Biology Laboratory Course Research Articles

Converting a Face-to-Face Lab to Online: An Example of Process and Outcomes for a CRISPR-Based Molecular Biology Lab

The COVID-19 pandemic created a need to convert in-person laboratory courses into an online format in a short amount of time. For this reason, we converted our face-to-face molecular biology lab course to an online version in Spring 2020. The lab course focuses on using CRISPR-Cas9 editing to introduce mutations into the <em>ADE2</em> gene in <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em>. When planning the conversion to online, we identified a number of challenges to addressing the course goals, such as including technology, accessing real data for analysis, and engaging students in collaboration. After brainstorming ways to address these and other challenges, we developed an online lab course for which the &ldquo;in lab&rdquo; portion was largely focused on working collaboratively on data analysis, troubleshooting, and drawing conclusions, as well as experimental design and examining primary literature. Surveys suggest students perceived significant gains in key scientific thinking and process skills including forming scientific arguments, data analysis, and working collaboratively. Students also reported multiple different ways in which the online courses made them feel like scientists. Here we describe key parts of the course structure and our experience in teaching the course to over 200 students.&nbsp; We also describe the process of converting from face-to-face to online, as the process could be applied to any existing hands-on lab. The process enabled us to quickly adapt important information, course goals, and experimental contexts from existing labs, reducing the workload involved in creating a new lab while still providing the experience of focusing on scientific thinking skills to students.&nbsp; <em>Primary image:</em> A CRISPR-focused lab course moved online, where students analyze data, write about results, and discuss experiments in a virtual environment. Part of this image was created using non copyrighted images from Open Clipart (openclipart.org), Creative Commons Zero 1.0 labelled for unrestricted reuse.

Adding CURE to Traditional Labs

This project involves students in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) as part of the traditional introductory biology laboratory course. Recently, research has shown that student engagement in authentic research has significant positive impacts on students, such as development of science literacy and reasoning skills. Being recently featured in the news, microplastics are a timely, interesting, and relevant topic for students. The authentic research conducted by students was the first attempt at quantification of microplastics in the Great Plains, which garnered further student excitement and engagement. Surface water and substrate samples were collected at 23 locations from small streams, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs in fall 2018. Authentic research, as broadly defined in the pedagogical context, is research conducted primarily by students. In the context of this project, authentic research is specifically defined as research done primarily by students in which the students are asking questions, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a final manuscript that was submitted, and accepted, as a peer-reviewed publication. This project could be incorporated at the high school or university level, for biology major or nonmajor courses. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a how-to, sharing the lesson design with specific detail on student responsibilities.

Integration of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) Applications into the 5E Learning Model in Biology Teaching

This research aims to determine the effect of MAR′s integration into 5E learning in teaching biology. Particularly, its impact on the academic success of the preservice teachers and their attitudes towards digital technology is studied. To this end, the convergent parallel mixed research method is used. The study was conducted with the 31 preservice science teachers in a General Biology Laboratory Course in the 2018-2019 academic year. As the data collection tools, “Achievement Test with Open-Ended Questions”, “Attitude Scale towards Digital Technology” and “Semi-Structured Interview Form” were used. The evaluation of the research results indicates that MAR practices in the biology laboratory have increased the academic success and positively affected the attitudes of preservice teachers towards digital technology. Moreover, preservice teachers expressed that applications of MAR facilitated their learning and understanding, making the lessons more attractive. Accordingly, the use MAR applications are recommended in teaching Biology to examine various anatomical structures.

Pandemic Teaching: Creating and teaching cell biology labs online during COVID-19.

The year 2020 will forever be remembered as a season of pandemic teaching due to rising COVID-19 infections. Institutions of higher learning abruptly changed from in-person to online in attempts to minimize COVID-19 spread. Due to this, we created and taught online cell biology labs in response to the COVID-19 campus shutdown. Our virtual cell biology lab course emphasized molecular and cellular biology methods that can be used to study cells. Our report includes cell biology lab descriptions, learning outcomes, skills learned, lab set up and format, virtual tools used, lab sources, and lessons learned. We show how creative online lab alternatives can provide students valuable scientific learning experiences when in-person learning is not possible.

Student perceptions of an inquiry-based molecular biology lecture and lab following a mid-semester transition to online teaching.

The transition to online learning in spring 2020 was abrupt for both students and instructors. While many instructors moved to asynchronous classes, some institutions relied more heavily on synchronous online courses. Here, we evaluate student perceptions of an inquiry-based molecular biology lecture and lab course following this transition by comparing student survey responses from spring 2019, when the lecture and lab were fully in person, to spring 2020, when the lecture and lab started in person before transitioning to a synchronous online format. Students were asked to identify the main factors that supported their learning in lecture and lab, characterize the main barriers to learning in those courses, and discuss their preference of having an inquiry-based lab or a traditional "cookbook" lab with pre-determined answers. We coded these responses and provide one of the first studies to examine the impact of this online transition on student perceptions of learning in an inquiry-based molecular biology lecture and lab course.

