Physiology 415:

Learning By Teaching

Nupur Das, PhD Research Investigator, Molecular & Integrative Physiology and Kelsey Temprine, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular & Integrative Physiology

Physiology 415 (Laboratory Techniques in Biomedical Research) was launched in the winter semester of 2017 under the leadership of postdoctoral program director Dr. Yatrik Shah with two distinct, yet interdependent goals: 1) to train aspiring scientists and physicians in molecular biology techniques through a masters-level methods course in molecular and translational physiology and 2) to offer postdoctoral researchers and graduate students in the Physiology department a training opportunity in pedagogic methods. The course would be entirely designed, developed, and taught by trainees.

Since its inception, Physiology 415 has integrated cutting-edge research techniques with fundamental concepts in human and animal physiology to create a unique hands-on course in molecular biology. Principally designed for students headed towards advanced degrees in biology and the health sciences at the University of Michigan and beyond, it covers a wide range of molecular methodologies including DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, genetic manipulation, chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of protein, metabolomics, animal cell culture, and physiological study of genetic and pharmacological animal models. The course changes year to year depending on the interests and expertise of the postdoctoral and graduate instructors involved. Together these instructors form a teaching team that develops the course curriculum, designs teaching methodologies, grades the exams, and holds office hours, while the MIP administration provides the logistic and administrative support in the form of teaching materials and reagents. Each class lasts 3 hours and includes both lecture and interactive lab components relevant to a specific topic (e.g., techniques in RNA biology) with special emphasis on hands-on training in benchside research, troubleshooting, protocol optimization, and data analysis. Overall, Physiology 415 has been very successful in developing a congenial teaching atmosphere, and enrollment has increased consistently over the last 5 years. As for the postdoctoral and graduate instructors, the experience is highly rewarding. Dr. Charlotte Vanacker, an MIP postdoc who taught the course for three consecutive years, says it was, “One of the most valuable opportunities I have ever had”. Last year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the middle of the semester, the Physiology 415 team successfully transitioned from the normally hands-on course to a virtual format on a very short notice. This year, with the pandemic still ongoing, great support from our students and U-M is allowing us to continue with the online format (which makes use of virtual lab simulations and breakout rooms for small-group discussions) with a record number of enrollments! Physiology 415 instructors gratefully acknowledge Folaké Graves and Professor Shah for their support and guidance along the way to making the program as successful as it has been. We look forward to seeing how the course continues to evolve over the next 5 years! •