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Using Synthetic Biology and pClone Red for Authentic Research on Promoter Function: Genetics (analyzing mutant...
Learning Objectives- Describe how cells can produce proteins at the right time and correct amount.
- Diagram a bacterial promoter with −35 and −10 elements and the transcription start site.
- Describe how mutational analysis can be used to study promoter sequence requirements.
- Develop a promoter mutation hypothesis and design an experiment to test it.
- Successfully and safely manipulate DNA and Escherichia coli for ligation and transformation experiments.
- Design an experiment to verify a mutated promoter has been cloned into a destination vector.
- Design an experiment to measure the strength of a promoter.
- Analyze data showing reporter protein produced and use the data to assess promoter strength.
- Define type IIs restriction enzymes.
- Distinguish between type II and type IIs restriction enzymes.
- Explain how Golden Gate Assembly (GGA) works.
- Measure the relative strength of a promoter compared to a standard promoter.
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Exploring the March to Mars Using 3D Print Models
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to describe the major aspects of the Mars Curiosity Rover missions.
- Students will be able to synthesize information learned from a classroom jigsaw activity on the Mars Curiosity Rover missions.
- Students will be able to work in teams to plan a future manned mission to Mars.
- Students will be able to summarize their reports to the class.
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The ACTN3 Polymorphism: Applications in Genetics and Physiology Teaching Laboratories
Learning Objectives- Test hypotheses related to the role of ACTN3 in skeletal muscle function.
- Explain how polymorphic variants of the ACTN3 gene affect protein structure and function.
- List and explain the differences between fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibers.
- List and explain possible roles of the ACTN3 protein in skeletal muscle function.
- Find and analyze relevant scientific publications about the relationship between ACTN3 genotype and muscle function.
- Formulate hypotheses related to the relationship between ACTN3 genotype and skeletal muscle function.
- Design experiments to test hypotheses about the role of ACTN3 in skeletal muscle function.
- Statistically analyze experimental results using relevant software.
- Present experimental results in writing.
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Using Undergraduate Molecular Biology Labs to Discover Targets of miRNAs in Humans
Learning Objectives- Use biological databases to generate and compare lists of predicted miR targets, and obtain the mRNA sequence of their selected candidate gene
- Use bioinformatics tools to design and optimize primer sets for qPCR
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A new approach to course-based research using a hermit crab-hydrozoan symbiosis
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- define different types of symbiotic interactions, with specific examples.
- summarize and critically evaluate contemporary primary literature relevant to ecological symbioses, in particular that between hermit crabs and Hydractinia spp.
- articulate a question, based on observations of a natural phenomenon (in this example, the hermit crab-Hydractinia interaction).
- articulate a testable hypothesis, based on their own observations and read of the literature.
- design appropriate experimental or observational studies to address their hypotheses.
- collect and interpret data in light of their hypotheses.
- problem-solve and troubleshoot issues that arise during their experiment.
- communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form.
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Fly Exercise: A Simple Experiment to Test the Physiological Effects of Exercise on a Model Organism
Learning ObjectivesStudents will:- demonstrate understanding of the concept and details of experimental design.
- perform an organic lipid extraction to determine total lipid content.
- quantify enzyme activity, as well as triglyceride, glucose, and glycogen concentrations.
- organize their collected data into spreadsheets for statistical analyses.
- interpret the results to gain insight on the varying effects exercise has on an organism's physiology.
- graphically present their results so that trends can be easily identified.
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Forensic Phylogenetics: Implementing Tree-thinking in a Court of Law
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to infer the topological and temporal relationships expected in an evolutionary tree (phylogeny) of a pathogen in the case of transmission from one host to the next.
- Students will be able to draw trees representing the transmission events from one host (patient zero) to multiple secondary patients.
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Using Immunocytochemistry and Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging to Explore the Mechanism of Action of Anti-Cancer Drugs...
Learning ObjectivesStudents will:- name and describe the changes to chromosomes and cytoskeleton during each stage of mitosis.
- compare the usefulness and limitations of information obtained by light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy.
- quantify, analyze and summarize their data on the prevalence of cells at different stages of cell division in randomly sampled cell populations.
- describe how cell imaging is used to collect and analyze data on dynamic cellular events.
- present their scientific data in an appropriate and accurate way to an audience.
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Teaching Biodiversity with Museum Specimens in an Inquiry-Based Lab
Learning ObjectivesStudents completing this lab module will:- Learn how to appropriately handle and measure museum specimens.
- Develop the necessary statistical skills to analyze museum specimen data.
