Primary literature is our main mode of communication in the sciences. As such, it is important for our undergraduates in the discipline to learn how to read primary literature. Incorporating primary literature into undergraduate science courses is often difficult because students are unprepared to comprehend primary articles. Learning to read and…

This article offers a case study of the evaluation of a redesigned and redeveloped laboratory-based cell biology course. The course was a compulsory element of the biology program, but the laboratory had become outdated and was inadequately equipped. With the support of a faculty-based teaching improvement project, the teaching team redesigned the…

Described is a procedure for assessment of student performance in laboratory work (practical work) in Advanced Level Biology in England. Some historical background is included. (PB)

Bioinformatics has emerged as an important discipline within the biological sciences that allows scientists to decipher and manage the vast quantities of data (such as genome sequences) that are now available. Consequently, there is an obvious need to provide graduates in biosciences with generic, transferable skills in bioinformatics. We present…

Describes the investigative learning method for use in college-level biology courses. Discusses the graduate teaching assistants' roles and the strategies they need to examine such as teaching and assessment. Uses qualitative and quantitative approaches for the evaluation of the program. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Presents evidence that three distinct modes of performance can be identified in biology: analytic, constructive, and the practical. Describes a form of practical test in a laboratory setting that measures the practical mode, which cannot be measured by paper-and-pencil tests. (AL)

This paper describes an educational package for use in tertiary level tissue engineering education. Current learning science principles and theory were employed in the design process of these educational tools. Each module started with a challenge statement designed to motivate students and consisted of laboratory exercises centered on the "How…

The evaluation of a general college biology course taught by a combination of lectures, readings, small group discussions, and student-initiated activities, contains a list of the topics introduced in each of three semesters, the facilities available to students in conducting their individually designed research projects, audio-visual material…

Describes a technique for preparing and conducting biology laboratory examinations with 35-mm slides in lieu of actual laboratory equipment and materials. Major benefits stressed are the saving of time and preparation when utilized with individualized learning programs and make-up examinations. (SL)

This book presents multiple assessment formats and strategies appropriate for inquiry activities for both indoor and outdoor education. Chapters 5-8 feature examples of disciplinary assessment practices for biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Other contents include: (1) "A Rationale for Assessment"; (2) "Developing New Assessment";…

Conducts an action research investigation to determine which type of student benefits more from inquiry-based science laboratories. Designs two labs on diffusion and osmosis using both traditional and inquiry-based approaches and assesses student learning in these settings. (YDS)

In this article, we describe an exploratory study of a small-scale, concept-driven, voluntary laboratory component of Introductory Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We wished to investigate whether students' attitudes toward biology and their understanding of basic biological principles would improve through concept-based…