Microbial population at Washington State University Vancouver campus: A course-based undergraduate research experience in microbiology
Abstract
Most undergraduate students do not get an opportunity to participate in scientific research, an essential component of undergraduate training in biology. Research experiences prepare students to become effective problem-solvers, critical thinkers, collaborators, and navigators. A pilot course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) was implemented in a microbiology laboratory class to enhance student learning and scientific thinking while contributing to scientific research. During the course, students investigated microbial population present at Washington State University Vancouver campus. For the research project, students collected samples from campus buildings, conducted bacterial staining and several biochemical tests, extracted DNA and performed PCR. Samples were sent for Sanger sequencing. Students completed an online post-course survey of what it means to think like a scientist, changes in scientific thinking after CURE, and learning gains. Students indicated that scientific curiosity and critical thinking were both important elements of thinking like a scientist. After CURE, students reported better awareness of microbes and their surroundings, and knowledge of scientific processes. Students' response also revealed significant gains in collaborative skills and exhibited an interest in taking other research-oriented courses. Sanger sequencing of 16 S ribosomal gene predominantly showed genera Staphylococcus and Micrococcus, commonly found on several areas of human skin. This pilot implementation of CURE taught that diagnostic assessments and better study design is needed to generate significant learning outcomes. However, this data indicates that a microbiology lab can be redesigned to include CURE and a course-embedded research experience has an overall positive impact on student practice of scientific thinking.
About the Presenter
Cambria Griffith
Cambria Griffith is an undergraduate student at Washington State University Vancouver pursuing a degree in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Molecular Biology. Her focus is medicine, but she enjoyed her Microbiology laboratory course where she gained experience as well as started her research on microbial populations.