Future investigators in basia cell biology and in the health professions will require more extensive training in molecular biology than they have received in the past. Many Biology and Microbiology graduates could benefit from training in contemporary methodologies used in research or diagnostic settings. To satisfy this need, the Division of Biology has developed three capstone laboratory courses in Virology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and has established a modern, core facility for instruction of advanced juniors and seniors in these molecular disciplines. The objectives of this program are to expand the range of material covered in the laboratory curriculum and to increase the capacity of the core facility. Cell transfer hoods and inverted and fluorescence microscopes enable Virology and Immunology students to perform new exercises efficiently in these laboratory courses. A scintillation counter permits students in the laboratory to use radioisotopes in a safe and efficient manner. Finally, new computers enable students in Molecular Genetics to perform analysis of DNA sequences, taking this class beyond the confines of a techniques course.
