This project includes a computer-based laboratory designed to give students more control over experiments and research in physiology. The laboratory uses computers and analog-to-digital converters to record data. Using current software, instructors also create custom, user-friendly interfaces for controlling data acquisition and analysis. This frees them from the inflexibility of "canned" programs while still providing the simplicity to make experimentation accessible to students. Using these interfaces, students have more control over the methods of data collection and analysis. The first half of the semester involves guided experimentation. Students are introduced to the techniques used in physiological investigation and given practice making decisions about data acquisition and analysis. The second half of the semester involves two independent projects. Small groups of students develop their own hypotheses, devise controlled experiments, and analyze the results. They then present their results to the class in the form of a short seminar and a written scientific report.
