This project is designed to improve two two-semester introductory biology courses, one for non-science majors and one for science majors. Specifically, the project focuses on the revision of the laboratory sections of the courses from one of a series of cookbook exercises to one that is project oriented focusing on scientific methodology, data acquisition, collection, organization and analysis, instrumentation, biotechnology, mathematics and report writing. Research teams consisting of two students will spend an entire semester exploring a self-selected research problem. It is thought that the project will better present science as it is actually practiced, will develop scientific reasoning skills among our students and will enhance scientific literacy.
