title: Exploring metagenomics in the laboratory of an introductory biology course.
abstract: Four laboratory modules were designed for introductory biology students to explore the field of metagenomics. Students collected microbes from environmental samples, extracted the DNA, and amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Students designed functional metagenomics screens to determine and compare antibiotic resistance profiles among the samples. Bioinformatics tools were used to generate and interpret phylogenetic trees and identify homologous genes. A pretest and posttest were used to assess learning gains, and the results indicated that these modules increased student performance by an average of 22%. Here we describe ways to engage students in metagenomics-related research and provide readers with ideas for how they can start developing metagenomics exercises for their own classrooms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology Teaching and Learning.
authors.forename: Brian B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Gibbens
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology Teaching and Learning.
authors.forename: Cheryl L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology Teaching and Learning.
authors.forename: Courtney D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.
authors.forename: Janet L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Schottel