Active Learning Pedagogies to Design a New Advanced Genetics Course: Using Students' Feedback to Create a Tailored STEM Class for SSU

Abstract

The STEM field is constantly evolving where graduate schools, medical schools, and the science job market are becoming more competitive. It is important for the students of Salem State University (SSU) that their curriculum is consistently being adapted to fit these new needs. A large percentage of the SSU biology community aims to enter the medical field, biotechnology field, or go on to pursue post graduate education. These are paths that require students to have an advanced level of knowledge pertaining to genetics and this is an area Salem State is starting to fall behind in compared to options offered at various local universities. We currently only offer two introductory genetics courses, this requires students to learn everything they will need to know about genetics for their future careers in one semester. If we were to offer an advance genetics course students would graduate with advance knowledge in this field and have a better chance getting into post graduate schools or landing job opportunities. Using the feedback of students in the SSU science community we have found a way to both fill this new need and satisfy their interest and concerns via a new Advanced Genetics of Disease course.