Instrumentation will equip a laboratory for a new course in Physiological Ecology, a course designed to bridge the gap between Physiology/Cell Biology and Ecology/Organismal biology. The equipment will also permit the students to obtain experience in computerized data acquisition. The purchase of an oxygen analyzer, carbon dioxide analyzer, dew point hygrometer, and bomb calorimeter, along with a computer and appropriate software, will allow the students to perform experiments dealing with metabolic rate, evaporative water loss, and body composition. The goal is to broaden the perspecitives of the undergraduate majors, to make them more versatile biologists, and make them more competitive for future employment or further training. The university will provide 50% matching funds.
