The Biology Program of the College of Arts and Sciences successfully conducted a 4-day Seminar-Workshop on Basic Microscopy and Plant Microtechniques last October 10-13, 2022, at CAS Lecture Hall and DNAS Biology Laboratory for the 254 students from BS Biology and BS Environmental Science taking fundamental courses this semester.
Basic microscopy and plant microtechnique are essential tools in scientific investigation in biology. It is one of the most reliable methods in anatomical descriptions, screening, identifying, and classifying biological organisms. The pandemic profoundly impacted life science students; they were deprived of the learning opportunities to boost their knowledge and hands-on skills. Thus, at the onset of the face-to-face learning modality, this seminar-workshop added confidence and competence to the acquisition of appropriate skills that students could not experience during the blended learning modality during the health crisis. The College of Arts and Sciences is gearing ample time to innovate in line with how best to achieve learning outcomes in their particular contexts to align with the university’s overall vision, mission, and goals.
The activity aims to review, update and strengthen the knowledge and skills of BS Biology and BSES students. Specifically, it seeks to:
· provide information on the application and importance of basic microscopy and plant microtechniques; · review and demonstrate the practical tools and hands-on skills in investigative research on microscopy; · assist the students with conventional laboratory techniques for plant microtechniques; · introduce and familiarize students with advanced laboratory techniques using the new equipment available in the laboratory; · develop the necessary skills required to conduct research and observe laboratory safety protocols; · assess and evaluate the principles of basic microscopy and microtechnique by conducting pre-post tests; · encourage biology enthusiasts to discover, utilize and improve the investigative research skills that will enable them to promote perspective for sound scientific research; and · promote camaraderie among students in promoting biology-based innovation and transformation.
The activity was spearheaded by Ms. Shela Ruiz (faculty of the BSBio program), with the assistance of Sir Jeffrey Moreno, the CAS laboratory technician, and CAS-SC and Society of Biology Students Officers headed by Valenciano Mark and Cess Nacario.
