Physiology work stations which consist of modern data-taking equipment and Macintosh computers (which are well-known for their user-friendliness) are significantly improving the teaching of undergraduate students in this department. Microcomputers used as scientific instruments in undergraduate teaching laboratories are perceived as being user-unfriendly by most students. This problem has been greatly reduced by the recent introduction of MACLAB by World Precision Instruments. MACLAB converts a Macintosh computer into a digital oscilloscope or chart recorder. One of the work stations in this project has a Macintosh II computer which functions not only as a digital recorder but also as a file server to the other computers in the network. This allows physiology teachers to be innovative. For example, they are able to display previously recorded experiments in class. Students can take physiology laboratory examinations ("lab practicals") using MACLAB. The high gain preamplifier (model 6132) manufactured by Palmer Bioscience is a versatile instrument which functions as an interface between a physiological transducer or a membrane potential measuring circuit and the MACLAB. The work stations are used by students enrolled in introductory biology, animal physiology, neurobiology, and undergraduate research. All major pieces of equipment are commercially available, thereby facilitating the incorporation of similar work stations into biology departments at other institutions. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.
