The focus of the proposed project is enhancement of the laboratory component of our Animal Physiology course (BIOL 342), whose student clientele comprises juniors and seniors majoring in biology and/or seeking to fulfill entrance requirements for health-professional schools. The objectives of this laboratory are: reinforcement of the classical physiological principles presented in lecture with hands-on experience; the practice of general, broadly applicable investigative skills; and the development of skill in the use of physiological methods and instruments. The aim of the project is to enhance our effectiveness in pursuing these objectives by exposing students to a greater variety of authentic investigative techniques and strategies, utilizing a greater variety of animal models and more sophisticated instrumentation. The major instruments we seek to purchase include oscilloscopes and digital storage modules for electrophysiological recordings from nerves; electrolyte and blood-gas analyzers for evaluation of renal and respiratory function; and an environmental chamber, oxygen analyzer, and temperature telemetry equipment for measuring metabolic responses to changes in temperature. We expect this project to intensely the interest of our students in organismal biology generally, to prepare them for subsequent independent investigative efforts, and to improve recruitment and retention of majors in this curricular area.
