Agricultural and Biological Instrumentation

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Agricultural and Biological Instrumentation
PlS 497 and PlS 597
Class Locations TAMU-Commerce, Ag. Sci.
___ and TAMU-Dallas Research and Extension
Center, Education Building, 17360 Coit Road,
Dallas 75252
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Agricultural and Biological Instrumentation
Coordinator Dr. Jim Heitholt
Class Meeting Time 6 pm Mondays
Objectives To describe some of the techniques
and instruments used to analyze qualitative and
quantitative biological traits.
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Contact Information
Dr. Jim Heitholt, TAES - Dallas or 146
Agricultural Science Bldg.
Phone [phone] or 903-886-5359
Fax [phone] or 903-886-5990
Email j-heitholt_at_tamu.edu
Address 17360 Coit Road Dallas,
TX 75252 - 6599
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Topics - Environmental
Controlled Environment - Growth Chambers
Weather Station / Data Loggers
Plant Growth Analysis
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Licor, Inc Weather Station
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Data Loggers
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Topics - Chemical
Mineral Analysis / pH/ Atomic Absorption
Carbohydrate / Lipid / Protein Analysis
Spectrophotometry / Immunoassays
Chromatography - HPLC, GC
Plant Growth Substances
Photosynthesis
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pH Meter
Electrode from pH Probe
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Licor Photosynthesis System
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Topics - Cellular
Extraction / Buffers / Enzyme Assays
Microbiological Methods
Cytology / Microscopy
Tissue Culture
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Tissue Culture
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Approach
Explain the principles and theory involved in the
use of a given instrument and method.
Explain why scientists have chosen certain
methods and instruments.
The topics selected for this class are based upon
the expertise of the scientists and equipment
present at TAMU-Dallas. However, technology is
changing rapidly and alternative methods are
likely to exist. Students aware of alternative
procedures for measuring the selected variables
are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the
class.
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Coordinators Philosophy
A class only begins to provide a student with
expertise in a given technique or instrument.
Few scientists, including your coordinator, are
skilled at using all of the techniques and
instruments available. Repeated use (practice)
of the techniques and instruments is the best way
to achieve true skill. Oftentimes, a technique
or instrument temporarily fails but through the
rectification process, a strong understanding is
attained.
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Grading
Undergraduate Credit 400 points Three take-home
tests, two in-class exams. Graduate Credit 500
points Three take-home tests, two in-class exams,
and a class project (100 points). The topic of
the project is negotiable. For example, students
may conduct a short study using any of the topics
previously listed.
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Text
There is no formal text. The coordinator may
place books on reserve in the library for use
during take-home tests. In-class tests are
primarily from the material covered in the
lectures and lab demonstrations.
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