Introducing Microcomputer-Based Laboratories into an Investigative Introductory Biology Course

研究人员满足了国家对面向生理学和解剖学的非专业课程的三大需求：1)设计良好的模块，为基于调查实验室的课程提供服务；2)减少对脊椎动物实验使用的依赖；3)降低实验室设备的成本，以便所有学生都能有一些实践经验。该提案要求提供资金来设计和实施一套基于微型计算机的实验室(MBL)，该实验室将：1)允许测量基本的生理过程，2)促进数据与微型计算机的直接接口，3)使学生能够轻松地记录、绘制和展示结果。MBL模块将涵盖3个基本系统：感官(如何测量皮肤温度、反应时间和热通量)、效应器(如何测量反射弧、表现和疲劳率)和心肺(测量心率和呼吸率)。预期的结果是：1)一个以研究性实验室为基础的第二学期非专业生物学课程，以及2)一个文本，描述如何建造类似的廉价设备，以便MBL可以在其他机构实施。

The investigators address three major national needs for non- majors courses oriented to physiology and anatomy: 1) well designed modules to serve classes based on investigative laboratories, 2) a means to decrease reliance on experimental use of vertebrates, and 3) a means to decrease the cost of laboratory equipment so all students can have some hands-on experience. The proposal requests funds to design and implement a set of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) that will: 1) allow measurement of basic physiologic processes, 2) facilitate direct interface of the data with microcomputers, and 3) enable students to easily record, graph and present results. The MBL modules will cover 3 basic systems; sensory (how to measure skin temperature, response time and heat flux), effector (how to measure reflex arcs, performance and rates of fatigue) and cardiopulmonary (measure heart and respiration rate). The expected outcomes are: 1) an investigative laboratory based second semester non-majors biology course, and 2) a text describing how to build similar inexpensive equipment so that the MBL can be implemented at other institutions.