Improvement in Lower Division Biology Laboratories

该项目将使互动的、以过程为导向的实验室教学成为可能。实验将强调观察、测量、数据的组织和分析，以及假设的形成和检验。学生将使用电泳仪研究生物技术的主题，并使用分光光度法研究酶动力学和微生物种群增长。学生将使用基于计算机的实验前模拟来准备实际的实验工作，并使用实验后模拟来加强课堂和实验活动。新的实验室环境将促进科学探究，并将帮助学生发展批判性思维技能。

This project will make possible interactive, process-oriented laboratory instruction. Experiments will emphasize observation, measurement, organization and analysis of data, and hypothesis formulation and testing. Students will employ electrophoretic equipment to investigate topics in biotechnology, and spectrophotometry to study enzyme kinetics and microbial population growth. Students will use computer- based, pre-laboratory simulations to prepare for actual lab work, and post-laboratory simulations to reinforce lecture and laboratory activities. The new laboratory environment will foster scientific inquiry and will aid students in their development of critical thinking skills.