Pathways over Time: a Semester‐long Research Investigation for the Introductory Laboratory

Abstract

A growing body of evidence supports the importance of research experiences in the undergraduate biology curriculum. Course based research experiences (CUREs) offer opportunities to introduce large numbers of students to research experiences. The goal of the Pathways over Time project was to design an introductory level CURE that would be sustainable and adaptable to a variety of laboratory environments and instructor backgrounds. The course, Investigations in Molecular Cell Biology, meets twice weekly for 3 hours. The Pathways over Time course project involves students in a semester-long functional genomics investigation into the phylogenetic conservation of the enzymes involved in methionine biosynthesis. Students work in teams of three in each of the 12 parallel sections of the course. In their research projects, students learn and practice basic techniques of microbiology, molecular cell biology and genetics. Conservation of MET gene function is tested by cross-species plasmid complementation of S. cerevisiae met deletion strains. Student learning is assessed with pre-lab quizzes, lab notebooks, oral and poster presentations, database and literature assignments, and a series of “micro-reports” that are assembled into a final research report in the format of a scientific publication. Pre- and post-course evaluation instruments include concept tests and student self-assessed confidence and learning gains. Comparison of pre- and post-course confidence data show statistically significant gains in measures associated with experimental design, technical proficiency, written and oral communication, database usage and ability to use and understand primary literature. This project was supported by NSF grant 114028.