A Look Under the Microscope

In 2000, Grinnell College turned the biology curriculum upside down, involving entry-level biology students in cutting-edge research, rather than offering students a unique, hands-on, research-based Biology 150: Introduction to Biological Inquiry. With 12 different specialized topics to choose from, students can select the topic that appeals most to them — from "Animal Locomotion" to "The Sex Life of Plants." In Professor Clark Lindgren's "The Language of Neurons" section, first-year biologists do original research with the potential to create new knowledge. In the process, they operate instruments such as intracellular electrodes to measure electrochemical response and fluorescence microscopes to visualize neuronal connections — high-tech equipment that's usually reserved for advanced researchers. This video takes a closer look at the class, Lindgren's views on Biology 150's approach, and the biannual, end-of-semester poster session where students from all sections of Biology 150 come together to present their research.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Grinnell College
• Iowa
• Biology
• Introductory
• Inquiry Based Learning
• Neurons
• Research Projects