Research in the field of molecular biology has progressed at
a fascinating rate in recent years. Much of this progress
results from the development of new laboratory techniques
that allow very precise fractionation and analysis of nucleic
acids and proteins, as well as the construction of recombinant
DNA molecules that can then be cloned and
expressed in host cells. Progress has been so rapid that there
has been a shortfall in the training of appropriately qualified
staff. Many existing laboratory workers require retraining,
and many educational institutions have had difficulty incorporating
the new molecular biology techniques into their
teaching programs. Although there are several manuals
currently available that describe laboratory techniques in
molecular biology, they are principally written for the individual
research worker and are not intended for use in the
design of practical classes for students.