2007 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology AND MOLEQULAR BIOLOG VoL35,N.5.pm322327.2007 Articles Participation in Research Program A NOVEL COURSE IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION OF LIFE SCIENCE Received for publication,April 26,2007 Xuanwei Zhout,Juan LinS,Yizhou Yins,Xiaofen SunS,and Kexuan Tang+] From the tPlant Biotechnology Research Center,School of Agriculture and Biology,Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University,Shanghai 200030,People's Republic of China, and SState Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering,School of Life Sciences,Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center,Fudan University,Shanghai 200433,People's Republic of China A novel course,"Participation in Research Program (PRP)"in life sciences is open for 1st to 3rd year undergraduates.PRP introduces the principles of a variety of biological methods and techniques and also offers an opportunity to explore some specific knowledge in more detail prior to thesis research.In addition,the PRP introduces some methodologies that have been proven to be successful at each insti- tution to participants.Through disciplines crossing,students were trained theoretically and practically about modern techniques,facilitating the efficient commutation of general laboratory skills and modern laboratory skills,and the possession of higher research ability.Therefore,during some basic training (e.g.,usage and maintenance of equipments,designing and completing experiments,analyzing data and reporting results,etc.),a series of capabilities are strengthened,such as basic experimental skills, searching appropriate methods,explaining unknown biological phenomena,and the capacity of solving problems.To determine the efficiency of these strategies,we carefully examined students'performance and demonstrated the progress in students'basic abilities of scientific research in their training. Keywords:Course,participation in research program (PRP),practical skill,training,undergraduate. Life science is based on experimental investigations,in ratory skills"[4],which include six aspects of the con- which theoretical models describe the natural results tents:searching and catching up information,designing generally from a practical observation of phenomena. research projects,using instruments,analyzing results, Thus,it is important that students,the future scientists,writing the summary reports,and cultivating cooperation understand the experimental basis of the "facts"in text- spirits [5].Our point of view is that previous opinions books and gain experience in the practice of scientific must be implemented into the curriculum,which means investigation.Traditionally,laboratory practices for 1st to clarity of skill items for every course.For example,the 3rd year undergraduates have been structured to illus- basic laboratory skills involve how to follow protocols trate and confirm lectured materials [1].Occasionally,and work safely and efficiently,including manipulative individual undergraduates are allowed to enter the labo- skills,operating equipments,recording data,and proc- ratory and do practical work relevant to their graduation essing and reporting skills.Advanced experimental skills thesis research.In the fourth year,all students starting include planning experiments,preparing protocols,crit- graduation thesis research enter the laboratory according ically analyzing data and literatures,forming hypothesis, to the arranged schedule [2].However,this alone does communicating information (oral and written),and team not meet all the needs of the students;consequently, working [5].We would also add problem solving to the there has been a trend to provide students with more list of high-level skills. opportunities to participate in more advanced scientific To cultivate the talent of the students in scientific processes.The objectives of "Undergraduate Student research,some top universities in China have established Research Training Program"have been comprehensively the"Undergraduate Student Research Training Program" summarized by Zhuang [3].In addition,to illustrate lec- in recent years,though the names of these programs are tured materials,learning objectives were categorized as different in each university.For example,the program is developing "basic laboratory skills"and "advanced labo- assigned as "Participation in Research Program (PRP)" in Shanghai Jiao Tong University [6],"the Chun-Tsung Scholar Program and the Wang Dao Scholar Program"at 1To whom correspondence should be addressed.Tel:+86- Fudan University [7].However,the basic purposes are 21-62932002;Fax:+86-21-62824073;E-mail:kxtang1@yaho0. the same:to open platforms and provide more chances com or kxtang@sjtu.edu.cn. of training in research skills,using integrated teaching D0l10.1002/bambed.75 322 This paper is available on line at http://www.bambed.org
Articles Participation in Research Program A NOVEL COURSE IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION OF LIFE SCIENCE Received for publication, April 26, 2007 Xuanwei Zhou‡, Juan Lin§, Yizhou Yin§, Xiaofen Sun§, and Kexuan Tang‡¶ From the ‡Plant Biotechnology Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People’s Republic of China; and §State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China A novel course, ‘‘Participation in Research Program (PRP)’’ in life sciences is open for 1st to 3rd year undergraduates. PRP introduces the principles of a variety of biological methods and techniques and also offers an opportunity to explore some specific knowledge in more detail prior to thesis research. In addition, the PRP introduces some methodologies that have been proven to be successful at each institution to participants. Through disciplines crossing, students were trained theoretically and practically about modern techniques, facilitating the efficient commutation of general laboratory skills and modern laboratory skills, and the possession of higher research ability. Therefore, during some basic training (e.g., usage and maintenance of equipments, designing and completing experiments, analyzing data and reporting results, etc.), a series of capabilities are strengthened, such as basic experimental skills, searching appropriate methods, explaining unknown biological phenomena, and the capacity of solving problems. To determine the efficiency of these strategies, we carefully examined students’ performance and demonstrated the progress in students’ basic abilities of scientific research in their training. Keywords: Course, participation in research program (PRP), practical skill, training, undergraduate. Life science is based on experimental investigations, in which theoretical models describe the natural results generally from a practical observation of phenomena. Thus, it is important that students, the future scientists, understand the experimental basis of the ‘‘facts’’ in textbooks and gain experience in the practice of scientific investigation. Traditionally, laboratory practices for 1st to 3rd year undergraduates have been structured to illustrate and confirm lectured materials [1]. Occasionally, individual undergraduates are allowed to enter the laboratory and do practical work relevant to their graduation thesis research. In the fourth year, all students starting graduation thesis research enter the laboratory according to the arranged schedule [2]. However, this alone does not meet all the needs of the students; consequently, there has been a trend to provide students with more opportunities to participate in more advanced scientific processes. The objectives of ‘‘Undergraduate Student Research Training Program’’ have been comprehensively summarized by Zhuang [3]. In addition, to illustrate lectured materials, learning objectives were categorized as developing ‘‘basic laboratory skills’’ and ‘‘advanced laboratory skills’’ [4], which include six aspects of the contents: searching and catching up information, designing research projects, using instruments, analyzing results, writing the summary reports, and cultivating cooperation spirits [5]. Our point of view is that previous opinions must be implemented into the curriculum, which means clarity of skill items for every course. For example, the basic laboratory skills involve how to follow protocols and work safely and efficiently, including manipulative skills, operating equipments, recording data, and processing and reporting skills. Advanced experimental skills include planning experiments, preparing protocols, critically analyzing data and literatures, forming hypothesis, communicating information (oral and written), and team working [5]. We would also add problem solving to the list of high-level skills. To cultivate the talent of the students in scientific research, some top universities in China have established the ‘‘Undergraduate Student Research Training Program’’ in recent years, though the names of these programs are different in each university. For example, the program is assigned as ‘‘Participation in Research Program (PRP)’’ in Shanghai Jiao Tong University [6], ‘‘the Chun-Tsung Scholar Program and the Wang Dao Scholar Program’’ at Fudan University [7]. However, the basic purposes are the same: to open platforms and provide more chances of training in research skills, using integrated teaching ¶ To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: þ86- 21-62932002; Fax: þ86-21-62824073; E-mail: kxtang1@yahoo. com or kxtang@sjtu.edu.cn. DOI 10.1002/bambed.75 This paper is available on line at http://www.bambed.org 322 Q 2007 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION Vol. 35, No. 5, pp. 322–327, 2007
323 resources and research strength,and to transform the 21st to 30th week,which was based broadly on the pro- management of the model from the teacher-based man- fessor and scholar's proposals.During the process of the agement to the student-based self-development.The PRP,we divided the practice and training skills into three programs offer students a chance of scientific research modules:skill learning,skill experiencing,and skill devel- training,making them participate in the process of scien- oping (Table I)[14].The skill training is throughout the tific research and innovation,learn basic theories,de- whole procedures including the project planning,imple- velop experimental skills,and hold on research method- menting,analyzing,and evaluating processes. These ologies through which their interests of scientific research were divided into three steps,and each step may contain will be promoted,although the purpose does not expect one or two units of the three modules. them to have the great innovation [8]. According to the arrangement of the Teaching Affairs During the process of the practical-skill training,the skill Office,the first step is to apply for a research program contents (called units)are different according to different including:1)brief introduction;2)basic research con- program degrees [9,10].According to the life science pro- tents,emphases,difficulties,frontiers of the research gram degree requirement,the experiments of biochemistry field,and theoretical and practical significance;3)dem- and molecular biology demand students to possess the onstrating conditions of the project implementation and skills of basic laboratory techniques and advanced labora- accomplishment;4)demonstrating the project plan;5) tory techniques.In biochemistry,the basic laboratory analyzing the prospects of the project;6)the plan of techniques include electrophoresis,chromatography,cen- scheduling and implementing the project;7)general illus- trifugation,and photometric-analysis techniques.The ad- tration;8)material demand and supply;9)introduction of vanced laboratory techniques include two-dimensional gel the technology process;10)organization,labor quota, electrophoresis (2-DE),polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and personnel dividing arrangement of the work;11) technique,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) comprehensive analysis of technological and economic technique [11].When carrying out the 2-DE experiments, benefits of projects.The item's contents and scientific some advanced knowledge is introduced,for example, significance is an important factor for a successful pro- the research significance of proteomics and the research gram.In addition,another key factor is the professors method of proteomics using the mass spectrum (MS) who are active in research,who are willing to train under- technique.When doing ELISA experiment,students were graduate research scholars,and who can assign or col- presented with related immunological knowledge and laborate with them on suitable research topics. ELISA application in the project research of biochemistry The second step is to carry out the experimental prac- and molecular biology.Then affects of experimental tice,which,in this stage,includes two tasks namely "skill items were completely deepening [11].In this paper,we learning”and“skill experience,”both offered in the form report a novel adaptation of Li's proposal,whereby a unit of an extended practical experiment.The undergraduate is offered,which is entirely dedicated to developing prac- students first learn relevant skills through observation tical,cognitive,and report writing skills in 2nd-and 3rd- and imitation of their tutors'actions and then they will in- year biology students.The course also provides students dependently learn how to do it.Thus,the first module with a theoretical and practical introduction to more combines "skill learning"with the subsequent "skill advanced techniques,which has facilitated an efficient experiencing"once a technique is introduced.In other transition for students from basic learning to higher levels words,"old"skills are practiced concurrently with the of learning introduction of "new"skills.Students were able to gain experience in the basic principle and application of spe- COURSE DESIGN cific technologies,analytical methods,and report writing. The minimum qualification for admission is an upper Finally,undergraduate students are required to com- average-level degree in an experiment-based subject pare data(or results)with his/her workmates and to pres- from each department.All applications are reviewed by ent an analytical report in the conventional IMRD (intro- the Academic Committee.Most of the students entering duction,materials and methods,results,and discussion) the program had learnt the core courses of life sciences, format.High quality research reports will be recom- such as chemistry,basic experiment of modern biology, mended by the tutor professor to scientific journals for general biology,biochemistry,genetics,etc.