Our educational studies focus on how the design of instructional materials and generative AI-powered tutorial/analysis system influence student engagement, thinking, and learning outcomes. We are using trained generative AI socratic biology chatbots and working on determining 'best practices' for using these tools as tutors and evaluators. As part of a long term collaboration with Melanie Cooper (Michigan State University), we have produced free (open educational resources) and redesigned course materials (textbooks and activities) focussed on core concepts and mechanistic explanations for general and organic chemistry (CLUE/OCLUE) and molecular biology (biofundamentals) together with a web-based graphical assessment system (beSocratic). We are looking incorporate the various abilities of ChatGPT4 (and related tools) to make course materials more interactive. We hope turn these tools into independent not-for-profit entities. We are encouraged by the recent demonstrated impacts on student learning and success of concept-based materials (e.g. CLUE). In particular, work by Ralph et al., (2022. Advancing Equity in STEM: JACS Au, 2, 1869-1880) indicates that a greater conceptual focus can positively impact the success of under-privileged students and improve learning outcomes for all students. I have been working with Michael Stowell (MCDB, UC Boulder) on developing modules for the SkillCenter Courses (MCDB 1234, 3456, 4567) aimed at providing students with real world, certifiable technical training.
keywords
course and curricular design, the evaluation and improvement of science (biology) education, interactive instructional materials. cell and molecular biology, developmental mechanisms,
EBIO 4811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150 and MCDB 3145. Same as EDUC 6811 and MCDB 4811 and MCDB 5811 and EDUC 4811.
EDUC 4811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Same as EDUC 6811 and MCDB 4811 and MCDB 5811 and EBIO 4811. Recommended prerequisite: At least two semesters of Biology.
EDUC 6811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Same as EDUC 4811 and MCDB 4811 and MCDB 5811.
FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
MCDB 2222 - Core Concepts in Biology II: Genes, Genetics and Phenotypes
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Web-based, in-class discussion course focused on the origins of genetic variation and inheritance, genome dynamics and gene expression and their relationship to phenotype(s). Interpreting, explaining and answering questions scientifically as well as quantitative reasoning are stress. Course fulfills the departmental requirement for MCDB 2150. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 2150.
MCDB 4100 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
MCDB 4101 - Manipulating Genomes-Discovering Gene Functions
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Discover novel gene function in vertebrate embryonic development using the latest gene-editing technology, CRISPR-Cas9. Pick your gene of interest and design experiments to mutate the gene, confirm the mutation and characterize the phenotype. Search scientific databases to learn more about the gene and formulate a hypothesis about the gene function. Discuss and present your findings to your peer and faculty. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145.
MCDB 4650 - Developmental Biology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Explores the development of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, emphasizing cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms. Focuses on conceptual understanding and experimental approaches to topics such as embryology, developmental control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis and developmental genetics. Same as MCDB 5651.
MCDB 4811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its evaluation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Same as EDUC 6811 and EDUC 4811 and MCDB 5811 and EBIO 4811. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150 and MCDB 3145.
MCDB 4980 - Honors Research
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.20.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 5651 - Developmental Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Explores the development of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, emphasizing cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms. Focuses on conceptual understanding and experimental approaches to topics such as embryology, developmental control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis and developmental genetics. Same as MCDB 4650.
MCDB 5811 - Teaching and Learning Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedagogical methods associated with effective instruction and its valuation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Same as MCDB 4811 and EDUC 4811 and EDUC 6811.
