title: Authentic Research Experience and "Big Data" Analysis in the Classroom: Maize Response to Abiotic Stress.
abstract: Integration of inquiry-based approaches into curriculum is transforming the way science is taught and studied in undergraduate classrooms. Incorporating quantitative reasoning and mathematical skills into authentic biology undergraduate research projects has been shown to benefit students in developing various skills necessary for future scientists and to attract students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. While large-scale data analysis became an essential part of modern biological research, students have few opportunities to engage in analysis of large biological data sets. RNA-seq analysis, a tool that allows precise measurement of the level of gene expression for all genes in a genome, revolutionized molecular biology and provides ample opportunities for engaging students in authentic research. We developed, implemented, and assessed a series of authentic research laboratory exercises incorporating a large data RNA-seq analysis into an introductory undergraduate classroom. Our laboratory series is focused on analyzing gene expression changes in response to abiotic stress in maize seedlings; however, it could be easily adapted to the analysis of any other biological system with available RNA-seq data. Objective and subjective assessment of student learning demonstrated gains in understanding important biological concepts and in skills related to the process of science.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN 55104 imakarevitch01@hamline.edu.
authors.forename: Irina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Makarevitch
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN 55104.
authors.forename: Cameo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Frechette
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN 55104.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wiatros
mesh_terms: D001695:Biology / Q000193:education*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000193:education; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods*; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods; D010641:Phenotype; D012106:Research / Q000193:education*; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA / Q000379:methods*; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013334:Students; D013850:Thinking; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014495:Universities; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology