Instrumentation (UV spectrophotometer, densitomer analysis system, DNA sequencing unit, photo-documentation system, water purification apparatus, -70oC freezer, analytical balance, autoclave, and Macintosh computers) will support a new undergraduate research core requirement for students pursuing the B.S. degree in biology. The equipment will substantially upgrade and modernize a student research laboratory in molecular genetics. Students will gain experience in computer- assisted data analysis and learn research techniques in the construction of operon fusions with bacterial genes, and methods for characterizing the regulation of the gene as well as its gene product. The Research Core will consist of a series of three courses (Intro. to Biological Research, Research Techniques, and Independent Research) with emphasis in the scientific method, literature search and review, experimental design, statistical data analysis (emphasis on using computer software packages), writing grant proposals, seminar preparation and deliver. Students will design and carry out an independent research project in molecular genetics under the guidance of a faculty research mentor.
