There are several components of the scientific process that are difficult to convey in the classroom. These include experimental design, testing of hypotheses, analysis and interpretation of data and the excitement of discovery. The department is preparing a model semester-long laboratory program in developmental biology which incorporates these components and in addition fulfills four specific teaching goals. That is, 1) to "demystify" science by allowing students to use state of the art technologies 2) to provide an opportunity for real discovery by addressing an actual research question 3) to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of science by using a variety of techniques to answer specific questions and 4) to learn to communicate ideas and to think critically by organizing results in a final research paper. The department is requesting equipment to complete four workstations for investigation of cellular structure and function in neurons of leech ganglia by dye iontophoresis, immunocytochemical localization of neurotransmittors and electrophysiological characterization of neurons. Included in these workstations are dissecting stereomicroscopes, micromanipulators, audio speakers, oscilloscopes and MacLab A/D - D/A hardware and software for data collection on Mac SE computers. Other pieces of the workstations are presently on hand - DC amplifiers, air tables and computers. The pieces of equipment also are for use by several other courses in the biology curriculum and will enhance the potential experiments possible for student independent research projects, honors research, and suffer research opportunities which include students from other institutions. This proposal will significantly enhance the advanced training of more than 100 young women scientists per year, many of whom can be expected to continue study at the graduate level.
