An ultracentrifuge will be acquired to allow new laboratory experiences for undergraduates in molecular biology using isolated DNA, viral and plasmid vectors, and isolated organelles. The hands-on experience in molecular biology will be integrated into introductory and advanced courses in the biology program and will enhance laboratory experiences in new interdisciplinary courses. Students will benefit from the introduction of this technology into numerous courses and student research programs that develop critical thinking skills. The major use of this instrument will be to introduce students to the ultracentrifuge as a tool for the isolation of macromolecules or organelles. The students will become familiar with the exploitation of the physical characteristics of macromolecules that are used to isolate those molecules. Students will also acquire the skills to manipulate macromolecules genetically. By combining chemical and genetic techniques students will appreciate the usefulness of multiple approaches to the dissection of biological processes.
