Poster: Education

Abs # 37: Integrating independent investigation into the undergraduate biology lab curriculum

Presenter:	Williams, Mary E, Mary_Williams@hmc.edu
Authors	Williams, Mary E (A)   Groome, James  (A)
Affiliations:	(A): Harvey Mudd College

The biology department at Harvey Mudd College has developed a biology laboratory curriculum that focuses on experimental design, independent investigation and hypothesis testing, and formal writing assignments. These features are integrated into all of the biology lab courses starting with introductory biology and carrying on through senior thesis. The curricular design allows students to develop their investigative and communication skills over a two or three year period. Furthermore, the format allows students considerable opportunity to pursue their own interests. I will present examples of inquiry-based laboratory modules from different courses, including Introductory Biology Lab, Cell Biology Lab, Comparative Physiology Lab and Plant Development Lab. Results from assessment efforts, as well as thoughts on the feasibility of scaling up the modules to larger class sizes will be included.