Methods of biotechnology Biotech BioBrawl: A competition-based learning approach to biotechnology.

Biotechnology students entering the workforce often struggle in their application of textbook knowledge to build the solutions that we see in science and health fields today. Some students may be naive to what a job in the biotechnology industry can encompass. Students should graduate having a firm grasp of the prospects of their field and have the confidence to begin contributing to the growth of the industry. For this, it is necessary for students to be able to start practising applications in their coursework before they graduate. A competition titled "Biotech BioBrawl" was incorporated in the University of Central Florida's Methods in Biotechnology (MCB4721C/MCB5722C) course agenda during the semester of Fall 2021. This competition challenged students to harness innovation and applied science in a group setting that led to the development and pitch of an original idea to a panel of judges with various biotechnology industry experiences.

Improvements in skills and knowledge after a comprehensive ELISA teaching course for biotechnology undergraduates.

As a universal and extensively adopted technique, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can be used to detect and quantify small molecules in many applications both clinical and analytical. However, generally, students experiment mechanically using commercial ELISA kits according to the instructions and eventually produce a standard curve to calculate the concentration of the sample to be measured, cannot understand the critical factors and process of method establishment. This study systematically introduced undergraduates to using the pathogen-specific antigen and establishing an indirect ELISA method to detect the diagnostic target pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. This course aimed to develop the experimental skills of the students and improve their scientific research knowledge, which fully embody the organic combination of scientific research and teaching. Students independently selected the diagnostic antigen target of interest, obtained the antigen proteins using genetic engineering techniques, and established an ELISA method through a series of conditional optimization experiments. In addition, typical student-generated data, experimental methods, and a student feedback interpretation are presented in this study. Overall, the students were able to combine abstract knowledge with practice and understand the principles and applications of antigen-antibody interactions, thus enabling them to gain practical experience in molecular biology techniques, and learn how to use this principle to establish an ELISA method for detecting infectious diseases.

Inclusion of COVID-19 as a topic in an undergraduate biotechnology course.

The novelty of the COVID-19 disease has paved the way to numerous scientific studies that aim to further understand its biology, and to different strategies that disseminate this information to promote public awareness. One of the strategies that the academe can employ is the inclusion of COVID-19 as a topic in a basic biotechnology course. This not just helps students better understand this disease, but it also makes them an effective medium in the dissemination of relevant COVID-19 knowledge.

Discursos dos cursos da área da saúde sobre gênero e biotecnologias no âmbito da formação / Discursos de los cursos de salud sobre género y biotecnologías en el contexto de la formación / Discourses of health courses on gender and biotechnologies in the context of training

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar os discursos sobre gênero e biotecnologias no âmbito da formação dos cursos da área da saúde. Metodologia: trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória descritiva que está alicerçada em um estudo maior - projeto de pesquisa - desenvolvido pelo Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Saúde (GEPS), intitulado "Gênero e Biotecnologias: Interfaces entre discursos e instituições na formação de alunos dos cursos da área da saúde". A pesquisa ocorreu entre os meses de março e outubro de 2019, sendo realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com estudantes brasileiros e espanhóis da área da saúde, gravadas em áudio e transcritas para Análise do Discurso. Resultados e Discussão: os achados indicam que Gênero e Biotecnologia são temáticas que não subsidiam as discussões da formação de futuros profissionais da saúde, mostrando um entendimento de gênero centrado numa norma binária, não havendo espaço para outras possibilidades identitárias, além de a heterossexualidade ser vista como padrão de comportamento a ser seguido. Percebe-se uma certa complexidade na formulação dos discursos dos estudantes no que se refere aos aspectos em que gênero e biotecnologias escapam da relação entre corpo biológico e utilização tecnológica para esses enquadramentos físicos e mentais. Considerações Finais: as discussões sobre gênero e biotecnologias nas universidades estudadas têm sido realizadas de forma isolada, sendo necessária uma reestruturação de seus currículos de modo que os temas apresentados passem a ser contemplados para que, efetivamente, componham a formação equitativa e integral de profissionais.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar los discursos sobre género y biotecnologías en el contexto de la formación de los cursos de salud. Metodología: se trata de una investigación exploratoria descriptiva cualitativa que se basa en un estudio más amplio -proyecto de investigación- desarrollado por el Grupo de Estudios e Investigación en Salud (GEPS), titulado: "Género y Biotecnologías: Interfaces entre discursos e instituciones en la formación de estudiantes de cursos de salud", que se produjo entre los meses de marzo y octubre de 2019 a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, con estudiantes de salud brasileños y españoles, grabadas en audio y transcritas para el Análisis del Discurso. Resultados y discusión: los hallazgos indican que el Género y la Biotecnología son temas que no subsidian las discusiones de la formación de los futuros profesionales de la salud, mostrando una comprensión del género centrada en una norma binaria en la que no hay espacio para otras posibilidades de identidad y la heterosexualidad como norma de comportamiento a seguir. Se percibe cierta complejidad en la formulación de los discursos de los estudiantes, en cuanto a los aspectos en los que el género y las biotecnologías escapan de la relación entre el cuerpo biológico y el uso de la tecnología para estos marcos físicos y mentales. Consideraciones finales: las discusiones sobre género y biotecnologías en las universidades brasileñas y españolas se han llevado a cabo de forma aislada, y es necesario reestructurar estos planes de estudio para que los temas presentados puedan ser contemplados en los planes de estudio para que efectivamente compongan la formación equitativa e integral de los profesionales.

