Facilitating Scientific Thinking in Undergraduate Biology Students with the Use of Computerized Data Acquistion

计算机数据采集可用于本科生物学课程，以促进初级和高级学生的科学思维。Biopac系统由数据转换器和软件组成，可用于扩大实验机会，提高生理数据的准确性，并使实验方法在一次实验室中应用成为可能。本科生在实验室时间有限的情况下，可以使用Biopac系统熟练地生成和操作广泛的生理数据（例如肺活量测定、生物电模式、肌肉收缩、心脏和克罗特科夫音）。即使是入门生物学的学生也可以成功地使用Biopac系统来形成和测试一个原始假设，生成和编译数据，并在指定的实验室时间内得出结论。生理学专业的高级学生可以使用Biopac系统生成现有设备无法生成的生理数据。麦金塔电脑的界面允许进行文献搜索、学生联网、对数据进行复杂的操作以及报告结果。数据获取的便利性，操作的便利，以及提供的扩展数据形式将增加生理学中原始发现的机会。通过使用独立实验，学生将提高科学的熟练程度和兴趣。通过动手，以计算机为基础的互动方法，学生将分享增加的科学自信和欣赏，这将有利于他们和整个社会。

Computerized data acquisition can be used in undergraduate Biology classes to facilitate scientific thinking in beginning as well as advanced students. The Biopac system consists of a data converter and software which can be used to expand experimental opportunities, increase the accuracy of physiologic data, and make possible the application of the experimental method in one laboratory session. Undergraduate students, having limited laboratory time, can use the Biopac system to deftly generate and manipulate a broad array of physiologic data (e.g. spirometry, bioelectric patterns, muscle contraction, heart and korotkoff sounds). Even introductory Biology students can successfully use the Biopac system to form and test an original hypothesis, generate and compile data, and make conclusions within the laboratory time allotted. Advanced students in Physiology can use the Biopac system to generate physiologic data not possible with existing equipment. The Macintosh computer interface allows literature search, networking of students, sophisticated manipulation of the data, and reporting of results. The ease of data acquisition, facility of manipulation, and expanded data forms provided will increase opportunities for original discovery in Physiology. Through the use of independent experimentation, students will develop increased scientific proficiency and interest. Through the hands-on, computer-based interactive approach, students will share in an increased scientific self-confidence and appreciation that will benefit them and society at large.