(Ref.2, publication.Training and feedback in investigative meth- Tables I-IlI on pages 142-144),at the same time passed ods is provided during the first module in the form of the examination,possessed basic knowledge,and short assessable tasks,and in the second module basic acquired general laboratory skills,and then entered labo- laboratory-techniques training is directly instructed by ratories to further enhance their experimental skills.In the graduate student.Since only a handout containing different degree programs,the course design is diversi- guidelines for the presentation of scientific reports are fied [12,13].In general,the program needs to be com- provided on the Internet,students are under minimal pleted within one year;the students must complete the constraint and are entirely responsible for conducting,re- relevant workload described in the requisition.Usually,2- cording,and analyzing the experiment 3 credit hours would be given to them.In our laboratory, the courses are designed and completed as follows.The unit was offered in three stages:the first during the 1st COURSE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION to 3rd week,the second during the 4th to 20th week The course organization and performance of PRP pro- (including a summer vacation),and the third during the grams are as follows:The university sets up the special
resources and research strength, and to transform the management of the model from the teacher-based management to the student-based self-development. The programs offer students a chance of scientific research training, making them participate in the process of scientific research and innovation, learn basic theories, develop experimental skills, and hold on research methodologies through which their interests of scientific research will be promoted, although the purpose does not expect them to have the great innovation [8]. During the process of the practical-skill training, the skill contents (called units) are different according to different program degrees [9, 10]. According to the life science program degree requirement, the experiments of biochemistry and molecular biology demand students to possess the skills of basic laboratory techniques and advanced laboratory techniques. In biochemistry, the basic laboratory techniques include electrophoresis, chromatography, centrifugation, and photometric-analysis techniques. The advanced laboratory techniques include two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique [11]. When carrying out the 2-DE experiments, some advanced knowledge is introduced, for example, the research significance of proteomics and the research method of proteomics using the mass spectrum (MS) technique. When doing ELISA experiment, students were presented with related immunological knowledge and ELISA application in the project research of biochemistry and molecular biology. Then affects of experimental items were completely deepening [11]. In this paper, we report a novel adaptation of Li’s proposal, whereby a unit is offered, which is entirely dedicated to developing practical, cognitive, and report writing skills in 2nd- and 3rdyear biology students. The course also provides students with a theoretical and practical introduction to more advanced techniques, which has facilitated an efficient transition for students from basic learning to higher levels of learning. COURSE DESIGN The minimum qualification for admission is an upper average-level degree in an experiment-based subject from each department. All applications are reviewed by the Academic Committee. Most of the students entering the program had learnt the core courses of life sciences, such as chemistry, basic experiment of modern biology, general biology, biochemistry, genetics, etc. (Ref. 2, Tables I–III on pages 142–144), at the same time passed the examination, possessed basic knowledge, and acquired general laboratory skills, and then entered laboratories to further enhance their experimental skills. In different degree programs, the course design is diversi- fied [12, 13]. In general, the program needs to be completed within one year; the students must complete the relevant workload described in the requisition. Usually, 2– 3 credit hours would be given to them. In our laboratory, the courses are designed and completed as follows. The unit was offered in three stages: the first during the 1st to 3rd week, the second during the 4th to 20th week (including a summer vacation), and the third during the 21st to 30th week, which was based broadly on the professor and scholar’s proposals. During the process of the PRP, we divided the practice and training skills into three modules: skill learning, skill experiencing, and skill developing (Table I) [14]. The skill training is throughout the whole procedures including the project planning, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating processes. These were divided into three steps, and each step may contain one or two units of the three modules. According to the arrangement of the Teaching Affairs Office, the first step is to apply for a research program including: 1) brief introduction; 2) basic research contents, emphases, difficulties, frontiers of the research field, and theoretical and practical significance; 3) demonstrating conditions of the project implementation and accomplishment; 4) demonstrating the project plan; 5) analyzing the prospects of the project; 6) the plan of scheduling and implementing the project; 7) general illustration; 8) material demand and supply; 9) introduction of the technology process; 10) organization, labor quota, and personnel dividing arrangement of the work; 11) comprehensive analysis of technological and economic benefits of projects. The item’s contents and scientific significance is an important factor for a successful program. In addition, another key factor is the professors who are active in research, who are willing to train undergraduate research scholars, and who can assign or collaborate with them on suitable research topics. The second step is to carry out the experimental practice, which, in this stage, includes two tasks namely ‘‘skill learning’’ and ‘‘skill experience,’’ both offered in the form of an extended practical experiment. The undergraduate students first learn relevant skills through observation and imitation of their tutors’ actions and then they will independently learn how to do it. Thus, the first module combines ‘‘skill learning’’ with the subsequent ‘‘skill experiencing’’ once a technique is introduced. In other words, ‘‘old’’ skills are practiced concurrently with the introduction of ‘‘new’’ skills. Students were able to gain experience in the basic principle and application of specific technologies, analytical methods, and report writing. Finally, undergraduate students are required to compare data (or results) with his/her workmates and to present an analytical report in the conventional IMRD (introduction, materials and methods, results, and discussion) format. High quality research reports will be recommended by the tutor professor to scientific journals for publication. Training and feedback in investigative methods is provided during the first module in the form of short assessable tasks, and in the second module basic laboratory-techniques training is directly instructed by the graduate student. Since only a handout containing guidelines for the presentation of scientific reports are provided on the Internet, students are under minimal constraint and are entirely responsible for conducting, recording, and analyzing the experiment. COURSE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION The course organization and performance of PRP programs are as follows: The university sets up the special 323
