2. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU

Introduction: Practical competencies are crucial in teaching genetics to veterinary students, enabling them to master molecular genetics techniques for identifying genetic variants and diagnosing genetic diseases encountered in their professional practice. The «Genetics Social Network»” project aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in genetics for veterinary students. By leveraging their familiarity and interest in new technologies, a shift from practice to praxis is proposed, enhancing student engagement, and aligning learning outcomes. This project aims to involve students in teaching by asking them to generate audiovisual material to review genetics techniques, fostering collaborative work and responsibility and enhancing laboratory skills and precision, transforming theory into lived experience. Materials and Methods: The project spanned two academic years, taking place within the practical sessions of the genetics course. A list of the developed molecular genetics techniques was compiled and participating students, usually organized in groups, selected one of them and utilized a part of the session time to produce micro-videos, akin to those on social media platforms. These micro-videos succinctly explained the key steps of the technique and practical tips. Using the Blackboard virtual teaching platform, a dedicated folder was created for sharing the generated micro-videos, enabling all classmates to access them for exam preparation. Additionally, voluntary participation in this project allows students to earn a micro-credential within the Veterinary Communication pathway. Results and discussion: After analysing the results of the first implementation of the project, enhancements were made to the presentation of the project to the students, aiming to promote greater acceptance. The results indicated an increase in student participation and engagement in the second year. Students reported a deeper understanding of genetic practices and expressed appreciation for the hands-on experience the project provided. The social network aspect fostered a sense of community and peer support, which was reflected in improved practical skills. Challenges included fostering increased student engagement and making video editing tools available and familiar to students, thereby enabling those who may hesitate to participate due to resource constraints to contribute as well. Conclusions: The «Genetics Social Network» has demonstrated potential as an effective tool for veterinary education, merging traditional learning with digital innovation. It has shown that when students’ technological affinity is harnessed for educational purposes, it can lead to enhanced learning outcomes. This project serves as a model for future educational innovations, suggesting that the integration of social technology in academia can be both beneficial and transformative.

Introduction: Learning molecular genetics techniques is part of the program of the genetics course of the veterinary degree. It is essential to maintain motivation and interest in genetics practice by using a common thread that connects with the students’ interests. This work describes the design, implementation, and results of a gamification strategy developed during two practical sessions in which the student becomes a geneticist to identify which dog a faecal sample collected from the street belongs to, as some municipalities currently do to promote hygiene and public health in their streets. The aim was for students to understand basic concepts and techniques in molecular genetics during these two sessions. This included learning how to extract DNA from different types of samples, describing the amplification using Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and getting a better understanding of molecular markers and the theory behind Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Methodology: In the first practice, students extracted DNA from fresh dog faeces, while also discussing various DNA sources and extraction methods. Then they used the extracted DNA to create a simulated database of fictional dogs associated with students. They quantified the DNA, analysed its quality, and prepared a dilution to 10ng/μL. In the second practice, the students used RAPD to identify individuals by matching DNA from a simulated collected faeces sample to their fictional dogs DNA database. They performed amplification reactions with various primers pairs, followed by gel electrophoresis, to compare DNA band patterns and identify the dog and the fictional student associated with the uncollected dog faeces. The advantages and limitations of the RAPD technique were discussed, along with its potential applications in veterinary science and genetics. Results and discussion: The students were successful in extracting DNA with concentrations over 100 ng/μL in most cases as well as a good purity with respect to proteins. However, it was found that there was usually a low quality of DNA with respect to salts, although this did not influence the results of the second practice. They were able to generate reproducible RAPD profiles with all primer pairs. The unknown individual could be easily recognized within the database. Conclusions: It is concluded that this educational proposal is an effective option for teaching DNA extraction and the RAPD technique, as well as for many molecular genetics terms and concepts and contributes to the comprehensive training of future veterinary professionals. Additionally, the educational and social value of the practices are highlighted, as they promote interest in science, respect for the environment, and civic responsibility.