Improving the Capstone Biochemistry Lab and Evolution to a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Lessons...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology Education

Background:

• Biochemistry lab courses are crucial for developing essential research skills for biotechnology careers.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online instruction, impacting hands-on learning.
• Restructuring upper-division biochemistry capstone labs is vital for effective skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the restructuring of an upper-division biochemistry lab capstone course.
• To adapt the course for both remote and in-person instruction, focusing on essential biotechnology skills.
• To document pedagogical shifts and lessons learned from course evolution.

Main Methods:

• The study involved restructuring an existing biochemistry lab capstone course.
• Initial remote instruction during COVID-19 informed subsequent in-person modifications.
• The course evolved into a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) capstone lab.

Main Results:

• The transition to remote learning initially limited hands-on skill acquisition.
• The evolution to an in-person CURE model enhanced practical research skills.
• Changes in information dissemination, online resource access, and assessments were implemented.

Conclusions:

• The restructured biochemistry lab capstone successfully integrated remote and in-person elements.
• Pedagogical strategies shifted to build a supportive community of biochemistry learners.
• The documented evolution provides a model for developing CURE capstone labs for college faculty.