This phase I proposal is to develop educational computer programs to stimulate molecular biology experiments, and to use this software to create instructional materials for molecular genetics. Since the main portion of the software simulates equipment upon which the virtual experiments are performed, experiments and laboratory exercises can be aimed at the learning requirements of different audiences, while using the same underlying simulators.
Specific aims i nclude: 1) develop a set of interactive """"""""experiment simulator"""""""" computer programs for laboratory-style discovery-based molecular biology instruction; 2) develop authoring tools for interactive instructional materials; 3) establish supporting Internet resource (www.attotron.com/ cybertory); 4) develop interactive problem sets in genetics and molecular biology; and 5) begin establishing small-scale experimental teaching laboratories to gauge the effectiveness of products.

Proposed Commercial Applications

We will develop """"""""simulated sample"""""""" data sets with accompanying exercises, workbooks and related curricular materials for markets ranging from high school biology classes to courses in continuing medical education, and license the simulation software for CD-ROM distribution with such materials.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43RR013645-01
Application #
2748271
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG5-ARRF (02))
Project Start
1998-08-15
Project End
1999-06-14
Budget Start
1998-08-15
Budget End
1999-06-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Attotron Biosensor Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Carson City
State
NV
Country
United States
Zip Code
89706
Horton, R M; Tait, R C (1999) An introduction to Perl: the QuizMaker revisited. Biotechniques 27:470-2
Horton, R M (1999) Scripting Wizards for Chime and RasMol. Biotechniques 26:874-6
Horton, R M (1999) Biological sequence analysis using regular expressions. Biotechniques 27:76-8
Horton, R M; Tait, R C (1999) A virtual molecular biology teaching laboratory. Biotechniques 27:298-300
Horton, R M (1999) JavaScript program for browser-based presentations. Biotechniques 26:456-8