Improving Quantitative Reasoning and Inquiry-Based Learning in the Undergraduate Biology Curriculum

生命科学生物学(61)通过在生命科学实验室课程中加强对定量推理和基于探究的活动的重视，圣托马斯大学(UST)和北亨内平社区学院(NHCC)的教职员工正在鼓励更多的学生考虑进行研究。一年级的入门生物学实验室和中级的植物生物学实验室正在由这些学校的教师合作进行修订。数字显微镜和气体交换的定量分析将被纳入实验室入门课程。这些技术的加入和相关的课程改革旨在实现四个具体目标：-更好地整合生物中的数学技能和高阶思维技能。-改进和扩大以探究为基础的实验室，以建立与正在进行的研究项目的更好联系。-学生与生物体合作，了解结构与功能的关系，从而更好地了解生物多样性。-在小组中使用技术来促进合作学习和每个实验室内的社区意识。智力优势：通过态度调查、比较学生在实施新的技术增强的实验室练习前后在实验室考试中的表现来评估学生的收获，以及学期前和学期后的科学和定量推理测试。正在对结果进行检查，以检测课程变化对不同学生群体的影响。更广泛的影响：课程使用研究技术旨在挑战学生更高层次的思维，从而提高学生的热情和对较低级别生命科学实验室的参与度。大学和社区学院之间的这种合作有助于让更多来自不同背景的学生认识到共同开展科学研究工作的人。

Life Science Biological (61) By increasing the emphasis on quantitative reasoning and inquiry-based activities in life science laboratory courses, faculty at the University of St. Thomas (UST) and North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) are encouraging more students to consider doing research. A first year introductory biology laboratory and a mid-level plant biology laboratory are being revised by faculty collaborating at these schools. Digital microscopy and quantitative analysis of gas exchange are being brought into the introductory laboratory curriculum. The addition of these technologies and the associated curricular changes are targeting four specific objectives:- better integration of math skills and higher order thinking skills in biology.- improving and expanding inquiry-based laboratories to create better links with ongoing research projects.- students working with organisms to understand the relationship of structure to function leading to greater understanding of biological diversity.- use of technology in small groups to promote cooperative learning and a sense of community within each laboratory.Intellectual Merit: Student gains are being assessed using attitudinal surveys, comparisons of student performance on laboratory examinations before and after the implementation of new technology-enhanced laboratory exercises, and tests of scientific and quantitative reasoning pre- and post-semester. Results are being examined to detect effects of curricular changes on different populations of students. Broader Impacts: Curricular use of research technology is intended to challenge students toward higher order thinking, and, as a result, to increase student enthusiasm and engagement in lower division life science labs. This collaboration between a university and community college helps acquaint more students from diverse backgrounds with people who work together to carry out science research endeavors.