Professional science education videos improve student performance in nonmajor and intermediate biology laboratory courses.

Undergraduate biology laboratories emphasize hands-on skills. Typically, descriptions of manual techniques are delivered via written instruction. Custom-produced prelab instructional videos, which augment prelab instruction, have come into wider use in recent years. However, institutional and economic barriers can interfere with video production at all colleges and universities. In such cases, professionally produced laboratory instructional videos provide an attractive alternative. We hypothesized that students who watch short, professionally produced instructional videos before performing a laboratory would feel more confident and achieve greater learning gains than students whose prelab instruction was limited to handouts. For this proof of concept study, we investigated the value added when students watched a brief video, twice per lab, in an intermediate molecular biology course at a small, liberal arts university, and in a nonmajors biology course at a large, public research university. Both video and nonvideo comparison groups were administered a pre- and postlab exams. A postlab self-efficacy survey was also administered to video groups. Our results reveal that in three out of the four laboratory classes, students who watched professional instruction videos performed significantly better in both pre- and postlab exams. For these students, we observed up to a two-fold increase in test scores on scientific concepts and techniques. For all classes, most of the video group students reported that the video contributed to their confidence, comprehension of concepts, and understanding of how to conduct the lab. We conclude that professional instructional videos may address production barriers and have the potential to effectively enhance undergraduate science curricula and significantly improve students' performance.

Jigsaw method improves learning and retention for observation-based undergraduate biology laboratory activities

ABSTRACT Complementing biology lecture courses with laboratory sections is nearly universal at undergraduate institutions, yet many topics in biology do not easily lend themselves to experiment-based laboratory activities. Topics such as comparative anatomy, evolution and systematics are often taught as passive, observation-based laboratories. In this experiment, we modified and tested the efficacy of a team-based learning approach called the ‘Jigsaw’ method in 14 sections of an undergraduate Vertebrate Biology laboratory course at Iowa State University. Specifically, we implemented the modified Jigsaw method in seven lab sections and taught seven lab sections in the traditional lecture and observation style, comparing mean quiz score between the experimental and control sections after accounting for variation due to instructor and year. We revealed significantly higher average quiz scores for students in the experimental sections as compared to the control sections. Herein, we describe the details of our modified Jigsaw implementation that can be applied to other such biology laboratory courses. Thus, we provide further support for the use of team-based learning approaches such as the Jigsaw method and specifically show that undergraduate biology laboratory courses can be improved by implementing such activities in lieu of a clear experimental approach to laboratory courses.

Examining the effect of reporting based on science writing heuristic approach on written argument quality in general biology laboratory

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate pre-service science teachers’ development of the quality of written arguments using science writing heuristic approach and pre-service science teachers’ views about the science writing heuristic and its argument components in a General Biology Laboratory Course II. The study was carried out with 21 sophomore pre-service science teachers enrolled at a public university. A case study design was used and eight science writing heuristic approach experiments were implemented over 14 weeks. Data included a grading rubric to analyze pre-service science teachers’ written arguments and a survey to explore their views about the science writing heuristic approach and its components. Data gathered from the grading rubric were analyzed using ANOVA and data gathered from the survey were analyzed using content analysis. The results of the ANOVA analysis indicated that the quality of pre-service science teachers’ argumentative writing significantly increased over time. The survey results highlighted that the science writing heuristic approach increased pre-service science teachers’ research skills and contributed to their permanent learning. Moreover, the pre-service science teachers were able to make connections between components of the science writing heuristic approach and claim, evidence and reflection components were the most useful and challenging components.

Activities and assessment solutions for students in advanced molecular genetics and biochemistry to direct and engage with public communication in an online environment.

Apart from classroom presentations to their instructors and peer groups, STEM students have limited opportunities or encouragement to engage in guided communication of scientific concepts to others (family, friends, or the general public). A critical need exists for accurate, comprehensible science to be disseminated to these groups. To develop student proficiency in communication of complex biomolecular concepts impacting diverse audiences, I introduce learning approaches and assessments easily adapted to fit the needs of individual instructors and any molecular biology or biochemistry laboratory or lecture course in a remote/online environment. To help students develop an appreciation of the needs of different audiences and the nuanced drivers of clear communication, I provided them the choice of projects of similar length: Option (1) Create a scientific news release and short podcast or video clip newscast describing a recent advancement in understanding the molecular/biochemical basis of a disease; or Option (2) Create a lesson plan and mini-video designed to teach a simple biochemical or molecular mechanism of disease with learning objectives, a brief activity, and appropriate assessment mechanisms. Students who chose the scientific news release/newscast activity distilled complex biomolecular concepts using the 5 W's of journalism-who, what, where, why, when-and learned to accurately communicate the relevance of advanced scientific discoveries and recent events for a broader audience. Students who chose the lesson plan designed activities centered on biomolecular science concepts that build upon what their audience already knows, revealing possibilities for undergraduates to contribute to educational outreach to secondary school teachers and classes.

