A Versatile Semester-Long Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience using Optogenetics and RNAi to Identify...

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) offer significant advantages over traditional laboratory courses for student engagement and skill development in STEM.
• CUREs promote scientific literacy, critical thinking, and accessibility, preparing students for graduate and medical school.
• Neurobiology education can be enhanced through hands-on research that mirrors authentic scientific inquiry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a versatile, semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for an upper-level Neurobiology course.
• To enable students to identify genes crucial for glutamate synapse formation or function in *C. elegans*.
• To detail the construction and application of low-cost optogenetics rigs for behavioral analysis in *C. elegans*.

Main Methods:

• Students construct low-cost optogenetics rigs for photostimulation of mechanosensory escape reflexes in *C. elegans*.
• A small-scale RNA interference (RNAi) screen is performed using a light-activated behavioral readout to identify genes of interest.
• Selected genes are investigated further using mutant strains to explore their role in nervous system function.

Main Results:

• The CURE significantly enhanced students' self-perception as STEM professionals.
• Students reported substantial gains in skills critical for graduate and medical school.
• The CURE facilitated the generation of preliminary data for faculty research and trained students for independent projects.

Conclusions:

• This adaptable neurobiology CURE effectively integrates research into the curriculum, enhancing student learning and professional development.
• The use of optogenetics and RNAi screening in *C. elegans* provides a powerful platform for undergraduate research.
• CUREs benefit both students, through skill development and confidence building, and faculty, through research contributions.