Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Breaking Down Silos: Systems Mapping in Cellular Biology
    

Amanda C. Martyn, Candice Chambers and A. Daniel Johnson

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2024, Volume 44

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v44.art16

Abstract

Cellular biology is well established as a basic biological science, but the complexity of the cell often results in having to approach content piece by piece, compartmentalizing course material as ?silos?. Students often struggle with finding common themes or linking together topics, both within a single class or across subjects. Here we approach protein trafficking from a systems thinking perspective, where educators can shape student capacity to map relationships between cellular structures and processes. Students develop collaboration skills while improving their understanding of complex, multi-faceted cellular interactions. We introduce how to generate a slice-of-the-system map to connect relationships between key aspects of cellular processes. Additionally, students find common themes in a model system and map specific mechanisms in cellular biology, ultimately breaking down the silos to better understand the inner workings of an intricate cellular system.

Keywords:  systems thinking, protein trafficking, vesicular transport, cellular biology, system mapping, group work, collaboration, active learning

University of California, San Diego (2023)