This project improves the cell and molecular biology curriculum by providing equipment to (1) develop a hands-on, instrument-based course in Microscopy; (2) improve the quality and effectiveness of laboratories in existing courses in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Immunology, and Biological Methods and Instrumentation; and (3) add current technology in microscopy to the available options in the department's undergraduate research program. The equipment includes three high quality light microscopes equipped with optics and accessories designed for multiple applications of brightfield, phase, polarizing and epi-fluorescence, and a state-or-the-art image processing and analysis system. These new microscopes (along with two existing transmission and x-ray analytical scanning electron microscopes) will be interfaced by film and video with the image processor. The integrated imaging system will be applied in "bench-type" laboratory courses to real experimental situations. This instrument-intensive approach allows students to gain the experience required to operate modern equipment and the critical thinking and appreciation required to design modern experiments. It is expected to produce graduates who are better equipped for and more likely to undertake post-graduate studies. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.
