An Inquiry-based Cell Biology Laboratory in which Student Research Teams Investigate the Heat Schock Response Using a Cell Culture Model

本项目是在斯通希尔学院建立一个以探究为基础的本科生细胞生物学实验室，以配合所要求的讲座课程。实验课程以两个先前资助的CCLI项目（0088185,9952672）为模型。通过团队项目进行探究性学习的主题改编自第一个项目（0088085），热休克反应的统一主题是我们对第二个项目（9952672）中绿色荧光蛋白的类似主题的实施。两个模块中的第一个模块指导学生基本的细胞和分子生物学技术，而第二个模块允许学生通过合作研究团队研究实验条件对CHO细胞中热休克蛋白表达的影响来展示他们的技术能力。学生的研究成果将以科学论文、海报和向学院社区开放的小型研讨会上的口头报告的形式进行交流，并由同行和教师进行评审。拟议项目的目标是(1)建立一个实验室，采用开放式的基于发现的方法来研究科学问题；(2)发展和提高关键的专业技能：假设和方案的制定，实验使用适当的控制，数据的收集，分析和解释，以及结论的形成；(3)营造合作学习的氛围；(4)培养和提高学生的分析能力、口头和书面沟通能力。建议活动的智力价值：细胞生物学实验室向学生介绍基因组学和蛋白质组学的基础知识，这两个高技术和具有挑战性的领域将彻底改变我们对生命过程的理解。因此，生物化学和生物学专业的本科生获得这些领域的研究技术及其应用的实践知识和实践经验是至关重要的。所提议的活动产生的更广泛的影响：完成细胞生物学课程和实验的斯通希尔本科生将展示加强的研究技能。被选中的学生将作为导师、问题解决者和榜样，帮助有学术天赋、经济条件较弱的高中生在斯通希尔进行全日制研究，这是ACS项目SEED（弱势群体暑期教育体验）的一部分。

Biological Sciences (61) This project is establishing an inquiry-based undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory at Stonehill College to accompany the required lecture course. The laboratory course is modeled on two previously funded CCLI projects (0088185, 9952672). The theme of inquiry-based learning through team projects is adapted from the first project (0088085), and the unifying theme of heat shock response is our implementation of a similar theme on green fluorescent protein from the second project (9952672). The first of two modules instructs students in fundamental cell and molecular biology techniques, while the second allows the students to demonstrate their competencies with the techniques by working in collaborative research teams to investigate the effects of an experimental condition on the expression of heat shock proteins in CHO cells. Student results are communicated in the form of lab reports written in the style of a scientific article, a poster, and an oral presentation at a mini-symposium open to the College community, and each is peer- and faculty-reviewed. The objectives of the proposed project are (1) to establish a laboratory with an open-ended discovery-based approach to investigate a scientific question; (2) to develop and improve crucial professional skills: hypotheses and protocol development, experimentation using proper controls, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and formation of conclusions; (3) to foster an atmosphere of cooperative learning; and (4) to develop and improve students' analytical and oral and written communication skills.Intellectual Merit of the Proposed Activity: The Cell Biology Laboratory introduces students to the basics of genomics and proteonomics, two highly technical and challenging fields that will revolutionize our understanding of life processes. Therefore, it is essential that undergraduate Biochemistry and Biology majors obtain practical knowledge and hands-on experiences with the research techniques of these fields and their applications.Broader Impacts Resulting from the Proposed Activity: Stonehill undergraduates who complete the Cell Biology course and lab will demonstrate strengthened research skills. Selected students will serve as mentors, problem-solvers, and role models for academically-gifted, economically-disadvantaged high school students conducting fulltime research at Stonehill as part of the ACS's Project SEED (Summer Educational Experience for the Disadvantaged).