Enhancement of Animal Physiology Laboratory Experiences for Undergraduates

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The Biology Department's undergraduate curriculum in physiology is being enhanced by adding new or revised courses in human and comparative vertebrate physiology to the current offering in animal physiological ecology. The courses are designed to have a significant research component. The university's goal is to inculcate in students: (1) a fundamental understanding of physiological processes, (2) an interest in scientific inquiry, (3) an ability to formulate and test cogent hypotheses, and (4) proficiency in the use of modern technology for acquisition and analysis of physiological data. An essential component of this plan is to use student-friendly, research-grade instrumentation. The computer-interfaced instruments funded through this project permit students to examine several simultaneously changing physiological functions in a much more dynamic and interactive manner than is possible with older analog instruments. The BioPac physiological data acquisition system and Sable Systems respirometry system have been chosen for their combined features of ease for student use and superior research flexibility. Multiple sets of instruments are obtained to enable us to accommodate larger laboratory classes. These instruments permit class exercises and student research to be more extensive in design and better replicated. Students are finding the investigative laboratories to be more informative and enlightening than the "standard" labs of the past.