scholarly journals Challenges in Undergraduate Synthetic Biology Training: Insights from a Canadian iGEM Student Perspective

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Diep ◽  
Austin Boucinha ◽  
Bi-ru Amy Yeung ◽  
Brayden Kell ◽  
Xingyu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Biology Education ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Pedagogical Research ◽  
Biology Research

ABSTRACTThe last two decades have seen vigorous activity in synthetic biology research and ever-increasing applications of synthetic biology technologies. However, pedagogical research on synthetic biology is scarce, especially when compared to some scientific and engineering disciplines. Within Canada, there are only three universities that formally teach synthetic biology programs; two of which are at the undergraduate level. Many Canadian undergraduate students are instead introduced to synthetic biology through participation in the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition where they work in design teams to conceive of and execute a synthetic biology project that they present at an international jamboree. We surveyed the Canadian landscape of synthetic biology education through the experience of students from the Canadian iGEM teams of 2019. Using a thematic codebook analysis, we gathered insights to generate recommendations that could empower future iGEM team operations and inform educators about best practices in teaching undergraduate synthetic biology.

scholarly journals Advancing Undergraduate Synthetic Biology Education: Insights from a Canadian iGEM Student Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Diep ◽  
Austin Boucinha ◽  
Brayden James Kell ◽  
Bi-ru Amy Yeung ◽  
Xingyu Amy Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Biology Education ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Pedagogical Research ◽  
Transformative Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Further Development

The last two decades have seen vigorous activity in synthetic biology research and ever-increasing applications of its technologies. However, pedagogical research pertaining to teaching synthetic biology is scarce, especially when compared to other science and engineering disciplines. Within Canada there are only three universities that offer synthetic biology programs; two of which are at the undergraduate level. Rather than take place in formal academic settings, many Canadian undergraduate students are introduced to synthetic biology through participation in the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. Although the iGEM competition has had a transformative impact on synthetic biology training in other nations, the impact in Canada has been relatively modest. Consequently, the iGEM competition is still a major setting for synthetic biology education in Canada. To promote further development of synthetic biology education, we surveyed undergraduate students from the Canadian iGEM design teams of 2019. We extracted insights from these data using qualitative analysis to provide recommendations for best teaching practices in synthetic biology undergraduate education, which we describe through our proposed Framework for Transdisciplinary Synthetic Biology Education (FTSBE).

Cultivation of Synthetic Biology with the iGEM Competition

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-166
Author(s):  
Thiprampai Thamamongood ◽  
◽  
Nathaniel Z. L. Lim ◽  
Trevor Y.H. Ho ◽  
Shotaro Ayukawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Educational Impact ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Eye Opening ◽  
Scientists And Engineers ◽  
Living Organisms

The main goal of synthetic biology is to create new biological modules that augment or modify the behavior of living organisms in performing different tasks. These modules are useful in a wide range of applications, such as medicine, agriculture, energy and environmental remediation. The concept is simple, but a paradigm shift needs to be in place among future life scientists and engineers to embrace this new direction. The international Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition fits this purpose well as a synthetic biology competition mainly for undergraduate students. Participants design and construct biological devices using standardized and customized biological parts that are then characterized and submitted to an existing and ever expanding library. Overall, iGEM is an eye-opening learning experience for undergraduate students. It has made a strong educational impact on participating students and cultivated a future cohort of synthetic biology practitioners and ambassadors.

scholarly journals YouTube resources for synthetic biology education

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron J Dy ◽  
Emily R Aurand ◽  
Douglas C Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Biology Education ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Video Content ◽  
Technical Research ◽  
Course Content ◽  
College Course ◽  
Online Videos

Abstract Online video resources have increasingly become a common way to effectively share scientific research ideas and engage viewers at many levels of interest or expertise. While synthetic biology is a comparatively young field, it has accumulated online videos across a spectrum of content and technical depth. Such video content can be used to introduce viewers to synthetic biology, supplement college course content, teach new lab skills and entertain. Here, we compile online videos concerning synthetic biology into public YouTube playlists tailored for six different, though potentially overlapping, audiences: those wanting an introduction to synthetic biology, those wanting to get quick overviews of specific topics within synthetic biology, those wanting teaching or public lectures, those wanting more technical research lectures, those wanting to learn lab protocols and those interested in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition.

