A successful University of California, Davis, biological sciences program for bettering undergraduate education received a $2 million boost today through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The award is part of what is believed to be the largest series of grants by a private organization in U.S. history to enhance the quality of science education for college students. The $86 million in four-year grants will help 62 universities to expand undergraduate research opportunities, modernize courses, attract women and minorities to science, and cooperate more closely with K-12 science teachers and students. UC Davis, widely known for its teaching and research in the biological sciences, is one of six institutions to receive the maximum $2 million. The campus offers a number of special educational programs in the biological sciences. These include academic support programs for assisting students from underrepresented ethnic groups, encouraging honors students, preparing community college transfer students and reaching out to high school students. "This grant renewal with its increased award is a validation of our programs in undergraduate biology education and an encouragement to expand our activities using the expertise and talents of our faculty for innovative education in biology," said microbiology professor Merna Villarejo, director of the campus Undergraduate Biological Sciences Education Program. Nearly one-half of the grant money is dedicated to promoting the academic success and research opportunities for UC Davis undergraduates in the biological sciences, including minorities and women. "A large fraction of the money is paid in direct stipends to students," Villarejo says. "It's our way of helping students to cope with the rising cost of education. It's putting money into the hands of students so they can afford to study science." Another quarter of the funds will support area community college and high school teachers' efforts to upgrade their biology classrooms. "Our community college partnership with Sacramento City College is distinct in the nation," Villarejo said. "Our approach is education of the faculty, who have heavy teaching loads and need opportunities for professional renewal. What's new in this grant is extending that successful formula to high school teachers." The remainder of the grant money will go to updating and expanding the laboratory equipment and courses at UC Davis. The campus programs that will benefit from the grant are listed below. • The Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program (BUSP), a highly successful, 6-year-old program that promotes the academic success of underrepresented students in biology. • The Summer Honors Advanced Research Program (SHARP), a program established in 1992 that enables outstanding undergraduate students in biology to pursue in-depth summer research. • The Transfer Academy, a program that prepares community college transfer students for university-level course work. • The University Partnership Program (UPP), a program that brings instructors from area community colleges to UC Davis for professional development in the sciences and curriculum development. • The Biology Institute -- High School Outreach Program, a collaborative effort with Sacramento City College that offers high school teachers professional development in the sciences and curriculum development. • The Integrative Laboratory Development Project, the establishment of a two-quarter series of laboratory courses that illustrates the ways in which genetics, molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry are integrated in modern biological research. It also teaches students basic techniques in these disciplines. • A "Guide to Undergraduate Research Opportunities," a booklet for students that identifies faculty members campuswide who involve undergraduates in research.