Thematic Inquiry-Based Laboratories Across the Biology Curriculum

生物科学(61)生物系现正为主修生物的学生推行一项新的核心课程，包括四门实验室课程：1)生物体基本过程，2)进化与生态学，3)细胞及分子生物学，及4)遗传学与发育。这些课程取代了五门必修课，其中两门没有实验室，只有一门有实验型实验室。新课程中的实验室包括传统练习和基于探究的练习相结合。贯穿新课程的是三个以微生物、植物和动物为基础的、为期数周的专题、以探究为基础的实验室，这些实验室基于系内的研究专业知识。通过在核心课程中开发一套研究主题，学生能够看到研究与教育之间的紧密联系，并为在高级课程中进行研究做好更好的准备。我们在探究式实验室中的做法是，让一小群学生首先学习一种生物体或一种过程，以及与实验系统或观察模式相关的任何技术技能。然后，学生提出假设，进行实验或观察，并完成科学方法，包括通过海报、口头演示或互联网向同龄人展示研究结果。购买技术先进的设备使我们能够从根本上改进所需课程的内容和交付手段。这些课程让学生利用科学的过程来探索科学概念，通过协作体验加强学习，并发展学习社区。学生在解决问题、分析方法、科学写作和使用计算机方面的技能的发展也为他们在生物科学领域的高级课程和职业生涯做好了更好的准备。

Biological Sciences (61)The Biology Department is implementing a new core curriculum for biology majors consisting of four laboratory courses; 1) Fundamental Processes of Organisms, 2) Evolution and Ecology, 3) Cell and Molecular Biology, and 4) Genetics and Development. These courses replace five required courses, two of which did not have laboratories and only one of which had an experimentally-based laboratory. Laboratories in the new courses include a combination of traditional and inquiry- based exercises. Cutting across the new courses are three, multi- week, thematic, inquiry- based laboratories on microbes, plants and animals that are based on research expertise within the Department. By developing a set of research themes in the core courses students are able to see the strong link between research and education, and are better prepared to conduct research in upper- level courses. Our approach in the inquiry- based laboratories is to have small groups of students first learn about an organism or a process and any technical skills associated with the experimental system or mode of observation. Students then develop hypotheses, conduct experiments or observations, and complete the scientific method including presentation of findings to peers via posters, oral presentations or the Internet. The purchase of technologically-sophisticated equipment allows us to fundamentally improve the content and the means of delivery of the required curriculum. These courses engage students in using the process of science to explore scientific concepts, enhance learning through collaborative experiences, and develop a learning community. The development of student skills in problem solving, analytical methods, scientific writing and the use of computers also better prepares them for upper- level courses and careers in the biological sciences.