scholarly journals Investing in our nation’s future military leaders’ synthetic biology knowledge to understand and recognize threats and applications

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Jordan Steel ◽  
Katherine L Bates ◽  
Michael D Barnhart
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Air Force ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Biology Education ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Military Leaders ◽  
Us Air Force ◽  
The Us ◽  
Future Leaders ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract Synthetic biology encompasses some of the greatest advancements in biology. With improvements in molecular methods and techniques that allow targeted and highly efficient genome manipulation, the capabilities of engineering biology have significantly increased. These enhancements in biotechnology represent significant potential benefits and risks to the global population. It is important that future leaders are trained and understand the incredible benefits, opportunities and risks associated with synthetic biology. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a technical assessment on the future opportunities of synthetic biology and has encouraged the military institutions to expand and encourage bioengineering research programs. At the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), opportunities are provided for future Air Force officers to recognize the potential and risks associated with synthetic biology by participating in the USAFA Synthetic Biology Education Program (USBEP). Cadets can enroll in synthetic biology courses to learn and master molecular biology techniques and work on independent undergraduate research projects. In addition, cadets have the opportunity to join the USAFA’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team and compete in the international synthetic biology competition. This report includes details on how USAFA has recruited, enrolled and encouraged synthetic biology research and education among future leaders in the US Air Force.

scholarly journals UTILIZING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH TO INFORM COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS: A SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S537-S538
Author(s):  
Amanda E Barnett ◽  
Sara Olinger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Home Visitor ◽  
Aging Societies ◽  
Theory Research ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Engaging undergraduate students with aging-focused community resources is critical for preparing students to work with older adults and make positive contributions to aging societies. During the fall, 2018 semester, undergraduate students in a human development course on middle and late adulthood partnered with a county aging and disability resource center (ADRC) in Wisconsin to evaluate and update several of their existing programs and resources using empirical research. Upon completion of this project, students synthesized course material to meet all course learning objectives such as: (1) critically analyze physical, psychological, and sociological processes of aging across categories of difference (e.g. cultural, ethnic, class); (2) evaluate social policies and their multigenerational implications for midlife and older adults; and (3) construct a personal position on aging that integrates theory, research, and policy to demonstrate a sensitive and competent approach to working with midlife and older adults. Students researched, wrote reports, and presented to ADRC staff on the impact of social isolation on older adults, best practices for home visitor and transportation programs serving older adults, cognitive competency tools and best practices for utilizing memory assessments, grief supports and groups for family caregivers, and best practices for supporting veterans as they age. The outcome of these projects are research-based recommendations for any ADRC to consider when developing and implementing related programs. All stakeholders (students, professor, and ADRC staff) were satisfied with the process and outcomes of the project. Strengths and challenges of carrying out such a collaborative project will be reviewed.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Undergraduate Students’ Intention to Become a Chartered Accountant in Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 429
Author(s):  
Mohsina Akter ◽  
Muhammad Muhiuddin Siraj
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Private University ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Professional Qualification ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose-The objective of this paper is to examine the factors affecting Bangladeshi students’ intention to be a chartered accountant. This paper specifically addresses factors like students’ gender, previous major at undergraduate level, CGPA, public vs private university status and family income.Design/methodology/approach - The study was conducted using a questionnaire survey with a sample of 271 students from five different public and private universities in Bangladesh. The 12x2"> test was applied to examine the relationship between these factors and students’ aspiration for a chartered accountant.Findings- The findings of the study show that out of five variables three variables, previous major, public vs private university status and family income, have significant relationship with students’ intention to pursue CA professional qualification. On the contrary, gender and CGPA of the students are considered as insignificant factors.Originality/Value-This research is the first study in Bangladesh which identifies several influencing factors for students’ choice to become a chartered accountant. The findings have implications for professional bodies in Bangladesh and other policy makers in their effort to develop strategies to motivate students to be a chartered accountant.

scholarly journals Abstracts Writing : A Path for Understanding Academic Text of Mathematics

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Misdi Misdi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Classroom Observation ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Small Group Discussion ◽  
Class Discussion ◽  
Proof Reading ◽  
Abstract Feature

