3 New Science Foundation Modules Available in Oxford Insight

Three new Science Foundation Modules have been added to Oxford Insight. These latest modules, released in Spring 2026, alongside the first round of modules that launched in August 2025, are designed to help students and faculty address the varying levels of background knowledge students bring with them to each course.

These optional modules, which are available at no additional cost, aim to create an intuitive and interactive path toward success so that students will feel more confident coming into lecture and professors can use precious class time covering core course content instead of foundational topics.

• Cell Signaling and Communication Module
• The Cells and Membranes Module
• Microbiology Module

About the Cell Signaling and Communication Module

The Cell Signaling and Communication Module provides students with the opportunity to review basic concepts in cell signaling. The module covers the key components of signaling pathways, different types of signaling (endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine), and how signals are detected by receptors, such as GPCRs, ion channel-linked receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases. The module also explores how signals are transmitted and regulated inside the cell through mechanisms like phosphorylation, GTP/GDP binding, second messengers, and signal termination to produce coordinated cellular responses.

This module is designed for use in biology offerings typically taken after completion of first-year biology, like physiology, immunology, endocrinology, advanced cell biology, development, and neuroscience, that require basic cell signaling knowledge. It can serve as a foundation for understanding more complex processes in these upper-level biology courses, such as hormone regulation, immune responses, neural communication, and the control of cell growth and development.

About the Cells and Membranes Module

Whether a traditional student who needs a quick refresher or a non-traditional student who has been away from the material for a significant amount of time, the Cells and Membranes Science Foundation Module is designed to reinforce a student’s learning of the most foundational concepts in general biology, concepts that are the basis for higher level specialized courses. Through this module, a student will gain a firm comprehension of the chemical composition and function of various cellular structures, as well as of diverse mechanisms, including membrane transport, internalization of materials, signal transduction, and mitosis.

I have taught mostly upper division elective courses in higher education at the private, state, and community college levels. While most of my courses had a pre-requisite, it was clear that many students lacked the fundamental knowledge required to master the topic at hand. Students who have a strong foundation of basic biology are better able to learn upper division course material more deeply and completely, and to make more long-lasting connections. They gain a comprehensive understanding of specialized subject matter and are able to think analytically based on the solid learning of foundational knowledge that underpins their academic success.

About the Microbiology Module

A foundational understanding of microbiology is critical for scaffolding further understanding in the fields of allied health, pre-medicine, neuroscience, environmental systems, and many others. The Microbiology Foundations module addresses common student misconceptions regarding microbial cell structure and function. The topics include cell structures that are unique to microbial cells, genetics and horizontal gene transfer, the Central Dogma of molecular biology, virulence, and pathogenicity. This module will assess student understanding of basic concepts and boost student confidence before they explore more advanced topics.

As an instructor for Microbiology majors and non-majors, I have encountered foundational concepts that are commonly misunderstood by undergraduate students. With high rates of students taking introductory college coursework in high school or junior colleges, it can be challenging to assume a common baseline of knowledge at the start of the semester. This module will give students and instructors a common starting place. Students will engage with activities that challenge misconceptions that are directly relevant to advanced topics, such as antibiotic stewardship and aseptic practices in healthcare settings. The module begins with cell structures that are unique to microbes and builds upon this to connect cell structure and function to virulence and pathogenicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a returning user, how do I add the Foundation Modules to my existing course?

If you are a returning user to Oxford Insight and have already customized your course, you will want to add the Science Foundation Modules to your existing course instead of starting from a fresh course in order to keep your customizations.

First, request that your OUP Publisher’s Representative send you a brand-new sample of your title and then follow the steps for Copying a Chapter Between Courses to add the modules to your existing course.

If I am a new Oxford Insight user, how do I get the Foundation Modules?

If you are a completely new user, please request a demo of Oxford Insight. If you have been sampled Oxford Insight before, please contact your OUP Publisher’s Representative and ask them to send you a brand-new sample of your title in Oxford Insight and it will include all of the relevant Foundation Modules for your course.

Where can I find the Foundation Modules once I am logged into my Oxford Insight course?

The AI Literacy Module has been added to all new Oxford Insight courses and can be found in the Content area before the Front Matter.

You can find the Science Foundation Modules at the end of all chapter content in science titles only. Depending on the course you teach, the modules will vary.

Will more Foundation Modules be added in the future?

As of Spring 2026, available modules include Action Potential, Data Literacy, Cell Signaling and Communication, Cells and Membranes, Ion Channels, Microbiology, Nervous System, and AI Literacy for Students. Our team is working on additional modules, including AI Literacy for Instructors, Homeostatis, and Systems Physiology, that are scheduled to be released later in 2026.