Students in a microbiology course required for non-majors from a relatively large group of diverse curricula uses computer presented case studies to understand the basic biology of microorganisms as well as the applied aspects of microbiology used in his or her career. The computer program presents a case study with digitized images to provide realism. To solve a case, the student must develop a hypothesis and test that hypothesis by interactively seeking pertinent data from the computer. The data are obtained when clinical tests are requested from a list of laboratory procedures available. Students are penalized for asking for irrelevant data because there is a "mock" charge for each test. The student's final evaluation is based on a written report that gives the reasoned arguments that led to the solution and the final "cost" of solving the case.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9450905
Program Officer
Saundra H. Oyewole
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1994-10-01
Budget End
1996-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
$16,461
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Tennessee Martin
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Martin
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
38238