A Molecular Lab On Ground Active Learning in Biology

Do you want to genotype yourself?

Learn state-of-the art techniques?

How many RNA molecules are in one of your cells?

Using a gaming approach that encourages group discussions and team discovery, this lab manual, intended for biology and science majors, guides faculty and students alike through a semester of molecular fun.

Two projects (the first DNA-based and the second RNA-based) are organized over the course of a semester in 26 labs, each one hour and a half long, building a 1-credit lab curriculum according to Carnegie standards of higher education.

Each technique is not only carried out but unpacked through critical inquiry. Does ethanol remove DNA contamination? How does a DNA extraction actually work?

Techniques explored include DNA extraction, spectrophotometry, primer design (for for DNA and expression analysis), PCR, amplicon purification, principle of DNA sequencing (sequencing itself is outsourced), RNA extraction, retro-transcription, serial dilutions, and real-time PCR and analyses.

You will love this molecular manual because it forces students to be critical of what they learn while having fun.

Get it now.

Interested faculty member? Contact the author for a copy at print cost.