An integrated photosynthesis system, which includes a self-contained infra-red analyzing set-up, a lap-top computer, and a plant growth chamber, is being used in the freshman course, General Biology, to demonstrate how the rate of photosynthesis is easured prcisely. In the sophomore-level General Ecology course it is used to conduct a primary productivity study in an ecosystem on campus, and in the junior and senior level Plant Structure and Function course it is used by students to measure accurately and precisely rates of photosynthesis and respiration under different conditions. Each Plant Structure and Function student is required to design and conduct an experiment in which the system is used to measure photosynthesis. The university will contribute an amount equal to the award.