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in a Senior Cell &amp; Molecular Biology Laboratory Course

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in a Senior Cell &amp; Molecular Biology Laboratory Course

Benefits of the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Experience in an Introductory Biology Laboratory Course and other STEM Courses

Benefits of the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Experience in an Introductory Biology Laboratory Course and other STEM Courses

Integration of mobile augmented reality (MAR) applications into biology laboratory: Anatomic structure of the heart

The purpose of the current study is to design and develop a sample Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) application addressing the anatomic structure of the heart in a way suitable for laboratory learning for pre-service science teachers to achieve learning by constructing information in biology instruction. The implementation of the MAR design activity was conducted with the participation of 30 pre-service teachers taking the biology laboratory course. The implementation process of the activity consists of four stages. The first stage includes the introduction of the MAR application program and marker; the second stage includes the use of the MAR application in a laboratory environment; the third stage includes the operation of dissection and the last stage includes the association of the MAR application with the operation of dissection and general evaluation. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted by involving pre-service teachers and the data obtained from these interviews revealed that integration of heart dissection with MAR application helped the pre-service teachers to better understand the anatomic structure of the heart and the related concepts. Thus, a sample activity demonstrating how MAR, which is an instructional method with strong potential for reification and visualisation, can be integrated into the teaching of concepts in laboratory settings was developed.

Design Features of an Effective and Theoretically Grounded Training Program for Undergraduate Teaching Assistants in the Life Sciences

Research over the last decade has indicated that active learning and student-centered instruction lead to better learning outcomes in undergraduate biology courses than traditional methods such as lecturing. This shift in pedagogical approach has been applied to both high-enrollment lecture-based courses as well as smaller laboratory courses. In these laboratory courses, the primary instructor is often a graduate or undergraduate student teaching assistant. Such novice instructors often lack the pedagogical knowledge and experience to implement student-centered instructional practices such as inquiry effectively. Therefore, to fully realize the benefits of inquiry-based laboratories for undergraduate students, the instructors of these courses require support.&#x0D; In this paper, we present a design case for a theoretically and contextually grounded professional development program that provides pedagogical support for undergraduate teaching assistants of a college biology laboratory course. Four undergraduate teaching assistants participated in our 12-week program. These participants were assigned weekly readings, turned in periodic reflective writings, and met with an experienced teaching mentor (Thompson) on a monthly basis. As designers, we grounded our design in the current literature but also built-in flexibility to be responsive to participants’ needs throughout the experience. Participants found it challenging to reflect on pedagogical strategies early in their experience, but found the additional support provided by the program very useful as they developed. Finally, we discuss the participant feedback that is being incorporated into future designs of professional development programming.

Using Zebrafish in a Developmental Biology Lab Course to Explore Interactions Between Development and the Environment

Using Zebrafish in a Developmental Biology Lab Course to Explore Interactions Between Development and the Environment

Strategies to Promote Effective Student Research Teams in Undergraduate Biology Labs

Biology labs often make use of student teams. However, some students resist working in teams, often based on poor experiences. Although instructors sometimes struggle with student teams, effective teams in biology labs are achievable. We increased student learning and satisfaction when working in research teams by (1) including in the syllabus a teamwork learning objective “to practice effective teamwork and team management, including modeling behaviors of inclusion and ethics, and using leadership skills to foster problem solving, team communication, conflict management, consensus building, and idea generation”; and (2) designing and implementing exercises that teach students the value of working in a team and how to be part of an effective student team (e.g., developing shared expectations, creating norms of behavior and team culture, and building awareness of the importance of team conflict and likely student responses to such conflict). We also used individual and team reflections on team functioning, following formal online team assessment. This article presents details about our curricular innovations as well as pretest and posttest data demonstrating student attitudes and beliefs regarding teamwork. We experienced improved student satisfaction and success in introductory biology lab courses, as well as reduced instructor guesswork and stress regarding student teams.

Student-Scientist Curriculum: Integrating Inquiry-Based Research Experiences and Professional Development Activities into an Introductory Biology Laboratory Course.

