Inquiry -based Learning through Team Projects in a Cell Biology Lab Course

生物科学（61）通过本项目，我们正在实施一门新的分子细胞生物学（MCB）本科实验课程。MCB实验室是一门高级选修课程，提供密集的、探究式的实验室。以探究为基础的形式使学生能够发展对研究过程的理解，作为研究细胞结构和功能的一种手段。MCB实验室面向奥兰多中佛罗里达大学生物学、分子生物学和微生物学以及化学系的学生开放。实验课程通过使用视频显微镜和现代计算机成像系统，以及使用现代生化和分子技术和仪器，将技术融入课堂。MCB实验室适应使用绿色荧光蛋白（GFP）结构到本科实验室设置。本课程改编自美国国家科学基金会项目DUE#9952672，“以绿色荧光蛋白为统一主题，在细胞生物学中发展研究型实验室”，以及使用绿色荧光蛋白融合蛋白标记的研究文献。在本学期的课程中，学生将研究真核细胞区隔化和细胞骨架动力学的分子基础，使用各种GFP融合蛋白作为特定标记。这使学生能够使用荧光视频显微镜观察细胞在体内的行为。GFP融合蛋白也可以进行生化检测，这一特点使学生能够通过将GFP融合蛋白的微观定位与生化行为相关联，将他们对真核细胞结构和功能的看法整合起来。这项工作的结果是通过基于探究的活动显著改善了学生的学习，提高了学生的热情，从而在生命科学中保持了活力。该项目解决了反映国家关注的当地需求：为SMET领域的本科生在科学领域的职业生涯做好准备，包括专业学校，研究生课程或学术或工业环境中的研究职位。MCB实验室解决了当前课程的一个局限性，提供了一个现代的基于探究的实验室经验来补充讲座课程，丰富了本科实验课程，提供了一个实质性的本科研究经验，并为学生在教师研究项目中的继续研究做好准备。

Biological Sciences (61) Through this project, we are implementing a new undergraduate laboratory course in Molecular Cell Biology (MCB). The MCB Lab is an upper division elective providing an intensive, inquiry-based lab. The inquiry-based format enables students to develop an understanding of the research process as a means to investigate cell structure and function. The MCB Lab is available to students in the Biology, Molecular Biology and Microbiology, and Chemistry Departments at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. The lab course integrates technology into the classroom through the use of video microscopy and modern computer imaging systems as well as the use of modern biochemical and molecular techniques and instrumentation. The MCB Lab adapts the use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) constructs to the undergraduate laboratory setting. The course adapts elements of the NSF project DUE#9952672, "Developing research-based laboratories in cell biology using green fluorescent protein as a unifying theme" and of the research literature using GFP fusion protein markers. During the semester course, students investigate the molecular basis of eukaryotic cell compartmentalization and cytoskeletal dynamics using various GFP fusion proteins as specific markers. This enables students to observe cellular behaviors in vivo using fluorescence video microscopy. GFP fusion proteins can also be detected biochemically and this feature enables students to integrate their view of eukaryotic cell structure and function by correlating microscopic localization with biochemical behavior of the GFP fusion proteins. The outcome of this work is a significant improvement in student learning through inquiry based activities and increased student enthusiasm and thus retention in the life sciences. This project addresses a local need that reflects a national concern: preparing undergraduates in the SMET areas for careers in the sciences, including professional schools, graduate programs, or research positions in academic or industrial settings. The MCB Lab addresses a limitation in the current curriculum by providing a modern inquiry based lab experience to complement lecture curriculum, enriching the undergraduate laboratory curriculum, providing a substantive undergraduate research experience, and preparing students for continued research in faculty research programs.