Improvement of Undergraduate Preparation in Molecular Biology

生物科学（61）这个项目是使用基于探究的合作学习和研究培训在文化多样性的设置，以1）提高分子生物学本科准备; 2）加强科学方法的应用;和3）鼓励团队项目，促进文化多样性的学习者之间的互动。资金正用于更新一系列两门课程和本科生研究设施。具体而言，正在修改现有的分子生物学课程，使学生参与基于探究的合作学习项目，学生从同龄人那里学习，教授在这个过程中担任促进者。这项工作是对在NSF支持下开发的实验室手册“解开DNA”的改编。该课程的实验室部分正在扩大，包括亚克隆和序列分析的luxA基因从勒克斯操纵子是克隆在现有的课程。学生们分组工作，使用聚合酶链反应和DNA测序和分析来研究他们的克隆。在第二门课程中，高级主题，合作学习继续作为学生阅读和讨论原始研究文章，帮助他们应用分子生物学的原理和技术以及科学方法到一个新的情况。学生制定并提交研究建议，以外部来源或既定的大学学生/教师研究计划的资金考虑。学生完成建议的研究作为本科生的研究项目，并在年度学生研讨会上以海报或口头报告的形式展示结果。该项目的目标是一致的部门的使命，促进合作学习和本科研究作为一个顶点课程。资金正用于仪器、课程开发和评价。

Biological Sciences (61)This project is using inquiry-based cooperative learning and research training in a culturally diverse setting to 1) improve undergraduate preparation in Molecular Biology; 2) enhance application of the scientific method; and 3) encourage team projects that promote interactions among culturally diverse learners. Funds are being used to upgrade a sequence of two courses and undergraduate research facilities. Specifically an existing course in MolecularBiology is being modified to involve students in an inquiry based cooperative learning project where students learn from their peers and the professor serves as a facilitator in the process. The effort is an adaptation of a laboratory manual "Unraveling DNA," developed with NSF support. The laboratory component of the course is being expanded to include subcloning and sequence analysis of the luxA gene from the Lux operon that is cloned in the existing course. Students, working in groups, use the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing and analysis to study their clones. In the second course, Advanced Topics, cooperative learning continues as students read and discuss original research articles that assist them in applying the principles and techniques of molecular biology and the scientific method to a novel situation. Students develop and submit a research proposal to external sources or the established University student/faculty research program for funding consideration. Students complete the proposed research as an undergraduate research project and present the results at the annual student symposium as either a poster or an oral presentation. The goals of the project are consistent with the department's mission that promotes cooperative learning and undergraduate research as a capstone course. Funds are being used for instrumentation, course development and evaluation.