Perturbation of gene expression using RNA interference (RNAi) or CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) is a useful strategy to explore the function of essential genes. In the archaeon "Haloferax volcanii," the CRISPR-Cas system has been adapted as a CRISPRi tool to silence the expression of specific genes. We developed a laboratory class (LC) to…

Industrial and academic laboratories are undergoing a paradigm shift in process technology from batch to modular flow. Implementation of modular flow processes can enable more efficient operation with superior throughput, scalability, and safety factors owing to superior transport and reaction kinetics. However, both fine chemical and…

Herein, two simulated electrochemistry experiments, namely, the (i) electrochemical series, using an electronic half-cell module, and (ii) citrus fruit battery series are demonstrated for undergraduate chemistry students. The demonstration can be performed for in-person and remote students by connecting the electronic half-cell module to a…

Interest in virtual laboratory simulations as a pedagogical tool continues to grow, given the advantages of flexibility, scalability, technology integration, and interactive visualizations. We developed a laboratory model that integrates virtual lab simulations (VLS) and traditional in-person (IP) lab experiences for targeted skill development. In…

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful technique capable of characterizing large protein complexes that are otherwise impossible to characterize using traditional crystallography methods. Cryo-EM has played a pivotal role in our understanding of the structure--function relationship of the spike proteins on the COVID-19 viral…

The teaching of laboratory skills to undergraduate students is central to all experimental sciences. In this setting, students must understand the experimental procedures as well as the fundamental principle(s) being demonstrated, all while learning within a limited time. Other limiting factors include access to equipment and reagents, resulting…

Incorporation of previously reported AR technology (ARiEL) for a general chemistry laboratory was attempted for the second time, a replication effort designed to provide students with an option to read about the nature of instruments used in an experiment. Students' app usage was tracked to understand the type and amount of information accessed,…

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) allow students to apply the scientific method to novel questions, which can serve as a gateway for mentored research. Here, we present a model for using cross-disciplinary CUREs to vertically integrate courses from different disciplines. This approach creates opportunities for students to (1)…

Mitochondrial beta-oxidation is one of the most common modes of fatty acids' oxidation in most organisms, particularly mammals. Biochemistry undergraduate curriculum often contains the description of the process, with emphasis on ATP calculations for various types of fatty acids. During our decade long teaching experience in biochemistry, we…

Recognized as one of the most beautiful experiments of all time, the oil drop experiment performed by Robert Millikan and his graduate students (primarily Harvey Fletcher) is a standard in the repertoire of experiments performed by undergraduate physics students. However, "as a teaching lab it does not enjoy a good reputation for three…

Virtual experiments are beneficial and effective learning activities providing the opportunity to investigate the relationship between the experimental findings and the theories. There exist several advantages of using virtual experiments, including, among other things: 7/24 availability, opportunity of unlimited iterations, and working with an…

Online teachers are an under-researched population, but their perspectives are crucial to the successful implementation of online education. A fully online section of an established face-to-face (F2F) two-semester undergraduate anatomy course with a prosection laboratory commenced in 2012 at The University of Western Ontario, Canada. Professors'…

An augmented reality (AR) application that complements a DNA precipitation experiment has been developed for use on mobile devices. The AR experience provides atomistic detail on the reasoning behind the experimental observations. The development of the application is described, as are the download data. In a pilot survey, the students were asked…

This study explored the self-regulation strategies and learning experiences of undergraduate science students completing Learner-Generated Digital Media (LGDM) assignments that had been implemented using a theory-driven, systematic approach. The rationale for using LGDM in science education is to facilitate student learning of complex scientific…

The mechanism maps that guide student instruction in organic chemistry curricula are structural representations of bond-breaking and bond-making events that transform a reactant into a product. For students, these pathways represented by electron pushing formalism (EPF) can be challenging to navigate. For instructors, providing formative feedback…