| Initiative Title | Instructional Resources - Microscopes for Introduction to Biology (BIO 110) Labs |
|---|
| Submitted in Previous Year(s) | No |
|---|
| Critical Information, Notes, Justification, Rationale | Our goal to replace microscopes used in our Intro to Biology (BIO 110) labs over a two-year period. The current microscopes were originally placed in service circa the early 1970s or mid-to-late 1960s and no longer function optimally. Microscopes used in all of our other courses are of newer vintage and offer binocular viewing and easier adjustments of illumination and focus. Microscopic demonstrations of cells, tissues and organs is an integral component of Intro Bio and is essential for students to gain a conceptual understanding of functional anatomy. Microscopes used in Introduction to Biology must be of the same quality and functionality as those used in other courses. |
|---|
| Consequences of this initiative not being funded | In Introduction to Biology students are introduced to microscopes and must learn the histologic characteristics of various types of cells and tissues. From critical observation students develop a fundamental understanding of a cell structure, its function and its locations in the body. Students then are able to understand and appreciate how such cells interact in formation of organs, organ systems and the organism itself. Without quality optical instrumentation images are unclear, critical observations are not made, and a holistic understanding of functional anatomy is compromised. As possibly the first college level instruction that includes microscope work for these students, it is important for our Introduction to Biology courses to have up-to-date microscopes to learn with. With sub optimal equipment, student success is adversely impacted. |
|---|
| Department Goals | To equip Intro to Biology ( Bio 110 ) Lab with Replacement Microscopes |
|---|
| Programs | |
|---|
| Locations | Main Campus |
|---|
| Estimated Completion Date | 08/26/2026 |
|---|
| Will this initiative span multiple budget years? | Yes |
|---|
| Importance | High |
|---|
| Funding Source | Request for Prioritization |
|---|
| Created | 12/12/2025 2:11 pm |
|---|
| Updated | 12/12/2025 2:17 pm |
|---|
Institutional Goals
| Goal |
How will the initiative support this institutional goal? |
- COLLEGE GOALS as of 2011
- 1. To provide high quality academic courses and programs that prepare a diverse student population to achieve its educational, employment and enrichment goals.
|
Microscopes are old and not providing good quality experiences. |
Action Steps
| Action Step |
Responsible Party |
Order |
| Obtain bids from appropriate vendors, place orders for microscopes, set up in A & P labs |
Biology Department Chair and Biology Technical Assistant |
1 |
Expected Outcomes
| Outcome |
Order |
| Enhanced student learning experience and performance on lab exercises. |
1 |
Assessment Methods
| Method |
Description |
Other Method |
Responsible Party |
| Other |
Enter other assessment method |
Monitoring student success on laboratory assignments and General Education Assessment. Gathering student feedback resulting from student course evaluations. |
Biology Department Chair and Technical Assistant |
Resources
| INITIAL YEAR COST: |
$18,000.00 |
| RECURRING COST: |
$18,000.00 |
Equipment
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| Approximately $35,000 for 24 microscopes or $18,000 for 12 each year over the next two years. |
$18000.00
/ 18000.00 (1st year)
|
|
| TOTAL: |
$18,000.00 / $18,000.00 |
|
Facility
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| TOTAL: |
$0.00 / $0.00 |
|
Supply
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| TOTAL: |
$0.00 / $0.00 |
|
Staffing
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| TOTAL: |
$0.00 / $0.00 |
|
Training
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| TOTAL: |
$0.00 / $0.00 |
|
Marketing
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| TOTAL: |
$0.00 / $0.00 |
|
Other
| Need |
Cost (Initial/Recurring) |
Supporting Departments |
| TOTAL: |
$0.00 / $0.00 |
|
Prioritization
This is initiative is ready for prioritization.
Assessment
| Date | Department Name | Status | Cost to Date | Funding Source | |
| No results found. |