Laboratory exercises developed for an introductory microbiology course will allow students to use a gas chromatograph and a UV/visible spectrophotometer to follow substrates and products through a series of bioconversions, and thus to learn basic biological principles. Instruments will be interfaced with a computer for data collection and analysis. Students will learn rates of conversions and will be able to investigate factors affecting these rates. The knowledge gained about methods and applications of instrumental analysis in biology will help to produce students better able to succeed in our nation's industrial and academic laboratories. The college will provide 50% matching funds.
