Start Date
April 2025
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
Didactic laboratory experiences are essential for developing scientific inquiry and technical proficiency in undergraduate education. This study explores the value of integrating Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worm mutants into a three-assay experimental framework—motor, sensory, and learning assays—to enhance students' understanding of genetic and neurobiological principles. The successful implementation of these assays provided students with hands-on experience in behavioral analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation. The motor assay assessed movement patterns and locomotion differences across mutant strains, the sensory assay evaluated chemotactic responses to environmental stimuli, and the learning assay examined associative learning through conditioned aversion. The results demonstrated the feasibility of these assays in an educational setting, highlighting their effectiveness in linking theoretical genetics concepts to observable phenotypic behaviors. By standardizing assay protocols and addressing variability challenges, this study reinforces the role of model organisms in bridging fundamental biological concepts with practical laboratory skills. The findings support the integration of C. elegans-based didactic labs as a cost-effective, engaging, and scientifically rigorous approach to STEM education.
Development of C. elegans Model Assay Protocol for Behavioral Neurobiology Undergraduate Laboratories
3rd floor - Library
Didactic laboratory experiences are essential for developing scientific inquiry and technical proficiency in undergraduate education. This study explores the value of integrating Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worm mutants into a three-assay experimental framework—motor, sensory, and learning assays—to enhance students' understanding of genetic and neurobiological principles. The successful implementation of these assays provided students with hands-on experience in behavioral analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation. The motor assay assessed movement patterns and locomotion differences across mutant strains, the sensory assay evaluated chemotactic responses to environmental stimuli, and the learning assay examined associative learning through conditioned aversion. The results demonstrated the feasibility of these assays in an educational setting, highlighting their effectiveness in linking theoretical genetics concepts to observable phenotypic behaviors. By standardizing assay protocols and addressing variability challenges, this study reinforces the role of model organisms in bridging fundamental biological concepts with practical laboratory skills. The findings support the integration of C. elegans-based didactic labs as a cost-effective, engaging, and scientifically rigorous approach to STEM education.