324 BAMBED,Vol.35,No.5,pp.322-327,2007 TABLE I Participation in research program:lecture and practical schedule Times Modules Lecture Skill item Weeks 1-3 Skill learning 1.Laboratory safety 1.Usage of balance 2.Writing and reporting results 2.Centrifugation (maintaining a laboratory notebook, laboratory reports oral presentations) 3.How to use apparatus and equipment 3.Pipetting liquids 4.Biological methods: 4.Techniques of plant tissue and cell culture (a)Preparation of solutions 5.Cleanse and sterilization of reagent and experimental ware,etc. (b)Principle of centrifuge 6.Experimental design,collection and statistical analysis of data,controls (c)Basic theory of cell culture 7.Computer(data analysis,graphing. spreadsheet,literature search,databases) (d)Asepsis technique,bacteria culture and preservation,etc. Weeks 4-20 Skill experience 1.Basic theory of electrophoretic 1.Extraction,isolation,and determination technique techniques of nucleic acid and protein 2.Techniques of protein characterization, 2.Using commercial kits isolation,and purification 3.Selecting and restricting the condition of 3.Techniques of protein extraction and determination of enzyme activity characterization(sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS- PAGE),isoelectric point determination(IEF- PAGE)) 4.Basic theory and techniques of PCR 4.Enzyme activity determination,enzyme (polymerase chain reaction) assaying,characterization (optimal pH, temperature,heat sensitivity),and enzyme kinetics measurement 5.Characterization and separation of plant 5.Techniques of gene cloning secondary metabolite,etc 6.Techniques of sample separation,purification, and characterization (ion exchange chromatography,affinity chromatography, HPLC) Weeks 21-30 Skill development 1.Selecting site of restricted enzyme, 1.Techniques of vector construction characteristics of different tool enzymes 2.Introductions of various transformation 2.Transgenic technology methods 3.Theories of library construction 3.Techniques of exogenous gene expression 4.Molecular hybridization techniques 5.Library construction techniques organization responsible for the tasks and forms the PRP program must be clearly described in their requisi- leading group of two administrative systems in the uni- tion.Most of the knowledge-relative techniques have versity and college,respectively.The leading group plans been learnt before entering the laboratory,and the short- the overall projects,making the standard specification of age may be complemented in various ways,such as dis- the project review,deciding on admission,and evaluating cussing,operating alone or cooperatively in the research. the implementation.The Teaching Affairs Office of the Sometimes,examining whether the students have been university constitutes the policy,byelaws,management skilful enough is necessary.After entering the program, objectives,and work process for the implementation. learning goes throughout the whole training process,in These aim to ensure the success of the PRP program. which undergraduates gradually obtain the techniques. The objects of the PRP program implementation are the According to the role of the students in learning skills, 1st to 3rd year undergraduates and young teachers in the process may be divided into three phases:simula- the university.At the university,training and program tion-based learning,experiencing,and reflection on quality of students takes priority;two-way selection in doing.After the students enter the program,the training employment and optimized combination between staff process is monitored on time by the study group. and PRP program are adopted;the students may choose Actually,after the students take part in the research pro- the PRP program according to their requirements.The gram,their detailed practice needs to be coached by the sources of the project are as follows:1)teachers doing graduate students or young teachers.The instruction research programs;2)industries and market demand group consists of a teacher and graduate students.They based on investigations;3)the special research projects are responsible for the students'training.They also by cooperation.The PRP programs are decreed once a decide the need to be made to determine the best year,and students entering PRP are given priority to course of action for the training:what type of training is research training. necessary,who is responsible for the training,and should In general,the present experimental skills and the it be mandatory for all courses?Equally important are expected academic horizon of the students entering thethe issues of whether a program should be designed and
organization responsible for the tasks and forms the leading group of two administrative systems in the university and college, respectively. The leading group plans the overall projects, making the standard specification of the project review, deciding on admission, and evaluating the implementation. The Teaching Affairs Office of the university constitutes the policy, byelaws, management objectives, and work process for the implementation. These aim to ensure the success of the PRP program. The objects of the PRP program implementation are the 1st to 3rd year undergraduates and young teachers in the university. At the university, training and program quality of students takes priority; two-way selection in employment and optimized combination between staff and PRP program are adopted; the students may choose the PRP program according to their requirements. The sources of the project are as follows: 1) teachers doing research programs; 2) industries and market demand based on investigations; 3) the special research projects by cooperation. The PRP programs are decreed once a year, and students entering PRP are given priority to research training. In general, the present experimental skills and the expected academic horizon of the students entering the PRP program must be clearly described in their requisition. Most of the knowledge-relative techniques have been learnt before entering the laboratory, and the shortage may be complemented in various