An Integrated Microbiome Project for Charactering Microbial Diversity in Classroom Based on Virtual Simulation Experiments

Autor/inn/en	Sun, Hao; Wang, Pinmei; Li, Yudong
Titel	An Integrated Microbiome Project for Charactering Microbial Diversity in Classroom Based on Virtual Simulation Experiments
Quelle	In: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 51 (2023) 2, S.171-179 (9 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Sun, Hao) ORCID (Li, Yudong)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1470-8175
DOI	10.1002/bmb.21706
Schlagwörter	Science Laboratories; Educational Technology; Computer Simulation; Genetics; Science Process Skills; Undergraduate Students; College Science; Active Learning; Molecular Biology; Microbiology; Information Science; Human Body + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Unterrichtsmedien; Computergrafik; Computersimulation; Humangenetik; Aktives Lernen; Molekularbiologie; Mikrobiologie; Informationswissenschaft; Menschlicher Körper
Abstract	Abstract Microbiome study requires both molecular techniques and bioinformatics skills, which are challenging for biologists to participate in this growing field. To introduce microbiome concepts and skills to students, a 6-week wet-lab and bioinformatics course for undergraduates was implemented through the project-based learning (PBL) approach. In the saliva microbiome project, students collected their saliva samples, performed DNA extraction and PCR amplification, followed by metagenomic analysis to compare the diversity and abundances of microbes among samples. First, students are required to practice molecular techniques and bioinformatics analysis skills in a virtual simulation lab. To our knowledge, our study is the first one to incorporate a virtual lab into microbiome experience. Then, students applied their recently acquired skills to produce and analyze their own 16S amplicon sequencing data and reported their results via a scientific report. The student learning outcomes show that the Virtual lab can improve students' laboratory techniques and research capabilities. Moreover, a simple pipeline to analyze 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data is introduced in a step-by-step manner that helps students to develop analysis skills. This project can be modified as either a virtual course or a module within another course such as microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Our study provides evidence on the positive impact of virtual labs on learning outcomes in undergraduate science education. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01