With the equipment (centrifuges, incubation equipment, specialized storage apparatus, a DNA photodocumentation system, water purification equipment and electrophoresis apparatus) secured through this project, this Biology Department is expanding its course offerings in Molecular Biology to include a core of four courses to deal biotechnology at various levels. Two of these provide intensive experience with practical genetic manipulation procedures in a student genetic engineering laboratory. Recent advances in the technology of gene manipulation have created a booming new industry, an extraordinarily powerful research tool, and promises for novel solutions to medical, environmental, and agricultural/industrial problems. A broad spectrum of undergraduates have a need for education in the new molecular biology. Those who plan to continue in research-oriented higher degree programs will profit greatly from having practical knowledge and laboratory skills that will equip them to apply modern molecular genetic approaches to research problems. Students terminating their formal education at the B.S.-level can be immediately employable in the biotechnology industry or in one of the many research laboratories employing techniques of gene manipulation. Pre-professional students can be prepared better to understand and appreciate diagnostic and therapeutic techniques stemming from the new biotechnology and to appreciate its potential for the future practice of medicine.
