A Research-Based Curriculum for Students of the Life Sciences

 

Lucia Pastorino, Shoai Hattori, & Paul Lipton

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2016, Volume 37

Abstract

We designed an “inquiry-based” lab to support an introductory Molecular and Cell Biology course that covers basic principles through the lens of the neurobiology of disease, and is focused on guiding students through the stages of an authentic research project and manuscript preparation. The course format allows students to apply and connect lecture material to the research process from which fundamental concepts are formulated while maintaining continuity between experiments. The goal of the course is broad exposure to the field coupled to immersion in a research experience that can foster critical evaluation of the scientific process.

Keywords:  Inquiry-based learning, research project, research article

Boston University (2015)