Proposal

Narrative

One challenge for the Genetics Lab is to show students how to handle C. elegans and observe phenotypes of mutant animals under a stereo microscope. Currently, there is no equipment available for a live demonstration in the class. Moreover, students must use their cell phones to take pictures of animals through eye pieces of the microscope to quantitate phenotype of animals in some experiments. It is very hard and tedious. The integrated camera of Leica EZ4W microscope can live-stream HD images to students’ smartphones or tablets. Leica AirLab App is free and available for both IOS and Android. Students can use the App to quickly and easily capture, annotate, archive and share images. The EZ4W microscope will also tremendously enhance online learning experience if the class is online. qPCR machine is essential to measure gene expression. In the Genetics Lab, students use RNAi to change the expression level of a gene and then to observe the phenotype of animals. However, the students do not have a tool to quantitate the expression levels of genes. With a qPCR machine, the students can have a complete hands-on experience from change of gene expression level to phenotype observation. Four regular stereo microscopes are also requested. Microscopes sometimes break during the class and students have to share microscopes while the broken microscopes are under repair. This significantly extends the class time and has a devastating impact on the learning experience. The extra microscopes will prevent future occurrences of this situation. Neuroscience is a research pillar of FAU’s 2015-2025 strategic plan. The EZ4W microscope will enhance the learning experience of students performing behavioral neuroscience experiments such as feeding behavior. The acquisition of proposed equipment will not only benefit students from Genetics Lab, but also provide new learning and research opportunities for FAU students and local high school students.

Facilities

none

Hardware Requirements

1. Leica EZ4W stereo microscope 2. Bio-Rad CFX Duet Real-Time PCR System 3. United Scope SM-1BZ stereo microscope (4) 4. Ergonomic Base for SM-1BZ microscope (4)

Software Requirements

1. Leica AirLab App 2. CFX Maestro Software 2.3 for Windows PC, 1 license

Personnel Costs

none

Other Costs

none

Timeline

The equipment will be used in teaching of Genetics Lab, which is expected to last many years.

Sustainability

The microscopes and qPCR machine will not require maintenance and should be functional for many years. In the event of a repair, the cost will be covered from the lab fees for teaching purposes.

Resource Matching

none

Implementing Organization

The Genetics Lab will implement the experiments involving the requested equipment. The PI is the instructor of Genetic Lab and he will perform on-site training for students to use the equipment in the class. The PI will also coordinate the usage of the requested equipment for local high schools, FAU DIR (Directed Independent Research) and honors undergraduate students, and graduate students from research labs at FAU. The PI is in the Department of Biological Sciences.