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the discourses on gender and biotechnologies within the training of health courses. Methodology: this is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study that is based on a larger study - a research project - developed by the Studies and Research Group in Health (GEPS), entitled "Gender and Biotechnologies: Interfaces between discourses and institutions in the training of students from health courses." The research took place between March and October 2019 and was carried out through semi-structured interviews with Brazilian and Spanish health students, audio-recorded, and transcribed for Discourse Analysis. Results and Discussion: the findings indicate that Gender and Biotechnology are themes that do not subsidize the discussions of the training of future health professionals, showing an understanding of gender centered on a binary norm, with no space for other identity possibilities besides heterosexuality being seen as a standard of behavior to be followed. A certain complexity is perceived in the formulation of the students' speeches regarding the aspects in which gender and biotechnologies escape from the relationship between the biological body and the technological use for these physical and mental frameworks. Final Considerations: the discussions about gender and biotechnologies in the studied universities have been carried out in an isolated way, making it necessary to restructure their curricula so that the themes presented can be contemplated to effectively compose the equitable and integral formation of professionals.

Enabling commercial success of industrial biotechnology.

Commercial-scale research translation has been muted.

Exploring the use of virtual laboratory simulations before, during, and post COVID-19 recovery phase: An Animal Biotechnology case study.

This study presents an evaluation of integrating virtual laboratory simulations in assessment design of a biotechnology course at Taylor's University in Malaysia before, during and post-COVID recovery phases. The purpose was to investigate how virtual laboratory simulations were integrated as part of the assessments of a practical-embedded course-the aim being to evaluate students' acceptance and perception of using virtual simulation. A total of 46 students, across three different study cohorts (August 2019, March 2020, and August 2020) were evaluated different educational aspects of using virtual laboratory cases in a 4-week course within Animal Biotechnology. Overall, students regarded virtual laboratory simulation useful as part of their learning, and there is a significant increase in the level of acceptance before, during and post-COVID recovery phases. The study showed that across the different study cohorts, students perceived their confidence level in laboratory skills have been enhanced and that they can apply the skills in real-life situation. Interestingly, students (March and August 2020 cohort) who have not been exposed to the related laboratory session still perceived that the simulated activity provides clear explanation and realistic experience. Furthermore, it had been highlighted across the study cohorts that the quiz questions helped to enhance their understanding on the underlying principles of the laboratory techniques. The overall conclusion of this study was that structured simulation-based activities which provide clear instructions and explanation would support significant improvements in students learning.

