The Natural Science and Mathematics Department is acquiring an integrated microscope/video camera system to significantly improve the impact and range of topics that can be effectively prresented in the biology curriculum. The microscopes are equipped with phase contrast optics and are capable of interfacing with either the video camera or with existing still cameras. One microscope is further equipped with epifluorescence illumination; the other is equipped for Momarski Differential Interference Contrast. This system permits the department to more clearly present basic materials in the introductory courses for majors and non-majors, allows the advanced courses to pursue more sophisticated and relevant laboratory exercises, and provides advanced students with greater opportunities for independent research. Furthermore, the equipment will enable the department to illustrate and make available to education majors a very powerful tool for presentation, and to present short courses and workshops for the local educational community on both content and pedagogic themes. The college is contributing an amount equal to the award.
