DESIGNING A RESEARCH-ORIENTED LABORATORY PRACTICUM IN MODERN CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY BASED ON THE STUDY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

Abstract

The article theoretically substantiates, develops and methodically verifies the concept of modernization of laboratory practical training for higher education students in biological and chemical specialties based on a cross-disciplinary approach. The conducted empirical study of the current state of higher natural science education confirmed the existence of a deep gap between the illustrative and reproductive nature of classical laboratory work and the requirements of the real scientific and industrial sector. The methodological principles of integration of chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, based on the fundamental principle of the unity of chemical structure and biological function of molecules, are substantiated. The results obtained showed that building an educational trajectory according to a closed research cycle (from preparative synthesis or extraction of biologically active substances from body tissues to analytical control and assessment of their impact on test systems) ensures overcoming the fragmentation of students' knowledge. The end-to-end structure and content of the four-module program of the updated practical course are presented, where the object of biochemical screening is the substrate personally obtained by the applicant at the first stages of work. A three-dimensional matrix for assessing the levels of formation of research competence, critical thinking and manual skills of students (basic, constructive, research levels) under formative control is outlined. The developed materials are of practical importance for teachers and methodologists of higher education institutions when updating educational programs and syllabi of chemical and biochemical disciplines.