Learning Plant Molecular Biology Through Research-Oriented Investigations

生物科学（61）植物生物学分子方法（MAPB），一个上师本科实验室课程，旨在帮助学生获得参与植物分子生物学研究所需的技能，并培养对植物生物学的重要性，相关性和魅力的欣赏。 由于它们的柔韧性和容易获得，植物是本科教育中基于探究的调查的理想生物。本课程采用以研究为导向的方法来培养学生对植物生物学的兴趣，并培养学生在数据分析，实验设计和批判性思维方面的技能。在最初的八周里，为了准备实际参与一个研究项目，学生们学习了不同的技术，旨在研究基因如何在植物中发挥作用。在整个课程中，学生有机会通过在线论坛的练习和讨论来练习他们的技术技能并提高他们的科学调查能力。在课程的后半部分，学生根据他们的建议进行独立研究。他们每周向班级和导师报告自己的进步，征求批评和建议。在学期结束时，学生们在一个小型研讨会上展示他们的成果。他们的演讲由同行、讲师和受邀的研讨会观众评判。根据学生的报告和他们演示的质量来评估课程的效果，以展示学生所掌握的技能。智力价值：MAPB是一个研究型实验室课程，旨在培养学生进行科学调查的能力。该课程创造了新的材料，这是在生命科学本科教育的重要。更广泛的影响：本课程提高了不同类型学生对植物科学的认识，并为他们提供了参与植物科学研究项目的机会，并通过为推广计划提供设备来增强教师的准备。 本课程的研究结果也将用于丰富低年级课程。

Biological Sciences (61)Molecular Approaches in Plant Biology (MAPB), an upper division undergraduate laboratory course, is designed to help students obtain the skills needed to participate in plant molecular biology research and develop an appreciation of the importance, relevance, and fascination of plant biology. Because of their pliability and ease of access, plants are ideal organisms for inquiry-based investigations in undergraduate education. This course uses research-oriented approaches to develop student interest in plant biology and student skills in data analysis, experimental design and critical thinking. During the first eight weeks, in preparation for actually participating in a research project, students learn different techniques designed to study how genes function in plants. Throughout the course students have opportunities to practice their technical skills and improve their abilities in scientific investigations through exercises and discussions in on-line forums. In the latter part of the course students carry out independent studies based on their proposals. They report their progress weekly to the class and the instructor for criticism and suggestions. At the end of the semester, students present their results in a mini-symposium. Their presentations are judged by their peers, the instructor, and an invited symposium audience. Course effectiveness is being evaluated based on student reports and the quality of their presentations as a demonstration of the skills students have acquired. Intellectual merit: MAPB is a research-oriented laboratory course designed to develop student abilities to conduct scientific investigations. The course creates new materials which are important for undergraduate education in the life sciences. Broader impact: This course increases awareness of plant science by a diverse set of students and provides opportunities for them to participate in plant science research projects and enhances teacher preparation by providing equipment to outreach programs. Findings from this course will be used to enrich lower division courses as well.