Biology Students Enjoyed a Lab Curriculum Update in Spring 2018

Micropipette Lab Materials

by Dr. Maureen Whitehurst and Ms. Michelle Lee, Biology Instructors. 

It is wonderful when it all comes together! Palmer General Biology (BIO 101) and Microbiology (BIO 225) students enjoyed a significant laboratory curriculum upgrade during the Spring 2018 semester. A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) device was acquired via mini-grant funding from the TTC Foundation.

Adding samples to an electrophoresis gel

This device amplifies a small quantity of DNA and allows students to visualize the results. It is up-to-date technology and we are proud to incorporate this new lab into our curriculum. Students learned how to dispense tiny quantities of chemicals (microliter amounts, 1000^th of a milliliter), how to add samples to an electrophoresis gel, how operate the PCR machine, and finally interpret data.

Loading the gel electrophoresis

Palmer teamwork allowed this example of student success. Earlier mini-grant success provided the iPad tablet to control the PCR machine and allows students photograph their results and send the results to their email accounts. This was possible because IT has installed WiFi in the PL 160 biology laboratory, funded by Foundation Capitol improvement dollars.

The Lab Manager, Connie Bryant organized all the logistics and readied the supplies for our students. Faculty modified the manufacturer’s protocols to suit our needs. Overall, it was a great Palmer team effort!