LIFS

Project Title

Online Approach to Introduction to Biochemistry

Project Leader

Prof Robert Ko

School / Dept

SSCI / BICH

Project Duration

Dec 2003 - Sept 2004

Project Description

This project aimed to develop an online learning and teaching system that included the knowledge base, information dissemination structure, task-based quizzes and self-learning aids in graphical/animated formats within an integrated communication platform to encourage online discussion. Through the system, students were

• more interested and knowledgeable in the course

• able to grasp abstract complex concepts effectively

• motivated to learn independently and collaboratively

• confident in solving problems on their own

Project Outcome

• Established framework of WebCT for BICH 121 (Introduction to Biochemistry)

• Completed Self-directed Learning Aids (SDLAs) for various topics in BICH 121

• Completed user surveys on the content and software of the online materials

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

ESCE500 Introductory Environmental Chemistry & Microbiology

Project Leader

Prof Pei-Yuan Qian & Dr Ice Ko

School / Dept

SSCI / AMCE

Project Duration

Jul 2002 - May 2005

Project Description

This project aimed to provide students with a highly flexible learning environment delivering course materials of various topics using an interactive and interesting medium. The web setting allowed students to learn at anytime, anywhere. Also, multimedia items, hyperlinks, animations, pop-up Q&A, self-assessments, and the discussion forum resulted in a highly interactive and interesting learning experience.The course was furnished with multimedia items to demonstrate some chemical experiments and difficult concepts. Photos of local ecosystems were taken for this course. Video clippings about state-of-the-art laboratory studies and local habitats or ecological problems were produced.

Project Outcome

• The students of the MSc Environmental Science and Engineering Program were able to be equipped with sufficient background in chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology for their core course “ESCE 520 Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology”.

• Students, especially the part-time ones, enjoyed the flexibility (temporal and physical) and interactivity of this online course.

• The course served as the pioneer of totally web-based teaching in HKUST. Through this project, both the instructors and the CELT collaborated closely on how to develop a user friendly, interactive and effective web course.

• The student evaluation and the data generated from this course provide useful information about web-based teaching in Hong Kong. This information was shared with other teaching staff in HKUST through various symposia.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third | Forth | Fifth |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Introduction to Neurobiology: Interactive 3D Animation Prototype Development of Cranial Nerves

Project Leader

Prof Karl Tsim

School / Dept

SSCI / BIOL

Project Duration

Aug 2002 - Jul 2005

Project Description

Past experiences showed that students often had difficulty in understanding the complex cranial nerves. With the use of vivid 3D animations, this project helpED them figure out the intricate structure and functional mapping of the 12 cranial nerves in the human body.

Project Outcome

1. The graphic presentation of the 12 cranial nerves in human has been completed and tested.

2. We established that each of the established cranial nerves was to be linked up with a) A step by step interactive 3D animated simulation of the movements; b) An overview of the functions in text; c) Two sets of labels for the parts of the nerve/s; and d)  A printing function for the key information of the above items.

3. Selective Biology students participated in two of our usability testing as testers, and their comments were collected and improvements in relating the graphic presentation were followed.

4. We constructed an online supplement for BISC 224 Introduction to Neurobiology in WebCT  both for encouraging students to be familiar with online learning and to prepare for a framework to host the prototype later for summative evaluation

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third | Forth | Fifth |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Assessment of Presentation using Posters with Peer-Evaluation

Project Leader

Dr Ice WP Ko and Williamson WK Lam

School / Dept

SSCI / BIOL and SSCI

Project Duration

Feb 2009 - Aug 2011

Project Description

This project introduced an innovative assessment methodology that involved relatively high level of students' participation, which aimed at enhancing students' presentation and team work skills. The innovative assessment complied of two parts: (1) Group projects reported in the form of posters, and (2) Peer evaluation of the posters.

Project Outcome

• A set of evaluation rubrics was developed and updaated to assess students' poster presentation.

• A training workshop was conducted to introduce students on the techniques and requirement of poster presentation.

• Peer evaluation for the poster presentation was successfully conducted with the Online System for Student Peer Evaluation (OSSPE).

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second |
• Final Report
• Project-end Review by Project Leader

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Group Project Assessment - Ensuring Grading Fairness and Effective Implementation for Educational Merit

Project Leader

Prof King L Chow

School / Dept

SSCI / BIOL

Project Duration

Sept 2008 - Feb 2010

Project Description

This project tried to apply the Games Theory for group project assessment to encourage students to contribute their full and best efforts to achieve the intended learning outcomes of the courses.

Project Outcome

• A games theory-incorporated group project assessment system and instruments were developed and tested.

