A recombinant DNA technology course was designed to promote contextual, collaborative, inquiry-based learning of science where students learn from one another and have a sense of ownership of their education. The class stressed group presentations and critical reading and discussion of scientific articles. The laboratory consisted of two research projects: random cDNA cloning and "in vitro" expression and site-directed mutagenesis of cholinesterase. Students prepared a poster and wrote a scientific paper peer-reviewed by scientists at a nearby university. Multiple methods were used to evaluate the course. Evaluation data were consistent and positive. Students learned to read, present, and discuss scientific articles in depth, work collaboratively in small teams, and perform genetic engineering experiments. The students also outperformed all biology majors on the molecular biology/genetics subtest of the Major Field Achievement Test. The course has an extensive website at http://panther.bsc.edu/~lepezzem/bi405_html/bi405.html. (Contains 1 table and 1 footnote.)