A Comprehensive Introductory Biology Curriculum Centered Around Student Participation in Research Experiences

以学生参与研究经验为中心的综合生物学入门课程

• 批准号: 9950874
• 负责人: Derek Girman
• 金额: $ 3.5万
• 依托单位: Sonoma State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 1999
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 1999-07-01 至 2000-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=9950874&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Comprehensive; Introductory; Biology; Curriculum; Centered

We are expanding the accessibility of active learning opportunities in the sciences by providing all Sonoma State University (SSU) biology students with experiences in scientific investigations early in their biology program. To accomplish this, we are adapting activities developed in three successful undergraduate programs: "Evaluating the divergence with gene flow model in natural populations: morphological and molecular analyses of African ecotone and rainforest birds" (T. Smith, PI-NSF); "Molecular genetic analysis applied to evolution, ecology, and systematic biology" (F. Bayliss, PI-NSF); and "Genetic diversity in natural populations" (T. Smith, PI--NIH). A common theme in these programs is the use of molecular genetic data to understand patterns and processes in evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. We have adapted these activities to provide a series of introductory level "research experiences" that emphasize hypothesis testing, the use of modern equipment and investigative methods, and the development of critical thinking skills. Educators and policy makers have recognized the need to stimulate student interest in the sciences. However, most undergraduate biology curricula do not adequately prepare students for careers in science. In the Department of Biology at SSU, we have begun the process of reshaping and updating our curriculum. The goals of the proposed curricula are: 1) to create an environment of active learning that inspires students' interest in biology (and other sciences) by directly involving them in the scientific process from the beginning: 2) to provide students with an introduction to scientific approaches and critical thinking skills that will be applicable throughout their lives; 3) to create a learning community where lower-division students, upper-division students, and faculty work together, and 4) to provide qualified advanced students with opportunities to gain teaching experience and high-level training in modern investigative and laboratory techniques.

我们正在扩大在科学主动学习机会的可及性提供所有索诺马州立大学（SSU）生物学学生在科学调查的经验，在他们的生物学计划早期。 为了实现这一目标，我们正在调整三个成功的本科项目中开发的活动：“评估自然种群中基因流模型的差异：非洲生态交错带和雨林鸟类的形态和分子分析”（T。Smith，PI-NSF）;“Molecular genetic analysis applied to evolution，ecology，and systematic biology”（F. Bayliss，PI-NSF）;和“自然种群的遗传多样性”（T。Smith，PI-NIH）。 这些项目的一个共同主题是使用分子遗传数据来理解进化、生态学和保护生物学的模式和过程。 我们已经调整了这些活动，以提供一系列入门级的“研究经验”，强调假设检验，现代设备和调查方法的使用，以及批判性思维技能的发展。 教育工作者和决策者已经认识到有必要激发学生对科学的兴趣。 然而，大多数本科生物学课程并没有为学生的科学生涯做好充分的准备。 在SSU生物系，我们已经开始重塑和更新我们的课程的过程。 建议的课程目标是：1）创造一个主动学习的环境，激发学生对生物学的兴趣（和其他科学）从一开始就直接让他们参与科学过程：2）为学生提供终身适用的科学方法和批判性思维技能的介绍; 3）创建一个低年级学生、高年级学生和教师共同合作的学习社区，以及4）为合格的高级学生提供获得现代调查和实验室技术方面的教学经验和高水平培训的机会。