Abstract
Biology has moved from a bench-based discipline to a bioinformational science in modern times but application of computational and analytical methods of informatics in it is still a problem for many researchers and students of biology. We suggest to integrate cost effective and practical combination of the real and the virtual laboratories into the undergraduate biological science curriculum. This laboratory work illustrates passive and active electrical properties of plant cell membranes while introducing basic principles of electrophysiological recording, data acquisition and analysis. As the object for investigation in this laboratory work large cells of starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) were used. The simple program for experiment control and express visualization of recorded data was developed. Experiment proposed in this paper is easy implemented with a minimum of laboratory equipment, materials and gives an experience of computerized biological experiment.
Highlights
Biology has moved from a bench-based discipline to a bioinformational science in modern times but application of computational and analytical methods of informatics in it is still a problem for many researchers and students of biology
The application of information technology and informational thinking in the biological sciences leads to the modification of students teaching mode
In this study we suggest cost effective and practical science inquiry approach that can be integrated into the undergraduate biological science curriculum
Summary
The application of information technology and informational thinking in the biological sciences leads to the modification of students teaching mode. Virtual cell laboratories are attempts to use computer simulation for the various cells living process Biological data are very complex and interlinked Inquiry based learning, such as laboratory research investigations, develops students’ practical, technical and reasoning skills, as well as important scientific habits of mind. The ability to use laboratory equipment, reagents and possibility to manipulate organisms or experience of real signals processing is an essential learning outcome of a practical class. Students must organize data in logical and meaningful ways, make detailed observations, and sometimes transform raw data to reveal patterns, relationships between variables, or to clarify results Those who have worked with both kinds of laboratories say this question – real or virtual laboratory – misses the point. The experiment and software described in the paper were developed under the EU programme Leonardo da Vinci II within the pilot project “Computerised laboratory in science and technology teaching”
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