Modernization of an Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory

近十年来，生物化学领域取得了显著进展。大部分的进步直接归因于技术的发展，这些技术大大提高了分辨率和分析速度。计算机辅助数据收集和数据分析能力在现代设备中的集成进一步革新了生化实验的进行。霍利奥克山学院提供严格的生物化学课程，强调实验室经验，并定期进行审查和更新。因此，在高等生物化学课程中，讲授范围总体上跟上了该领域快速发展的步伐。相比之下，实验室练习，虽然在设计上是合理的和最新的，但由于旧的仪器，执行得很差。该合同为大幅升级实验室设施所需的主要设备采购提供资金。改进后的设备使用现代分析手段对实验问题进行严格的探索成为可能。此外，正在强调使用计算机增强的分析能力。该学院在培养女科学家方面有着令人羡慕的记录——这一记录应该通过这个项目进一步加强。

The field of biochemistry has advanced significantly in the last decade. Much of the progress is directly attributable to the development of techniques with greatly enhanced power of resolution and speed of analysis. Integration of computer-assisted data collection and data analysis capability in modern equipment has further revolutionized the conduct of biochemical experimentation. The Mount Holyoke faculty provides a rigorous biochemistry curriculum with heavy emphasis on laboratory experience -- one that is regularly reviewed and updated. Thus in the upper-level biochemistry courses, the lecture coverage in general has kept pace with the rapidly advancing field. In contrast, the laboratory exercises, although sound and current in design, had been poorly implemented due to old instrumentation. This award provides funds for major equipment acquisitions needed to drastically upgrade the laboratory facility. The improved facility makes possible the rigorous probing of experimental questions by modern means of analysis. Furthermore, the use of computer-enhanced analytical capability is being emphasized. The College enjoys an enviable record for producing women scientists -- a record that should be further enhanced through this project.