Proposal

Name:

Upgrading the Biology Teaching Labs: Computer and Microscope Replacements

FiscalYear:

2024

Audience:

Science, College of

Submitter:

Dixon, Torrell

Budget Manager:

Blanchard, Dominique

Project Manager:

Noboa, Natalia Marie

Proposal Approvers

Dept. Chair:

Milton, Sarah

Local IT:

N/A

Dean:

Rezler, Evonne

Facilities:

N/A

OIT:

Ball,Jason

Proposal Funding

Year 1:

$ 209,122.00

Year 2:

$ 0.00

Year 3:

$ 0.00

Total:

$ 209,122.00

Proposal Funding versus Average

Questionnaire

Narrative
This Tech Fee Proposal seeks funding to upgrade outdated computers and microscopes in the Department of Biology’s teaching labs. The current lab computers are 5 to 8 years old, and the microscopes are 15 to 20 years old, resulting in increasingly frequent malfunctions that hinder effective teaching and learning. Biology courses, required for many degrees, play a vital role in preparing students for future careers in the biological sciences. The affected classrooms (SC 107, SC 108, SC 115, SC 116, SC 143, SC 144, SC 145, and SC 146) collectively serve over 2,500 students each semester (Fall 2024 ~ 2942). Key courses utilizing these labs include Life Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Microbiology for Health Services, Genetics, Marine Biology, Advanced Biotechnology, Comparative Animal Physiology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, and Vertebrate Structure and Development. The microscope remains an essential tool for developing foundational hands-on scientific skills, providing students with crucial insights into biological systems. The microscopes in use are now over 15 years old, making their replacement an urgent priority. Without new microscopes and computers, teaching assistants will face significant limitations, which would severely impact the quality of training and experience our students receive.
Facilities
No renovations or upgrades are needed.
Hardware Requirements
9 Compact Workstation PCs 72 Compound Microscopes 36 Stereo microscopes
Software Requirements
None
Personnel Costs
There are no additional personnel costs associated with this proposal. The computer installation and maintenance will be handled by College of Science IT and Facilities.
Other Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this project.
Timeline
Once funds are available, the new instruments will be purchased, installed and maintained by the department staff and teaching assistants.
Sustainability
Installation will be done by College of Science IT. Upon installation, minimal maintenance is required.
Resource Matching
No matching funds have been requested.
Implementing Organization
The instruments will be used for the teaching laboratory courses offered by the biological sciences department.

Proposal Budget

Fiscal Year 1 Fiscal Year 2 Fiscal Year 3 Total
Hardware One-Time $ 209,122.06 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 209,122.06
Hardware Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Software One-time $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Software Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Personnel One-time $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Personnel Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Other One-time $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Other Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Totals $ 209,122.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 209,122.00

Supporting Documentation

Filename Size Description
2024-JRM-971-1 FAU CX23 Dixon.pdf 508,521b Evident (Olympus) CX23 upright
2024-JRM-972-1 FAU SZ51 Dixon.pdf 506,873b SZ51 Stereo
New Computer Quote for the Biology Teaching Labs.pdf 79,783b 9 Standard Configuration PC's