Progress 07/01/06 to 10/31/09
Outputs
The main objectives of this project was to 1) create a new BS in Biotechnology at Inter American University of P.R. - Guayama Campus (IAUPR-GC), 2) update and articulate laboratory activities and include problem solving based learning in six courses common to the Biology and Biotechnology programs, 3) admit 15 Hispanic students to the BS in Biotechnology at Inter American University of P.R. - Barranquitas Campus (IAUPR-BC) and 20 students at IAUPR-GC, 4) train two Hispanic students per academic semester as biotechnology laboratory assistants at IAUPR-BC, 5) equip a biotechnology laboratory for IAUPR-GC, 6) implement the real time PCR technique at IAUPR-BC and provide access and training to 8 faculty members from Barranquitas and Guayama Campus and other 10 faculty members from IAUPR System, 7) provide training activities to eight faculty from IAUPR-BC and IAUPR-GC 8) offer a symposia on teaching undergraduate biology and biotechnology, 9) implement Web based learning strategies to enhance the instruction and educational materials. Accomplishments based on previous objectives are the following: 1) a new BS in Biotechnology was developed at IAUPR-GC and approved by the Puerto Rico Council of Higher Education according to the timeline in the grant proposal, 2) six courses were revised and updated (BIOL 1103, BIOL 2013, BIOL 4605, BIOL 4623, BIOL 4728, and BIOL 4953) by the integration of hand-on laboratory activities, gear to problem solving strategies, and using modern techniques, 3) thirty five students have been admitted to the new BS in Biotechnology at IAUPR-GC and 18 new students were admitted to the existing BS in Biotechnology at IAUPR-BC, 4) ten students have been trained as biotechnology laboratory assistants at IAUPR-BC, 5) a new biotechnology laboratory is available at IAUPR-GC, thanks to the equipment acquired through this grant, 6) the technique real time PCR has been implemented at IAUPR-BC, using the equipment acquired through this grant (Applied Biosystems, model Step One), several trainings have been offered to faculty from IAUPR-BC, IAUPR-GC, and from IAUPR System, 7) all faculty workshops originally proposed have been offered, with emphasis in the experimental skills and the integration in the BIOL 1103, BIOL 2013, BIOL 4605, BIOL 4623 (after revision its new course code is BIOT 4623), BIOL 4728 (after revision its new course code is BIOT 4728), and BIOL 4953, 8) a faculty committee from four campuses of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and with the active participation of Project Director, prepared a curriculum revision of the BS in Biotechnology, these curriculum changes were shared with the rest of the System through the Vice-presidency of Academic Affairs, 9) a student research symposia was offered at IAUPR-BC, where students from four campuses and also registered in BIOL 4953 presented their findings, 10) Web-based learning have been used to teach BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1102, while in other courses Web-based learning was a complement. A collaboration agreement has been implemented with US National Arboretum Floral and Nursery Plant Research Unit at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. PRODUCTS: Promotional brochures were developed as part of the recruitment efforts of new students for the BS in Biotechnology in both campuses. This color printed material describes the occupational alternatives for a person holding a BS in Biotechnology and the plan of study of the program. First year courses in biology both for the BS in Biotechnology and the BS in Biology were prepared and offered using Web based instruction. The courses BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1102 were prepared and offered through the Blackboard Learning System. Updated laboratory activities and problem based learning was integrated in BIOL 11O3, BIOL 2013, BIOL 4605, BIOT 3250, BIOL 4623 (now BIOT 4623) and BIOL 4728 (now BIOT 4728). Laboratory procedures were described for each activity in each of the preceding courses. Emphasis was placed on articulation with course syllabus, problem based learning, and the use of materials and equipment acquired through this grant. Several faculty workshops were offered in both campuses. More than 90 hours of hand on activities were planed and offered to 18 faculty members. The basic design of the workshops consisted in a rapid review (2-5 hours) of the subject theoretical background and the integration into curriculum. Instructions for the experimental procedure were discussed, including health safety issues, and the rest of the workshop was devoted to hand on experimental activities (4-12hours). Subjects covered in the workshops included: Safety in biotechnology laboratory, Genomic DNA isolation and quantification, Enzyme restriction analysis, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, Bacterial transformation and cloning, Plasmid DNA purification, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Protein purification, Protein quantification and electrophoresis by SDS PAGE Westernblot, and Real Time PCR. These workshops were offered by Project Director and personnel from private industry. A partnership has been implemented between US National Arboretum Floral and Nursery Plant Research Unit at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and Inter American University of Puerto Rico. Scientific personnel from US National Arboretum came to IAUPR-BC and offered a three day seminar/workshop to faculty and students from Inter American University of Puerto Rico. The subjects covered included: Plant tissue culture, Recombinant DNA of plants, Virus as molecular tools, and Bioinformatics. Two faculty members and one student were trained at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Molecular markers, gene identification and Transformation of plants. Laboratory materials and instruments were