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

该项目将分子生物学整合到生物课程的各个层面。 分子生物学本身并不是一个领域;相反，它是一种几乎可以研究生命各个方面的手段。 这个项目强调探究式学习，让学生接触到在分子水平上探索生命的研究方法。 在分子水平上积极探索生物学的学生人数预计将增加五倍（从每年80人增加到每年400人）。 每年大约有145名接触分子生物学的学生是非专业学生。 由于这个项目，100%的学院的生物学专业学生可以使用分子方法，以提高他们的关键生物学概念的理解，在至少三门课程，并在多达八门课程。 这项创新使学生能够使用DNA分离，限制性分析，Southern，北方和Western印迹，PCR，细胞培养工作和亚细胞分离等技术来参与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命及其研究方式有更丰富的理解;欣赏生物学分支学科之间的相互联系;更充分地了解现代生物学的伦理和社会层面;并以更明智的方式做出职业决定。 可以通过调查（包括毕业后校友调查）和课程评价来评估项目的成功。 研究结果可通过科学教育期刊和万花筒项目等论坛广泛传播。 *

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. *