Integration and Dissemination of Inquiry Based Video Microscopy and Image Processing Labs into the Undergraduate Curriculum

基于探究的视频显微镜和图像处理实验室在本科课程中的整合和传播

• 批准号: 0736966
• 负责人: David Knecht
• 金额: $ 14.54万
• 依托单位: University of Connecticut
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-01-01 至 2010-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0736966&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Integration; Dissemination; Inquiry; Based; Video

Biological Sciences (61)The advent of inexpensive digital video technology has revolutionized the ability to capture images of cell structure and behavior through the microscope. In parallel, the fluorescent protein revolution, initiated with the cloning of GFP, has given researchers dramatic insights into the dynamics of proteins in living cells. This project capitalizes on these advances to give students in biochemistry, cell biology and genetics courses the opportunity to engage in self-directed laboratory exploration of cellular processes by using green fluorescent probes to compare processes in live cells of mutant and wild strains of the social amoeba Dictyostelium. Equipment added to the laboratory includes several low-cost video fluorescent microscope workstations, a spinning disc confocal microscope system, and an electroporator (for the genetics and cell biology labs). The modules being developed are based on current research at the institution and experience gained within the institution's core microscopy facility.The intellectual merits of this proposal stem from extensive use of live cell imaging, the emphasis on quantitative digital imaging, and the investigative nature of the course. Students learn what a phase contrast optical system does and how it differs from Differential Interference Contrast, how fluorescence filter sets work and the relationship of a CCD chip to an image on a computer screen. The microscope is used for a variety of activities including: checking cultures, titering cells on a hemocytometer, and time-lapse video movie acquisition. Another key aspect of the course is quantitative imaging. Students learn about digital image processing including quantification of parameters like cell size, cell speed, and persistence of chemotactic movement using the power of the video microscope as a quantitative measurement instrument, rather than a qualitative photographic device. In most experiments, students not only investigate a cellular process, but they compare wild-type cells with mutants. The students are given guidelines, but not protocols and are encouraged to devise their own experimental questions within the general parameters of the laboratory. Each laboratory report is written as a mini-research manuscript in which they describe the background, assumptions and hypotheses, as well as the results and discussion.The implementation of this proposal is having a broad impact on undergraduate education. The equipment is being utilized not only to enhance the core microscopy course, but also by two other laboratory courses in the department, using course suitable inquiry based fluorescence microscopy experiments designed jointly by the PI and the faculty responsible for the course. In addition, modified versions of the laboratory modules are being used in undergraduate summer programs, high schools, and community colleges. To reach the wider audience of Cell Biology faculty, the modules are being distributed to the Dictyostelium community through Dictybase, ASCB Education, BiosciEdNet and other teaching resources.

生物科学(61)廉价数字视频技术的出现彻底改变了通过显微镜捕捉细胞结构和行为图像的能力。与此同时，随着绿色荧光蛋白的克隆而引发的荧光蛋白质革命，让研究人员对活细胞中蛋白质的动态有了戏剧性的洞察。该项目利用这些进展，为生物化学、细胞生物学和遗传学课程的学生提供机会，通过使用绿色荧光探针比较社会变形虫突变株和野生株的活细胞中的过程，对细胞过程进行自我指导的实验室探索。实验室增加的设备包括几个低成本的视频荧光显微镜工作站，一个旋转圆盘共聚焦显微镜系统，以及一个电穿孔器(用于遗传学和细胞生物学实验室)。正在开发的模块是基于该机构目前的研究和在该机构的核心显微镜设施中获得的经验。这一提议的智力优点来自于活细胞成像的广泛使用，对定量数字成像的重视，以及课程的调查性质。学生学习什么是相位对比光学系统，它与差分干涉对比有何不同，荧光滤光片是如何工作的，以及ccd芯片与计算机屏幕上图像的关系。该显微镜用于各种活动，包括：检查培养物，血细胞计数仪上的细胞滴定，以及延时视频电影的获取。这门课程的另一个关键方面是定量成像。学生学习数字图像处理，包括使用视频显微镜作为定量测量工具而不是定性摄影设备来量化细胞大小、细胞速度和化学趋化运动的持续性等参数。在大多数实验中，学生们不仅研究细胞过程，而且还将野生细胞与突变细胞进行比较。给学生提供指导方针，但不给出规程，并鼓励学生在实验室的一般参数范围内设计自己的实验问题。每一份实验报告都是一份迷你的研究手稿，其中描述了背景、假设和假设，以及结果和讨论。这项建议的实施对本科教育产生了广泛的影响。该设备不仅被用来加强核心显微镜课程，而且还被系内的另外两门实验室课程使用，使用由PI和负责该课程的教员共同设计的适合探究的荧光显微镜实验。此外，实验室模块的修改版本正在本科生暑期课程、高中和社区大学中使用。为了接触到更广泛的细胞生物学教师群体，这些模块正通过Dictybase、ASCB Education、BiosciEdNet和其他教学资源分发给Dictyostelials社区。