Through an interdepartmental collaboration, we have developed a two-semester authentic research experience primarily for upper-level undergraduate biology and chemistry students. The students in BI450: Investigative Molecular Biology and CH533: Biochemistry Laboratory work on an overarching research project characterizing components of the terminin complex, which is required for telomere protection in fruit flies. The project is broken into two individual research goals allowing students to take either individual course or both courses. In BI450, students receive cDNA of a telomere associated protein and an expression vector. The students are given the goal of inserting the cDNA into the desired expression vector. In CH533, the students start with an expression vector containing the gene that expresses one of the telomere associated proteins. The CH533 students are asked to express and purify the protein for further chemical analysis. Our goals in creating this collaboration were 1) increase the number of students taking part in molecular biology and biochemistry research experiences and 2) to introduce students to the close tie between molecular biology and biochemistry. In fall semesters, both courses meet peiodically for a combined “research lab meeting.” During our meeting, students give presentations about the progress on their individual research project as well as to take part in “journal club.” Students learn how to analyze their data and prepare figures that contribute to their semester-long final research paper. We will present course creation details, system of interest, and early analysis of the course.

Flies across the curriculum: Approach to an interdisciplinary authentic research experience in molecular biology and biochemistry lab courses

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.