Download engl301-report-proposal-revised-2016oct28-shervin

OCTOBER 28th, 2016
REVISED PROPOSAL AFTER PEER REVIEW:
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
UBC Microbiology and Immunology Department
Shervin Mortazavi
Oct 6, 2016
Proposal for Developing High Quality Instructional Videos
Introduction:
In the field of Microbiology and Immunology (MBIM), laboratory based skills are an essential
asset for bridging factual knowledge and the technical know-how in order to conduct scientific
research. Within any industrial or academic facility, a researcher must have a solid
understanding of basic protocols (conducting experiments), safety information and ultimately
proper lab etiquette. Basic techniques such as preparing growth plates, inoculating samples,
and organizing a work-bench are the founding skills needed to develop advanced laboratory
techniques and pursue a career in research (Chron, 2016).
The Problem:
Learning materials currently in place for microbiology laboratory courses at UBC are outdated
and often scattered across different resources. Students deciding to major in MBIM only begin
laboratory courses in their third year of studies. With no prior experience, students wishing to
enter the workforce in their 3rd or 4th year will often have great difficulty securing a position with
no prior knowledge of fundamental lab procedures (National Careers Service, 2016). Even
amongst the four different laboratory courses that the department currently offers, protocols and
procedures found in the instructional manuals can be conflicting and confusing (MBIM 2016).
Instructions are almost strictly offered in text with no visual tutorials or diagrams.
Proposed Solution:
This project aims to identify a list of core skills and techniques relevant to laboratory based
research in order to create well scripted instructional videos. This will allow students to
conveniently access protocols and enhance their basic laboratory skills.
Project Validation:
In order to create a database of instructional videos, the following questions must be answered
through primary and secondary research:
1. What skills and techniques are pivotal to working in a lab?
2. What are the fundamentals of developing good lab etiquette?
3. Which of the aforementioned skills do most students and alumni struggle with?
4. How can videos be designed to effectively capture relevant information and also remain
entertaining?
Scope and Methods:
Phase I: Observational Approach
Students, alumni and faculty of MBIM will be surveyed in order to better understand the key
skills required for pursuing a career in laboratory-based research. This will attempt to validate
the topics and techniques that will later be captured in the instructional videos.
Phase II: Pilot Content
After obtaining a list of essential skills and techniques, a preliminary set of videos can be
created using the laboratory facilities at UBC’s Westbrook Building. These will serve as
examples for future productions and ultimately a proof of concept for the entire resource. If the
survey results and pilot content prove to be useful, a proposal will be drafted to implement the
data in an existing, funded project at UBC.
My Qualifications:
Having completed a degree in Microbiology and Immunology I understand, through first-hand
experience, the lack of a unified resource for quality laboratory videos. I intend to use my
network of faculty and principle investigators within the department to further validate the survey
results. If this video bank proves as a viable solution to this specific problem, I have the network
and resources to further advance the project and apply for funding. Additionally, my past
experience in developing instructional videos for Vancouver Coastal Health will greatly help me
draft the example videos.
Conclusion:
Understanding the theory behind a laboratory protocol is not sufficient for pursuing a career in
research. Developing the skills that make a good lab citizen and honing basic laboratory skills
are a must. This projects aims to supplement the currently offered UBC microbiology lab
courses by providing students with quality instructional videos.
Works Cited:
1. “Laboratory Technician Job Information | National Careers Service.” Skills Funding Agency.
National Careers Service, n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2016.
2. “Laboratory Assistant Requirements.” Work. Chron, n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2016.
3. “Course Descriptions.” Microbiology & Immunology @ UBC. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2016.