9354731 Thiel Molecular biology and biochemistry are the basis for biotechnology which is radically changing medicine, forensics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and agricultural products. This project, therefore, systematically integrates biotechnology into the undergraduate biology curriculum; and will educate all biology students, including future biology and science teachers, in the concepts and techniques of biotechnology. Implementation will require major revision of a two-semester introductory biology course, as well as undergraduate genetics and biochemistry. Key concepts are introduced early in the curriculum, are reinforced and expanded slowly as the student advances, and are taught in different contexts relevant to a specific discipline. Students also work in teams, share information and cooperate in solving problems. It is also expected that this type of integrated program will be useful to others, in particular departments and institutions that plan to offer a technologically relevant education.
