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A CURE for a Major Challenge in Phenomics: A Practical Guide to Implementing a Quantitative Specimen-Based
S A Price1, O Larouche1, S T Friedman2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Integrative Organismal Biology (Oxford, England)
|April 1, 2021
Summary
Engaging undergraduates in phenotype data collection via a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) accelerates organismal studies. This approach enhances student critical thinking and analytical skills using digitized museum collections.
Area of Science:
- Integrative organismal biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Museum studies
Background:
- Phenotypic data collection is a bottleneck in integrative organismal studies.
- Undergraduate researchers can address this limitation.
- Digitized museum collections and online archives facilitate remote data collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a practical guide for implementing a quantitative specimen-based Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE).
- To train students in phenotypic data collection and the scientific process.
- To emphasize hypothesis development and quantitative skills in undergraduate biology education.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a CURE focused on collecting and analyzing fish body shape data.
- Utilizing digitized museum collections and online image archives for data extraction.
- Mentoring students through hypothesis development, data collection, and analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully implemented the CURE at two institutions with 39 students.
- Students presented 14 talks and 4 posters at local symposia.
- Two scientific papers are in preparation with undergraduate co-authors.
- Student self-assessments indicated improvements in critical thinking, analytical skills, and scientific process knowledge.
Conclusions:
- CUREs provide a viable and effective model for engaging undergraduates in authentic scientific research.
- This approach can significantly contribute to data generation for organismal studies.
- The CURE model enhances student learning and scientific skill development.
