Integration of Collaborative Learning into Core and Elective Biology Courses

通过这一项目，国家的最先进的二极管阵列检测器流速仪，显微镜附件，ELISA板阅读器，冷柜，和配套设备的购买和HPLC系统升级，以实现合作学习活动的全面整合到选定的核心和选修课程在生物系。 在研究与分析的试验项目中，将协作方法纳入实验室工作是非常有效的。 这种方法现在扩大到包括额外的核心课程和选修课程的生物学。 新设备允许将现代细胞为重点的活动和项目引入到必修的生物学课程中，使教师能够在课程的早期向学生介绍生物学的这一重要阶段。 因此，在一些课程中，学生动手参与的情况显著增加。 我们的学生可能追求的本科研究项目范围的相应扩展是可以预期的。 新设备大大增加了学生的学习机会。

Through this project, state-of-the-art diode array detector spectrophotometers, microscope attachments, an ELISA plate reader, cold cabinets, and supporting equipment is purchased and an HPLC system upgraded to achieve full integration of collaborative learning activities into selected core and elective courses in the Biology Department. Incorporation of collaborative approaches to laboratory work have been highly effective in a trial program in Research and Analysis. This approach is now enalarged to include additional core courses and elective courses in biology. The new equipment permits the introduction of modern cellular-focused activities and projects into a required sophomore-level course, enabling faculty to introduce students to this important phase of biology early in their curricula. As a result, a significant increase in hands-on student involvement is occurring in a number of courses. A corresponding expansion in the range of undergraduate research projects our students might pursue is anticipated. The new equipment is greatly enhancing the learning opportunities available to students.