This is a qualitative study to explore the students' competence in pursuing ofabstract writing among the undergraduate students of Mathematics department. The data were collected through classroom observation and self report. By applying self assignment, small group discussion, and presentation, the students' writing experiences were employed in order to discuss the weaknesses and strengths of the mathematic articles given during class discussion; whereas proof-reading, revising, and supervising were also critically provided. As the results, five classes that were involved in the investigation as the sample shows their abilities in applying their best practices based on the suggested method. The results indicate that the undergraduate students of Mathematics were able to reconstruct their ideas in the form of abstract feature, while the abstract writing method was possibly applied in the course of Mathematics.

scholarly journals The effect of English Non-Modal Operators on Proficiency and Performance of Undergraduate Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 271-281
Author(s):  
Khalid ◽  
Ghani Rahman ◽  
Abdul Hamid
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Proficiency Test ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Model Operator ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Modal Operators ◽  
Idiomatic Expressions ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
And Performance

This study focuses on the problems posed by the English non-modal operators to the undergraduate level students of Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. The data was collected from hundred students selected through non-random and convenience sampling technique. A proficiency test was used as a tool for data collection. The test was focused on all the uses of non-modal operators. The results show that some of these problems were caused by the intervention of some of grammatical concepts like tense, aspect, back shifting and voice. While some grammatical operations like negation, interrogation and insertion/omission had no role and so were found comparatively easy. These operators when used after wh-word such as when, while, before and if posed difficulty for the subjects. Similarly, different forms such as non-tensed form and uses such as dynamic and non-dynamic of non-modal operators were also problematic for the subjects. The highest frequency of error was found in the use of non-model operator for emphasis and surprise. However, the degree of difficulty posed by non-modal operators in idiomatic expressions was not significant.

scholarly journals Problems in Grammatical Structure: A Case Study of B.Ed. Student at the Education Department

sjesr ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 420-425
Author(s):  
Dr. Gulzar Ahmed ◽  
Dr. Syed Shafqat Ali Shah ◽  
Dr. Muhammad Nisar
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Text Structure ◽  
Grammatical Structure ◽  
Education Department ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
English Grammar ◽  
Grammatical Structures

English grammar is how words in the English language are translated into text. This includes the structure of words, phrases, clauses, and phrases, up to and including full-text structure. The main objective of the authors is to discover the difficulties of grammatical structures for students at the Department of Teacher Education. Shikarpur Shaikh Ayaz University. The students of B.Ed. undergraduate level of education department was selected as a data population. The fifty students were randomly selected from the education department. There is quantitative research underway. The researchers used a testing tool for a questionnaire. The student's collected data were analyzed by SPSS-Descriptive statistics.  Some of the challenges and problems are facing during the English Grammar lesson of B.Ed. students. The students have used the conditional verb and also the proper use of a phrasal verb that is one of the problems with students. The use of an article is also one of the fundamental problems for undergraduate students. Teachers should make it possible for students to practice these materials either through activity-based teaching or through the CLT method so that they can be more attentive to EFL learning and not focus on translation alone.

scholarly journals The Effect on Learning Objectives and Outcomes of Students’ Inability to Develop Language Competencies for Appropriate Communication at the Undergraduate Level

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. p64
Author(s):  
Casimir Adjoe ◽  
Rosemary Kimani
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Communication Studies ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Linguistic Ethnography ◽  
Language Competencies

The ability to communicate is a skill needed for beneficial learning outcomes. It is likewise needed for functioning in our connected world and spaces. However, undergraduate writing still gives the impression of poor English writing skills and inadequate communication. The paper takes a linguistic ethnography approach to examine the effects of poor English writing skills on the learning objectives and communication of undergraduate students. Using a random sampling of 37 examination scripts of Communication Studies students and their analysis through a revised version of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives, the study suggests that poor English writing skills and the inability to communicate are likely among the effects of the inability of undergraduate students to acquire competence at the comprehension, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation tasks needed to enable them compose knowledge and meaningful messages as well as to communicate them. The study, therefore, suggests the need for investigating practical steps that can be taken to assist students with poor English writing competencies and skills to access knowledge and be able to produce knowledge in their learning situations, and further still, be able to communicate their knowledge as competently as possible without an overemphasis on grammatical correctness as the goal.

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