Knowledge, perception, and interest regarding biotechnology among secondary school students in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

A survey was carried out to investigate the knowledge, perception and interest of secondary school students about biotechnology. A total of 334 questionnaires were distributed to students in Senior Secondary 3 classes from eight secondary schools within Calabar metropolis. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 7.5. Results revealed 105 (34.21%) of students had limited knowledge of medical biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetically modified products. 91 (30.03%) of the students agreed that biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce goods and services while 102 (33.41%) accepted that biotechnology is a new technology based on biology 62 (20.39%) were willing to embrace the applications of biotechnology. 152 (50.03%) do not agree that biotech will improve services for mankind; 90 (29.51) had no idea about the applications of biotechnology; 31 (10.24%) students disagreed that cloning results in perfectly identical individuals while the highest positive responses; 92 (30.31%) was recorded for questions regarding in vitro fertilization. The students also showed a very low interest 76 (25%) in pursuing biotechnology as a degree in the University. Generally students' knowledge, perception, and interest in Biotechnology were low among Secondary School students in Calabar. There is a need to immediately increase enlightenment and emphasis on the applications of biotechnology among Secondary school students to enable them appreciate the benefits of biotechnology.

Enseñanza de la Biotecnología Con o Sin Bioética / Teaching Biotechnology With/Without Bioetics

Introducción y Objetivo: En México una cuarta parte de las universidades que ofrecen estudios en Ingeniería en Biotecnología no incluyen Bioética en su currícula de asignaturas obligatorias. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue encuestar a profesores de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) para conocer el nivel de importancia que le atribuyen a la enseñanza de la Bioética, así como su opinión sobre la pertinencia de incorporarla como una asignatura obligatoria en la currícula de las licenciaturas, en particular Ingeniería en Biotecnología. Método: Se diseñó una encuesta con 24 ítemes. Los temas fueron: Sección 1. Importancia de la Bioética. Parte medular de la encuesta. Sección 2. Enseñanza de la Bioética. Recomendación puntual. Sección 3. Conocimiento de la Bioética. Se encuestaron a 30 profesores, en Mérida, Yuc. México. Los resultados se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: El 75% de los entrevistados consideraron importante a la Bioética en el medio profesional; en las actividades de investigación fue importante para más del 70% de los participantes. Los datos revelaron que la Bioética debe incluirse en los programas de licenciatura según el 93% de los profesores y para el caso de estudios de posgrado la necesidad de su inclusión es del 64%. Conclusiones: La Bioética debe ser incluida en la currícula de asignaturas obligatorias de licenciatura, sobre todo en Ingeniería en Biotecnología, dado que es importante para el desempeño profesional y buen juicio de los alumnos graduados.(AU)

Introduction and Objective: In Mexico, one fourth of the universities that offer studies in “Engineering in Biotechnology” do not include Bioethics in their curriculum of compulsory subjects. The objective of this work was to survey professors from the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) to know the level of importance they attribute to the teaching of Bioethics, as well as their opinion on the relevance of incorporating it as a compulsory subject in the curriculum of the degrees, in particular Engineering in Biotechnology. Material and Methods: A survey with 24 items was designed. The topics were: Section 1. Importance of Bioethics. Core part of the survey. Section 2. Teaching Bioethics. Punctual recommendation. Section 3. Knowledge of Bioethics. Thirty teachers were included in the survey in Mérida, Yuc. Mexico. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Seventy five percent of the interviewees considered Bioethics important in the professional activity; in the research activities it was important for more than 70% of the participants. The data revealed that Bioethics should be included in the undergraduate programs according to 93% of the professors and in the case of postgraduate studies the need for its inclusion is 64%. Findings: Bioethics must be included in the curriculum of compulsory undergraduate educational programs, especially in “Engineering in Biotechnology”, since it is important for the professional performance and good judgment of graduate students.(AU)

Readying students for careers in industry: A guided inquiry activity to prepare students for success in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry positions.

While science students are well prepared for careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences in terms of technical expertise and critical thinking, they rarely have an opportunity to practice the due diligence required for success in industry in their coursework. This includes framing their expertise as solutions to challenges a company may be experiencing, an important skill for the interview process. As most academics have not applied for positions in industry, they may feel ill equipped to help students practice the important skills of framing their expertise within company goals and to discuss the business and financial concepts relevant to careers in scientific industry. Here, we describe an educational activity first developed by a leader in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry that was modified and given educational context by an academic in a class of upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. In this guided inquiry activity, students were instructed to select a start-up company in their field-ideally one to which they intended to apply for a job. Students were empowered by scaffolded hands-on exercises to research the company's scientific focus and finances, and to frame how their expertise could help companies achieve stated goals. Students compiled and delivered their research as an in-class presentation.

