In:
The Journal of Immunology, The American Association of Immunologists, Vol. 188, No. 1_Supplement ( 2012-05-01), p. 50.1-50.1
Abstract:
We have designed a laboratory curriculum in immunology where students build and use a toolkit of basic techniques. In the first 10 weeks, students learn how to isolate human and mouse immune cells, label cells with antibodies, perform magnetic enrichment, flow cytometry analysis, T cell proliferation, and ELISA assays. We emphasize keen observation, excellent record keeping, and protocol development. We ensure that each team has at least two opportunities to perform each new technique. Students survey the published literature and formulate a novel question about effects of a dietary supplement of choice on in vitro T cell stimulation. Teams develop experimental designs that are critiqued in a group workshop. Independent experiments are carried out, data collected and analyzed by teams, and a detailed, reflective lab notebook entry compiled by each student. Teams present their findings in a culminating mini-symposium. Our iterative emphasis on skill building, critical record-keeping, application of newly learned skills, and teamwork closely simulates the learning that happens in authentic research laboratories. Students encounter and comprehend these basic procedures in classroom discussions, research seminars, and journal articles. According to students surveyed, this plays a critical role in the productive integration of classroom and laboratory learning, and gives students a strong sense of engagement with the professional world of immunology research.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1767
,
1550-6606
DOI:
10.4049/jimmunol.188.Supp.50.1
Language:
English
Publisher:
The American Association of Immunologists
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475085-5
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