Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) integrate active, discovery-based learning into undergraduate curricula, adding tremendous value to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) education. There are multiple challenges in transforming a research project into a CURE, such as the readiness of students, the time commitment of the instructor, and the productivity of the research. In this article, we report a CURE course developed and offered in the University of Massachusetts Amherst BMB Department since 2018 that addresses these challenges. Our CURE focuses on fungal effectors which are proteins secreted by a destructive pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, one of the top five most devastating plant pathogens. By studying this group of proteins, students are connected to real-world problems and participate in the search for potential solutions. A 3-week “standard Boot Camp” is implemented to help students familiarize themselves with all basic techniques and boost their confidence. Next, molecular cloning, a versatile technique with modularity and repeatability, is used as the bedrock of the course. Our past 5 years of experience have confirmed that we have developed a novel and feasible CURE protocol. Measurable progress documented by students who took this course includes stimulated active learning and increased career trajectory to pursue hypothesis-based research to address societal needs. In addition, data generated through the course advance ongoing lab research. Collectively, we encourage the implementation of CURE among research-intensive faculty to provide a more inclusive research experience to undergraduate students, an important element in predicting career success.

中文翻译：

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CUR(E)采用一种新方法来研究真菌效应器并通过真实的研究加强本科教育

基于课程的本科生研究体验 (CURE) 将主动的、基于发现的学习融入本科课程中，为生物化学和分子生物学 (BMB) 教育增添了巨大价值。将研究项目转变为 CURE 面临多种挑战，例如学生的准备情况、教师的时间投入以及研究的生产力。在本文中，我们报告了马萨诸塞大学阿默斯特 BMB 系自 2018 年以来开发和提供的 CURE 课程，旨在解决这些挑战。我们的 CURE 重点关注真菌效应子，这些效应子是由破坏性致病真菌尖孢镰刀菌分泌的蛋白质，尖孢镰刀菌是五种最具破坏性的植物病原体之一。通过研究这组蛋白质，学生可以与现实世界的问题联系起来，并参与寻找潜在的解决方案。实施为期三周的“标准训练营”，帮助学生熟悉所有基本技术并增强信心。接下来，分子克隆是一种具有模块化和可重复性的多功能技术，被用作课程的基础。我们过去 5 年的经验证实我们已经开发出一种新颖且可行的 CURE 方案。参加本课程的学生记录的可衡量的进步包括激发主动学习和增加职业轨迹，以进行基于假设的研究来满足社会需求。此外，通过课程生成的数据推进了正在进行的实验室研究。总的来说，我们鼓励在研究密集型教师中实施 CURE，为本科生提供更具包容性的研究体验，这是预测职业成功的重要因素。