NAS Issues Report on Undergraduate
Biology Education
September 13, 2002-A National Research Council panel
Sept. 10 issued a report contending that undergraduate science
education has evolved little in comparison to the recent advances
in biology research. The Committee on Undergraduate Biology
Education to Prepare Research Scientists for the 21st Century,
chaired by Dr. Lubert Stryer of Stanford, strongly endorsed
undergraduate interdisciplinary training by incorporating
mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering
into biology courses and lab experiences until "interdisciplinary
thinking and work become second nature."
The panel's report, "Bio2010:
Undergraduate Education to Prepare Biomedical Research Scientists,"
was requested by the National Institutes of Health and the
Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The committee analyzed the
undergraduate education and research experience required to
adequately equip the future biomedical researcher. Based on
their review, the panel recommends a national strategy to
revolutionize undergraduate biology education.
Some of the recommendations excerpted from the report include:
- prepare students for research that is increasingly interdisciplinary
in character by building a strong foundation in mathematics,
and the physical and information sciences;
- concepts, examples, and techniques from mathematics, and
the physical and information sciences should be included
in biology courses;
- formulate new materials and approaches for successful
interdisciplinary teaching;
- introduce students to real-world observations through
interdisciplinary laboratory courses; and re-examine medical
school admissions and the Medical College Admissions Test
as they hinder change in the undergraduate biology curriculum.
The panel concludes that to successfully contribute to the
biomedical research enterprise, undergraduate biology students
"will need scientific knowledge, practice with experimental
design, quantitative abilities, and communication skills."
Using a case study approach, the report highlights innovative
undergraduate biology programs, including instructional materials
and approaches for interdisciplinary teaching, engaging students
with interdisciplinary and project-based laboratories, and
enabling undergraduates to experience the excitement of biology.
Information:
Evangeline Loh, Staff Associate II
AAMC Division of Biomedical and Health Sciences Research
eloh@aamc.org
(202) 828-0485
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