1. Suzy Behel Seminole State College of Florida
Promoting STEM Literacy: Turning Students On With Cutting Edge Science - Biotechnology & STEM Research -
Suzy Behel
Seminole State College of Florida

2. Biotechnology - One of most rapidly advancing STEM areas
Biotech has pervaded our news programs, TV shows, movies
Food, medicine, clothes, energy sources, bioremediation
Genetic tests available over Internet without physician order
Raises ethical, social, legal, and political issues that our
citizens need to understand to make informed decisions

3. Rigorous introductory molecular biology course integrating theory and extensive hands-on laboratory experiences
“Science as Inquiry” approach; active learner engagement
Main goals:
- foster STEM literacy
- develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- pipeline to additional STEM courses

4. Intended audience: all students
No prerequisites to recruit underprepared/underrepresented
Typical class = 20+ students
2/3 are science/health science majors; 1/3 no prior bio
Lab groups of 3 mixed; supplementary materials

5. Course Structure Traditional - 3 hrs lecture; 3 hrs lab Hybrid
- lecture online in modules
- supporting materials for students new to biology
- exams online
- lab in class
- hybrid is currently under evaluation for effectiveness
- non-Bio background present greater challenges

6. Units
History
Overview of Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA structure, replication/transcription/translation
Molecular Biology of Proteins/Proteomics
Introduction to Immunology/Molecular Biology of HIV
Genetics of Viruses and Bacteria
DNA Technologies: Introductory and Advanced
Control of Gene Expression
Biotechnology in Medicine
Molecular Biology of Cancer
Biotechnology in Forensics
Frontiers in Biotechnology
Regulation and Bioethical Issues

7. Laboratory Exercises Measurement, Micropipetting, DNA Extraction
Preparation of Gels and Buffers
Determining Molecular Weight of Proteins
Affinity Chromatography
Immunology: Ouchterlony, Radial Immunodiffusion, ELISA
Restriction Digest of Lambda DNA
Transformation with pGLO
Cancer Suppressor Gene (p53)
Crime Scene PCR and genotype coding
Bioethics

8. Course Rigor Examples:
Transformation:
operons, selection, reporter genes, vectors; plasmid structure
DNA Profiling:
PCR, contaminants, issues, RFLPS, STRs, SNPs, mtDNA, CODIS
ELISA:
HIV molecular biology, immunology, Western Blot
Cancer:
molecular biology of cancer, cancer gene types, cellular changes, germline/somatic mutations, microarrays, RNAi
Affinity Chromatography:
separation techniques, ligands, confirmation: electrophoresis

9. Grading Open note/book unit exams – 50 higher-order questions
Encourage discussion/study groups among students
2 Lab Practicals emphasize theory/application not just skills
Bioethical Issue Seminar Presentation
My Family Health Portrait
Final Exam (closed book)
Lab Practicals - most challenging to students but no Fs
Final Grade distribution: almost all A and B, a few Cs, no Fs!

10. Future Plans Biotech II developed/awaiting new building/lab space
Development of “2-2-2” Program
(BS end result)
Secondary school teacher course
Bioethical Issues Course

11. Mentored research; intended for STEM majors and preprofessional students
Open to undergraduates, dual-enrollment, and college grads
Separate course for secondary school teachers
Supported by seminars developing basic research skills
Minimum 2 semester commitment (except teachers) 6 hrs/wk

12. Fall 2009 Seminole State piloted first community college undergraduate STEM research program in Florida
To date: 35 undergraduates, 23 dual-enrollment students, 5 secondary school teachers – and 5 college graduates seeking new job opportunities

13. Innovative Keystone Program
Focus on “science as inquiry”
Keystone placed at beginning to provide a foundation
Unifies all components to provide integral strength to STEM education
Emphasizes math, communications, and ethics
Reinforces concepts in subsequent STEM coursework
Capitalizes on “real-world” experiences to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Addresses all learners’ needs, especially underprepared
Fosters recruitment of underrepresented populations
Transfer of credit to major universities

14. Research Methods include:
Research ethics
Lab safety
Professional etiquette
Research log
Accessing scientific journals and Review of Literature
Experimental design/engineering plan
Statistical analysis of data
Communication with researchers/lay audiences
Research paper, abstract, seminar, poster guidelines
Institutional Review Board/federal & state laws
Most undergraduate research programs relegate
teaching these skills to the research mentor.

15. The Research Mentor - A critical innovative practice
Student defines area of interest - Identifies potential mentors - Conducts Internet search for mentors’ publications - Reads/summarizes research publications - Contacts mentor via - Meets with potential mentor

16. Consortium of Research Partners
Partners provide mentor and laboratory for research experience
Diverse partner base minimizes “drain” on partner institution
Cost often defrayed by grant stipulations

17. A “win-win” situation for all!
Benefit to Community College
Negligible demand on budgetary resources
Faculty are facilitators; contact hours = teaching load
Program sustainability
Benefit to Partner Institutions
Better prepared transfer students
Active voice in undergraduate STEM education
Guide workforce preparation
Recruitment for graduate level STEM careers
A “win-win” situation for all!

18. Expected Outcomes Research log 10 Journal Reviews (last 5 years)
Seminar on one journal article
Detailed experimental design including statistical analysis
MSDS for all chemicals
IRB, IUCAC, SRC if required
Final Research seminar
Research paper and abstract (in APA format)
Presentation board
Optional submission peer-reviewed undergraduate journal

19. Grading

20. Why Your Community College Should Consider a Research Program
Introduces and develops basic workforce skills
Lays groundwork for critical thinking/problem-solving
Reinforces concepts addressed in classroom learning
Opens doors to 21st century careers
Improves STEM literacy
Provides role models for science, math and engineering
Professional development opportunities for faculty
Adapts to research in other disciplines
… all at a minimal budgetary outlay.

21. What are some “bartering chips” might be used to obtain their support?
Brainstorming
Universities have research programs in place and need assurance that community college students will not negatively effect their program.
What are some “bartering chips” might be
used to obtain their support?

22. What are some options for community colleges that have no research institutions in close proximity to their campus?

23. How might social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) be useful in recruitment?

24. What do you believe would be the assets that you would look for in a program coordinator?