Learning geomicrobiology as a team using microbial mats, a multidisciplinary approach

Area of Science:

• Geomicrobiology education
• Environmental microbiology
• Sedimentary geology

Background:

• Microbial mats are ideal ecosystems for studying microbe-mineral interactions.
• Undergraduate geomicrobiology education requires innovative teaching methods.
• Multidisciplinary approaches can enhance scientific understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize tropical hypersaline microbial mats as educational tools for teaching introductory geomicrobiology.
• To promote active learning and interdisciplinary collaboration among undergraduate students.
• To assess the effectiveness of a novel educational initiative in geomicrobiology.

Main Methods:

• Field trips and research projects using Puerto Rican microbial mats.
• Intensive workshops covering microbiology, molecular biology, geology, and geochemistry.
• Assessment through pre- and posttests, discussions, case studies, and interviews.

Main Results:

• Posttests indicated significant improvements in conceptual understanding of geomicrobiology.
• Student presentations showed increased depth and integration of scientific concepts.
• Students valued learning diverse scientific disciplines and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams.

Conclusions:

• Tropical hypersaline microbial mats are effective tools for multidisciplinary geomicrobiology education.
• This initiative successfully fostered interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
• The program provided valuable learning experiences, integrating diverse scientific fields.