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Systems biology has produced a challenge to the educational system. In the future, practitioners of biology at the systems level will need combinations of skills that are rarely found in individual scientists today. So, how should we educate students to succeed across scientific disciplines?
What can we learn from women who have 'made it' in science? How were their careers affected by their sex? Although the situation for women cell biologists has improved over the past 30 years, there is still much to be done.
For successful women scientists, the only universal attribute is a passion for science. A woman's personal life can have an impact on her professional life in many different ways, but it seems that there is no standard formula for success.
Over the years, the goals in cell-biology education have changed from the memorization of facts to 'meaningful learning' ? that is, the development of a deeper understanding of important concepts. This requires a shift in the approach and attitude of both teachers and students.
