Inquiry -based Learning through Team Projects in a Cell Biology Lab Course

生物科学(61)通过这个项目，我们正在实施分子细胞生物学(MCB)这一新的本科实验室课程。MCB实验室是一门高级选修课，提供以探究为基础的密集实验。以探究为基础的形式使学生能够理解研究过程，将其作为研究细胞结构和功能的一种手段。奥兰多中佛罗里达大学生物学、分子生物学和微生物学以及化学系的学生都可以使用MCB实验室。通过使用视频显微镜和现代计算机成像系统，以及使用现代生化和分子技术和仪器，实验室课程将技术融入课堂。MCB实验室调整了绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)结构的使用，以适应本科生实验室环境。本课程采用了美国国家科学基金会9952672号项目的内容：“发展以绿色荧光蛋白为统一主题的细胞生物学研究型实验室”，以及使用绿色荧光蛋白融合蛋白标记物的研究文献。在本学期的课程中，学生使用不同的GFP融合蛋白作为特定的标记，研究真核细胞区隔和细胞骨架动力学的分子基础。这使学生能够使用荧光视频显微镜观察体内的细胞行为。GFP融合蛋白也可以通过生物化学检测，这一特点使学生能够通过将显微定位与GFP融合蛋白的生化行为联系起来，整合他们对真核细胞结构和功能的看法。这项工作的结果是，通过以探究为基础的活动大大改善了学生的学习，提高了学生的热情，从而保持了对生命科学的兴趣。这一项目解决了反映国家关切的一个地方需求：为SMET地区的本科生在科学领域的职业生涯做准备，包括专业学校、研究生课程或学术或工业环境中的研究职位。MCB实验室通过提供现代探究式实验体验来补充授课课程，丰富本科生实验室课程，提供实质性的本科生研究体验，并为学生在教师研究项目中继续研究做准备，从而解决了当前课程中的一个局限性。

Biological Sciences (61) Through this project, we are implementing a new undergraduate laboratory course in Molecular Cell Biology (MCB). The MCB Lab is an upper division elective providing an intensive, inquiry-based lab. The inquiry-based format enables students to develop an understanding of the research process as a means to investigate cell structure and function. The MCB Lab is available to students in the Biology, Molecular Biology and Microbiology, and Chemistry Departments at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. The lab course integrates technology into the classroom through the use of video microscopy and modern computer imaging systems as well as the use of modern biochemical and molecular techniques and instrumentation. The MCB Lab adapts the use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) constructs to the undergraduate laboratory setting. The course adapts elements of the NSF project DUE#9952672, "Developing research-based laboratories in cell biology using green fluorescent protein as a unifying theme" and of the research literature using GFP fusion protein markers. During the semester course, students investigate the molecular basis of eukaryotic cell compartmentalization and cytoskeletal dynamics using various GFP fusion proteins as specific markers. This enables students to observe cellular behaviors in vivo using fluorescence video microscopy. GFP fusion proteins can also be detected biochemically and this feature enables students to integrate their view of eukaryotic cell structure and function by correlating microscopic localization with biochemical behavior of the GFP fusion proteins. The outcome of this work is a significant improvement in student learning through inquiry based activities and increased student enthusiasm and thus retention in the life sciences. This project addresses a local need that reflects a national concern: preparing undergraduates in the SMET areas for careers in the sciences, including professional schools, graduate programs, or research positions in academic or industrial settings. The MCB Lab addresses a limitation in the current curriculum by providing a modern inquiry based lab experience to complement lecture curriculum, enriching the undergraduate laboratory curriculum, providing a substantive undergraduate research experience, and preparing students for continued research in faculty research programs.