Development of Enquiry-Based Learning for Biology Undergraduates

Description

Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) is an effective way of facilitating the development of a deep learning approach in undergraduate students and introducing students into a research culture. This enables students to engage as legitimate participants in the disciplinary research culture through their undergraduate studies mirroring the biology research environment with regards to ways of thinking and practicing. Two undergraduate interns from Biological Sciences joined a group of seven from across five faculties at the University of Glasgow. They were employed for a month, and trained in EBL methods, using EBL as a focus, including a visit to the CEEBL CETL at the University of Manchester. At the end of the month, the interns produced a guide to EBL for staff and students, an accompanying website and publicity posters. The interns then worked with staff, developing an intervention in a lecture on ethics, and an EBL exercise for first year biology students, focusing on enzymes and enzyme activity. A further exercise on light microscopy and cell structure was also developed.

Outcomes and Downloads

• Article in Bioscience Bulletin 23, Spring 2008: Enquiry-Based Learning - A Student View
• EBL pages on the University of Glasgow website

EBL practical materials

• Light microscopy powerpoint presentation
• Light microscopy handout for students
• EBL notes for lecturers
• Schedule for microscopy sessions
• Micrometers: eyepiece micrometer, multi micrometer,stage micrometer and stage micrometer 2

Links

See also:

• Networks and learning styles: how students interact to complete residential Enquiry Based Learning projects - a project by Mark Langan, Manchester Metropolitan University