Endocrinology Instruction Improved in Undergraduate Laboratories

该项目旨在通过以学生为基础的研究、问题解决和学习以及实验室实践调查来提高高年级学生对内分泌学的理解。为了实现这一目标，并扩大学生的研究设备池，正在购买以下研究设备：一套用于电泳和印迹技术的迷你凝胶系统，以及用于通过酶联免疫吸附分析(ELISA)方法精确测量荷尔蒙的微型平板读取器和辅助设备。新的方法改编自NSF和HHMI之前资助的几个项目，学生们回顾文献，提出假设，设计和进行实验。通过实际参与科学探究，学生掌握了科学方法，获得了对科学的热情和信心，进行了高质量的研究和演示。这种更好地学习的方法为学生们为各种研究生追求和职业做好了准备。所获得的经验正在通过手册、会议、研讨会、期刊文章以及通过互联网向全国各地的学校和大学宣传。

The proposed project is aimed at enhancing senior college students' comprehension of endocrinology through student based research, problem solving and learning, and laboratory hands-on investigations. To achieve this, and to expand the students' research equipment pool, the following research equipment is being acquired: a set of mini-gel systems for electrophoresis and blotting techniques, and a microplate reader and ancillaries for precise hormonal measurement by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. In the new approach, adapted from several projects previously funded by NSF and HHMI, students review literature, develop hypotheses, design and conduct experiments. By actually participating in scientific inquiry, students master the scientific method, gain enthusiasm and confidence in science, conduct high quality research and presentations. This approach to learning better prepares the students for various post-graduate pursuits and careers. The experience gained is being publicized through manuals, meetings, workshops, journal articles and via internet to schools and colleges around the country.