9451589 Benner The purpose of this grant is to equip our introductory biology and advanced laboratories (Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology) with instrumentation to enable students to carry out advanced projects in molecular biology. This hands-on approach is part of a redesigned freshman biology sequence intended to act as a pump for students into science. The more traditional laboratory approaches to biology need to be complemented with modern experimentation. This will not only attract more students into science, but will also reduce the attrition rate of students who enter Rider College with an interest in science. Additionally, we hope to significant impact the education of our future science teachers by providing hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques.
