Abstract: Nowadays, a large number of Chinese universities are endeavoring to research-based university building and training research-oriented innovative talents as one of the most important teaching objectives. The introduction of research-based teaching concept has long been considered as a significant way in teaching reform. However, the knowledge of how to effectively implement research-based teaching in various curriculums remains limited. In this paper, the connotation of research-based teaching and the necessity of carrying out it in hydrobiology was discussed. On this basis, we further put forward five basic strategies for conducting research-based teaching in hydrobiology such as the introduction of research frontiers and hotspots, heuristic guidance, open and interactive discussion, the integration of teaching and practice and the undergraduate tutorial system and research training program. This study is a significant exploration and attempt for the application of research-based teaching in hydrobiology, which may be helpful for the teaching reform on other similar curriculums.

Key words: research-based teaching, hydrobiology, teaching reform