Reasearch Link 2000 is a collection of field-tested, research-based systems and instructional materials that can be used to promote undergraduate research activities. The project was funded by NSF to support Biology Departments that require students to perform independent research projects as part of their undergraduate curriculum. The site discusses ten research systems, each of which having unique characteristics that allow it to be used to answer some very important questions about life at all levels of organization. This site briefly presents background on the experimental system, discusses where to procure the organisms, as well as culture them, and then lists suggested relevant research topics. The experimental systems include blue plants (transgenic plants), Chlamydomonas, C-fern (Ceratopteris richardii), fast plants (Arabodopsis), freshwater spring organisms, Nasonia (a parasitic insect), sea anemone, tobacco hornworm, trematodes, yeast and Zebrafish. Other model systems that were not chosen for full development, but may serve as additional ideas for developing research-based projects are presented.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
Site can be used as a source of project ideas for students performing independent research projects on the college level.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Learn how to do independnet research projects
Target Student Population:
College students working on independent research projects.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Materials written by researchers who use the experimental systems
Excellent lists of highly-relevant research projects
Excellent breadth of model organisms
Research organisms/topics do not require much specialized equipment
Most sites contain a troubleshooting section
Varied levels of lab investigations are available
Concerns:
Each link has a different sponsor and format; content and quality varies with site
Some links lack background information
Uncertain if each sponsor will keep the link updated and active
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Excellent source of research organisms and topics for undergraduate projects
Most sites include possible research questions, appropriate for undergraduate projects
Good overview of how specific organisms are well suited to answer particular scientific questions
Most sites cite accurate sources of organisms and materials
Some sites have excellent pre-planned, ready to implement activities
Concerns:
Units are not of equal consistency in detail and organization
Units on Chalymdomonas, Nasonia and zebrafish lack feasible research questions
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Intuitive organization
Easy and fast to navigate
Each link opens a new window, facilitating return to original page
Concerns:
Some links defective on main page; many links defective on the linked pages
A picture of each organism next to the link would be informative
Creative Commons:
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