Bridging the Gap: Exploring Biotech Pharma Industry in Biology Education
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| Title: | Bridging the Gap: Exploring Biotech Pharma Industry in Biology Education |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Maria B. Lazebnik, Le Chang |
| Source: | American Biology Teacher. 2025 87(9):505-516. |
| Availability: | University of California Press. 2000 Center Street Suite 303, Berkeley, CA 94704. Tel: 510-643-7154; Fax: 510-642-9917; e-mail: customerservice@ucpressjournals.com; Web site: http://www.ucpressjournals.com/journal.php?j=abt |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Science Education, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Biology, Biotechnology, Industry, Small Group Instruction, Science Activities, Class Activities, Scientific Research, Drug Therapy, Active Learning, Problem Based Learning, Experiential Learning, Science Process Skills, College Science, Undergraduate Students |
| DOI: | 10.1525/abt.2025.87.9.505 |
| ISSN: | 0002-7685 1938-4211 |
| Abstract: | Small-group activities play a crucial role in biology education, fostering active learning, teamwork, and critical thinking. While their benefits are well-documented, there is a need for innovative classroom exercises that provide students with a real-world perspective on biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. This paper introduces a pedagogical approach that bridges this gap. Originally developed for undergraduates, this exercise can be adapted for various educational settings. It involves researching a biotech company, dissecting its S-1 filing to understand its scientific platform, and creating structured role-play presentations. For the 124 participating students, the classroom exercise yielded positive outcomes. A majority of students found value in basic scientific research (72%), gained insights into drug development (85%), and shifted to a more favorable view of the industry (68%), as revealed by qualitative data linking this change to the industry's role in creating molecular medicines. Additionally, students reported enhancements in teamwork (80%), critical thinking (70%), public speaking (89%), and increased engagement with the course (84%). Most importantly, students were able to apply their class knowledge by aligning theoretical concepts with real-world applications. This novel approach to group presentation provides an effective tool to engage students and promote a stronger connection between academia and industry. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1490876 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Small-group activities play a crucial role in biology education, fostering active learning, teamwork, and critical thinking. While their benefits are well-documented, there is a need for innovative classroom exercises that provide students with a real-world perspective on biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. This paper introduces a pedagogical approach that bridges this gap. Originally developed for undergraduates, this exercise can be adapted for various educational settings. It involves researching a biotech company, dissecting its S-1 filing to understand its scientific platform, and creating structured role-play presentations. For the 124 participating students, the classroom exercise yielded positive outcomes. A majority of students found value in basic scientific research (72%), gained insights into drug development (85%), and shifted to a more favorable view of the industry (68%), as revealed by qualitative data linking this change to the industry's role in creating molecular medicines. Additionally, students reported enhancements in teamwork (80%), critical thinking (70%), public speaking (89%), and increased engagement with the course (84%). Most importantly, students were able to apply their class knowledge by aligning theoretical concepts with real-world applications. This novel approach to group presentation provides an effective tool to engage students and promote a stronger connection between academia and industry. |
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| ISSN: | 0002-7685 1938-4211 |
| DOI: | 10.1525/abt.2025.87.9.505 |
