Continuous improvement of a bioengineering CURE: Preparing students for a changing world.

Area of Science:

• Biological Engineering Education
• Undergraduate Pedagogy

Background:

• Education reform emphasizes preparing professionals for technological, economic, social, and environmental challenges.
• Rapid advancements in biology content and products necessitate curriculum changes in biological engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an example of a redesigned course to align with current biological engineering education trends.
• To demonstrate how to assess authentic inquiry courses in line with Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE).
• Developed learning objectives and performed assessment mapping aligned with ABET recommendations.
• Incorporated weekly reflection assignments, graded lab notebooks, peer research presentations, and a final paper.

Main Results:

• The redesigned course integrated hands-on learning and authentic inquiry.
• Assessment strategies included reflections, lab notebooks, presentations, and final papers.
• The approach fostered holistic engineering development and improved professional skills.

Conclusions:

• Redesigning biological engineering courses with CURE models is essential for meeting educational reform goals.
• Hands-on learning and authentic inquiry are crucial for developing well-rounded, lifelong learners.
• This pedagogical shift prepares students for 21st-century engineering challenges.