Lynn Boyd

Lynn.Boyd@mtsu.edu

Lynn Boyd

Biology

Discipline specific equipment

DSB 124 and new science building (room numbers unknown)

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Expansion of Core Courses: Microbiology and Genetics Laboratory Equipment The Biology Department is preparing to move into the new science building in Fall 2014. The new facility will provide more space and enhanced facilities for biological laboratory training. Microbiology and Genetics are two core courses in the Biology major and minor. These two courses serve roughly 1000 students per year. The Davis Science Building has only one microbiology lab, whereas the new building will have two. The second microbiology lab will need to be equipped with a full set of microscopes as well as incubators, refrigerators, centrifuges, and colony counters. Funding for this equipment is requested. The field of genetics is rapidly progressing via advances in genomics and bioinformatics. The current genetics laboratory in Davis Science Building is woefully outdated in its instrumentation. Biology faculty are prepared to train students in state-of-the-art tools and techniques if the appropriate equipment is acquired. Needed equipment includes gel electrophoresis, PCR apparatus, DNA quantification, micropipettors, dissecting microscopes and netbook computers. This equipment will be used in the existing lab and subsequently moved into the new building in 2014. Training with this updated equipment will make our students eminently more competitive for graduate programs and jobs. This is the first of a two part request for equipment needed for the new building. The next request will focus on equipment needed for expansion of the Freshman Biology labs.