PARENT SESSION
EDUCATIONAL METHODS
71
RESEARCH IN GENOMICS APPLIED AT THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL : WHEN RESEARCH MEETS TEACHING OBJECTIVES.
Lussier, Jacques1, Sirois, Jean1, Price, Christopher1, Carrière, Paul1, Silversides, David1, 1
ABSTRACT- The development of molecular biology techniques has expanded tremendously in the last two decades and is being introduced at different levels within the veterinay medicine curriculum. The objective was to introduce DNA recombinant techniques into a basic biochemistry and cellular biology course. It was decided that the learning process should include as much time in the classroom as in the lab: eight hours of theory and eight hours of lab. To begin the lab work, students were given a problem in reproductive physiology concerning follicular development. Each group received a bacteriophage containing a cloned cDNA derived from mRNA isolated from bovine granulosa cells. The objective of the lab was to partially characterize and identify a cDNA during four 2h-labs. This presented challenges to set up since typical undergraduate student lab sessions are relatively short, and this approach was new to all students. The students learned how to manipulate microorganisms (phage, bacteria), learned the process of antibiotic resistance, the role of DNA plasmid vectors, DNA isolation and characterization through restriction mapping and sequencing. Internet technology has introduced powerfull new teaching and research tools. The students obtained their partial DNA sequences and searched the GenBank NR and dbEST data banks to identify their specific gene and learn more about the role of this gene through Medline links. Results obtained by restriction mapping and computer analysis were shared between groups. Their results are summarized as follows: the size of the cDNAs were between 0.8 to 11 kb, and most possessed a 5'-UTR. Genes fitted into three classes: 1) cDNA sequence and function known (39.6%); 2) cDNA sequence known but function unknown (15%); and 3) cDNA sequence and function unknown (45.3%). We conclude that this approach has the following strengths : on the teaching side, students enjoyed this active learning strategy which integrates concepts in molecular biology, microbiology and reproduction. Students appreciated the opportunity to participate in real and ongoing research projects. Graduate students were given the opportunity to teach and supervise undergraduate students. On the research side, it has provided the professor/researcher a novel avenue to discover new genes within a teaching context.
KEY WORDS: Bovine follicles, Molecular biology, Teaching, Genes