Outreach & Programs
Academic Exchange Programs
Educational Enrichment Programs
- Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program
The Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program (BUSP) promotes the academic and professional success of disadvantaged and minority students who are interested in biology. BUSP takes a comprehensive approach to increasing student success by providing academic enrichment, personal support, and practical experience. The latter takes the form of part-time employment in a research laboratory as early as the freshman year. BUSP was established in 1988. The program is supported by grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institutes of Health-Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity, California Alliance for Minority Participation (NSF), and the Genentech Foundation. For further information about BUSP, please contact Kenneth C. Burtis, Dean, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, 530-752-4460 (Dean's office).
- Computer-based Critical Thinking Modules for Large Enrollment Courses
This program incorporates active learning principles into large-enrollment lecture courses through computer-based multimedia modules that use discovery and problem-based learning. By requiring students to analyze and interpret data to solve problems, the modules promote development of analytical and quantitative skills, as well as critical thinking abilities. The modules are distributed to individual students on a CD-ROM for a minimal fee. The program is supported by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. For further information about the modules, please contact Dr. Barbara Horwitz at (530) 752-0169 or bahorwitz@ucdavis.edu.
Opensource Enrichment
- Computer Labs in Quantitative Biology
Faculty and staff in the College of Biological Sciences have developed a series of quantitative computer modules written in Mathcad that can be used to supplement courses in neurobiology, animal behavior, and biochemistry. In addition, another series of modules provides an introduction to modeling in biology. All modules have been written to help students feel more comfortable using math and computers to understand biology, and are available free of charge to any college or university instructor. For more information, email Carole Hom at clhom@ucdavis.edu. This curriculum development is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap program.