Price S A, Larouche O, Friedman S T, Corn K A, Wainwright P C, Martinez C M
Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Integr Org Biol. 2020 Feb 20;2(1):obaa004. doi: 10.1093/iob/obaa004. eCollection 2020.
The measurement and analysis of phenotypes is often a rate-limiting step for many integrative organismal studies but engaging undergraduate researchers can help overcome this challenge. We present a practical guide to implementing a quantitative specimen-based Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), which trains students to collect phenotypic data and mentors them through the entire scientific process using the data they help to collect. Direct access to specimens is not necessary to implement this undergraduate research experience, as recent efforts to digitize museum collections along with online image archives allow data extraction to take place in any classroom. We focus in particular on hypothesis development and quantitative skills, as they are essential for modern biological discovery but are rarely emphasized in traditional lecture-based classes. We have implemented this experience, focusing on collecting and analyzing body shape data across fishes, at two institutions with a total of 39 students. It has so far resulted in 14 talks and 4 posters presented by students at local symposia and 2 scientific papers in preparation with undergraduate co-authors. Moreover, the students had a positive experience that, according to their own assessment, improved their critical thinking and analytical skills as well as their knowledge of science and the scientific process.
对于许多综合性生物体研究而言，表型的测量与分析往往是一个限速步骤，但让本科研究人员参与进来有助于克服这一挑战。我们提供了一份实用指南，介绍如何实施基于定量标本的本科课程研究体验（CURE），该体验可训练学生收集表型数据，并利用他们所收集的数据在整个科学过程中指导他们。实施这种本科研究体验并不一定需要直接接触标本，因为最近对博物馆藏品以及在线图像档案进行数字化的努力使得数据提取可以在任何教室进行。我们特别关注假设的提出和定量技能，因为它们对于现代生物学发现至关重要，但在传统的以讲座为主的课程中很少受到重视。我们已经在两所院校实施了这种体验，重点是收集和分析鱼类的体型数据，共有39名学生参与。到目前为止，学生们在当地研讨会上进行了14次演讲和展示了4张海报，并有2篇与本科共同作者合作的科学论文正在撰写中。此外，学生们有积极的体验，根据他们自己的评估，这提高了他们的批判性思维和分析能力，以及他们对科学和科学过程的了解。
