Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A50]

Improving Undergraduate Student Genetics Literacy Through a Case Study Addressing Central Dogma Misconceptions

Presenter: Michelle Letowska

Faculty Sponsor: ROSA A. MOSCARELLA

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Genetics

ABSTRACT

Misconceptions about foundational genetics concepts, like the central dogma (CD), are keeping many undergraduate students from attaining genetics literacy. It is crucial to help students overcome these misconceptions not only because genetics unifies many important biological concepts but also because it has revolutionized medicine and changed society. For example, through genetics we have developed cancer treatments and created genetically modified organisms. To help students achieve genetics literacy, this project has two main goals: 1- the creation of a case study on the CD to serve as a supplemental learning tool, and 2- gather information to gain further insight into student CD misconceptions. The case study was designed for students in Introductory Genetics courses, a sophomore level course, to practice CD concepts by connecting how a DNA mutation can lead to a rare disease called immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, X-linked syndrome (IPEX). Additionally, pre- and post-assessments were created to not only measure the effectiveness of the case study but to also gain further insight on student mental models regarding the flow of genetic information. Participants also took a survey inquiring about factors that may be influencing their learning such as grade level and previous, related courses. The case study will provide students an opportunity to not only strengthen their critical thinking skills by applying their knowledge but to also recognize and address any misconceptions they may have. Thus, I hypothesize that instruction followed by a case study will have an impact on students’ understanding of the CD.

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