Design and Implementation of a Bioliteracy Laboratory Course to Replace Traditional Introductory Non-Majors Biology Laboratories at Colleges and Universities

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The "non-majors" biology laboratory course has been substantially revised at Baylor University to include activities shown by recent research to be effective. Methods including cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and emphasis on critical thinking and writing have been successful, but problems remain. Interdisciplinary studies, expanded biology experiences, training of teaching assistants, feedback on writing assignments, sensitivity to ethnic and gender differences in learning styles, and structure of the teaching laboratory are all topics that have been identified for further study and improvement. The National Science Foundation grant will support interdisciplinary workgroups to address these problems and to recruit and support exceptional science graduate students who are interested in teaching. Baylor has committed funds for renovation of the laboratory, and a separate grant or corporate partnership will be solicited to improve technology. This innovative curriculum for undergraduate bioliteracy instruction and an intensive program for training of teaching assistants will serve as models for introductory biology education at comprehensive research universities and colleges.