Introductory biology courses: a framework to support active learning in large enrollment introductory science courses

Active learning and research-oriented activities have been increasingly used in smaller, specialized science courses. Application of this type of scientific teaching to large enrollment introductory courses has been, however, a major challenge. The general microbiology lecture/laboratory course described has been designed to incorporate published active-learning methods. Three major case studies are used as platforms for active learning. Themes from case studies are integrated into lectures and laboratory experiments, and in class and online discussions and assignments. Students are stimulated to apply facts to problem-solving and to learn research skills such as data analysis, writing, and working in teams. This course is feasible only because of its organizational framework that makes use of teaching teams (made up of faculty, graduate assistants, and undergraduate assistants) and Web-based technology. Technology is a mode of communication, but also a system of course management. The relevance of this model to other biology courses led to assessment and evaluation, including an analysis of student responses to the new course, class performance, a university course evaluation, and retention of course learning. The results are indicative of an increase in student engagement in research-oriented activities and an appreciation of real-world context by students.     

Cancer cell biology: a student-centered instructional module exploring the use of multimedia to enrich interactive,constructivist learning of science

Multimedia has the potential of providing bioscience education novel learning environments and pedagogy applications to foster student interest, involve students in the research process, advance critical thinking/problem-solving skills, and develop conceptual understanding of biological topics. Cancer Cell Biology, an interactive, multimedia, problem-based module, focuses on how mutations in protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation by engaging students as research scientists/physicians with the task of diagnosing the molecular basis of tumor growth for a group of patients. The process of constructing the module, which was guided by scientist and student feedback/responses, is described. The completed module and insights gained from its development are presented as a potential "multimedia pedagogy" for the development of other multimedia science learning environments.     

如何激发学生学习植物生物学的兴趣

植物生物学是生物科学的主要专业基础课之一,内容繁多,学生容易感到枯燥乏味。从灵活运用教学方法和网络资源、丰富实践教学形式、用成功的体验激发学生等方面出发,针对如何激发学生学习兴趣进行了植物生物学教学的初步改革和探讨。     

案例教学在林学专业遗传学教学中的应用

遗传学是林学专业本科生普遍反映最难学习的必修课程之一,传统的讲授式教学很难满足遗传学教学的需求。根据林学专业的理论特点和实际需求,结合近几年的教学和科研经验,选取了“开棺验亲”、“黑果枸杞茎刺”、“哈利·波特与魔法力”等一系列典型的案例应用于林学专业的遗传学教学。实践证明针对遗传学的案例教学能培养学生的学习能力和创造力、激发学生学习兴趣和学习的主动性,同时也培养了学生良好的个性品质并在一定程度上增强知识学习的系统性。     

Evolution and medicine in undergraduate education: a prescription for all biology students

The interface between evolutionary biology and the biomedical sciences promises to advance understanding of the origins of genetic and infectious diseases in humans, potentially leading to improved medical diagnostics, therapies, and public health practices. The biomedical sciences also provide unparalleled examples for evolutionary biologists to explore. However, gaps persist between evolution and medicine, for historical reasons and because they are often perceived as having disparate goals. Evolutionary biologists have a role in building a bridge between the disciplines by presenting evolutionary biology in the context of human health and medical practice to undergraduates, including premedical and preprofessional students. We suggest that students will find medical examples of evolution engaging. By making the connections between evolution and medicine clear at the undergraduate level, the stage is set for future health providers and biomedical scientists to work productively in this synthetic area. Here, we frame key evolutionary concepts in terms of human health, so that biomedical examples may be more easily incorporated into evolution courses or more specialized courses on evolutionary medicine. Our goal is to aid in building the scientific foundation in evolutionary biology for all students, and to encourage evolutionary biologists to join in the integration of evolution and medicine.     

化学生物学专业微生物学课程教学探索与实践

随着科学技术的发展,微生物学的研究内容与对象都发生了较大变化,与其他学科的交叉会产生新的学科与专业,对新型专业的微生物学课程进行教学改革与探索对于培养复合型与创新型人才十分重要。为适应我校化学生物学专业学生的培养要求,我们对微生物学的教学内容、教学方法和考核方式3个方面进行调整。化学生物学专业微生物学课程独立开课5年来基本达到我校教学目标与化学生物学专业学生的培养要求,本文介绍我校化学生物学专业微生物学课程的改革内容与方向,供同行指正。