Funds from this award will provide the advanced undergraduate student in nutritional sciences with a combined research methods/research project experience. Presently, the number of students that can enroll in "independent research" is severely restricted due to limited available faculty time. This award will create a course structure that will permit up to 12 students to simultaneously participate in a complete research experience. This will be accomplished by incorporating the theory and applications of a variety of nutrition research methods and techniques into the investigation of relevant nutritional biochemistry topics. The purchase of a ultracentrifuge, and fluorescence spectrometer, in combination with existing Department equipment and resources, will be used to 1) expand the students' understanding and appreciation of the use of basic instrumentation in research, 2) expose students, that have already completed biochemistry lab course, to more advanced research techniques and concepts, 3) provide the Department with the necessary equipment to permit undergraduates to complete an advanced research project in a formal course setting, and ultimately 4) improve student interest in, and qualifications for, research careers and graduate schools. The grantee institution is matching this NSF award with funds from non- Federal sources.