ways, such as discussing, operating alone or cooperatively in the research. Sometimes, examining whether the students have been skilful enough is necessary. After entering the program, learning goes throughout the whole training process, in which undergraduates gradually obtain the techniques. According to the role of the students in learning skills, the process may be divided into three phases: simulation-based learning, experiencing, and reflection on doing. After the students enter the program, the training process is monitored on time by the study group. Actually, after the students take part in the research program, their detailed practice needs to be coached by the graduate students or young teachers. The instruction group consists of a teacher and graduate students. They are responsible for the students’ training. They also decide the need to be made to determine the best course of action for the training: what type of training is necessary, who is responsible for the training, and should it be mandatory for all courses? Equally important are the issues of whether a program should be designed and TABLE I Participation in research program: lecture and practical schedule Times Modules Lecture Skill item Weeks 1–3 Skill learning 1. Laboratory safety 1. Usage of balance 2. Writing and reporting results (maintaining a laboratory notebook, laboratory reports oral presentations) 2. Centrifugation 3. How to use apparatus and equipment 3. Pipetting liquids 4. Biological methods: 4. Techniques of plant tissue and cell culture (a) Preparation of solutions 5. Cleanse and sterilization of reagent and experimental ware, etc. (b) Principle of centrifuge 6. Experimental design, collection and statistical analysis of data, controls (c) Basic theory of cell culture 7. Computer (data analysis, graphing, spreadsheet, literature search, databases) (d) Asepsis technique, bacteria culture and preservation, etc. Weeks 4–20 Skill experience 1. Basic theory of electrophoretic technique 1. Extraction, isolation, and determination techniques of nucleic acid and protein 2. Techniques of protein characterization, isolation, and purification 2. Using commercial kits 3. Selecting and restricting the condition of determination of enzyme activity 3. Techniques of protein extraction and characterization (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE), isoelectric point determination (IEFPAGE)) 4. Basic theory and techniques of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) 4. Enzyme activity determination, enzyme assaying, characterization (optimal pH, temperature, heat sensitivity), and enzyme kinetics measurement 5. Characterization and separation of plant secondary metabolite, etc 5. Techniques of gene cloning 6. Techniques of sample separation, purification, and characterization (ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, HPLC) Weeks 21–30 Skill development 1. Selecting site of restricted enzyme, characteristics of different tool enzymes 1. Techniques of vector construction 2. Introductions of various transformation methods 2. Transgenic technology 3. Theories of library construction 3. Techniques of exogenous gene expression 4. Molecular hybridization techniques 5. Library construction techniques 324 BAMBED, Vol. 35, No. 5, pp. 322–327, 2007
325 administered centrally through the instruction group. The final scores of the "PRP"programs are ranked as "Project-based experiments"afforded participants an “Fail,"“Pass,”and“Excellent"while the number of pro- opportunity to explore some specific projects in more grams that get the "Excellent"level should not exceed detail.It also allowed for a discussion of the pros and 10%of the total.The individual scores of the students cons of several components of these programs.In addi- are divided into five ranks,which are "Excellent"(90-100 tion,participants were introduced to some methodolo- points),"Good"(80-89 points),"Middle Level"(70-79 gies that have proven to be successful at each institu- points), “Pass”(60-69 points),and“Fai”(below60 tion.The students also discuss the progress and prob- points),and the students who get the "Excellent"rank lems in their work with others in the seminar once a should be strictly controlled to be under 15-20%of the week.According to the problems,the group leader total,and everyone will receive one grade.Each student points out the disadvantages and opinions for improve- (or group)will write a research thesis and make an oral ment and illustrates his/her own ideas on how to perform presentation of his/her work at the end of the term.It is efficient experiment with the purpose of developing rele- suggested that the students begin their research projects vant skills in Course Design.Certainly,in various phases, at the end of their second academic year so as to allow the subjects are different and so are the desires for stu- them to use two full summers as well as their third year dents in different grades.Finally,students must complete of studies to complete their projects. the paper writing process according to the "Instructions In general,the students must write a paper or labora- for authors"of a journal that has been published.The tory reports,through which,we may evaluate their work. manuscript is revised by the students,tutors,and teach- A paper (or reported)returned with a grade and no com- ers,respectively,and then submitted to the management ment is useless as a learning tool,as students are left department or recommended for publication.Through with no indication of how to improve.The tutors should these processes,the skills of the students'report writing not attempt to rewrite laboratory reports or assignments will be improved greatly. for their students,whereas feedback on where the stu- The key of a successful program depends on the pro- dent erred is essential for improving the future perform- fessors who are active in research.The criteria for stu- ance.Sometimes,the management committee may be dent selection are the scientific significance of their pro- required for investigating the skill level of the students by posals,their abilities to complete the project in time,and an operation for 10-20 min.The indicator system of eval- the commitment and quality of their research advisors. uation is relative to the learning level of the student when Moreover,these programs encourage interdisciplinary entering the PRP program,but not the development level research. of subjects.For instance.how to evaluate the "creativity of the theory and methods?"If a student does not learn STUDENT SOURCES molecular biology,but uses the techniques relative to it Because of the diversity of the course,there is no (e.g.,PCR technique),it can be concluded that the stu- dent is creative.The advantage of task,and theoretical entirely suitable single textbook.Consequently,the differ- and realistic significance was evaluated with the advant- ent undergraduate degree programs develop the in- house laboratory manual,select a publication as a labo- age using techniques (modern techniques or general techniques),and if it can solve the practical problems in ratory manual [15],or write a book of operational instruc- tion [16].In general,"Instructions to authors"of journals agricultural and industrial production.The evaluation of is recommended as a guide for writing technique.In the the difficulties and labor intensity is as same as the "cre- biological degree programs in some universities,"A ativity of the theory and methods,"mentioned earlier. Guide to Writing about Science and Technology Papers" However over 90%programs of total were completed, as a minicourse is required for the undergraduate degree. the reliability of experimental datum and language must In addition,published scientific papers are added to the be verified under the management of relating to a recommended reading lists to assist research endeavors teacher (tutor). especially those published in specialized high-quality journals,such as Plant Cell,Cell,etc.,and students are DISCUSSIONS encouraged to use databases and other electronic resour- ces of the university library. Much progress has been made in life sciences in the recent years;consequently,the need of an advanced biology course for training experimental skills is reasona- EVALUATION ble and has long been recognized in the Chinese univer- The course is evaluated in five parts.The creativity of sities.The objective of life science education is to equip the theory and methods contributes 40%of the total undergraduates with a wide range of experimental skills. score.The other factors comprising the evaluation including some highly sophisticated technologies [17].To include the advantage of task,theoretical and realistic accomplish the purpose,many courses and relevant significance (20%),the difficulties and labor intensity techniques are assigned in different semesters,and (20%),investigation harvest relating to the program some specialty operation techniques are even provided (10%),reliability of experimental datum,and language as a course to students for practical learning [18,19]. precision in writing (10%).The final achievement is indi- Students,particularly those at the lower grades,are cated as the point average evaluated by 5-7 scholars required to develop cognitive and analytical capacities in and professors the four years of study including the delivery of a lot of
administered centrally through the instruction group. ‘‘Project-based experiments’’ afforded participants an opportunity to explore some specific projects in more detail. It also allowed for a discussion of the pros and cons of several components of these programs. In addition, participants were introduced to some methodologies that have proven to be successful at each institution. The students also discuss the progress and problems in their work with others in the seminar once a week. According to the problems, the group leader points out the disadvantages and opinions for improvement and illustrates his/her own ideas on how to perform efficient experiment with the purpose of developing relevant skills in Course Design. Certainly, in various phases, the subjects are different and so are the desires for students in different grades. Finally, students must complete the paper writing process according to the ‘‘Instructions for authors’’ of a journal that has been published. The manuscript is revised by the students, tutors, and teachers, respectively, and then submitted to the management department or recommended for publication. Through these processes, the skills of the students’ report writing will be improved greatly. The key of a successful program depends on the professors who are active in research. The criteria for student selection are the scientific significance of their proposals, their abilities to complete the project in time, and the commitment and quality of their research advisors. Moreover, these programs encourage interdisciplinary research. STUDENT SOURCES Because of the diversity of the course, there is no entirely suitable single textbook. Consequently, the different undergraduate degree programs develop the inhouse laboratory manual, select a publication as a laboratory manual [15], or write a book of operational instruction [16]. In general, ‘‘Instructions to authors’’ of journals is recommended as a guide for writing technique. In the biological degree programs in some universities, ‘‘A Guide to Writing about Science and Technology Papers’’ as a minicourse is required for the undergraduate degree. In addition, published scientific papers are added to the recommended reading lists to assist research endeavors, especially those published in specialized high-quality journals, such as Plant Cell, Cell, etc., and students are encouraged to use databases and other electronic resources of the university library. EVALUATION The course is evaluated in five parts. The creativity of the theory and methods contributes 40% of the total score. The other factors comprising the evaluation include the advantage of task, theoretical and realistic significance (20%), the difficulties and labor intensity (20%), investigation harvest relating to the program (10%), reliability of experimental datum, and language precision in writing (10%). The final achievement is indicated as the point average evaluated by 5–7 scholars and professors. The final scores of the ‘‘PRP’’ programs are ranked as ‘‘Fail,’’ ‘‘Pass,’’ and ‘‘Excellent’’ while the number of programs that get the ‘‘Excellent’’ level should not exceed 10% of the total. The individual scores of the students are divided into five ranks, which are ‘‘Excellent’’ (90–100 points), ‘‘Good’’ (80–89 points), ‘‘Middle Level’’ (70–79 points), ‘‘Pass’’ (60–69 points), and ‘‘Fail’’ (below 60 points), and the students who get the ‘‘Excellent’’ rank should be strictly controlled to be under 15–20% of the total, and everyone will receive one grade. Each student (or group) will write a research thesis and make an oral presentation of his/her work at the end of the term. It is suggested that the students begin their research projects at the end of their second academic year so as to allow them to use two full summers as well as their third year of studies to complete their projects. In general, the students must write a paper or laboratory reports, through which, we may evaluate their work. A paper (or reported) returned with a grade and no comment is useless as a learning tool, as students are left with no indication of how to improve. The tutors should not attempt to rewrite laboratory reports or assignments for their students, whereas feedback on where the student erred is essential for improving the future performance. Sometimes, the management committee may be required for investigating the skill level of the students by an operation for 10–20 min. The indicator system of evaluation is relative to the learning level of the student when entering the PRP program, but not the development level of subjects. For instance, how to evaluate the ‘‘creativity of the theory and methods?’’ If a student does not learn molecular biology, but uses the techniques relative to it (e.g., PCR technique), it can be concluded that the student is creative. The advantage of task, and theoretical and realistic significance was evaluated with the advantage using techniques (modern techniques or general techniques), and if it can solve the practical problems in agricultural and industrial production. The evaluation of the difficulties and labor intensity is as same as the ‘‘creativity of the theory and methods,’’ mentioned earlier. However over 90% programs of total were completed, the reliability of experimental datum and language must be verified under the management of relating to a teacher (tutor). DISCUSSIONS Much progress has been made in life sciences in the recent years; consequently, the need of an advanced biology course for training experimental skills is reasonable and has long been recognized in the Chinese universities. The objective of life science education is to equip undergraduates with a wide range of experimental skills, including some highly sophisticated technologies [17]. To accomplish the purpose, many courses and relevant techniques are assigned in different semesters, and some specialty operation techniques are even provided as a course to students for practical learning [18, 19]. Students, particularly those at the lower grades, are required to develop cognitive and analytical capacities in the four years of study including the delivery of a lot of 325
326 BAMBED,Vol.35,No.5,pp.322-327,2007 factual information.The subjects of any individual life sci- foundation in laboratory methods.Students came to ences in theoretical curricula cannot independently reach genetics classes with skills in gene cloning,expression, the objectives;a experimental curricula,laboratory expe- molecular detection,etc.;and in biochemistry,students rience,and special skills are needed [201.Besides, showed their experience in filtration techniques of small- standardized process of research-skill training is also molecular-weight substance,spectrophotometer method. needed.Instruction books for the experiments or experi- etc.These classes were able to begin at a more advanced mental protocols are the means that deliver techniques level,such as metabolic engineering that allowed the stu- and practice.Actually,the instruction books have been dents to concentrate on higher-level skills from the outset. designed to support specific theoretical lecture.Labora- The unit has also facilitated the standardizations of basic tory content in specific disciplines is usually teacher-de- scientific and reporting methods across disciplines,reduc- pendent and generally highly focused [21].This might ing potential for confusion among students who otherwise lead to difficulties in linking teaching with laboratory exer- may have had to negotiate their methods through conflict- cises that can assure students with some skill practice. ing instructions.The unit is amenable to alteration and is although limited.Collectively,the introductory courses relatively independent of the discipline. may generate deficiencies in the students'necessary In the process of training students in our laboratory,the skills,particularly in terms of experimental design,analy- course focuses on plant molecular biology and biotech- sis,and report writing.Even students at rudimentary lev- nology.Currently,we have tried the inclusion of other ex- els are also usually eager to experience the advanced perimental and operational methods without constraints techniques of higher levels.It is recognized that the This attempt is based on the undergraduates'interests effective learning is influenced by the teaching strategies. and demands,which are the best teacher and also the In some life-science courses,students are often foundations of self-paced learning and training.Therefore, directed toward the "relevant"data when confronted with we design the unit for students:the purposes only intend a mass of experimental information so that they fail to de- to assist them materializing their ideas.The strength of the velop cognitive and analytical skills.In particular,this unit is its holistic approach to the scientific process and a strategy fails to teach the student to do it,which is helpful design that facilitates learning and exercising of skills.Stu- to develop skills in abstracting appropriate information dents believe that entering PRP program training facili- from a background of irrelevant materials 22.In our tates them to study other relevant theoretical courses, course,we have adopted a strategy that has been recog- improves their abilities of operating by hands and using nized to enhance cognitive and manipulative skills.Every- knowledge comprehensively,and fosters their innovative one is assigned to a postgraduate as a tutor for skill consciousness and scientific-thinking abilities.In the near learning,and a related theory of the skill is introduced in future,further improvements of the course can be made; seminar once a week.Sometimes,the students intercom- there will be more students'participation,including the municate among the different laboratories.We have rec- average students and the weak students,according to the ognized,as have others,that no single discipline-based format for assessment.The results of the course may be unit has the capacity to adequately present both its own presented as a final seminar,poster on experimental out- theory and practice,and also to encapsulate the more comes,or a written report,rather than a single paper.The holistic needs of life-science practice.Therefore,the stu- student's coauthorship on a paper,while highly encour- dents are encouraged to cooperate with the students in aged,is not a substitute for a comprehensive report writ- other laboratories.To this end.we have devoted an entire ten by the students'themselves.If the paper is accepted unit to the development of laboratory skills and scientific for publication by the core journal,the student will be practice.This unit has been run annually since 2002 when greatly encouraged. the center was set up.From then on,there are about 15 undergraduates entering the laboratory every year.After Acknowledgments-The authors thank Professor Chaogun Wu(Fudan University)for his help in revising the manuscript. studying the course,about 50%of the students were This research is supported by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, admitted for the postgraduate study in Chinese univer- China Ministry of Education,and Shanghai Science and Tech- sities,while the others went abroad for doctorial degree nology Committee. Meanwhile,there were about 3-5 papers published by the students every year,and some developed techniques or methods have been applied for patent protection.After REFERENCES innovative changes of experimental skills teaching during [1]C.K.Du,Z.G.Li,M.Gong (2002)Reforming teaching in biochem- the last few years in our university,more and more stu- istry experiments and improving comprehensively experimental abil- ity of students,J.Yunnan Normal Univ.(Educ.Sci.Edit)3,92-94. dents are interested in the course. [2]X.W.Zhou,J.Lin,L Zhang,Z.H.Chen,Y.Z.Yin,B.H.Guo,X.F. The educational effect of the unit (or the skill contents) Sun,K.X.Tang(2006)The development of biotechnology education has not been rigorously evaluated,although unit evalua- in China,Biochem.Mol.Biol.Educ.34,141-147. [3]M.Z.Zhuang,M.J.Chen,Y.M.Liu (2005)Taking advantage of sci- tions by students have been conducted and staffs have entific research platform and training creative talents,Res.Higher informally assessed the unit.The students'responses Educ.Eng.4,67-68. have been very supportive,as those got by staff interacting [4]W.R.Zhang,S.M.Li,J.P.Yang,X.Li,X.S.Shen (2003)Reform and practice in laboratory teaching of general biology,Educ.Mod. with past students at higher levels.For example,students 3.13-16. undertaking studies in plant molecular biology and bio- [5]L.W.Liu,Y.Q.Gong,X.L.Hou,Z.Zhang,Z.Wu (2005)Implement- technology were observed to proceed more rapidly in ing SRT projects and training students research skill in horticulture program,China Agric.Educ.2,53-54. practical sessions,presumably due to the established [6]http://electsys.sjtu.edu.cn/index.aspx
