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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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CURE-all: Large Scale Implementation of Authentic DNA Barcoding Research into First-Year Biology Curriculum
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to: Week 1-4: Fundamentals of Science and Biology- List the major processes involved in scientific discovery
- List the different types of scientific studies and which types can establish causation
- Design experiments with appropriate controls
- Create and evaluate phylogenetic trees
- Define taxonomy and phylogeny and explain their relationship to each other
- Explain DNA sequence divergence and how it applies to evolutionary relationships and DNA barcoding
- Define and measure biodiversity and explain its importance
- Catalog organisms using the morphospecies concept
- Geographically map organisms using smartphones and an online mapping program
- Calculate metrics of species diversity using spreadsheet software
- Use spreadsheet software to quantify and graph biodiversity at forest edges vs. interiors
- Write a formal lab report
- Extract, amplify, visualize and sequence DNA using standard molecular techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing)
- Explain how DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Sanger sequencing work at the molecular level
- Trim and assemble raw DNA sequence data
- Taxonomically identify DNA sequences isolated from unknown organisms using BLAST
- Visualize sequence data relationships using sequence alignments and gene-based phylogenetic trees
- Map and report data in a publicly available online database
- Share data in a formal scientific poster
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Discovery Poster Project
Learning ObjectivesStudents will be able to:- identify and learn about a scientific research discovery of interest to them using popular press articles and the primary literature
- find a group on campus doing research that aligns with their interests and communicate with the faculty leader of that group
- create and present a poster that synthesizes their knowledge of the research beyond the discovery
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Using CRISPR-Cas9 to teach the fundamentals of molecular biology and experimental design
Learning ObjectivesModule 1- Generate a testable hypothesis that requires a creative design of reagents based on critical reading of and review of prior research.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using molecular cloning software to analyze, manipulate and verify DNA sequences.
- Predict the downstream effect on the mRNA and protein after successfully inserting a DNA repair template into the genome of a cell/organism.
- Compare and contrast the processes of DNA duplication and PCR.
- Demonstrate the ability to design primers to amplify a nucleotide sequence.
- Analyze and evaluate the results of DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Identify the key features in genomic DNA, specifically those required for CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene edits.
- Explain how compatible ends of DNA are used to produce recombinant DNA in a ligation reaction.
- Explain the chemical principles behind plasmid DNA purification from bacterial cultures.
- Devise a strategy to screen clones based on antibiotic selection and the mechanism of digestion by DNA endonucleases.
- Predict and evaluate the results of a diagnostic digest.
- Explain the chemical principles behind DNA purification using phenol-chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation.
- Explain the key differences between DNA duplication and transcription.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform lab work with sterile technique.
- Compare and contrast the results of a non-denaturing vs. denaturing agarose gel.
- Evaluate the results of a denaturing agarose gel.
- Design and implement an experiment that tests the CRISPR-Cas9 principle.
- Predict the outcome of a successful in vitro Cas9 digest.
- Summarize important background information on gene of interest from analysis of primary literature.
- Produce figures and figure legends that clearly indicate results.
- Organize and construct a poster that clearly and professionally displays the important aspects of the lesson.
- Demonstrate understanding of the lesson by presenting a poster to an audience in lay terms, mid-level terms, or at an expert level.
- Demonstrate understanding of procedures by writing a formal materials and methods paper.