Introduction to Problem-Based Learning in Biology Groups of students all take responsibility for their own active learning in their team with guidance from an instructor; diverse problems in the life sciences will be examined. For freshmen only. Prequisite: high school biology, preferably an AP class. Small groups. Credit 3 units. T. Fleming (surgery WUMS) and staff Course Information
Description: Groups of 5-10 students will take responsibility for their own active learning in their team with guidance from an instructor. Each group will focus on an initial short problem for practice and then in rotation 4 diverse problems of current biological importance, for example, clinical cases, genetically engineered crops, coral reefs, high altitude, drug-resistant infections, herbal medicine, sleep disorders, and infertility. Students will find the background information by searches in the University libraries and integrate this knowledge in group discussions (participation in class is 80% of grade). Reserve materials will be in the Biology and Medical Libraries. A final problem will be prepared individually (20% of grade). Objectives: Active learning, priorities and focus, library skills, critical reading, teamwork, learning from other students, synthesis, oral and written presentations, informed considered opinions. Prospective students should have broad interests and background in generalbiology. We seek diverse freshmen who are curious, exploratory,interactive, and willing to try an active, non-traditional educational experience. Comments from previous students: "It is original and like no other class you have taken in your life." Washington University - Biology All contents copyright © 2007 |