This project provides funds for Eastern Michigan University to strengthen and expand the Immunology laboratory curriculum and to give students experience in utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation. The field of immunology is one of the fastest growing scientific areas; immunological techniques are used by an ever increasing number of scientists in a multitude of disciplines. Because of the wide application of immunological methods in biotechnology, a basic laboratory course in immunology is fundamental for students in biology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology and related disciplines. The equipment needed to implement the curricular revisions include an inverted phase contrast fluorescent microscope, enzyme immunoassay reader-spectrophotometer, scintillation counter, laminar flow hood, CO2 incubator, refrigerated centrifuge, and immunoblot membrane filtration assay system. This equipment will allow EMU's Biology faculty to focus on current techniques in both the cellular and humoral aspects of the immune system. Curricular changes will result in an ability to teach both basic and advanced techniques in one of the most demanding, useful and interesting areas of science. The techniques learned will provide a firm foundation for students seeking advanced courses in basic sciences, and these methodologies will prove useful for future scientists in academic or industrial research settings. This project holds considerable promise for helping EMU's Biology Department to make an important advance in modernizing its curriculum.
