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Themed threaded biotechnology content offered over multiple semesters is:

beneficial to critical thinking and fosters deep learning and; �enhances identity as a scientist and;�informs students of careers available in biotechnology.

Non-Cognitive Predictors of Student Success:�A Predictive Validity Comparison Between Domestic and International Students

BACKGROUND:

Undergraduate research is a high-impact educational practice (Koh 2008 AAC&U). Biotechnology research is often offered only in the upper division courses with limited exposure.

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The Problem

    • Only a limited number of student are able to access in depth biotechnology research experiences. Often these are narrow and for a limited amount of time.

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Approach

    • Incorporate threaded biotechnology content on a single topic in multiple courses throughout the curriculum using hands-on course based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs).

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Assessment

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    • Students (N = 175 all, N = 69 URS) anonymously reported data in a survey offered over 4 semesters about themselves in 4 measures of their critical thinking skills, 4 measures of project ownership and 6 measures of identifying as a scientist. IRB 20-095-Cappuccio

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PRESENTER:

Jenny A. Cappuccio1

Co-authors

Heidi L. Rutschow2, Karen M. Kiemnec-Tyburczy2, Brigitte E. Blackman2, Kimberly N. White1, Frank E. Cappuccio1

1Cal Poly Humboldt, Department of Chemistry

2Cal Poly Humboldt, Department of Biology

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Threading Biotechnology through the Curriculum Enhances Student identification as a STEM Professional and Critical Thinking Skills

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SCI 100 Becoming a STEM Professional

Biosensors and Biotechnology Literature

Eggplant PPO as a drug biosensor

  • What is biotechnology
  • How to read a paper
  • How to interpret a graph
  • The scientific method

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BIOL 105

Principles of Biology

Intro to Enzymes & bioinformatics

  • Lab: PPO Food Browning, Enzyme Kinetics, pH and temperature, Sci Method
  • Activity: Molecular phylogenetics, evolution and bioinformatics – of the Tyrosinase PPO gene

Biol 340

Genetics

molecular genetics and gene regulation & Bioethics

      • Policy– USDA Regulations of GMOs Arctic Apples vs. CRISPR-Cas9 Mushrooms

CHEM 238/325L Brief Organic Chem & Organic Chemistry II Lab

  • Drug Design Synthesis of a PPO Enzyme Inhibitor trans-cinnamic acid
  • Chemical Properties and spectroscopy of polyphenols and inhibitors

CHEM 434

Biochemistry

      • Enzyme kinetics and inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase
      • Current literature presentation and writing
      • Protein Data Bank and ChimeraX molecular visualization of PPO active site and inhibitor

Themed Threaded Biotechnology Content: 1st year → Seniors, Polyphenol Oxidases

Principles of Biology

Becoming a STEM Professional

Biotechnology

Organic Chemistry

Cell Biology

Biochemistry

Genetics

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SCI 100

Becoming a STEM Professional

BIOL 105

Principles of Biology

BIOL 340 Genetics

BIOL 350

Cell Biology

CHEM 238

CHEM 325L

Organic chemistry

CHEM 434/434L

Biochemistry Lecture

Biochemistry Lab

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

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Student BIOL 340 - “A modification that might improve food sustainability is creating a crop that requires much less water. Another modification is to make rice plants shorter so that they are not blown away.”

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BIOL 350

Cell Biology

      • Human Protein Maturation and Processing
      • Glycosylation -
      • Bioinformatics
      • Neurotransmitters and Melanin production

Nature, 2017

Garcia 2016

58% of All students (60.8% URS) report: I have not conducted research yet but am excited to begin biotechnology research in future courses

Creating

Evaluating

Analyzing

Applying

Understanding

Remembering

Relevant Research Theme! Polyphenol Oxidases with many applications across the curriculum and connections to Grand Challenges in Biotechnology

Content Applications to :

      • Biosensors and Biotechnology Literature
      • Food Browning and Enzymes
      • Molecular phylogenetics, Evolution and Bioinformatics
      • Gene expression and Regulation
      • Bioethics – USDA Regulations
      • Drug Design - Synthesis of Enzyme Inhibitors
      • Protein Maturation and Processing – Glycosylation
      • Enzyme kinetics and inhibition and
      • presentation of current literature
      • Protein Data Band and ChimeraX molecular visualization

Educational Goals

    • More students are introduced to interdisciplinary research in biotechnology and can access high-impact research practices over a long period to foster deep learning
    • Expand biotechnology content to a broader array of diverse students and can serve as an equity-based practice.
    • Train the next biotechnology workforce.
    • Science Communication throughout the curriculum
    • Introduction to multidisciplinary team science