acquired to equip a new biotechnology teaching laboratory at IAUPR-GC. Real Time PCR was calibrated and integrated at IAUPR-BC as part of the biotechnology curriculum and to train faculty in this technique. Laboratory real experiences were provided to 10 students that were hired as laboratory assistants in the job-training. They were engage into calibration of techniques, equipment installation and calibration, preparation of reagents, safety rules, and many other skills that will be useful to them in subsequent courses and during their performance as future professionals. OUTCOMES: A new BS in Biotechnology was developed in IAUPR-GC. This new academic program is available to Hispanic students who seek employment in related industries following conferral of the baccalaureate degree. It also provides an appropriate academic background for possible graduate study or admission to professional schools. A training program was established to reinforce faculty skills in genomic and proteomic sciences. Eighteen faculty members from Inter American University of P.R. participated in this program. This opportunity has increased the expertise to these faculty members to offer more effectively their biology and biotechnology courses with updated experimental approaches. A special learning opportunity was provided to a select group of students that participated in the job-training experience. They acquired problem-solving, self-directed learning, and team skills, in real laboratory situations. An upgrade in course content and laboratory experiences was integrated in special courses from the BS in Biology and BS in Biotechnology. Emphasis was placed on the molecular basis of life processes and the techniques used in the control and the study of such cellular events. Curriculum articulation and problem based learning was included in each of the course syllabus (BIOL 11O3, BIOL 2013, BIOL 4605, BIOT 3250, BIOL 4623-now BIOT 4623, and BIOL 4728-now BIOT 4728). Experimental protocols were defined for these courses and handouts were produced. In Puerto Rico Real Time PCR is a technique only available to researchers and to a small amount of graduate students. Through this grant we have provided a special learning opportunity to undergraduate Hispanic students in biotechnology. This "hands-on" experience with modern laboratory techniques will reinforce the academic skills of these students to work in the biotechnology industry, once they have finish their undergraduate studies or to enter on to graduate or professional school. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Project activities have been disseminated through the following means: Radio interviews (Radio Procer, Radio Cumbre) Two newspaper articles (Periodico La Coordillera, Periodico Interamericana) Project Director presented this project at PRIDCO (Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company) Goals, outcomes, project resources were presented to students and faculty from the rest of the Inter American University of P.R. System during the Biosciences Student Annual Research Symposium. Resources have been share with faculty and students from other campuses of Inter American University. These resources include: course revised syllabus, laboratory protocols, and accessibility of specialized equipment such as Real Time PCR. Two students from BIOL 4953-Research Methods, presented their work at the 42nd ACS Junior Technical Meeting Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The revised courses through this project will be used as model to update and revise other courses in the biology and biotechnology programs. The development of a new MS in Plant Biotechnology at IAUPR-BC. The laboratory equipment acquired in both campuses through this project will be maintained through institutional funds. The Biosciences Student Annual Research Symposium has been established a regular activity at IAUPR-BC. Research related to gene products of certain tropical plants that hyperaccumulate heavy metals will continue to be developed at IUPR-BC. Grant proposal are in preparation to sustain this initiative. The collaboration agreement between US National Arboretum Floral and Nursery Plant Research Unit at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and Inter American University of Puerto Rico will be renewed during next year.
Impacts
An average increase in 20% in student recruitment in biotechnology has been observed in the Science and Technology Department at both campuses. This interest for biotechnology and the collaboration with US National Arboretum Floral and Nursery Plant Research Unit at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center has motivated the development a Master in Plant Biotechnology. This unanticipated program is under preparation at IAUPR-BC at this moment and it will be submitted for authorization to the Puerto Rico's Council on Higher Education during first semester 2010. The development of a new BS in Biotechnology at IAUPR-GC has expanded the academic opportunities to Hispanic students from the southern area of Puerto Rico. These developments and collaboration with private industry have allowed IAUPR-GC to offer a Professional Certification in Biotechnology, focused in personnel working at the pharmaceutical industry with little exposure to this area. The course BIOL 4953 Research Methods was revised and has been offered every semester. An enthusiasm for research has take place among students. Research projects have concentrated in the area of the molecular basis of phytoremediation. One the students originally participating as laboratory assistant in the job-training enter into a graduate program and obtained a Master Degree in Environmental Chemistry. Her thesis subject was in the area of phytoremediation using tropical plants and the laboratory work was performed at IUPR-BC. Part of her thesis work is been revised it will be submitted for publication very soon.
