CUREing biochemistry lab monotony

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Undergraduate Education

Background:

• Undergraduate research experience is crucial for postgraduate success.
• Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) offer inclusive research opportunities, moving beyond traditional "cookbook" labs.
• This study focuses on an upper-level biochemistry CURE simulating graduate-level research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an upper-level biochemistry CURE focused on studying a suspected DNA helicase.
• To assess the impact of the CURE on student confidence, perceptions, and project ownership.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating lab meeting-style recitations and poster presentations.

Main Methods:

• An upper-level biochemistry CURE spanning multiple semesters was implemented.
• Student cohorts built upon the research of previous semesters.
• Pre- and post-course surveys assessed student confidence, perceptions, and project ownership.

Main Results:

• Incorporating lab meeting-style recitations and poster presentations increased project ownership.
• Overcoming experimental troubleshooting presented a significant challenge for students.
• Confidence in most experimental techniques significantly increased post-course.

Conclusions:

• The biochemistry CURE provides students with a realistic introduction to graduate-level research.
• The multi-semester, cohort-based approach fosters a sense of project ownership.
• The CURE effectively enhances undergraduate students' confidence and skills in biochemical research techniques.