This project provides funds to introduce computer-based data acquisition systems into the physiology-intensive laboratory curricula designed for life and health science premajors. The project incorporates Power Macintosh computers connected to MacLab 2- and 4-channel signal interfaces for data collection, data analysis, and report writing into the structural design of the experimental methods of six laboratories. Eight student workstations are being developed in one of the four teaching laboratories. Each station includes a Macintosh computer connected to a MacLab interface unit that accepts and conditions signals from compatible physiological sensors and transducers. Computer acquisition of data permits students to make better use of limited and valuable laboratory time involved in recording data, conducting appropriate statistical analysis of results, and writing interpretations as they develop their laboratory skills in preparation for the analytical and diagnostic applications they will encounter in their upper-division life science or advanced health specialties.