- Become familiar with how to search an online museum database and integrate supplemental data with their own dataset.
- Strengthen scientific communication skills by presenting research to their peers.
- Demonstrate ability to investigate scientific questions and address obstacles that occur during data collection and integration.
- Increase proficiency in managing and using large datasets for scientific research.
- Make connections between natural history knowledge and morphology of organisms in developing and testing hypotheses.
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Differential Gene Expression during Xenopus laevis Development
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- identify different stages of Xenopus development
- contrast the strengths and limitations of the Xenopus model organism
- explain the process and purpose of in situ hybridization
- compare gene expression patterns from different germ layers or organ domains
- compare gene expression patterns from different developmental stages
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Dynamic Daphnia: An inquiry-based research experience in ecology that teaches the scientific process to first-year...
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- Construct written predictions about 1 factor experiments.
- Interpret simple (2 variables) figures.
- Construct simple (2 variables) figures from data.
- Design simple 1 factor experiments with appropriate controls.
- Demonstrate proper use of standard laboratory items, including a two-stop pipette, stereomicroscope, and laboratory notebook.
- Calculate means and standard deviations.
- Given some scaffolding (instructions), select the correct statistical test for a data set, be able to run a t-test, ANOVA, chi-squared test, and linear regression in Microsoft Excel, and be able to correctly interpret their results.
- Construct and present a scientific poster.
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The Leaky Neuron: Understanding synaptic integration using an analogy involving leaky cups
Learning ObjectivesStudents will able to:- compare and contrast spatial and temporal summation in terms of the number of presynaptic events and the timing of these events
- predict the relative contribution to reaching threshold and firing an action potential as a function of distance from the axon hillock
- predict how the frequency of incoming presynaptic action potentials effects the success of temporal summation of resultant postsynaptic potentials
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Investigating Gene Expression and Cell Specialization in Axolotl Embryos
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- identify characteristics of each stage of axolotl embryonic development.
- understand the importance of model organisms in the study of biological processes.
- compare strengths and limitations of axolotls as model organisms.
- understand the concepts related to differential gene expression and cell specialization.
- integrate their understanding of differential expression and cell specialization.
- explain the process and purpose of PCR, qPCR, and reverse transcriptase.
- calculate expression levels from raw qPCR results.
- analyze gene expression levels in embryos at different stages of development.
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Using Synthetic Biology and pClone Red for Authentic Research on Promoter Function: Introductory Biology (identifying...
Learning Objectives- Describe how cells can produce proteins at the right time and correct amount.
- Diagram how a repressor works to reduce transcription.
- Diagram how an activator works to increase transcription.
- Identify a new promoter from literature and design a method to clone it and test its function.
- Successfully and safely manipulate DNA and Escherichia coli for ligation and transformation experiments.
- Design an experiment to verify a new promoter has been cloned into a destination vector.
- Design an experiment to measure the strength of a promoter.
- Analyze data showing reporter protein produced and use the data to assess promoter strength.
- Define type IIs restriction enzymes.
- Distinguish between type II and type IIs restriction enzymes.
- Explain how Golden Gate Assembly (GGA) works.
- Measure the relative strength of a promoter compared to a standard promoter.
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Bad Science: Exploring the unethical research behind a putative memory supplement
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- create criteria for evaluating information that is touted as scientific.
- apply those criteria to evaluate the claim that Prevagen® enhances memory.
- identify the misleading tactics used on the Prevagen® website and in their self-published reporting.
- decide whether to recommend taking Prevagen® and explain their decisions.
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Serotonin in the Pocket: Non-covalent interactions and neurotransmitter binding
Learning Objectives- Students will design a binding site for the neurotransmitter serotonin.
- Students will be able to determine the effect of a change in molecular orientation on the affinity of the molecule for the binding site.
- Students will be able to determine the effect of a change in molecular charge on the affinity of the molecule for the binding site.
- Students will be able to better differentiate between hydrogen bond donors and acceptors.
- Students can use this knowledge to design binding sites for other metabolites.
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Inexpensive Cell Migration Inquiry Lab using Zebrafish
Learning ObjectivesStudents will:- formulate a hypothesis and design an experiment with the proper controls.
- describe the steps involved in the zebrafish wounding assay (treating zebrafish embryos with drugs or control substances, wounding the embryo, staining the embryo, and counting neutrophils near the wound).
- summarize results into a figure and write a descriptive figure legend.
- perform appropriate statistical analysis.
- interpret results in a discussion that draws connections between the cytoskeleton and cell migration.
- put data into context by appropriately using information from journal articles in the introduction and discussion of a lab report.
