August 11, 2008 Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL

Ethel Stanley, EdDBioQUEST Curriculum Consortium

Beloit Collegestanleye@beloit.edu Sam Donovan, PhD

University of PittsburghStephen Everse, PhD

University of Vermont Medical School

Faculty Bioinformatics Institute

Interdisciplinary Science Modules

http://bioquest.org

Faculty Institute Website

http://www.bioquest.org/oakwood_2008/

Why a Faculty Bioinformatics Institute?

•Critical role of sequence information•Integrating current tools, data, and methodologies into undergraduate courses•Contemporary problems in STEM sciences

Interdisciplinary Modules

• Use realistically complex problems

that provide a context for learning. • Invite learners to collaborate and identify what

they know and need to know in order to learn. • Ask learners to find and consider data, frame questions, utilize the

tools to problem solve, and defend their conclusions • Engage learners through investigations related to the module

including lab, field, and computer activities.• Require decision making, conceptual understanding and skill

development.

Designing a Module

• What is something related to the problem space that your students could investigate?

• What resources might be useful in a student investigation ?

• What kinds of products could students produce related to this problem space?

Create problem spaces for learners to engage in

active interdisciplinary exploration.

Data Sets

Analysis Tools

ProblemSpace

Concepts,Principles

http://bioquest.org/bedrock

Why global issues?

1. Science and society interface

2. All citizens need a critical understanding in order to make informed decisions

3. Diversity: Empathy and understanding of different cultures

4. The World is Flat: Globalization

“The excellence of your education is also reflected in what you give back to the world community. I challenge you to get involved, ask questions, and work hard. Share your ideas in classes, seminars, labs, and campus activities. Extend your learning beyond the campus boundaries.”

John Anderson, Ph.D.Vice President for Academic Affairs

Student Orientation Manual

Why a Malaria Problem Space?

Together Against Malaria video

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency's most recently funded project in Mozambique, Together Against Malaria (TAM)