Development of an Inquiry-based Curriculum for the Introductory Biology Laboratory Course 7.02

This projects will combine the two currently unrelated major modules of the 7.02 into a single inquiry-based unit where the initial aspect of the research will be shaped by student input. Students learn best and retain more when the lab experiments have a single overarching goal and when they get to contribute to the research direction. As part of the revised curriculum, students will analyze a human protein involved in cancer and determine which mutations they will study in this protein. The revision will include introduction of cutting edge techniques in order to keep abreast with the most recent advances in biology. We hope these progressive changes will elevate overall student enthusiasm, engage a larger number of students and enhance the learning experience in the class.