Queens University of Charlotte recently established a collaboration with the Carolina Raptor Center. One facet of this collaboration is to help the Raptor Center determine the sex of their rehabilitated raptors through a molecular sexing protocol. Many bird species lack sexual dimorphism and the direct observation of gonads is invasive. Given that females are heterogametic (ZW) while males are homogametic (ZZ), sex can determined through PCR using blood samples. Our upper-level genetics courses were provided blood samples from the Raptor Center. Over the course of the fall semester the students optimized the DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis protocols. They were able to successfully identify the sex of four different raptors, an Eastern Screech Owl, a Red-Tailed Hawk, and two Bald Eagles, all species that have not been sexed using this protocol in previous publications. This information was sent to the Raptor Center to help with their breeding and conservation programs. The incorporation of this research project into a required course gave students experience with real-life science; many students expressed frustration as they optimized the DNA extraction protocol and then gratification when they were able to obtain results. The long-term goal is for students enrolled in Genetics to not only continue the gender determination project, but to further optimize it so that DNA can be extracted from feathers rather than blood.
Dept of Biology, Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
The value of public communication about science is well-embodied in a slogan commonly used by the AAAS: Advancing Science, Serving Society as well as by AAAS programming such as the Communicating Science Seminar which focused this year on engagement with journalists, social media, and public events. Translating this emphasis on public communication to undergraduate Biology students was a primary motivator behind the development of an intentional linkage between two courses: a second-semester Biology course and a Sophomore-level Social Science course offered by the Communication Studies Dept which focuses on Science in Public Discourse. These inquiry-driven courses aim to give students both a detailed understanding of biological systems as well as a broader understanding of science in the public arena. The dramatistic model for exploring public discourse, known as The Pentad and developed by rhetorical scholar Kenneth Burke, serves as the organizing typology for the communication course and provides multiple points of connection to the Biology course. Details about the two courses, the surprising intersections between them, and the impact on student understanding of Biology and Communication Studies will be the primary focus of this presentation.
1 Dept of Communication Studies, Belmont University, Nashville, TN; 2 Dept of Biology, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
106 • Dr. Valarie A. Burnett
Building Scientific Literature Research and Presentation Skills in a College Setting
Biology students destined for Graduate School and professional careers will inevitably be expected to present their work on a regular basis. The more practice they have in researching literature and delivering their findings to an audience, the more polished these presentations will likely be. Therefore, I have incorporated research assignments into my courses to provide such practice. Students do two presentations. The first assignment is a group oral report. Working in a group is intended to allow students, who may have little to no experience doing this type of activity, to learn from the background and skills of others. The second project differs by semester. During Fall, each student researches a topic and presents a PowerPoint to the class. In Spring, students research an environmental topic in groups of four, write individual papers, and construct a group Poster. The Poster is presented at an Earth Day Poster Session attended by campus faculty, staff, and students. At the end of both terms, students answer questions about their experiences, both as a presenter and an attendee, to reflect on the activity and provide the instructor with insight and assessment of the assignment for future purposes. Most students are able to list several items they have learned and view the research project as a valuable, positive learning experience. Students who take two courses in sequence often show marked improvement in meeting assignment criteria in the second term. This Spring, the Poster Session will include Oral Presentations of original research and Posters in Mathematics.
Integrating Google Sites Into the Old Paper Report Assignment
A Google site is a medium commonly used to create personal and professional websites at no charge to the individual. Such use of this medium can lead to promoting a student’s achievements for application to professional or graduate school, or for employment. An upper-level Microbiology class was assigned to create a Google site based on a pathogen and disease, rather than complete a written paper assignment. The group of students created various subpages that were to inform the general public about the pathogen and the disease. This assignment integrates modern technology with project-based learning so that students can familiarize themselves with Google services for future professional endeavors.
1 Dept of Biology, Wingate University, Wingate, NC; 2 Ethel K. Smith Library Director, Wingate University, Wingate, NC; 3Reference Librarian, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
