Instrumentation to Reorient Instruction in Aquatic Biology

该项目为购买设备提供资金，以支持改进两门高级水生生物学课程：湖泊学和植物学。这两门课程分别为环境研究和海洋生物学学位课程服务。新的设备包括(1)一个视频显微镜系统，(2)一个光/温控制的培养箱，用于培养孤立的浮游植物和在营养物质富集化实验中控制浮游植物的生长，(3)一个用于培养箱的摇床，(4)两个自动取水器，以便在潮汐、深海和风暴期间进行水样采样，一个多参数水质监测仪，用于测量和记录溶解氧、pH、深度、电导率和浊度，(5)一个水下量子传感器，用于测量和记录光通量和其他定制输入，(6)一个用于营养分析的分光光度计，以及(7)两台膝上型计算机，用于与主要数据采集仪器接口并执行数据分析和图形。这种新设备向学生介绍最先进的研究设备和技术，培养学生小组工作对科学问题的调查方法，重点关注与城市雨水滞留池塘(国家关注的)和当地潮汐小溪相关的水质问题，并为学生进入研究生课程或在水生生物学领域就业提供至关重要的经验。

This project funds the purchase of equipment to support improvements in two upper-level aquatic biology courses: Limnology and Planktonology. These two courses serve the Environmental Studies and Marine Biology degree programs, respectively. The new items of equipment include (1) a videomicroscope system, (2) a light/temperature controlled incubator to culture isolated phytoplankton and for controlled growth of phytoplankton in nutrient enrichment experiments, (3) a shaker for use in the incubator, (4) two automated water samplers to permit water sampling during tidal, diel, and storm event periods, a multiparameter water quality monitor for measuring and logging dissolved oxygen, pH, depth, conductivity, and turbidity, (5) an underwater quantum sensor for measuring and logging light flux and other custom inputs, (6) a spectrophotometer for nutrient analyses, and (7) two laptop computers to interface with primary data gathering instruments and perform data analysis and graphics. This new equipment introduces students to state-of-the-art research equipment and techniques, fosters investigative approaches to scientific problems by students working in small groups, focuses on water quality problems associated with urban stormwater detention ponds (a national concern) and local tidal creeks, and provides experience vital for students entering graduate programs or employment in aquatic biology.