Discovery-Based Functional Genomics Laboratory for Biology Program

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