9451047 Moore The objective of this proposal is to equip a teaching laboratory for a state-of-the-art molecular genetics techniques course. Molecular genetics is becoming an increasingly important tool in most areas of biological research. It is critical that students have access to knowledge of molecular genetics and practical experience in molecular genetic techniques. This course is designed to introduce the students to the theory and basic biological principles underlying molecular genetic techniques. Students will also be exposed to a variety of research programs and job opportunities in areas utilizing molecular genetic techniques. In addition, students will gain practical experience in a variety of up-to-date molecular genetic techniques. The laboratory component of the course will focus on a single organism, Dictyostelium discoideum, in order to give the students the opportunity to gain some in-depth knowledge about the biological system on which the experiments are being carried out and to analyze the data they collect in a meaningful way. In addition to the laboratory experiments, the students will learn how to access and use computer molecular genetics data bases. Exposure to computers in the laboratory is essential as computers become an integral part of biological research. In addition to the material and techniques learned during the course, increased exposure to molecular genetics and other laboratory techniques, along with the availability of modern laboratory equipment, will encourage students to participate in independent research either with the faculty at Transylvania University or at other research institutions. Major instruments requested include equipment necessary for submarine agarose gel electrophoresis, polyacrylimide gel electrophoresis, 2 DNA sequencing gel electrophoresis systems, a thermocycler, and 4 microcomputers with appropriate software and accessories.