factual information. The subjects of any individual life sciences in theoretical curricula cannot independently reach the objectives; a experimental curricula, laboratory experience, and special skills are needed [20]. Besides, standardized process of research-skill training is also needed. Instruction books for the experiments or experimental protocols are the means that deliver techniques and practice. Actually, the instruction books have been designed to support specific theoretical lecture. Laboratory content in specific disciplines is usually teacher-dependent and generally highly focused [21]. This might lead to difficulties in linking teaching with laboratory exercises that can assure students with some skill practice, although limited. Collectively, the introductory courses may generate deficiencies in the students’ necessary skills, particularly in terms of experimental design, analysis, and report writing. Even students at rudimentary levels are also usually eager to experience the advanced techniques of higher levels. It is recognized that the effective learning is influenced by the teaching strategies. In some life-science courses, students are often directed toward the ‘‘relevant’’ data when confronted with a mass of experimental information so that they fail to develop cognitive and analytical skills. In particular, this strategy fails to teach the student to do it, which is helpful to develop skills in abstracting appropriate information from a background of irrelevant materials [22]. In our course, we have adopted a strategy that has been recognized to enhance cognitive and manipulative skills. Everyone is assigned to a postgraduate as a tutor for skill learning, and a related theory of the skill is introduced in seminar once a week. Sometimes, the students intercommunicate among the different laboratories. We have recognized, as have others, that no single discipline-based unit has the capacity to adequately present both its own theory and practice, and also to encapsulate the more holistic needs of life-science practice. Therefore, the students are encouraged to cooperate with the students in other laboratories. To this end, we have devoted an entire unit to the development of laboratory skills and scientific practice. This unit has been run annually since 2002 when the center was set up. From then on, there are about 15 undergraduates entering the laboratory every year. After studying the course, about 50% of the students were admitted for the postgraduate study in Chinese universities, while the others went abroad for doctorial degree. Meanwhile, there were about 3–5 papers published by the students every year, and some developed techniques or methods have been applied for patent protection. After innovative changes of experimental skills teaching during the last few years in our university, more and more students are interested in the course. The educational effect of the unit (or the skill contents) has not been rigorously evaluated, although unit evaluations by students have been conducted and staffs have informally assessed the unit. The students’ responses have been very supportive, as those got by staff interacting with past students at higher levels. For example, students undertaking studies in plant molecular biology and biotechnology were observed to proceed more rapidly in practical sessions, presumably due to the established foundation in laboratory methods. Students came to genetics classes with skills in gene cloning, expression, molecular detection, etc.; and in biochemistry, students showed their experience in filtration techniques of smallmolecular-weight substance, spectrophotometer method, etc. These classes were able to begin at a more advanced level, such as metabolic engineering that allowed the students to concentrate on higher-level skills from the outset. The unit has also facilitated the standardizations of basic scientific and reporting methods across disciplines, reducing potential for confusion among students who otherwise may have had to negotiate their methods through conflicting instructions. The unit is amenable to alteration and is relatively independent of the discipline. In the process of training students in our laboratory, the course focuses on plant molecular biology and biotechnology. Currently, we have tried the inclusion of other experimental and operational methods without constraints. This attempt is based on the undergraduates’ interests and demands, which are the best teacher and also the foundations of self-paced learning and training. Therefore, we design the unit for students; the purposes only intend to assist them materializing their ideas. The strength of the unit is its holistic approach to the scientific process and a design that facilitates learning and exercising of skills. Students believe that entering PRP program training facilitates them to study other relevant theoretical courses, improves their abilities of operating by hands and using knowledge comprehensively, and fosters their innovative consciousness and scientific-thinking abilities. In the near future, further improvements of the course can be made; there will be more students’ participation, including the average students and the weak students, according to the format for assessment. The results of the course may be presented as a final seminar, poster on experimental outcomes, or a written report, rather than a single paper. The student’s coauthorship on a paper, while highly encouraged, is not a substitute for a comprehensive report written by the students’ themselves. If the paper is accepted for publication by the core journal, the student will be greatly encouraged. Acknowledgments—The authors thank Professor Chaoqun Wu (Fudan University) for his help in revising the manuscript. This research is supported by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Ministry of Education, and Shanghai Science and Technology Committee. REFERENCES [1] C. K. Du, Z. G. Li, M. Gong (2002) Reforming teaching in biochemistry experiments and improving comprehensively experimental ability of students, J. Yunnan Normal Univ. (Educ. Sci. Edit.) 3, 92–94. [2] X. W. Zhou, J. Lin, L. Zhang, Z. H. Chen, Y. Z. Yin, B. H. Guo, X. F. Sun, K. X. 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