"Designer babies?!" A CRISPR-based learning module for undergraduates built around the CCR5 gene.

CRISPR-cas technology is being incorporated into undergraduate biology curriculum through lab experiences to immerse students in modern technology that is rapidly changing the landscape of science, medicine and agriculture. We developed and implemented an educational module that introduces students to CRISPR-cas technology in a Genetic course and an Advanced Genetics course. Our primary teaching objective was to immerse students in the design, strategy, conceptual modeling, and application of CRISPR-cas technology using the current research claim of the modification of the CCR5 gene in twin girls. This also allowed us to engage students in an open conversation about the bioethical implications of heritable germline and non-heritable somatic genomic editing. We assessed student-learning outcomes and conclude that this learning module is an effective strategy for teaching undergraduates the fundamentals and application of CRISPR-cas gene editing technology and can be adapted to other genes and diseases that are currently being treated with CRISPR-cas technology.

Education for a biobased economy: Integrating life and social sciences in flexible short courses accessible from different backgrounds.

To achieve ambitious 21st-century goals and deal with high-level complexity, a bio-based economy is required to cross the boundaries of a single sector and integrate tools, language and knowledge drawn from different disciplines and sub-disciplines. The present contribution highlights how life scientists, social scientists, policymakers and industrial stakeholders should work together to make this technological reversal real and feasible. Importantly, going beyond theoretical and methodological integration, the paper underlines the necessity of developing a new and more flexible educational framework that might facilitate interdisciplinary combination. Specifically, the experience of the summer school "Towards a bio-based economy: science, innovation, economics, education" organized by the University of Milano Bicocca in collaboration with Chalmers University is described. The results reveal the need for high-level education programs likely to promote and guide society towards bio-based innovation.

Courses Based on iGEM/BIOMOD Competitions Are the Ideal Format for Research-Based Learning of Xenobiology.

Synthetic biology and especially xenobiology, as emerging new fields of science, have reached an intellectual and experimental maturity that makes them suitable for integration into the university curricula of chemical and biological disciplines. Novel scientific fields that include laboratory work are perfect playgrounds for developing highly motivating research-based teaching modules. We believe that research-based learning enriched by digital tools is the best approach for teaching new emerging essentials of academic education. This is especially true when the scientific field as such is still not canonized with text books and best-practice examples. Our experience shows that iGEM/BIOMOD competitions represent an excellent basis for designing research-based courses in xenobiology. Therefore, we present a report on "iGEM-Synthetic Biology" offered at the Technische Universität Berlin as an example.

Integrating research into a molecular cloning course to address the evolving biotechnology landscape.

The rapid development of molecular biotechnology presents a curricular challenge for educators trying to provide students with relevant coursework. A comprehensive biology education should also include opportunities for students to develop intellectual and technical skills through authentic research experiences. Integrating relevant and interesting research projects into their classes, however, can be a challenging task for instructors. To address these varied demands, we redesigned our existing molecular cloning course to incorporate an independent research project assessing calcium signaling. In the revised course, students use traditional and recombination-based cloning strategies to generate bacterial and mammalian expression vectors encoding CaMPARI, a novel fluorescent calcium indicator. Bacterially-expressed CaMPARI is used in protein quantification and purification assays. Students must also design their own research project evaluating the effect of chemotherapeutic agents on calcium signaling in a mammalian system. Revised and novel labs were designed to be modular, facilitating their integration into the course over 2 years. End-of-semester student evaluations were compared between years revealing a significant difference in students' perception of the course's difficulty between years. This change in attitude highlights potential pedagogical considerations that must be examined when introducing new material and activities into existing courses. Since calcium signaling is important for cellular process across diverse species, instructors may be able to develop research projects within their respective areas of interest. Integration of authentic research experiences into the curriculum is challenging; however, the framework described here provides a versatile structure that can be adapted to merge diverse instructor interests with evolving educational needs.

