BIO 2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists - Softcover

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Board On Life Sciences; Committee On Undergraduate Biology Education To Prepare Research Scientists For The 21st Century

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309085357 ISBN 13: 9780309085359

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2003

Synopsis

Biological sciences have been revolutionized, not only in the way research is conducted -- with the introduction of techniques such as recombinant DNA and digital technology -- but also in how research findings are communicated among professionals and to the public. Yet, the undergraduate programs that train biology researchers remain much the same as they were before these fundamental changes came on the scene.

This new volume provides a blueprint for bringing undergraduate biology education up to the speed of today’s research fast track. It includes recommendations for teaching the next generation of life science investigators, through:

• Building a strong interdisciplinary curriculum that includes physical science, information technology, and mathematics.
• Eliminating the administrative and financial barriers to cross-departmental collaboration.
• Evaluating the impact of medical college admissions testing on undergraduate biology education.
• Creating early opportunities for independent research.
• Designing meaningful laboratory experiences into the curriculum.
  

The committee presents a dozen brief case studies of exemplary programs at leading institutions and lists many resources for biology educators. This volume will be important to biology faculty, administrators, practitioners, professional societies, research and education funders, and the biotechnology industry.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• Executive Summary
• 1. Introduction
• 2. A New Biology Curriculum
• 3. Instructional Materials and Approaches for Interdisciplinary Teaching
• 4. Engaging Students With Interdisciplinary and Project-Based Laboratories
• 5. Enabling Undergraduates to Experience the Excitement of Biology
• 6. Implementation
• References
• Appendix A: Charge to the Committee
• Appendix B: Biographical Information on Committee Members
• Appendix C: Membership of the Panels and Workshops
• Appendix D: Chemistry Panel Summary
• Appendix E: Physics and Engineering Panel Summary
• Appendix F: Mathematics and Computer Science Panel Summary
• Appendix G: Workshop on Innovative Undergraduate Biology Education
• Index

About this title

About the Author:

Committee on Undergraduate Biology Education to Prepare Research Scientists for the 21st Century, National Research Council

About this edition

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0309085357
• ISBN 13: 9780309085359
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208