Introducing Microcomputer-Based Laboratories into an Investigative Introductory Biology Course

研究人员提出了国家对非专业生理学和解剖学课程的三个主要需求：1)设计良好的模块，以满足基于研究性实验室的课程；2)减少对脊椎动物实验使用的依赖；3)降低实验室设备成本的方法，以便所有学生都能获得一些实践经验。该提案要求资金用于设计和实施一套基于微机的实验室（MBL），这些实验室将：1)允许测量基本生理过程，2)促进与微机的数据直接接口，以及3)使学生能够轻松记录，绘图和呈现结果。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（如何测量反射弧，性能和疲劳率）和心肺（测量心脏和呼吸速率）。预期的结果是：1)在第二学期的非专业生物学课程中建立一个研究性实验室；2)描述如何建造类似的廉价设备，以便MBL可以在其他机构中实施。

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.