Transposing from the laboratory to the classroom to generate authentic research experiences for undergraduates.

ABSTRACT: Large lecture classes and standardized laboratory exercises are characteristic of introductory biology courses. Previous research has found that these courses do not adequately convey the process of scientific research and the excitement of discovery. Here we propose a model that provides beginning biology students with an inquiry-based, active learning laboratory experience. The Dynamic Genome course replicates a modern research laboratory focused on eukaryotic transposable elements where beginning undergraduates learn key genetics concepts, experimental design, and molecular biological skills. Here we report on two key features of the course, a didactic module and the capstone original research project. The module is a modified version of a published experiment where students experience

SUBMITTER: Burnette JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3567729 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature