“Increased Confidence and Scientific Literacy using a Semester-Long Case Study and Research Project” was the title of the ASMCUE 2022 recorded session I watched tonight. Nicole McAllister is an Assistant Professor at Seton Hill University. They teach microbiology at a private liberal arts 1800-student university in PA. Most students are focused on clinical health (68%!). For some students, this is their first lab experience in college. Students coming in to the course have a range of experience in biology and research. McAllister noted that there is overall low confidence in students in their ability to conduct microbiology & research and low scientific literacy in microbiology based on previous assessments. McAllister and colleagues focused on course re-design to include a semester-long food poisoning case study followed by student-designed research projects. Students first learn lab techniques and then design experiments. The first two weeks were devoted to an introduction to the lab and lab safety, including bacterial culture and use of micropipettes. Next, weeks 3-10 focused on the food poisoning case study to learn microbiology lab techniques. Techniques included in the case study were CFU/ml, Gram stains… The participants worked in small groups conducting research and the last week was an opportunity to work together. Some students worked on the efficacy of UV disinfection. Pre/post surveys showed trends in increased ability to communicate science. Students also indicated that they wanted more time to conduct research. Future directions include analyses of student grades.
