This project funds laboratory equipment that enhances the quality of instruction in the areas of cell and molecular biology. Electrophoresis and related techniques are widely used in many areas of biology. A firm understanding of these processes is essential for all of the university's students, but especially those who plan to go to graduate school in cell and molecular biology; those who hope to get jobs in cell, molecular, or physiology laboratories; or even those who plan on teaching middle or high school. The most effective instruction in the sciences is in the laboratory, where students gain hands-on experience and can learn to understand what is involved and potential problems that can arise at more than a theoretical level. By incorporating gel electrophoresis exercises in the Introduction to Genetics and Cell Biology courses, faculty can ensure that all majors graduate with a solid understanding of how proteins and nucleic acids can be isolated based on molecular weight and electrical charge and how the variability in proteins can be related to genetic differences for population studies. Advanced laboratories involving polymerase chain reaction and techniques such as Western blotting are being included in upper- division courses such as Microbiology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology and used in independent study projects and faculty research. In addition, the new equipment is being used to demonstrate electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in Introduction to Criminology for the Criminal Justice minor offered by the Sociology Department and possibly in a science and math summer enrichment program for minority students and teachers.
