Microbiomics education using a mini-CURE format results in a high level of scientific discovery perception

    

M. C. Morsink, E. N. van Schaik, K. Bossers and A. G. C. L. Speksnijder

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2024, Volume 44

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v44.abs56

Abstract

The rapidly expanding research field of microbiomics requires more specialized lab technicians. Teaching ?omics? research methodology in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) format has been shown to be highly effective. Currently, we developed a 4-week mini-CURE using publicly available Australian coral microbiome DNA sequencing data. We evaluated our mini-CURE using 2 hallmarks that measure student?s perception of doing original scientific research (discovery & iteration) and 3 omics-research based student performance criteria (data generation, analysis & application). The ?discovery? hallmark received high agreement scores, indicating high levels of student perception of scientific discovery. Two out of 3 ?iteration? dimension items showed lower agreement scores, indicating a perception of lack of time to revise analyses and research questions; motivating students to invest more time may solve this issue. Students performed well with sufficient scores over 70% for all performance criteria. We conclude that our mini-CURE performs well on the discovery hallmark but needs optimization for iteration to enhance the students? scientific research experiences.

Keywords:  microbiomics,education,bioinformatics,biostatistics,discovery,iteration,inquiry,coral

University of California, San Diego (2023)