The Computer-Integrated Introductory Biology Lab (CIBL) project is a four-year development effort to combine an innovative format for undergraduate biology laboratories with a thematic, cross-curricular approach to content instruction that integrates biology, physics, chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and mathematics. The CIBL laboratory supports and extends hands-on "wet" laboratory experiences using computer-based multimedia (interactive video, graphics, animation, sound and computer simulation), while the thematic, interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum unifies the enormous diversity of scientific content. This effort transforms Biology 5L, the large introductory biology class taken by virtually all life-science majors attending UCLA (currently over 800 per year) from a "barrier course" to a "facilitator course" as part of a larger effort at UCLA to recruit and retain student enrollment in science, especially within minority groups whose members are under represented in scientific careers. The project develops and will publish eight laboratory modules (in addition to two currently under development through a pilot grant from the Hughes Foundation), and will serve as a model for change in other large introductory science courses across the country. Students preparing to be science teachers will be involved with design, testing and evaluation of the course.
