A research project‐based and self‐determined teaching system of molecular biology techniques for undergraduates

Molecular biology techniques play a very important role in understanding the biological activity. Students who major in biology should know not only how to perform experiments, but also the reasons for performing them. Having the concept of conducting research by integrating various techniques is especially important. This paper introduces a research project‐based and self‐determined teaching system of molecular biology techniques for undergraduates. Its aim is to create an environment mimicking real research programs and to help students build up confidence in their research skills. The students are allowed to explore a set of commonly used molecular biology techniques to solve some fundamental problems about genes on their own. They find a gene of interest, write a mini‐proposal, and give an oral presentation. This course provides students a foundation before entering the research laboratory and allows them to adapt easily to real research programs.

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