Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Professionals: Integrating Computational Thinking into an Applied Molecular Forensics Research Program

研究人员正在开发一门综合性、多学科的本科分子法医学课程，以培养实验思维，提供一个平台，改变学生体验技术在科学发现中应用的方式。该项目将微生物学、生物化学和生物信息学的分析方法与计算机科学的算法和计算技能相结合，通过最初重点的镜头吸引科学与数学学院和工程学院的学生参与涉及尖端应用研究的教育体验：制作用于追踪环境污染的大肠杆菌指纹工作数据库。该课程每年通过多个基于探究的课程向1000多名学生提供。这些课程为加州大学保利分校分子取证的新重点奠定了基础，该学院将收集大肠杆菌的现场学生带到实验室，在实验室扩增细菌DNA并对其进行测序，再到计算机，在那里对数据进行评估，并将其存入数据库。每个实验单元都让本科生参与研究，在食品和水安全领域有着广泛的应用。分子取证模块被整合到基础水平(一年级/二年级)的入门课程的核心中，将微生物学、生物化学和生物信息学联系起来。在综合一级(初级/高级)，重点课程指导学生在分子法医学中建立和使用数据库。两门生物信息学课程，一门是为生命科学专业的学生开设的，一门是为计算机科学专业的学生开设的，旨在为学生提供多学科团队环境中基于项目的体验。学生的体验在应用程序级别(高级项目顶峰)达到顶峰，学生团队使用项目中创建的法医数据库从事环境和健康应用程序的研究。该项目正在培养本科生研究社区，同时为分子法医学领域做出贡献。由于食物和水传播的细菌病原体引起的疾病仍然是一个重大的公共卫生问题，开发有效的方法来追踪暴发源的重要性怎么强调都不为过。在整个分子法医学课程中，学生们正在为快速识别娱乐和饮用水以及食品供应中的污染源的解决方案的开发做出贡献。计算机科学专业的学生正在获得直接与客户合作开发科学专用软件应用程序的实际经验。

The investigators are developing an integrated, multidisciplinary undergraduate molecular forensics curriculum that fosters an experimental mindset, providing a platform to transform the way students experience the application of technology in scientific discovery. Combining analytical procedures in microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics with algorithmic and computational skills in computer science, the program is engaging students across the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Engineering in educational experiences involving cutting-edge applied research through the lens of an initial focus: production of a working database of E. coli fingerprints for use in tracking environmental contamination.The curriculum is being delivered to over 1,000 students each year in multiple inquiry-based courses. These courses lay the foundation for a new emphasis in molecular forensics at Cal Poly, which leads students from the field, where E. coli is collected, to the laboratory, where the bacterial DNA is amplified and sequenced, to the computer, where the data are evaluated and archived in a database. Each lab module engages undergraduates in research with broad applications in the areas of food and water safety. Molecular forensics modules are integrated into the core of introductory courses at the Foundation level (freshman/sophomore), linking microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. At the Integration level (junior/senior), focused courses guide students in the construction and use of databases in molecular forensics. Two bioinformatics courses, one for life sciences majors and one for computer science majors, are being taught in concert to provide students with project-based experiences in multidisciplinary team settings. The student experience culminates at the Application level (senior project capstone) with teams of students working on research with environmental and health applications using the forensic database created in the program.The project is cultivating an undergraduate research community while contributing to the field of molecular forensics. As diseases caused by food-and-water-borne bacterial pathogens continue to be a major public health issue, the importance of developing efficient methods for tracking the sources of outbreaks cannot be overemphasized. Throughout the molecular forensics curriculum, students are contributing to the development of solutions for rapid identification of contamination sources in recreational and potable water as well as food supplies. Computer science students are gaining the real-world experience of working directly with clients in the development of science-specific software applications.