as error analysis and counterexamples
  • Connects mathematical concepts to biology, medicine and real-world life-science applications
  • Aligns textbook content with lectures, labs and assessments
  • Offers fully worked practice problems and hyperlinked navigation to answers
  • Removes cost barriers through an openly accessible UBC Library publication
  • Increased accessibility and inclusive learning opportunities for all students
  • Improved student confidence regardless of algebra background
  • Stronger conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning skills
  • Greater engagement through meaningful life-science applications
  • Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • More consistent learning experience throughout course
  • Reduced financial burden through free open educational resource
  • Adaptable textbook
  • Broader impact beyond UBC with many downloads

“Open educational resources improve access and create more inclusive learning environments. When students have clear explanations, integrated skill-building, and meaningful applications, they are better supported regardless of their background. The Integral Calculus with Applications to Life Sciences textbook was designed to remove barriers, strengthen confidence, and help every student succeed while seeing the relevance of mathematics to the life sciences.” — Dr. Paul Tsopméné

Dr. Paul Tsopmene

Dr. Paul Tsopméné

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