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Green Design: How do Leaf Structures Optimize Photosynthesis and Promote Survival?
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- Analyze structural and anatomical features that optimize photosynthesis under various environmental conditions such as shading, water deficit, or high temperature. (ASPB-BSA Learning Objective)
- Identify & draw the cellular anatomy of a typical monocot and dicot leaf
- Describe the internal structure of a monocot and dicot leaf and how those structures contribute to the main functions of the leaf
- Apply the core concept of Structure & Function to plant leaves
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The Science Behind the ACTN3 Polymorphism
Learning ObjectivesThis article accompanies the lesson "The ACTN3 Polymorphism: Applications in Genetics and Physiology Teaching Laboratories." Learning objectives for the lesson include:- Test hypotheses related to the role of ACTN3 in skeletal muscle function.
- Explain how polymorphic variants of the ACTN3 gene affect protein structure and function.
- List and explain the differences between fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibers.
- List and explain possible roles of the ACTN3 protein in skeletal muscle function.
- Find and analyze relevant scientific publications about the relationship between ACTN3 genotype and muscle function.
- Formulate hypotheses related to the relationship between ACTN3 genotype and skeletal muscle function.
- Design experiments to test hypotheses about the role of ACTN3 in skeletal muscle function.
- Statistically analyze experimental results using relevant software.
- Present experimental results in writing.
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Sex and gender: What does it mean to be female or male?
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to distinguish between sex and gender, and apply each term appropriately.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast levels of sexual determination.
- Students will be able to critique societal misrepresentations surrounding sex, gender, and gender identity.
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Furry with a chance of evolution: Exploring genetic drift with tuco-tucos
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to explain how genetic drift leads to allelic changes over generations.
- Students will be able to demonstrate that sampling error can affect every generation, which can result in random changes in allelic frequency.
- Students will be able to explore and evaluate the effect of population size on the strength of genetic drift.
- Students will be able to analyze quantitative data associated with genetic drift.
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Your Tax Dollars at Work: A mock grant writing experience centered on scientific process skills
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- Propose a testable, novel question contributing to a biological field of study.
- Formulate a study rationale.
- Describe relevant background information on a topic using the primary literature.
- Choose appropriate scientific, mathematical, and statistical methods to analyze a research question.
- Determine the financial costs of a research project.
- Present a proposal for peer review and compose a constructive peer review.
- Collaborate as a member of a scientific team.
- Articulate the review criteria and process used in NSF-style proposal review.
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Vitamin C for Colds? Writing LETTERS to Synthesize and Communicate Results from Multiple Studies
Learning ObjectivesStudents will:- analyze and interpret data about the efficacy of vitamin C supplements to treat or prevent the common cold,
- synthesize data from three different experimental studies,
- make a recommendation to a friend or loved one about using vitamin C to treat or prevent the common cold.
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A flexible, multi-week approach to plant biology - How will plants respond to higher levels of CO2?
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- Apply findings from each week's lesson to make predictions and informed hypotheses about the next week's lesson.
- Keep a detailed laboratory notebook.
- Write and peer-edit the sections of a scientific paper, and collaboratively write an entire lab report in the form of a scientific research paper.
- Search for, find, and read scientific research papers.
- Work together as a team to conduct experiments.
- Connect findings and ideas from each week's lesson to get a broader understanding of how plants will respond to higher levels of CO2 (e.g., stomatal density, photosynthetic/respiratory rates, foliar protein concentrations, growth, and resource allocation).
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Using QIIME to Interpret Environmental Microbial Communities in an Upper Level Metagenomics Course
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- list and perform the steps of sequence processing and taxonomic inference.
- interpret microbial community diversity from metagenomic sequence datasets.
- compare microbial diversity within and between samples or treatments.
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A first lesson in mathematical modeling for biologists: Rocs
Learning Objectives- Systematically develop a functioning, discrete, single-species model of an exponentially-growing or -declining population.
- Use the model to recommend appropriate action for population management.
- Communicate model output and recommendations to non-expert audiences.
- Generate a collaborative work product that most individuals could not generate on their own, given time and resource constraints.
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Grow the Gradient: An interactive countercurrent multiplier game
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to simulate the movement of water and sodium at each region of the loop of Henle.
- Students will be able to associate osmosis and active transport with movement of water/solutes at each region of the loop of Henle.
- Students will be able to model how the descending and ascending limbs of the loop of Henle maintain a concentration gradient within the medulla.
- Students will be able to predict the effects of altering normal water and salt movement out of the loop of Henle on the salt concentration of the medulla, urine concentration, and urine volume.
