A Comprehensive Introductory Biology Curriculum Centered Around Student Participation in Research Experiences

我们正在通过向所有索诺马州立大学(SSU)的生物学学生提供在其生物学课程早期进行科学研究的经验，来扩大在科学领域积极学习机会的可及性。为了实现这一目标，我们正在调整三个成功的本科课程中开展的活动：“用基因流动模型评估自然种群的差异：非洲交错带和热带雨林鸟类的形态和分子分析”(T.Smith，Pi-NSF)；“分子遗传分析在进化、生态学和系统生物学中的应用”(F.Bayliss，Pi-NSF)；以及“自然种群的遗传多样性”(T.Smith，Pi-NIH)。这些项目的一个共同主题是使用分子遗传数据来了解进化、生态学和保护生物学中的模式和过程。我们对这些活动进行了调整，以提供一系列入门级的“研究经验”，强调假设检验、现代设备和调查方法的使用以及批判性思维技能的发展。教育工作者和政策制定者已经认识到有必要激发学生对科学的兴趣。然而，大多数本科生物课程并没有为学生在科学领域的职业生涯做好充分的准备。在上海理工大学生物系，我们已经开始重塑和更新我们的课程。拟议课程的目标是：1)创造一个积极学习的环境，通过从一开始就让学生直接参与到科学过程中来激发他们对生物学(和其他科学)的兴趣：2)向学生介绍科学方法和批判性思维技能，这些技能将适用于他们的一生；3)创建一个低年级学生、高年级学生和教职员工共同工作的学习社区，以及4)为合格的高级学生提供获得教学经验和现代调查和实验室技术的高水平培训的机会。

We are expanding the accessibility of active learning opportunities in the sciences by providing all Sonoma State University (SSU) biology students with experiences in scientific investigations early in their biology program. To accomplish this, we are adapting activities developed in three successful undergraduate programs: "Evaluating the divergence with gene flow model in natural populations: morphological and molecular analyses of African ecotone and rainforest birds" (T. Smith, PI-NSF); "Molecular genetic analysis applied to evolution, ecology, and systematic biology" (F. Bayliss, PI-NSF); and "Genetic diversity in natural populations" (T. Smith, PI--NIH). A common theme in these programs is the use of molecular genetic data to understand patterns and processes in evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. We have adapted these activities to provide a series of introductory level "research experiences" that emphasize hypothesis testing, the use of modern equipment and investigative methods, and the development of critical thinking skills. Educators and policy makers have recognized the need to stimulate student interest in the sciences. However, most undergraduate biology curricula do not adequately prepare students for careers in science. In the Department of Biology at SSU, we have begun the process of reshaping and updating our curriculum. The goals of the proposed curricula are: 1) to create an environment of active learning that inspires students' interest in biology (and other sciences) by directly involving them in the scientific process from the beginning: 2) to provide students with an introduction to scientific approaches and critical thinking skills that will be applicable throughout their lives; 3) to create a learning community where lower-division students, upper-division students, and faculty work together, and 4) to provide qualified advanced students with opportunities to gain teaching experience and high-level training in modern investigative and laboratory techniques.