Enhancing Experiential Learning and Research-Based Laboratories by Integrating Molecular Biology Across the Biology Curriculum

该项目将分子生物学融入生物课程的各个层次。分子生物学本身不是一个领域；相反，它是一种可以用来研究生命几乎所有方面的手段。这个项目强调以探究为基础的学习，并使学生接触到在分子水平上探索生命的探索性方法。在分子层面积极探索生物的学生数量预计将增加五倍(从每年80人增加到每年400人)。每年接触分子生物学的学生中，大约有145人是非专业学生。作为这一项目的结果，该学院生物学专业的100%学生可以在至少三门课程和多达八门课程中使用分子方法来增强他们对关键生物学概念的理解。这一创新使学生能够使用DNA分离、限制分析、南方、北方和西方印迹、聚合酶链式反应、细胞培养工作和亚细胞分离等技术来学习生物学中的基本概念。在几门课程中的这种接触有助于学生对生活以及如何研究生活有更丰富的了解；欣赏生物学各学科之间的相互联系；更充分地理解现代生物学的伦理和社会层面；以及以更明智的方式做出职业决策。可以通过调查(包括对校友的毕业后调查)和课程评估来评估项目的成功。结果可通过科学教育期刊和论坛广泛传播，如“万花筒计划”。*

This project integrates molecular biology into all levels of the biology curriculum. Molecular biology is not a field by itself; instead, it is a means by which almost all aspects of life can be studied. This project stresses inquiry-based learning and exposes students to investigative approaches to exploring life at the molecular level. The number of students actively exploring biology at a molecular level is expected to increase fivefold (from 80 per year to 400 per year). Approximately 145 of the students exposed to molecular biology each year are nonmajors. As a result of this project, 100 percent of the college's biology majors can use molecular approaches to enhance their understanding of critical biological concepts in at least three courses and in as many as eight courses. This innovation allows students to engage essential concepts in biology using techniques such as DNA isolation, restriction analysis, southern, northern, and western blotting, PCR, cell culture work, and subcellular fractionation. Such exposures in several courses help students have a richer understanding of life and how it is studied; appreciate the interconnections between subdisciplines of biology; more fully understand the ethical and social dimensions of modern biology; and make career decisions in a more informed manner. The success of the project can be assessed using surveys (including postgraduation surveys of alumni) and course evaluations. Results can be widely disseminated through science education journals and forums such as Project Kaleidoscope. *