Developing “Hands-on” Labs ot Learn Concepts in Genetic Diversity

TitleDeveloping “Hands-on” Labs ot Learn Concepts in Genetic Diversity
Faculty/College/UnitForestry
StatusCompleted
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/1999
Completion03/31/2001
Project Summary

Objectives

We propose to continue to:

  • develop hands-on exercises to help students learn concepts in genetics;
  • have graduate students’ mentor undergraduate students in developing labs;
  • have undergraduate students prepare lab materials;
  • have graduate and undergraduate students assist in the classroom;
  • bring in outside experts to interact with students and help develop lab materials;
  • develop both laboratory and outdoor activities that aid students in applying genetic concepts; and
  • make lab exercises developed available to other educators by placing information on a web page.

Rationale

Many lecture-style classes in the Faculty of Forestry include information on genetic concepts and genetic characteristics of species of concern. The terminology, chemistry and mathematics can often leave students feeling mystified and confused. In the past, students have not been able to get a “hands-on” experience in labs or field exercises that would help them develop a greater understanding of these concepts. This result in many graduates lacking the confidence to address genetic issues in forest management or conservation. This project is giving the Faculty and students resources to continue developing a series of exciting innovative lab and field exercises that will improve the students’ understanding of the systems in which they are working. Students will assist in identifying topics that they find relevant and interesting, and assist in developing and testing the exercises. In addition, these students can assist in the labs during classes, and pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to other students. Students from several undergraduate programs will work together on these labs and share their perspectives. Through developing these exercises, the faculty, staff and students are united in applying active research questions and methods to the learning environment.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year1999/2000
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorSally N. Aitken
Year 1: Funded Amount21,327
Year 1: Team Members

Sally N. Aitken, Assistant Professor, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry

Year 2: Project YearYear 2
Year 2: Funding Year2000/2001
Year 2: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 2: Principal InvestigatorSally N. Aitken
Year 2: Funded Amount22,827
Year 2: Team Members

Sally N. Aitken, Assistant Professor, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry
Carol Ritland, Director, Genetic Data Centre, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry
Susan Glenn, Assistant Professor, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry
Kermit Ritland, Professor, Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry