The Biology Department is involved in a four-phase program to expand the instrumentation of its Cellular and Molecular Biology laboratories. Phase one was completed by the institution; this project is covering the second phase which involves procurement of an ultracentrifuge, electrophoresis equipment, photographic equipment, a uv/visible spectrophotometer, a CO2 incubator, and an ion-free reagent water system. This equipment enables undergraduates to perform expanded laboratory experiments and individual projects in cell fractionation; protein, DNA and RNA separations; transfers of proteins and nucleic acids for testing and analysis (Southern, Northern, and Western blots); quantitative determination of proteins and nucleic acids; autoradiography; DNA sequencing; restriction digests of nucleic acids; and cloning of restriction fragments. A new course in Molecular Genetics is being offered, while major laboratory segments of Advanced Cell Biology and Developmental Biology are being expanded. Subtantial laboratory exercises also are being added to coursework in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Immunology. Students are gaining vastly expanded experience with current techniques and equipment used in Protein and Nucleic Acid Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics.