- Students will be able to predict the impact of the length of the loop of Henle on the magnitude of the concentration gradient within the medulla.
- Students will be able to predict the length of the loop of Henle in organisms from different habitats.
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Building Trees: Introducing evolutionary concepts by exploring Crassulaceae phylogeny and biogeography
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- Estimate phylogenetic trees using diverse data types and phylogenetic models.
- Correctly make inferences about evolutionary history and relatedness from the tree diagrams obtained.
- Use selected computer programs for phylogenetic analysis.
- Use bootstrapping to assess the statistical support for a phylogeny.
- Use phylogenetic data to construct, compare, and evaluate the role of geologic processes in shaping the historical and current geographic distributions of a group of organisms.
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Sequence Similarity: An inquiry based and "under the hood" approach for incorporating molecular sequence...
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this lesson, students will be able to:- Define similarity in a non-biological and biological sense when provided with two strings of letters.
- Quantify the similarity between two gene/protein sequences.
- Explain how a substitution matrix is used to quantify similarity.
- Calculate amino acid similarity scores using a scoring matrix.
- Demonstrate how to access genomic data (e.g., from NCBI nucleotide and protein databases).
- Demonstrate how to use bioinformatics tools to analyze genomic data (e.g., BLASTP), explain a simplified BLAST search algorithm including how similarity is used to perform a BLAST search, and how to evaluate the results of a BLAST search.
- Create a nearest-neighbor distance matrix.
- Create a multiple sequence alignment using a nearest-neighbor distance matrix and a phylogram based on similarity of amino acid sequences.
- Use appropriate bioinformatics sequence alignment tools to investigate a biological question.
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Learning to Pipet Correctly by Pipetting Incorrectly?
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to use analytical balances and micropipettes.
- Students will be able to calculate averages and standard deviations.
- Students will be able to use t-tests to compare two independent samples.
- Students will be able to justify accepting or rejecting a null hypothesis based on an interpretation of p-values.
- Students will learn to use spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets
- Students will be able to explain how pipetting incorrectly leads to errors.
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The impact of diet and antibiotics on the gut microbiome
Learning ObjectivesAfter completing the exercise, students will be able to:- Identify several of the nine phyla that contribute to the gut microbiome and name the two predominant ones;
- Describe how diet impacts the gut microbiome and compare the composition of the gut microbiome between different diets;
- Describe how antibiotic treatment impacts the gut microbiome and understand how this leads to infection, for example by Clostridium difficile;
- Trace the response to a change in diet, starting with i) changes in the composition of the microbiome, followed by ii) changes in the bacterial metabolic pathways and the respective excreted metabolic products, resulting in iii) a molecular response in the host intestinal cells, and eventually iv) resulting in human disease;
- Improve their ability to read scientific literature;
- Express themselves orally and in writing;
- Develop team working skill
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Mice, Acorns, and Lyme Disease: a Case Study to Teach the Ecology of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to...- outline the life cycle of ticks and explain the transmission cycle of Lyme disease.
- describe factors that make mice a competent reservoir for Borrelia burgdorferi.
- analyze and interpret line and bar graphs of data on the effects of changes to ecological communities on the risk of human exposure to Lyme disease.
- explain how the incidence of Lyme disease is determined by interactions between bacteria, animals, humans and the environment.
- predict how changes in the ecosystem affect Borrelia burgdorferi transmission.
- explain how human activities affect biodiversity and the consequences of those actions on disease outbreaks.
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Coevolution or not? Crossbills, squirrels and pinecones
Learning Objectives- Define coevolution.
- Identify types of evidence that would help determine whether two species are currently in a coevolutionary relationship.
- Interpret graphs.
- Evaluate evidence about whether two species are coevolving and use evidence to make a scientific argument.
- Describe what evidence of a coevolutionary relationship might look like.
- Distinguish between coadaptation and coevolution.
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Using Pathway Maps to Link Concepts, Peer Review, Primary Literature Searches and Data Assessment in Large Enrollment...
Learning Objectives- Define basic concepts and terminology of Ecosystem Ecology
- Link biological processes that affect each other
- Evaluate whether the link causes a positive, negative, or neutral effect
- Find primary literature
- Identify data that correctly supports or refutes an hypothesis
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Make It Stick: Teaching Gene Targeting with Ribbons and Fasteners
Learning Objectives- Students will be able to design targeting constructs.
- Students will be able to predict changes to the gene locus after homologous recombination.
- Students will be able to design experiments to answer a biological question (e.g., "Design an experiment to test if the expression of gene X is necessary for limb development").
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