Metabolic System for Physiology Teaching

近年来，动物学系的生理学家做出了很大的努力，将计算机数据采集作为我们本科实验课程的常规组成部分。我们的长期目标是定制数据采集，这样学生就可以快速进入生理学研究，而不是浪费时间和精力在陈旧的设备上挣扎。学生的热情是如此的超乎寻常，我们被鼓励继续在实验室生理学和生理生态学的本科（主要专业）课程现代化。一种计算机化的“交钥匙”系统正被用于测量空中和水生动物的代谢率，该系统具有测量昆虫等小型变温动物的能力。代谢是一个基本的生理焦点，与生物学的各个方面有关。该设施主要供学生在生理学课程的实验室部分进行原创研究项目（例如，昆虫运动的“成本”，酸雨对浮游生物的代谢影响）。该系统非常适合学生实验室设置。此外，它非常灵活，可以测量和分析从果蝇或水蚤个体到人类的各种大小动物的瞬时代谢率。所使用的设备由灵敏的co2分析仪、兼容的O2分析仪、溶解O2计和氧电极、呼吸细胞、质量流量计、a:D板、计算机以及数据采集和分析软件组成。学生使用这个复杂但用户友好的系统能够探索以前他们甚至大多数专业生理学家无法触及的生理问题（和生物体）。这一制度不仅加强了学生的生理训练，而且鼓励学生考虑从事生理学方面的研究。

In recent years physiologists in the Department of Zoology have made a major effort to incorporate computerized data acquisition as a regular component of our undergraduate laboratory courses. Our long-term goal is to customize data acquisition so that students can quickly get down to the business of doing physiology rather than wasting time and energy struggling with antiquated equipment. Student enthusiasm has been so exceptional that we are encouraged to continue to modernize undergraduate (primarily major) courses in laboratory physiology and in physiological ecology. A computerized "turn- key" system is being used to measure the metabolic rates of both aerial and aquatic animals, with capacities to measure small ectotherms such as insects. Metabolism is a basic physiological focus that is relevant to diverse aspects of biology. The facility is being used primarily by students doing original research projects (e.g., "cost" of locomotion in insects, metabolic consequences of acid rain on plankton) in the laboratory sections of our physiology courses. The system is superbly suited for a student laboratory setting. Moreover, it is remarkably flexible and can measure and analyze the instantaneous metabolic rate of animals ranging in size from individual Drosophila or Daphnia to humans. The equipment used consists of a sensitive C02 analyzer, a compatible O2 analyzer, dissolved O2 meter and oxygen electrode, respiration cell, mass-flow meter, A:D board, computer, as well as data- acquisition and analysis software. Students using this sophisticated but user-friendly system are able to explore physiological problems (and organisms) previously inaccessible to them and indeed even to most professional physiologists. This system is not only enhancing the physiological training of students, but also encouraging them to consider a research career in physiology.