•  The refined group project assessments are proposed.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Enrichment Program for Biology Students

Project Leader

Dr Ice WP Ko

School / Dept

SSCI / BIOL

Project Duration

Jan 2008 - Dec 2008

Project Description

This was a service learning project jointly organized by the Department of Biology of HKUST and the Hong Kong Wetland Park (HKWP) to cultivate students' commitment to community services. The objectives of the project were to enhance the students’ overall interest in environmental conservation,  enable the students to connect what they learned from our environmental courses to the real-life situation,  provide a chance for the students to make contribution in protecting our local environment, and enhance the students’ communication skills through their service.

Project Outcome

• Adapting an innovative service learning approach, a 6-month Enrichment Program was designed for Biology undergraduates. Twelve students were selected and received a 2-day training from the Hong Kong Wetland Park  to enhance their knowledge in environmental conservation in particular that about wetlands. Through this Program, the students became familiarized with the facilities and the environment of HKWP.
• After training, the students served as ecotour guides and exhibition interpreters at HKWetland Park.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report
• Final Report

Adaptation

Adaptation from Stimulating Student Learning through Community Engagement: fieldwork participation as learning process

Project Title

Biochemical Basis of Parkinson’s Disease & the Therapy

Project Title

Biochemical Basis of Parkinson’s Disease & the Therapy

Project Leader

Prof Yi Fan Han

School / Dept

SSCI / BIOL

Project Duration

Nov 2006 - May 2008

Project Description

The project aimed to develop a 3D animation software for the biochemistry and biology major students, which can show the biochemical basis of Parkinson's Disease including the symptoms, pathology and therapy.

Project Outcome

• A Simulated Learning Aid (SLA) about Biochemical basis of Parkinson's disease and the therapy, composed of videos, 2D simulated animations of biochemical pathways and a self quiz, was developed.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Virtual introduction to Biomoledules and their metabolic intermediates

Project Leader

Prof Robert Ko

School / Dept

SSCI / BICH

Project Duration

Jan 2007 - May 2008

Project Description

This project introduced a virtual learning context for students to self-study on Biomolecules. It offered a step-to-step approach for students to understand the structures, properties and functions of major types of biological molecules, and reinforces students to develop clear concepts of basic biochemical principles. The virtual learning context was established through repeated visual and auditory stimulation, which replaced textual description with multimedia alternatives to enhance student motivation, engagement and learning. The flexible learning medium constructed could supplement conventional face-to-face teaching.

Project Outcome

The audio narration was integrated into two previously-developed self-directed Learning Aids (SDLA) for BICH121 and BICH122.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Discovery-Based Functional Genomics Laboratory for Biology Program

Project Leader

Prof King L Chow

School / Dept

SSCI / BIOL

Project Duration

Dec 2005 - Jun 2007

Project Description

Discovery-based science education is regarded effective in increasing students’ learning interest in science. However, it has not been actively pursued in local or other tertiary institutes in the region since its effectiveness can only be evaluated over a long period of time and is often viewed as a project that heavily demands both human resources and supporting facilities. This project aimed to: 1. set up a small functional teaching laboratory facility with research capability for 10-15 undergraduate students and to test run this functional genomic/genetics course; 2. produce an experimental manual of several chapters, with each describing specific experimental approach/technique; 3. understand specific issues arisen from operation of this course, to solve the problem and develop a scale up version for long term implementation in our biology curriculum; and 4. evaluate the possibility of expanding this course into a core component of an elite biological science program.

Project Outcome

• A discovery-based molecular genetics course was developed providing first and second year undergraduate biology students anticipating a research career the opportunity to have a glimpse of the operation of a research lab.
• “Functional Genomics Laboratory”, a small functional teaching/research lab facility was set up with research capability for 10-15 undergraduate students and test running this genetics course. An experimental/laboratory manual of various techniques related to the initial screening procedure was produced to aid students in designing their experiments.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project

Project Title

Creating an Interactive 3D Animation Prototype of the Life cycle of ACh for the Biochemistry Major Students

Project Leader

Prof Yi Fan Han

School / Dept

SSCI / BICH

Project Duration

Nov 2005 - May 2007

Project Description

This project developed an interactive 3D animation to help students understand the detail of the biochemical pathway in the life cycle of ACh. Vocal instructions were integrated into the animation to make the learning more interactive and interesting. In addition, the keywords of the instructions were highlighted, and explanation was provided in the glossary. Key reference and useful links were also provided.

Project Outcome

• An interactive 3D animation of the life cycle of Ach with English narration was developed.

• A bilingual English-Chinese glossary of neurological and biochemical terms was created.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project