Creating a multi-disciplinary electrophysiology laboratory teaching facility

What: We undertake to create a dedicated Electrophysiology Laboratory teaching facility capable of applying state-of-the-art electrophysiology techniques and novel laboratory teaching philosophies in a multidisciplinary setting to undergraduates. This project will compliment a multi-million dollar initiative to centralize the undergraduate laboratory teaching of several Departments in the DH Copp Building. We are requesting funds to establish a core Laboratory Facility in the Copp Building and the recruitment of students for the purpose of laboratory curriculum development in the Departments of Cellular and Physiological Sciences and Zoology.

Why: To train students in the technically demanding techniques presently used in modern electrophysiology research, particularly in neurosciences, and to integrate these research-based methods into their undergraduate education using an inquiry-based learning approach. Such capability does not currently exist at UBC.

How: This project will require several years to implement. Phase One will involve the establishment of the core Laboratory Facility and the enhancement of existing courses. Phase Two will see an expansion into more sophisticated imaging technologies with molecular biology methods. This phase will be associated with new course development in the Departments of Cellular and Physiological Sciences and Zoology.

Barry Mason, Cellular and Physiological Science, Faculty of Medicine