Targeted Infusion Project: Infusing Quantitative Biology Methods into Cognate and Upper Division Courses: Enhancement of the Life Sciences Curriculum at Fisk University

历史上的黑人学院和大学本科生计划（HBCU-UP）通过有针对性的输液项目支持开发，实施和基于证据的创新模式和方法的研究，以提高HBCU本科生的准备和成功，使他们可以追求STEM研究生课程和/或职业。该项目在菲斯克大学旨在纳入定量生物学方法和嵌入到同源和上级师生命科学课程的讲座和实验室组成部分真实的研究。菲斯克大学，HBCU，有超过98%的学生是有色人种，这些学生中有超过90%是非洲裔美国人，这对这一人口产生了直接影响。该项目将为学生提供核心科学技能的坚实基础，特别是定量技能，如计算，建模，解决问题和数据分析。拟议的活动预计将提高学生对STEM相关领域的兴趣，提高STEM学科的保留和进步，并将成为具有类似使命的其他机构的可能复制模式。该项目的总体目标是创新所采用的课程和方法，以便更好地为生命科学领域的学生做好准备，以适应日益多学科的研究环境。这一目标将通过以下具体目标来实现：1）开发生命科学物理学入门课程，在物理学核心概念和生命科学应用之间取得适当的平衡; 2）创建生物物理化学课程，重点关注生物大分子的结构、热力学和动力学;以及3）开发高级生物课程模块，加强生命科学和物理科学之间的联系。这种跨学科的方法将与菲斯克大学正在进行的几项举措协同作用，并对STEM学科的学生职业培训产生变革性影响。

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue STEM graduate programs and/or careers. The project at Fisk University seeks to incorporate quantitative biology methods and embed authentic research into lecture and laboratory components of cognate and upper division life science courses. Fisk University, an HBCU, has over 98% students of color, and more than 90% of these students are African-Americans, resulting in a direct impact on this population. The proposed project will provide students with a strong foundation in core scientific skills, particularly quantitative skills such as computation, modeling, problem solving, and data analysis. The proposed activities are expected to increase students' interest in STEM related fields, increase retention and progression in STEM disciplines, and will serve as a possible replicable model for other institutions that share a similar mission. The overall goal of the project is to innovate the curriculum and pedagogies employed in order to better prepare students in the life sciences for an increasingly multidisciplinary research landscape. This goal will be accomplished through the following specific objectives: 1) develop an introductory physics for life sciences course which strikes an appropriate balance between physics core concepts and life science applications; 2) create a biophysical chemistry course that focuses on the structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics of biological macromolecules; and 3) develop modules for upper level biology courses that reinforce the connections between life and physical sciences. This interdisciplinary approach will synergize with several ongoing initiatives at Fisk University and have a transformative effect on student training for careers in STEM disciplines.