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A project‐based research experience for large undergraduate labs (618.5)
Author(s) -
Johanson Kelly,
Watt Terry,
Thompson Marleesa
Publication year - 2014
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.28.1_supplement.618.5
Subject(s) - class (philosophy) , mathematics education , computer science , medical education , psychology , medicine , artificial intelligence
Providing a research‐based laboratory experience in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory can be difficult with large class sizes and limited resources. We have developed a seven‐week series in which students purify and characterize invertase and alkaline phosphatase from bakers yeast. This series can be organized in several different ways to reinforce and develop a combination of skills including the ability to interpret large sets of data, independently develop a laboratory protocol, and express data and analysis in a scientifically appropriate manner. The culmination of this project is a manuscript designed to reinforce scientific writing skills. This series has been used in 12 laboratory sections spread out over 3 semesters with more than 250 undergraduates. We present two different formats for the series. Each series places varying emphasis on particular skill development. Assessment data and anonymous survey results from each series show clear evidence of improved student performance in basic laboratory skills, scientific writing, and critical thinking skills. Grant Funding Source : Supported by Louisiana Board of Regents [LEQSF (2011‐12)ENH‐UG‐24]