Introducing nematodes and the use of model organisms: a practical class for undergraduate students

Abstract

Most undergraduate students do not have practical experience working with model organisms despite having theoretical knowledge of their importance. This practical was developed to offer students experience working with three species of nematode, including Caenorhabditis elegans. In the first task, students prepare slides of three previously fixed nematode samples and are asked to identify their feeding preferences based on information given to them in a short pre-practical presentation. The second and third tasks allow students to deduce the existence of a functional nervous system in Caenorhabditis elegans and then to measure the response of two genotypes, N2 and slo-1, to different concentrations of an ethanol solution. These tasks demonstrate the heterogeneity of different nematodes and enable students to gain experience in widely applicable skills including microscopy, slide preparation, assay design and data presentation. Students also gain experience in specialised skills such as worm picking, which is essential in Caenorhabditis elegans research. This practical can be completed as a standalone and would suit any early year biology course.