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To introduce a Nano-Biotechnology course as an alternative to Biotechnology course. <LI>To allow students to gain experience through hands on expermintation (HOE) in Nano-Biotechnology <LI> To allow students to gain design and development knowledge in fabricating optical nano biosensor <LI>To enhance student recruitment and retention. </OL> The following results and benefits are expected from the project: <OL> <LI>Student's full attention is anticipated during the lecture. Using this program with the incorporation of HOE, students participate more proactively and absorb more than they do with conventional lectures. <LI> Students gain better understanding of basic Nano-Biotechnology concepts, in addition to strategic problem solving. <LI> Students learn about collaborative work. <LI>The feedback can help the lecturer to know the degree to which students really comprehend the subject. Appropriate adjustments can then be made to the course and presentation. <LI>Lectures will be more interactive. Laboratories can be used to learn application of Nano-Biotechnology, which makes the lecture an enjoyable experience for both lecturer and student. <LI> Encourages student's preparation before attending classes.
Non-Technical Summary: The proposed project supports USDA/CSREES strategic goals 2 and 6 from the USDA/CSREES strategic plan 2007-2012. This project focuses on Program Priority Area (3) and target the Baccalaureate degree-level in the Department of Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The program Need Area is teaching with the following Disciplines: Agriculture Engineering (EP.E), Food Science/Technology (EP.F), and General Agriculture Science (EP.G). This project proposes the introduction of a Nano-Biotechnology course for all students in the Department of Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This course will incorporate Hands on Experimentation (HOE) and mini projects at advanced laboratories. This experience will be utilized in nano biosensor development for detecting different micro organisms. The nano-biotechnology course is an interdisciplinary course that describes an emerging discipline dedicated to the generation of products, devices for biotechnology and bioengineering applications through integration of biology, chemistry, engineering and state-of-the-art nanotechnology, starting at the molecular level. The goal of this course is to ignite student's interests in this field by exposing them to diverse amazing projects. Students will gain abilities to integrate their multidisciplinary knowledge and skills into the interdisciplinary research project designs. As a long term goal of this course, the University will provide globally-oriented and well-trained scientists the opportunity to become engaged in continuing research and rise as future leaders in the field. This objective fully satisfies the educational goal of LU. <P> Approach: The principal investigators from the Department of Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at LU will serve as the responsible managers for the project. Faculty from the University of Missouri-Columbia will be assisting in conducting HOE on application of Nano-Biotechnology. Procurement of equipment and hiring of undergraduate students will follow standard operating procedures of Lincoln University, and will be consistent with procedures, policies and guidelines provided by the federal granting agencies. We propose that the project be accomplished over three years, with the following general approach: Instructors must master the technical skills required by Nano-Biotechnology fundamentals, applications, and arranging experimentation; interpreting the data it provides; and troubleshooting technical glitches. Instructor must learn to plan experimentation around lecture material and so that students may have a deep comprehension. Nano-Biotechnology projects are currently in progress at the Department of Biological Engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC) and have seen overwhelmingly positive student participation due to the interactive capabilities and ease of participation. Those experts from UMC will conduct a series of workshops for LU students on their projects. The main investigator of the project will evaluate the effectiveness of the new material for the Nano-Biotechnology course and the incorporation of HOE as an additional instructional tool. The goals of the pilot include evaluating the material, trying different experimentations, assessing the effects of collaborating on learning. The results of the pilot project will be shared across the campus.