Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Molecular and Cellular Biology

生物科学(61)Metropolitana大学(UMET)提供的细胞和分子生物学(CMB)学士学位正在从传统课程转变为多学科课程，以更好地为学生的研究生和专业生涯以及工业职位做准备。正在从各种来源(见国家科学基金会0087570号和0088653号，国家研究理事会2010年生物信息系统指南)改编最佳做法，并在现有的和新的CMB课程中加以实施。该课程正在扩展，以包括以下内容：(A)适用于生物学的数学和计算模块；(B)大力强调口头和书面交流技能；(C)促进基于发现的学习的实验室经验。在CMB计划内正在创建一条生物技术轨道，提供生物课程的多学科方法，重点是生物技术行业所需的技能。该课程还包括以下内容，为学生在生物技术行业就业做好准备：(A)基于该行业内广泛使用的技术的实践经验，(B)旨在提供生物技术商业方面基本了解的创业课程，以及(C)生物工程过程课程，该课程使学生能够作为工业团队的一部分，成功地与工程师互动。宾夕法尼亚州立大学、威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校、阿拉巴马大学亨茨维尔分校、密歇根大学和西切斯特大学的教职员工就这些变化提出了建议，这些大学都在各自的机构实施了类似的项目。波多黎各工业-学术协会(INDUNIV)正在提供有关评估的其他咨询意见。该项目的预期成果是：(A)创建一个独特的CMB方案，以满足全球和波多黎各市场当前科学发展的要求；(B)实施单元和课程，从而培训具有更好的沟通和数学技能的科学家；(C)提高UMET科学教员的能力，以培养能够在多学科技术环境中取得成功的专业人员；以及(D)英文和西班牙文的手册、网站和其他材料，用于在科学界传播这一项目的成就。拟议活动的智力价值：这些课程为未被充分代表、在社会经济上处于不利地位的西班牙裔学生提供以探究为基础的多学科课程，将使他们更好地为在CMB进行研究生学习或在生物技术行业取得成功做好准备。学生们正在接受批判性思维和清晰沟通的挑战，打造能够成为各自领域领导者的自由思维的人。拟议活动的更广泛影响：参与活动的教职员工拓宽了他们对CMB及其与其他领域的相互关系的理解，并变得更加擅长在他们的课程中纳入基于探究的多学科活动。最后，该项目成果的传播，加上更多的毕业生在他们的职业生涯中取得成功，将有助于UMET吸引有才华的学生，并确保CMB项目继续成功。

Biological Sciences (61)The Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB) B.S. degree offered by Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) is changing from a traditional to a multidisciplinary program to better prepare students for graduate and professional careers as well as for positions in industry. Best practices are being adapted from a variety of sources (see NSF # 0087570 and 0088653, the National Research Council's guide to BIO 2010) and implemented in existing and new CMB courses. The curriculum is being expanded to include the following elements: (a) mathematical and computational modules applicable to biology, (b) a strong emphasis on verbal and written communication skills, and (c) laboratory experiences that lead to discovery-based learning. A biotechnology track is being created within the CMB program that offers a multidisciplinary approach to biological courses with an emphasis on skills required by the biotechnology industry. This track also features the following in an effort to prepare students for employment in the biotechnology industry: (a) hands-on experiences based on widely practiced techniques within this industry, (b) a course in entrepreneurship designed to provide a basic understanding of the business aspects of biotechnology, and (c) a course on bioengineering processes, which prepares students to successfully interact with engineers as part of an industrial team. Advice concerning these changes is being given by faculty from Penn State University, University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Alabama - Huntsville, University of Michigan, and West Chester University, each of whom has implemented similar projects at their institutions. Additional advice regarding assessment is being provided by the Puerto Rico Industry - Academia Association (INDUNIV).The expected outcomes of this project are: (a) the creation of a unique CMB program that meets the demands of current scientific developments for the global and Puerto Rican markets; (b) the implementation of modules and courses that lead to the training of scientists with improved communication and mathematical skills; (c) an increased capacity of UMET's science faculty to prepare professionals capable of succeeding in multidisciplinary technical environments; and (d) manuals, a web site and other materials in both English and Spanish for the dissemination of this project's accomplishments among the scientific community.Intellectual Merit of Proposed Activity: These course are providing underrepresented, socioeconomically disadvantaged Hispanic students with inquiry-based, multidisciplinary courses that will better prepare them for graduate studies in CMB or for a successful career in the biotechnology industry. Students are being challenged to think critically and communicate clearly, forging free-thinking individuals capable of becoming leaders in their fields.Broader impacts from the proposed activity: Participating faculty are broadening their understanding of CMB and how it interrelates with other fields, and are becoming more adept at including inquiry-based, multidisciplinary activities in their courses. Finally, dissemination of this project's results coupled to an elevated number of graduates succeeding in their careers will help UMET to attract talented students and ensure the continued success of the CMB program.