Using cell lines as a model for stem cell biology in an undergraduate environment

生物科学(61)智力价值：该项目使用在受控条件下可在体外分化的容易获得的细胞系(如PC12和L6)，正在本科生细胞生物学实验室开发一种综合经验，模拟干细胞生物学的研究。具体地说，这个项目是：(1)通过在受影响的细胞生物学课程中开展以学生为中心的积极学习活动，提高学生的科学理解水平；(2)扩大学生完成细胞生物学领域独立的师生实验室研究的机会；以及(3)开发可供其他人使用的学生和教师讲座和实验室手册。该项目采用了美国国家科学基金会先前拨款(9950735)下开发的方法，该方法成功地增强了神经科学学生的培训、理解和研究机会。除了与课程相关的培训和由此产生的结果，学生们还参与独立的经验性实验室研究项目，在地方和国家会议上展示他们的成果，并作为共同作者向同行评议的科学期刊提交材料。更广泛的影响：这个项目解决了生命科学本科教育的一个重要目标，即挑战学生作为科学家而不是大学内外的技术人员进行思考。详细的学生和教师手册提供了一个易于遵循的计划，通过课堂和实验室环境中的协作学习活动，向学生介绍关于科学和技术在社会中的作用、细胞生物学、干细胞技术和实验研究的主题。阿卡迪亚大学参与了一项三人组/麦克奈尔伙伴计划，以招收和鼓励来自代表性不足群体的学生为深造做准备。生物学教员目前参与了阿卡迪亚大学教师教育计划的学生科学内容的提供，为现有K12教师的继续教育举办的研讨会，以及当地大学理科教师的教师发展。这个项目有助于推进这项工作。

Biological Sciences (61)Intellectual Merit: Using readily-accessible cell lines (such as PC12 and L6) that can be differentiated in vitro under controlled conditions, this project is developing an integrated experience in undergraduate cell biology laboratories that models research in stem cell biology. Specifically, this project is: (1) improving the level of scientific comprehension of students by developing student-centered active learning activities within the affected cell biology course; (2) expanding opportunities for students to complete independent faculty-student laboratory research in the field of cell biology; and (3) developing student and instructor lecture and laboratory manuals that can be used by others. This project adapts for cell biology the approach developed under a previous NSF grant (9950735) that successfully enhanced training, comprehension, and research opportunities for students in the neurosciences. In addition to the course-related training and as an outgrowth from it, students are becoming involved in independent empirical laboratory research projects, presenting their results at local and national meetings, and contributing as co-authors in submissions to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Broader Impact: This project addresses an important goal in undergraduate education in the life sciences, to challenge students to think as scientists, rather than as technicians both within and outside of the university. The detailed student and instructor manuals provide an easy-to-follow plan for presenting students with topics on the role of science and technology in society, cell biology, stem cell technology, and experimental research through collaborative learning activities in both the classroom and the laboratory setting. Arcadia University participates in a TRIO/McNair Partnership Program to recruit and encourage students from underrepresented groups to prepare for advanced graduate studies. Biology faculty members are currently involved in providing scientific content to students in Arcadia University's teacher education programs, workshops for continuing education of current K12 teachers, and faculty development for science faculty at local universities. This project helps to advance that work.