Muhlenberg College Receives Lab Equipment Award From Li-Cor Biosciences
Muhlenberg College has received a DNA sequencer from LI-COR Biosciences. The College was given the DNA sequencer as the winner of the 2003 DNA Undergraduate Sequencer Award.Tuesday, September 9, 2003 01:25 PM
Muhlenberg College has received a DNA sequencer from LI-COR Biosciences. The College was given the DNA sequencer as the winner of the 2003 DNA Undergraduate Sequencer Award.
The College will use the sequencer as a centerpiece in its plans to integrate the study of chemistry and biology to promote a community of experimental learning.
This is the second year LI-COR awarded a system including a DNA Analyzer, analysis software and training to an undergraduate institution as part of the company’s commitment to encourage hands-on training in molecular biology for students. Colleges in the United States and Canada competed for the $71,000 award by submitting essays on how a LI-COR system would enhance existing curriculums. Last year, Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota was the inaugural award recipient.
Muhlenberg offers a year-round undergraduate curriculum including a summer program with students working on their own research projects.
“ Active participation in the process of science is one of the most effective methods of developing critical thinking and communication skills that last a lifetime,” says Dr. Marten Edwards, assistant professor of biology.
“ We’ve taught the theory and the chemistry behind the process, and now we can let students actually experience sequencing DNA,” adds Dr. Steven Weiner, assistant professor of chemistry.
This fall, students will use the LI-COR system as part of an ongoing study of mosquitoes and human disease. Plans to integrate the instrument into two classes this fall and several more next semester are in the works.
Students in the Introductory Cell Biology course use a bacterial strain that expresses Green Fluorescent Protein to learn about bacterial transformation and protein expression. “Now the students will be able to take the next step and actually sequence the Green Fluorescent Protein gene and analyze it using the tools of bioinformatics,” says Edwards. “Independent research projects in our Cell Biology course already included amplifying their choice of cytoskeletal protein genes from cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells with PCR. The addition of the LI-COR system will let the students take the analysis a step further as they sequence the genes and explore the connections between genetics and cell biology.”
To further expand student exposure to the LI-COR system, Muhlenberg’s departments of chemistry and biology will share the instrument. Both lower- and upper-level chemistry students will use the system.
Muhlenberg College is one of only 67 colleges nationwide offering biochemistry major certified by the American Chemical Society. Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, Lutheran-affiliated, highly selective, liberal arts college in Allentown, Pa.
LI-COR Biosciences is a leader in the design and manufacture of instrument systems for biotechnology, plant biology and environmental research. The company pioneered the development of infrared fluorescent labeling and detection systems for proteomic and genomic research. LI-COR instruments for photosynthesis, carbon dioxide analysis and light measurement are recognized worldwide for standard-setting innovation in plant science research and environmental monitoring. Founded in 1971, the privately held company is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, with subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom. LI-COR systems are used in over 100 countries and are supported by a global network of distributors. Further information can be obtained at www.licor.com.
