Integration of Collaborative Learning into Core and Elective Biology Courses

通过这个项目，购买了最先进的二极管阵列检测器分光计、显微镜附件、ELISA板阅读器、冷柜和辅助设备，并升级了高效液相系统，以实现将协作学习活动完全整合到生物系精选的核心和选修课程中。在研究与分析的试验计划中，将协作方法纳入实验室工作是非常有效的。这一方法现在被扩大到包括生物学的额外核心课程和选修课。新设备允许在必修的二年级课程中引入以细胞为重点的现代活动和项目，使教师能够在课程早期向学生介绍生物学的这一重要阶段。因此，在许多课程中，学生动手参与的情况显著增加。预计我们的学生可能从事的本科生研究项目的范围将相应扩大。新设备极大地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.