| Abstract Detail
Teaching Section Baker, Stokes [1], Selby, Karen [2]. Developing fluorescent microarrays for inquiry instruction. One of the major barriers in incorporating genomics-based technologies in undergraduate laboratory instructions is the high cost of equipment and reagents. The goal of this project is to develop affordable materials that will allow students to conduct hands-on experimentation with fluorescent microarrays. Prototype instruments that use light emitting diodes, dichroic filters and consumer-grade digital cameras have been developed that record one color microarray fluorescence. Instruments capable of evaluating two color microarrays are planned. Small microarrays containing 30 to 60 features will be used instead of whole genome arrays because students do not need to analyze thousands of genes to learn about the nature of microarray technology. To classroom test the materials, students enrolled in the Ecology Laboratory course at the University of Detroit Mercy will use the microarrays in inquiry instruction. The students have isolated wild yeast strains from environmental samples and have used the selective fluorescent stain solophenyl flavine to confirm the isolates are fungal cells. At the time this abstract was submitted, the Ecology students were conducting gene expression studies. RNA has been isolated from the wild yeast strains and baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that where grown in anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Student laboratory reports will be evaluated using qualitative methods to determine the instructional effectiveness of the developed materials. Broader Impacts:
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1 - University of Detroit Mercy, Biology Department, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI, 48221, USA
2 - University of Detroit Mercy, Education Department, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI, 48221, USA
Keywords:
inquiry-based learning
ecology
microarrays
yeast.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 39
Location: Delaware A/Hyatt
Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
Time: 3:30 PM
Number: 39008
Abstract ID:980 |
