Development of a Problem-Based Learning Experiential Laboratory

TitleDevelopment of a Problem-Based Learning Experiential Laboratory
Faculty/College/UnitScience
StatusCompleted
Duration1 Year
Initiation04/01/2000
Completion03/31/2001
Project Summary

We are proposing to replace our current fourth-year laboratory course will a problem-based learning (PBL) laboratory that will merge the development of advanced technical skills with full exposure to the scientific principals of the entire research process. To operate the proposed PBL course and keep the scope of the PBL projects within the capabilities of the laboratory and the students, a resource guide of common protocols and available equipment must be written and made available on a web server. The guide will include links to the primary literature, commercial technical information, and web sites to assist students to find suitable methods and procedures. We are requesting funds to hire a teaching assistant and an undergraduate student to assist in developing the resource manual, establishing a website for operating the course (using Web CT or some other platform) and prototyping solutions to the chosen experimental problems that will be supplied in class. Many of the supplied problems will involve the application of bioinformatic methods to find, align and apply genetic sequence information. Since most life science students lack background in this important fired another student will be hired to assist in developing a set of four web-based tutorials for using bioinformatic methods. The students in the new MICB 405 course for Bioinformatics will also use these tutorials.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2000/2001
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorWilliam David Ramey
Year 1: Funded Amount40,000
Year 1: Team Members

William David Ramey, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science
Michael Murphy, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science