The lack of laboratory experiences in molecular genetics is being remedied by developing a laboratory course in molecular biology that is taken concurrently with the Molecular Biology lecture component. Laboratory experiences include DNA extractions and plasmic isolations, DNA detection and quantitation methods, restriction enzyme digestions, ligations of restriction fragments, gene marker selection procedures, agarose gel electrophoresis, and DNA transfer and hybridization methods. The purchase of centrifuges and rotors, power supplies for electrophoresis experiments, fluorometers for DNA quantitation, incubators and baths for enzyme reactions allow this laboratory to be taught to biology majors and medical technology students. The equipment is also used by students enrolled in honors program research or independent study. The university will contribute an amount equal to the award.
