title: Cooperative Learning through Team-Based Projects in the Biotechnology Industry.
abstract: We have developed a cooperative-learning, case studies project model that has teams of students working with biotechnology professionals on company-specific problems. These semester-long, team-based projects can be used effectively to provide students with valuable skills in an industry environment and experience addressing real issues faced by biotechnology companies. Using peer-evaluations, we have seen improvement in students' professional skills such as time-management, quality of work, and level of contribution over multiple semesters. This model of team-based, industry-sponsored projects could be implemented in other college and university courses/programs to promote professional skills and expose students to an industry setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695.
authors.forename: Sarah C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Luginbuhl
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695.
authors.forename: Paul T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Hamilton