Estrategias didácticas innovadoras y actitud emprendedora en estudiantes universitarios de biotecnología y química / Innovative teaching strategies and entrepreneurial attitude in Biotechnology and Chemistry university students

Introducción: El emprendimiento es la actitud y aptitud que toma un sujeto para iniciar un nuevo proyecto a través de ideas y oportunidades, su gestión eficiente dota al estudiante universitario de las herramientas necesarias para su implementación. Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción de los estudiantes sobre las estrategias didácticas aplicadas en la cátedra de Emprendimiento de Biotecnología y Química de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Métodos: Se realizó una investigación exploratoria con la participación de 50 estudiantes de Biotecnología y Química de la universidad mencionada, aplicando durante la asignatura de Emprendimiento una estrategia didáctica innovadora, previamente evaluada como pertinente por un grupo de 13 expertos. La percepción del estudiantado fue evaluada a través de un cuestionario (7 preguntas), aplicado al finalizar la asignatura, analizando los datos con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Se calificó las preguntas incluidas en el cuestionario con el máximo valor de acuerdo; existiendo diferencias significativas en relación al sexo en la percepción sobre la disminución de los niveles de estrés durante la clase, cambios en la actitud emprendedora y utilidad de la asignatura para el futuro desarrollo emprendedor. La prueba Rho de Spearman determinó interesantes correlaciones entre las preguntas del cuestionario, especialmente las relacionadas con que la generación de un buen ambiente de aprendizaje, la disminución de los niveles de estrés en la clase y las relaciones profesor-estudiante. Conclusiones: La aplicación de estrategias didácticas-innovadoras mejora el impacto que la asignatura de Emprendimiento tiene sobre la formación de la actitud emprendedora del estudiantado(AU)

Introduction: Entrepreneurship is the attitude and aptitude that a subject takes to start a new project through ideas and opportunities, its efficient management allows equipping the university student with the necessary tools for its implementation. Objective: To evaluate the students' perception of the didactic strategies applied in the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology and Chemistry careers of Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Methods: An exploratory research was carried out with the participation of 50 Biotechnology and Chemistry students from the mentioned university, to whom an innovative didactic strategy was applied during the Entrepreneurship course, which was previously evaluated as relevant by a group of 13 experts. The perception of the students was evaluated through a questionnaire with 7 questions, which was applied at the end of the course and whose data were analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most of the students rated the questions included in the questionnaire with the highest value of agreement. There are significant differences according to gender in the perception of the decrease in stress levels during class, changes in entrepreneurial attitude and the usefulness of the subject for future entrepreneurial development. Using the Spearman Rho test, interesting correlations were determined between the questions of the questionnaire, especially those related to the generation of a good learning environment, the reduction of stress levels in the class and teacher-student relationships. Conclusions: The application of didactic-innovative strategies improves the impact that the Entrepreneurship course has on the entrepreneurial attitude formation of the student body(AU)

Cinemeducation in clinical pharmacology: using cinema to help students learn about pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions.

PURPOSE: Feature films are increasingly being used in teaching health sciences. However, few publications address the effectiveness of this approach. We hypothesized that using feature films could help students learn. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using a feature film to teach students about adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance. METHODS: The study population comprised third-, fifth-, and sixth-year undergraduate students of medicine, third-year undergraduate students of human biology, and graduate students in a master's degree program about the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Students watched clips from the film 150 Miligrams (La fille de Brest) and discussed them afterward. To measure learning, we administered a 10-question multiple-choice test about pharmacovigilance concepts. We assessed students' satisfaction with the activity through a questionnaire. An exploratory comparative analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 237 students participated. Postintervention assessment scores were significantly higher than preintervention scores for the entire population and for all subgroups. The mean number of correct answers was 4.41 on the preintervention assessment and 5.78 on the postintervention assessment (mean gain: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10-1.65). Similar results were found when analyzing groups of students from each group. Student satisfaction with this teaching activity was high in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cinemeducation is a useful tool for teaching about adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance processes. Most students were highly satisfied.

Bioinformatics tools for marine biotechnology: a practical tutorial with a metagenomic approach.

