This project provides equipment to enhance the research experience of the approximately 85 students who take courses or do independent research in biopsychology each year. Acquisition of sufficient laboratory equipment enables Bates students to gain the hands-on experience that is essential for a thorough understanding of this rapidly growing field. Through the new laboratory equipment, students develop new research techniques, perfect previously acquired skills and, equally importantly, discover for themselves the major principles of biopsychology. Stereotaxes, a microtome, electrical stimulators, and oscilloscopes facilitate the acquisition of physiological skills associated with small animal (rat) neurosurgery, histology, and electrical self-stimulation. To enhance students' capacity to do sophisticated animal behavioral research, operant chambers and microprocessors with which the chambers can be interfaced are being installed in the teaching laboratory.
