Improving Plant Biology Instruction at Whittier College

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This project is developing a program at the institution to improve laboratory instruction in plant biology. Improvements focus on shifting the emphasis from demonstration based lab exercises to experimentation. Specific introductory courses involve General Botany and General Biology which are designed for majors and non-majors, respectively. Proposed changes in the upper division course, Plant Physiology, have also strengthened the laboratory component by emphasizing the integration of cellular, leaf and whole plant processes and by incorporating a research component, including writing, into the existing laboratory structure. In addition, the project is expected to expand existing opportunities for collaborative research between faculty and students and to increase interest in independent research.