A new laboratory course is being developed that combines the principles and methods from several interrelated areas: molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry;, immunology, and developmental biology. Four pieces of equipment have been purchased that are fundamental components of a modern biology laboratory: a refrigerated high speed centrifuge, a laminar flow hood, a tissue culture incubator and a vibratome. The equipment is being used in an introductory cell biology course, in plant and animal physiology, in independent study and honors research in addition to the new integrated course. The project demonstrates important scientific principles, such as separation science, culture of animal and plant cells, monoclonal antibody production, identification of biomolecules in tissues, as well as a balanced treatment of these principles. It is also a unique solution to limited time and resources. The college is contributing an amount equal to the award.