BACKGROUND: Bioinformatics has pervaded all fields of biology and has become an indispensable tool for almost all research projects. Although teaching bioinformatics has been incorporated in all traditional life science curricula, practical hands-on experiences in tight combination with wet-lab experiments are needed to motivate students. RESULTS: We present a tutorial that starts from a practical problem: finding novel enzymes from marine environments. First, we introduce the idea of metagenomics, a recent approach that extends biotechnology to non-culturable microbes. We presuppose that a probe for the screening of metagenomic cosmid library is needed. The students start from the chemical structure of the substrate that should be acted on by the novel enzyme and end with the sequence of the probe. To attain their goal, they discover databases such as BRENDA and programs such as BLAST and Clustal Omega. Students' answers to a satisfaction questionnaire show that a multistep tutorial integrated into a research wet-lab project is preferable to conventional lectures illustrating bioinformatics tools. CONCLUSION: Experimental biologists can better operate basic bioinformatics if a problem-solving approach is chosen.

iGEM and the Biotechnology Workforce of the Future.

An important factor in growing the US bioeconomy is recruiting and training its future workforce. Other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields have relied on diverse educational opportunities for recruitment, including prestigious high school and collegiate competitions. For genetic engineering and synthetic biology, there are very few competitions; they include the Biodesign Competition and the much larger and scientifically focused International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. iGEM, run by an independent nonprofit organization, is often cited as a measure of progress in developing the synthetic biology workforce. Starting in 2021, iGEM will move its main competitive event, the "Giant Jamboree," from its long-standing home in Boston to Paris, which is likely to negatively affect participation by the US team. In this article, we describe the value of iGEM to the bioeconomy and its upcoming challenges through a review of available literature, observation of the iGEM Jamboree, and interviews with 10 US-based iGEM team coaches. The coaches expressed positive views about the iGEM process for their students in providing a hands-on biotechnology experience, but they were concerned about the funding US students received to participate in iGEM compared with teams from other countries. They were also concerned that the relocation to Paris would negatively affect or preclude their participation. Possible options to continue the benefits of experiential learning in synthetic biology are discussed, including alternative funding for iGEM teams through a grant process and the need for additional biology competitions.

Establishing Standardized Biomedical Laboratory Technician Education for the Development of Biotechnology Research in China.

Chinese scientists have been actively engaged in biotechnology research since the mid-20th century. However, biotechnology education, especially biomedical laboratory technology education, is relatively scarce in China. More and more cutting-edge equipment and techniques have been introduced into biomedical laboratories in China, but there is a lack of high-quality technicians to apply these advancements to scientific research. In addition, the traditional education and apprenticeship systems have been demonstrated little progress. To address this gap, West China Hospital of Sichuan University established a 2-year educational program for laboratory technology in 2006 based on the residency training program. The project integrates scientific methods into the research laboratory technician training in relevant disciplines, and has developed a systematic, scientific, and effective standardized training system to cultivate high-level and stable experimental technician team for the need of advanced laboratories, which has been demonstrated greatly improve the efficiency of biomedical researchers and laboratory facilities. In this article, we introduce the practical experience in establishment and development of a standardized training system for biomedical laboratory technicians to ensure the sustainable development of medical researches.

Creating Bioethics Distance Learning Through Virtual Reality.

Bioethics education is a central element in the biotechnology curriculum. Re-imagining distance learning, virtual reality (VR) is taking student involvement to the next level of interaction, offering a real classroom experience and a new way to gain ethical reasoning skills. Here, we explore a new paradigm for bioethics education that involves VR.

Undergraduate biological sciences and biotechnology students' reflective essays focus on descriptive details of experiential learning experiences.

Experiential learning experiences (ELEs), opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills critically in a hands-on environment, are fundamental to the apprenticeship model of biological and biotechnological sciences. ELEs enhance student-learning gains, increase career readiness, and provide important networking opportunities. However, students do not often recognize the benefits of ELEs. Reflection is a highly effective tool to articulate learning gains and connect new content with established knowledge. Therefore, senior undergraduate students (n = 23), majoring in biological sciences or biotechnology, wrote required reflective essays about their ELE, in response to an intentionally vague prompt. Qualitative assessment of the reflective essays identified themes present in the reflective essays that typically included descriptions of what students did, with whom they worked, and what they learned during their ELE, but lacked critical analysis or deep reflection about their experience. Differences were also present between different types of ELEs. These results provide a foundation for guiding students to deeper reflection, ultimately resulting in greater benefits from their ELEs. To promote more robust reflection, and, therefore, theoretically enhance learning gains from ELEs, we suggest multiple iterations of reflection, instructor feedback and coaching, and ELE-specific prompts that focus on the placement of ELEs within students' personal and professional trajectory.