1. Research Problem In one sentence, describe the problem that is the focus of your classroom research project about student learning: Debate as to whether case studies, as compared to traditional lecture, can promote content learning and application skills in biology classes.

2. Research Question What is your research question? Does the use of case studies increase student knowledge and application of core concepts in Cell and Molecular Biology?

3. Research Methods My primary research methods include: Pretest before the unit Knowledge and Application Case and Non-case related course content Exam (post instructional unit) Knowledge and Application Case and Non-case related course content How will I collect these data?In class Multiple choice Short Answer Flip Flop class treatments across semesters in between case and non-case related course content with ‘case and lecture’ versus ‘lecture alone’. My strategy to analyze these data will be: Compare MC percentage correct Non-case related– knowledge/application Case related – knowledge/application Compare SA percentage correct, case versus non-case related content

4. Alignment of Research Question and Methods Demonstrate how your research methods and question align. Research methods directly measure learning gains for content and application for non-case and case related course content post lecture and case application.

5. Example questions if interested…

6. Example Multiple Choice Questions GLUT1 is a transporter that A. Is expressed in all mammalian cells B. Typically transports glucose into the cell C. Typically transports glucose out of the cell D. Typically transports glucose against its concentration gradient E. Functions as an antiporter with Na + Given a typical, GPCR transmembrane protein, which crosses the membrane seven times, what can you predict about its protein structure? A. It is globular B. It has one alpha-helical domain C. It has at least seven alpha-helical domains D. It has one beta-pleated sheet E. It has at least seven beta-pleated sheets All of the following are correct regarding BRCA1, except: A. It is a tumor suppressor gene B. It associates with RNA Polymerase to regulate transcription C. It is a homozygous dominant trait, therefore one mutated BRCA1 can imminently lead to cancer D. It associates with RNA polymerase to aid in dsDNA break repair E. All of the above are correct statements. Why does cancer primarily affect older people rather than young people? A. Because the immune system of older people is not as effective in distinguishing normal cells from cancer cells B. There is no difference in the percentages of young versus older people developing cancel C. Because older people have been exposed to more carcinogens D. Because cancer develops after multiple mutations have occurred which takes years to happen E. None of the above

7. Example Short Answer Questions Cancers are highly complex diseases, which do not always arise in a predictable manner. What are some ‘predictive values’ that can be used to guide patients to be cautious regarding possible cancer development? How does the development of cancer relate to the other topics (signal transduction, cell cycle, transcriptional activation/repression) that we have covered this semester in Biol 3800? Choose two such correlations to describe and provide an example. (10 pts) In our case study about Abby and ovarian cancer, Abby was found to have a tumor on her ovary. Subsequent tests led her to having both of her ovaries removed and further chemotherapy (Taxol) and radiation therapy. First, what observations led the physician to recommend removal of both ovaries and further chemotherapy and radiation therapy (as opposed to simply removing a mass from her one ovary)? Be sure to use/explain the terms benign, malignant and metastatic in your response. Second, what are the different therapeutic effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation on cancerous tumors? Finally, if Abby was BRCA positive, what further treatment and/or monitoring would be suggested for her future care, and why (14 pts).