Teaching undergraduate research

Undergraduate research in the biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology program at Drake University uses apprenticeship, cooperative‐style learning, and peer mentoring in a cross‐disciplinary and cross‐community educational program. We call it the one‐room schoolhouse approach to teaching undergraduate research. This approach is cost effective, aids learning, supports the development of science and transferable management skills, is productive, and supports diversity. It allows a small set of faculty to involve large numbers of students in research and maintain a productive scholarship program. It provides students with skills in scientific research and transferable skills that they apply to a wide set of careers.