Development of Inquiry-Based Modules in Proteomics

本项目旨在开发蛋白质组学跨学科领域的实验课程模块。蛋白质组学是生物学和化学交叉的新兴领域，它为学生提供了探索复杂生物系统的分子细节的机会。在本科阶段，使用蛋白质组学方法的有组织的教材的可用性是有限的。瓦萨学院（Vassar College）和马里斯特学院（Marist College）建立了合作伙伴关系，为本科生物化学家入门课程开发蛋白质组学的原型模块。新的实验室模块将生物化学与分子生物学、分析化学和计算机科学等学科相结合。学生将接触到广泛的生化技术，包括电泳、MALDI/TOF质谱和生物信息学。总体体验的目标是向初级生物化学本科学生介绍蛋白质组学这一新兴领域。在项目的第一阶段，正在为大肠杆菌的热冲击和冷冲击反应开发原型实验室模块。在这一阶段正在制定实验室规程和补充材料。在项目的第二阶段，这些单元将作为实验课程在这两个机构实施。这些课程旨在为不同的学生建立蛋白质组学实验室经验在本科水平课程中的适用性。这些模块的试点试验将允许对这些新的蛋白质组学实验室的教学效果进行全面评估，并评估这些模块为学生从事生命科学职业做好准备的能力。

This project is developing laboratory course modules in the interdisciplinary area of proteomics. Proteomics is an emerging area at the interface of biology and chemistry, which affords students the opportunity to explore complex biological systems with molecular detail. The availability of organized teaching materials using a proteomics approach at the undergraduate level is limited. Vassar College and Marist College have formed a partnership to develop prototype modules in proteomics for introductory undergraduate biochemists. The new laboratory modules blend biochemistry with disciplines in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and computer science. Students gain exposure to a wide range of biochemical techniques including electrophoresis, MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. The goal of the overall experience is to introduce beginning undergraduate biochemistry students to the emerging field of proteomics. During the first phase of the project, prototype laboratory modules are being developed for the heat and cold shock responses in E. coli. Laboratory protocols and supplementary materials are being created during this phase. During the second phase of the project, the modules are being implemented as a laboratory course at both institutions. These courses serve to establish the suitability of a proteomics laboratory experience in an undergraduate level curriculum for a diverse range of students. These pilot trials ofthese modules will allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the pedagogical effectiveness of these new proteomics laboratories and also assess the ability of these modules to prepare students to undertake careers in the life sciences.