A Molecular Lab: Active Learning in Biology

Do you want to genotype yourself?

Learn state-of-the art techniques?

How many RNA molecules are in one of your cells?

Using a gaming approach that encourages group discussions and team discovery, this lab manual, intended for biology and science majors guides faculty and students alike through a semester of molecular fun.

Two projects (the first DNA-based and the second RNA-based) are organized over the course of a semester, are organized in a hybrid format to allow social distancing, maximizing the efficiency of limited on-ground time.

Each technique is not only carried out but unpacked through critical inquiry. Does ethanol remove DNA contamination? How does a DNA extraction actually work?

Techniques explored include DNA extraction, spectrophotometry, primer design (for for DNA and expression analysis), PCR, amplicon purification, principle of DNA sequencing (sequencing itself is outsourced), RNA extraction, retro-transcriotion, serial dilutions, and real-time PCR and analyses. 

You will love this molecular manual because it forces students to be critical of what they learn while having fun.

Get it now.

Interested faculty member? Contact the author for a copy at print cost.

o 26 labs, one hour and a half each, leave enough room for tests and review providing content for a 1-credit lab according to Carnegie standardso This curriculum was designed to address active learning needs during the COVID pandemic, and is designed to have only 7 out of 26 labs on ground