Improving Undergraduate Instruction Through an Integrated Program in Microscopic Techniques

这个项目的一个特点是分三个阶段介绍扫描电子显微镜(SEM)的使用，作为生物学课程的一部分。这个项目的教育目标是对微观世界的概念定位。生物和地球科学入门课程的本科生和非本科生首先观看演示，然后参加由教师指导的小组项目，使用扫描电子显微镜的自动模式进行动手操作。他们研究他们为扫描电子显微镜准备的实验实验室材料。这一阶段的重点是准备材料和以照片、幻灯片或录像带的形式展示结果。在中级阶段，更详细的扫描电子显微镜理论和技术指导最初是作为生物技术、微生物学、植物生物学II和寄生虫学课程的一部分教授的。在本科生层面上使用结构方程扩展了学生进行本科生研究项目的能力。

A feature of this project is a three-phased introduction to the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as part of the biology curriculum. The educational goal of this program is conceptual orientation to the microscopic world. Majors and non-majors in introductory courses in biology and earth science first observe demonstrations then participate in instructor-led small group projects leading to hands on operation using automatic modes of the SEM. They study experimental laboratory materials which they have prepared for SEM. Emphasis at this stage is on preparation of materials and presentation of results in the form of photographs, slides, or videotapes. At an intermediate level more detailed instruction in the theory and technique of SEM is taught initially as part of the Biological Techniques, Microbiology, Plant Biology II and Parasitology courses. The use of SEM at the undergraduate level extends students' abilities to conduct undergraduate research projects.