An Inquiry-Based Laboratory Curriculum Investigating Cell Viability Using Mammalian Cell Culture and Fluorescence Microscopy
Alessandra Barrera & Jennifer Hurst-Kennedy
Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2019, Volume 40
Abstract
Inquiry-based research experiences in an undergraduate laboratory lead to an increase in critical thinking and improvement in student learning gains. In this new curriculum, students work in groups to design experiments to investigate the effects of a chosen factor (e.g., acetaminophen, green tea) on cultured mammalian cells. The goal of this curriculum is to advance important student research skills, including graphing and experimental design, critical thinking skills, and scientific communication. Students apply a rigorous scientific approach to the interpretation of the data generated, including analysis of the generated data and its relationship of the data to previously published work. The focus of this paper is to discuss the curriculum model, the pedagogical goals, the logistics of implementing authentic research experiences in undergraduate courses, and the potential modifications for institutions with varying instrument availability.
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