Publications
- Melendez Maria M. (2007). Analisis de Plomo y Estudio Genetico-Molecular sobre la Acumulacion de Metales Pesados en Bryophylumm pinnatum in vitro. Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. Master Thesis of one the students working as an in-training laboratory assistant.
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Progress 07/01/06 to 06/30/07
Outputs
The project Building for the Future through Modern Biology and Biotechnology is a collaborative effort between IAUPR-BC and Inter American University of P.R.-Guayama Campus (IAUPR-GC) to strengthen the Biology and Biotechnology programs at both institutions. Activities for the first year of the project included: 1) the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at IAUPR-GC; 2) acquisition, installation, and calibration of main equipment for a new laboratory at IAUPR-BC; 3) offered faculty workshops in biotechnology and molecular biology; 4) that trained students as laboratory assistants; 5) integrated redesigned laboratory activities in several courses from the Biology and Biotechnology Programs; 6) recruited students for the Biotechnology Program at both institutions.
PRODUCTS: This project produced several products since its inception in 2006. Among them are the following: 1) Authorization by the Puerto Rico Council of Higher Education to offer the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at the Guayama Campus (IAUPR-GC). 2) Acquisition of the basic instrumentation, such as ultralow temperature freezer, microcentrifuge, transilluminator, thermalcycler, cell incubator and laboratory reagents and materials to equip a new biotechnology laboratory at IAUPR-GC. 3) Designed of ten hands-on laboratory activities for biotechnology courses. 4) A Web Page (http://www.br.uipr.edu/usda_new/). 5) Updated course syllabi with hands-on laboratory activities and the use of instrumentation acquired with this award. The following services were offered through this project: a) Four students received stipends and were trained as biotechnology laboratory assistants. Each student received an annual average of $1,449.00. b) Six faculty workshops (total of thirty-one hours)
on Recombinant DNA were offered. c) Establishment of a cooperation agreement between Inter American University of Puerto Rico and The US National Arboretum of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), to provide faculty workshops in plant biotechnology and help the project to improve course laboratory activities.
OUTCOMES: The project has generated many important outcomes essential for the promotion and strengthening of life sciences academic programs (biotechnology and biology) at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, in particular at the Barranquitas and Guayama Campuses. Academic offerings in the area of science have been increased at IAUPR-GC, thanks to the new Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology obtained through this project. Six faculty members have improved their expertise in biotechnology and molecular biology experimental skills through the workshops offered. Students working as laboratory assistants have enhanced their learning experiences through "hands-on" activities in real laboratory settings. Students and faculty have had access to advanced equipment and instrumentation, which have improved their molecular and biotechnology skills. Student recruitment in biotechnology has increased in IAUPR-BC from twenty-five students in 2006 to forty-five in 2007. Experimental activities
in three Laboratory Skills courses (BIOL 1103, 2013, and 4605) have been articulated through integration of pertinent and modern laboratory practices.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Project activities have been disseminated through the following means: a) Radio interviews (Radio Procer, Radio Cumbre) b) Two newspaper articles (Periodico La Coordillera, Periodico Interamericana c) the Project Director presented this project at PRIDCO (Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company).
FUTURE INITIATIVES: A purchase order is being processed to acquire the thermal cycler capable of real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The remaining faculty workshops will be offered during the second year of the project. The Symposia Teaching Undergraduate Genomic and Proteomic Sciences Symposia will be offered. The project is in the process of preparing a laboratory manual for Laboratory Skills courses (BIOL 2013, and 4605). Personnel from The US National Arboretum of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will visit Inter American University of Puerto Rico to offer a series of biotechnology workshops for faculty and students. Improve the project Web Page as a biotechnology and molecular biology learning tool and to disseminate project results.
Impacts
Collaboration to improve educational programs in the area of life science has been established between the Barranquitas and Guayama Campuses. The new Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Biology has strengthened both campuses. Life science faculty with little experience in biotechnology and molecular biology has trained in experimental design and the use of sophisticated equipment. Current protocols and methodologies common to modern science were integrated as part of the curriculum. Access to sophisticated techniques and equipment such as Real Time PCR enrich the curriculum at Inter American University of Puerto Rico. Students and faculty developed problem-solving abilities and experimental design skills. This project is helping to provide an educational environment where life sciences undergraduate students can do their best work with the necessary resources to stimulate critical and independent thinking.
Publications
- Melendez Ortega, Maria M. (2007). Analisis de Plomo y Estudio Genetico Molecular sobre la Acumulacion de Metales Pesados en Bryophylumm pinnatum in vitro. Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. Master Thesis of one the students working as an in-training laboratory assistant.
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