University of Guelph receives equipment gift for molecular biology and genetics lab

Guelph, ON — January 16, 2003 — The University of Guelph’s College of Biological Science has received a donation of $425,000 worth of equipment from Agilent Technologies Canada. The equipment a bioanalyzer, two UV-visible spectrophotometers, a capillary electrophoresis instrument, a liquid chromatograph and a liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer is being used by undergraduate students in courses that are held in the molecular biology and genetics lab.

“This generous contribution from a leading supplier will be used to support state-of-the-art facilities in the field of biomolecular science. [It] offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies,” says Michael Emes, dean of the College of Biological Science-U of G. “It reinforces the link between an exceptional research environment and our undergraduate programs, in which our students have unparalleled opportunities to experience and participate in what is happening in modern science.”

The bioanalyzer is the only known machine of its kind available in an undergraduate course in Canada.

“Agilent Technologies is committed to supporting the educational experience of students pursuing careers in science and technology,” says Patrick Zimanyi, Canadian business team manager for Agilent’s life sciences business unit. “Educational institutions such as the University of Guelph play an important role in our business by educating the best and the brightest students to reach their potential. It gives us a great feeling of pride to know that our equipment can help it to provide an innovative, hands-on laboratory education.”

Most of the equipment was installed last summer. During the fall 2002 semester, undergraduate and graduate students operated the spectrophotometers and high-performance liquid chromatograph. Senior undergraduate students are expected to use the bioanalyzer and capillary electrophoresis equipment this winter in new DNA and protein separation exercises developed for the Advanced Laboratory Methods course.