You are here: Home / Resources / Browse Resources

Open. Adaptable. Free.

Resources created by our members and partners.

The QUBES platform hosts hundreds of teaching materials, reference materials, and cloud-based software free to use and adapt using open Creative Commons licenses.

Text Search:
Applied Filters
    Dynamic Daphnia: An inquiry-based research experience in ecology that teaches the scientific process to first-year biologists
    This authentic research experience lesson teaches the core concept of systems and the competencies of quantitative reasoning, communication, and the ability to apply science. The research is...

    Keywords: statisticsecologyscientific methodexperimental designAbiotic and Biotic FactorsDependent and Independent Variables

    2100

    views

    396

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Using a Primary Cell Culture Model to Study the Neural Extracellular Matrix
    The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support to cells, but also has key roles in mediating cell adhesion, cell signaling, and differentiation. While this topic is discussed in the...

    Keywords: Neural extracellular matrixPerineuronal netPrimary neuronal culture

    1190

    views

    280

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Integrating Community Ecology Into the Study of Parasites: Exploring the Effect of Host Behavior on Parasite Transmission Rates
    Organismal life cycles are often presented as a set of facts to memorize in undergraduate biology courses. This approach is cognitively demanding for students and fails to convey how central life...

    Keywords: statisticsspecies interactionsQuantitative reasoninggraphsCommunity EcologyParasitologyfood webs

    2595

    views

    216

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Using Zebrafish in a Developmental Biology Lab Course to Explore Interactions Between Development and the Environment
    Important learning outcomes for biology students include the ability to develop experiments as well as pull together concepts across their coursework. The field of developmental biology, especially...

    Keywords: toxicologymorphogenesisorganogenesis

    2407

    views

    698

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Dilution and Pipetting Lesson Using Food Dyes
    In this lesson students learn how to use micropipettors to accurately measure small volumes of liquids and perform dilutions using food dyes. Students dilute four food dyes at 10X concentration to...

    Keywords: dilutionCalculationLab SkillsMicropipetting

    4322

    views

    1212

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Differential Gene Expression during Xenopus laevis Development
    In Developmental Biology classes, students are challenged with understanding how differential gene expression guides embryonic development. It can be difficult for students to realize that genes...

    Keywords: gene expressionXenopusearly developmentembryofertilizationin situ hybridization

    1551

    views

    301

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Simulating Cortical Rotation, Axis Induction, and Experimental Embryology in Amphibian Embryos Using Clay Models
    The study of development requires learners to understand spatially complex concepts like embryo anatomy. Embryo anatomy is dynamic over time, and it is often manipulated by researchers in...

    Keywords: developmentXenopusfertilizationEmbryologyinductionSymmetry breakingOrganizerCortical rotationPatterning

    1139

    views

    155

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Cell Signaling Pathways - a Case Study Approach
    Signaling and gene expression are fundamental to cell biology and developmental biology. Although these topics are highly interrelated, they typically appear in separate units in a course. We use a...

    Keywords: signal transductiongene expressionCell communicationgenetic disordersregulation of enzyme activity

    5161

    views

    2570

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Electron Location, Location, Location: Understanding Biological Interactions
    Introductory Biology courses typically introduce the structure and function of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. To understand biomolecules fully, students require knowledge of...

    Keywords: hydrogen bondshydrophobicity/hydrophilicitypolar and non-polar covalent bonds

    2670

    views

    668

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Using Structured Decision Making to Explore Complex Environmental Issues
    Environmental issues are inherently complex, often requiring multiple interested parties to come together before agreeing on a solution. Structured decision making is a tool used by federal and...

    Keywords: interdisciplinarysocio-ecological systemsscience policystakeholderstructured decision making

    1455

    views

    425

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    The Science and Ethics of Gene Drives: An Active Learning Lesson in Genetics
    Coursework connecting biology to socially relevant issues and ethical questions can help students think about biology in interdisciplinary terms. Gene drives represent one topic involving both...

    Keywords: bioethicsCRISPR/Cas9Genetic modificationGene drives

    134

    views

    10

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Engaging Undergraduates in Mechanisms of Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion in the Mammalian Kidney
    If students fail to see the connections among physiological systems, they can become overwhelmed with the amount of information they need to learn. Some students have particular difficulty with the...

    Keywords: OsmosisActive transportMass flowRenal reabsorptionRenal secretionTransport across membranes

    1901

    views

    358

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Breaking It Down: What Factors Control Microbial Decomposition Rates?
    Demonstrating and modeling changes in ecosystem processes in the laboratory classroom can be logistically difficult and expensive. This complexity often leaves little time for students to generate...

    Keywords: data analysishypothesis testingdata visualizationdata managementMicrobial RespirationDecompostionAbiotic ConditionsResults Communication

    648

    views

    40

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Isolation and Functional Analysis of a Pancreatic Enzyme in an Introductory Student Lab
    Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biology. This topic is typically addressed early in an undergraduate class in general or molecular biology before students have gained much...

    Keywords: Protein StructureproteaseEnzymechemical bondscatalysissolubility

    3720

    views

    195

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Using Open-Source Bioinformatics and Visualization Tools to Explore the Structure and Function of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
    The relationship between protein structure and function is a foundational concept in undergraduate biochemistry. We find this theme is best presented with assignments that encourage exploration and...

    Keywords: bioinformaticsmolecular modelingCOVID19protein structure and functionUCSF ChimeraSARS-CoV-2 spike proteinACE2 receptor

    3602

    views

    395

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Exploring Miracle Fruit: An Undergraduate Laboratory Exercise on Experimental Design
    In recent years, undergraduate biology and biochemistry curricula have seen an increase in the use of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). CUREs maximize potential student gains...

    Keywords: sensory systemspHProtein shapeTaste

    2388

    views

    441

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Science “Fails”: A Bank of Historical Examples for Learning From Failure in Science
    Learning from failure is critically important to the processes of scientific inquiry, discovery, and invention. However, students are not routinely taught how to reflect on, learn from, and...

    Keywords: metacognitionScience process skillsLearning from failurepower and privilegestudent wellbeing

    4728

    views

    787

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Cutthroat trout in Colorado: A case study connecting evolution and conservation
    Evaluation of evidence is a key process skill for the core competencies of applying the process of science and using quantitative reasoning. This case study enables upper-division biology students...

    Keywords: population geneticsphylogeneticsSpeciationdivergencegene flow

    1671

    views

    321

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    BioVEDA Curriculum: An Approach to Link Conceptual and Quantitative Understanding of Variation During Experimental Design and Data Analysis
    When performing a biological investigation, experts constantly cycle between conceptual and quantitative modes of thinking, integrating their understanding in both worlds to make decisions about...

    Keywords: statisticssample sizeBiological variation

    1862

    views

    573

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    CRISPR/Cas9 in yeast: a multi-week laboratory exercise for undergraduate students
    Providing undergraduate life-science students with a course-based research experience that utilizes cutting-edge technology, is tractable for students, and is manageable as an instructor is a...

    Keywords: bioinformaticsPCRphenotypingCRISPR/Cas9gene editingcloningGenotypingRestriction enzyme

    3150

    views

    1118

    downloads

    0

    comments

    0

    adaptations

    Close

    Home

    Search