Curriculum Reform Enhanced by Course-Based Experiences

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $998,984 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

With support from the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program), this Level 2 IEP project at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez aims to provide undergraduate biology students with opportunities to engage in course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). Core biology laboratory courses will be redesigned to support greater opportunities for students to learn through exploration. Upper-level courses will be transformed so that students can generate data from independent projects and gain important communication skills as they share their conclusions. A total of 15 faculty will receive training through the project to develop and implement research modules across these courses. Overall, the project will better prepare participating students for the modern STEM workforce and provide faculty with the skills needed to develop engaging CUREs. The primary goals of this project are as follows: (1) develop and implement new curricula to broaden research experiences for life science majors; (2) provide faculty professional development with an emphasis on inquiry-based projects and course-based research experiences; (3) introduce modern research techniques and approaches in undergraduate courses; (4) prepare students for the STEM workforce by emphasizing relevant skills; and (5) increase recruitment and retention in life-science degree programs. The project will generate new knowledge about the impact of the project-supporte

Key facts

NSF award ID
2524497
Awardee
University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez (PR)
SAM.gov UEI
GZRNJ1GZDBM1
PI
Alondra M Diaz-Lameiro
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
AI Education/Workforce Develop, Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE), EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
Estimated total
$998,984
Funds obligated
$998,984
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2030