We designed a 16-week scaffolded student-scientist curriculum using inquiry-based research experiences integrated with professional development activities. This curriculum was implemented to teach undergraduate students enrolled in an introduction to biology course about enzyme activity, biochemical reactions, and alcohol fermentation. While working through the curriculum, students completed the entire scientific process by planning experiments, maintaining laboratory journals, analyzing and interpreting data, peer-reviewing research proposals, and producing and presenting a poster. The overall outcome was for students to complete a multiweek, collaborative, student-scientist project using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the model organism. Student learning outcomes were evaluated using formative assessments (post-Research on the Integrated Science Curriculum survey and peer- and self-reflection worksheets) and summative assessments (pre/post assessments and assignment grades). Results indicated that more than 50% of the students scored 70% or higher on the collaborative student-scientist project, demonstrated several self-reported learning gains in scientific concepts and skills, and reported they would recommend this laboratory course to their peers. By providing the opportunity for students to carry out the entire scientific process, this curriculum enhanced their technical, analytical, and communication skills.

A Professional Development Activity to Better Support International Graduate Teaching Assistants in Evaluating Scientific Writing.

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) who are English language learners at American institutions often endure xenophobia, pressures to conform to American culture, and visa restrictions on working. Quantitative data we collected from the Introduction to Biology Laboratory course taught at a large R1 university indicate paper grading discrepancies between international and domestic GTAs. Qualitative data highlight international GTAs’ concerns regarding grading load and language barriers. To alleviate the burden on international GTAs, we provide a professional development activity for professors to use in course planning meetings based on feedback from GTAs. Group reflection, discussion, and modification of a rubric are recommended in order to train GTAs in assessing scientific writing to collaboratively build expectations as a teaching team.

Adding Authenticity to Inquiry in a First-Year, Research-Based, Biology Laboratory Course.

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are an effective way to integrate research into an undergraduate science curriculum and extend research experiences to a large, diverse group of early-career students. We developed a biology CURE at the University of Miami (UM) called the UM Authentic Research Laboratories (UMARL), in which groups of first-year students investigated novel questions and conducted projects of their own design related to the research themes of the faculty instructors. Herein, we describe the implementation and student outcomes of this long-running CURE. Using a national survey of student learning through research experiences in courses, we found that UMARL led to high student self-reported learning gains in research skills such as data analysis and science communication, as well as personal development skills such as self-confidence and self-efficacy. Our analysis of academic outcomes revealed that the odds of students who took UMARL engaging in individual research, graduating with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) within 4 years, and graduating with honors were 1.5–1.7 times greater than the odds for a matched group of students from UM’s traditional biology labs. The authenticity of UMARL may have fostered students’ confidence that they can do real research, reinforcing their persistence in STEM.

The impact of semester-long authentic research on student experiences

ABSTRACT Contemporary research suggests an urgent need for educators to improve the quality of STEM teaching and learning. We developed a semester-long model curriculum for STEM teaching and learning. The overarching goal of this study was to establish an authentic inquiry approach to advanced laboratory courses that is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and utilizes algorithm-generated student grouping strategies. We assessed the effects of the model curriculum on student understanding of scientific concepts and processes, perceptions of their learning, and attitudes toward science and research. Students in a biology laboratory course collaborated with students in biochemistry and mathematics courses. The differences between pre- and post-Participant Perception Indicator (PPI) survey responses (relative to the baseline semester) indicated that, when paired with similarly-performing students, higher-performing students are more likely to report improvements in understanding, skills, integration of learning, and meeting learning objectives. Mid-level performing students report significant improvements in understanding, attitudes, integration of learning, and meeting learning objectives. Lower-level performing students report regressions. Performance quiz data reveal improvements in understanding of scientific concepts following the implementation of our model curriculum. Our findings warrant future studies on the relationships among grouping, student perceptions, and academic performance.

An undergraduate laboratory module that uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate frameshift mutations in yeast.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful tool for gene editing and it has become increasingly important for biology students to understand this emerging technique. Most CRISPR laboratory teaching modules use complex metazoan systems or mammalian cell culture which can be expensive. Here, we present a lab module that engages students in learning the fundamentals of CRISPR/Cas9 methodology using the simple and inexpensive model system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Students use CRISPR/Cas9 and nonhomologous end joining to generate frameshift insertion and deletion mutations in the CAN1 gene, which are easily selected for using media plates that have canavanine. DNA sequencing is also performed to determine what type of mutation occurred in gene-edited cells. This easy to implement set of experiments has been run as both a 5-week and a shorter 3-week lab module. Learning assessments demonstrate increased understanding in CRISPR-related concepts as well as increased confidence using molecular techniques. Thus, this CRISPR/Cas9 lab module can be added to an existing Genetics, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology lab course to help undergraduate students learn current gene editing techniques with limited effort and cost. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):573-580, 2019.