In this course, problem-based learning (PBL)-type exercises and group works will be carried out repeatedly to nurture literacy, fundamental expertise, and creativity in life science and technology. The aim of this course is as follows:
(1) to nurture literacy in life science and technology, i.e., the ability to gather pieces of information concerning a given subject, analyze them, determine if they are correct, and organize and express your thoughts on the subject.
(2) to nurture fundamental expertise in life science and technology.
(3) to foster students' aspirations for advanced study in life science and technology through the above.
By the end of this course, students will nurture the following skills and foster aspirations for advanced study in life science and technology.
(1) Literacy in life science and technology
(2) Fundamental expertise in life science and technology
(3) Creativity in life science and technology
Literacy, fundamental expertise, creativity, problem-based learning, exercises and group works
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
In this course, problem-based learning or PBL will be carried out concerning four short topics and four long topics after orientation and introduction at class 1. Each topic will be completed in one (for short topics) or two (for long topics) 100-min classes. To make full use of limited class time, class time will be separated into several parts. The following is an example. At class 14, "looking-back" presentation will be conducted.
Raising the topic (instructor) -> General introduction to the topic (instructor) -> Gathering pieces of information, analysis, and discussion (students) -> summarizing investigation (students) -> presentation (students) -> Q&A and review (entire class)
Examples of specific topics are as follows:
- Stability and instability of biomolecules: Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
- Chemical structures and properties of biomolecules.
- Creation of artificial proteins by evolutionary molecular engineering.
- Creation of living systems.
- How amazing living organisms are! Energy efficiency, extreme environment, rate of evolution.
- Mechanisms of action of pharmaceuticals.
- Is 〇〇 good or bad to your health? Evidence-based medicine.
- Science of infectious diseases.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Orientation and Introduction | To understand the outline of this course and how to proceed group works. |
Class 2 | Short topic 1 | To carry out PBL concerning short topic 1 and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 3 | Short topic 2 | To carry out PBL concerning short topic 2 and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 4 | Short topic 3 | To carry out PBL concerning short topic 3 and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 5 | Short topic 4 | To carry out PBL concerning short topic 4 and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 6 | Long topic 1 (first half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 1 (first half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 7 | Long topic 1 (second half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 1 (second half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 8 | Long topic 2 (first half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 2 (first half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 9 | Long topic 2 (second half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 2 (second half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 10 | Long topic 3 (first half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 3 (first half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 11 | Long topic 3 (second half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 3 (second half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 12 | Long topic 4 (first half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 4 (first half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 13 | Long topic 4 (second half) | To carry out PBL concerning long topic 4 (second half) and to complete assignments within class time. |
Class 14 | "Looking-back" presentation | To carry out PBL concerning the topic each team selected and to prepare and give presentations. |
Instructions as to the preparation and review necessary for each class will be given by each instructor.
None
Teaching material will be distributed when necessary.
Students will be assessed on the following aspects:
- Attendance to each class
- Deliverables or reports resulting from exercises and group works
- Peer review among team members
None