Document Detail


From trace evidence to bioinformatics: Putting bryophytes into molecular biology education.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21433251     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Students benefit most from their science education when they participate fully in the process of science in the context of real-world problems. We describe a student-directed open-inquiry lab experience that has no predetermined outcomes and requires students to engage in all components of scientific inquiry from posing a question through evaluating and reporting results. Over 5 weeks, students learn how bryophytes are used in forensics and become proficient in important molecular biology lab skills including DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, and genotyping. For this portion of the experience, there is no specialized equipment necessary outside of gel electrophoresis supplies and a thermocycler. In an optional extension of the experience, students sequence a plastid intron and use introductory bioinformatics skills to identify species related to their forensics case. Students who participated in the lab experience performed well on content-based assessment, and student attitudes toward the experience were positive and indicative of engaged learning. The lab experience is easily modified for higher or lower level courses and can be used in secondary education. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 38-46, 2011.
Authors:
Linda Fuselier; Azhar Bougary; Michelle Malott
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Biochemistry and molecular biology education : a bimonthly publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology     Volume:  39     ISSN:  1539-3429     ISO Abbreviation:  Biochem Mol Biol Educ     Publication Date:  2011 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-03-24     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100970605     Medline TA:  Biochem Mol Biol Educ     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  38-46     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affiliation:
Biosciences Department, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, Minnesota 56563. fuselier@mnstate.edu.
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