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Practical Approach to Molecular Biology (PAMB): Sequential Experiments to Teach Basic Laboratory Skills
Author(s) -
Appleyard Caroline B,
Rivera Elizabeth,
Sanchez Maria del C,
Torres Lillith,
RiveraAmill Vanessa
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.740.6
Subject(s) - presentation (obstetrics) , medical education , test (biology) , course (navigation) , graduate students , computer science , psychology , mathematics education , medicine , engineering , paleontology , radiology , biology , aerospace engineering
Students pursuing graduate degrees in the biomedical sciences require specific laboratory skills. We designed a course to teach these skills, ensuring uniformity and faster adaption in their education. Aim To test whether the course improved the technical ability and theoretical knowledge of first‐year graduate students. Methods The experiments were done sequentially—the results of each experiment leading to the next—and supplemented with lectures. Students learned about working safely in a laboratory, preparing solutions, keeping a laboratory notebook, and preparing a laboratory report, among other things; journal club discussion sessions and presentations were also included. Results Pre– and post– self‐evaluations showed that students felt that the course addressed various deficiencies and enhanced their skills, an assessment supported by the course coordinator and supporting personnel, all of whom observed and subsequently evaluated student performance. Conclusions The PAMB course provides us with a tool to help incoming students better adapt to the PhD program, thereby improving the laboratory experience. This course generates data suitable for a written report, thus reinforcing presentation and scientific writing skills. We expect that this course will enhance the productivity and increase the success of the students in our PhD program. R25GM082406 & 5G12RR003050/8G12MD007579