BIOPAC Student Lab Systems (BSL)

The BIOPAC Student Lab (BSL) Basic System provides everything you need (except a computer) to conduct core physiology experiments, including ECG, EEG, EMG, and EOG. Designed to make human physiology engaging and memorable, the system turns students into active participants by allowing them to record and analyze their own physiological signals.

Students follow step-by-step instructions from a comprehensive lab manual and an intuitive, full-color on-screen guide, making data collection straightforward—even for first-time users. After capturing their data, students can compare their results across different experimental conditions, among group members, and with the wider class to enhance learning through collaboration.

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Dynamic Lessons, Flexible and Expandable

The BSL Basic System is not just for teaching—it’s also a powerful platform for creating custom research experiments and exploring PRO Lessons, with no programming required. Starting with the Basic System, you can easily upgrade to the Advanced or Ultimate BSL systems as your lab’s needs grow.

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Need specific tools? You can purchase transducers, electrodes, and other accessories à la carte to build a system tailored to your curriculum or research.

Whether you're using ready-to-run lessons or building your own, BSL offers unmatched flexibility:

• Use 18 guided BSL Lessons to teach introductory physiology
• Choose from over 45 PRO Lessons covering both basic and advanced concepts
• Add custom analysis tools to any existing Lesson
• Let students design their own experiment protocols
• Modify existing Lessons or incorporate your current lab procedures
• Easily create entirely new experiments with no programming required

BSL Lessons are featured in leading published lab manuals and have been successfully used to explore:

• ECG
• EDA (GSR)
• Heart Sounds
• Reaction Time
• EEG
• Biofeedback
• Nerve Conduction
• Respiration
• EMG
• Bioimpedance/Cardiac Output
• Pulmonary Function
• Temperature
• EOG
• Blood Pressure
• Gas Analysis
• Metabolic Rate

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The MP Data Acquisition Unit – Core of the BSL System

At the heart of every BSL System is the MP Data Acquisition Unit, featuring:

• A built-in microprocessor for data control and conversion
• Analog input channels (4 on MP36, 2 on MP46), one can be used as a trigger input
• Real-time signal capture and processing with the connected computer

Just plug the MP unit into your computer, connect electrodes, transducers, or I/O devices, and you’re ready to go. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the MP hardware before starting your first experiment for a smooth experience.

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Basic System Components

All BSL packages include:

• Powerful MP36 Data Acquisition Unit with 4 certified human-safe input channels, built-in amplifiers
• BSL software with interactive, guided lessons; extensive before-, during-, and after-lab student and educator support materials; and BSL PRO
• BSL Laboratory Manual
• Electrode lead sets with smart, “Simple Sensor” connectors
• Disposable electrodes
• Abrasive pads
• USB cable
• Power transformer

BSL software then guides students through BSL lessons with full-color onscreen instructions, a detailed lab manual, and embedded procedure videos and data samples. “Smart” electrodes and transducers employ sensors that allow the software to communicate with them to ensure that the students are using the correct devices and collecting good data; it’s like having a teaching assistant in a box.

Once students collect the data, they use included software tools to measure the amplitude and frequency, plus a wide range of other values from the electrical signals. Students can compare their results to published normal values, or the values before and after a subject performed a specified task. They can even compare their results with other students in the lab, and completed data reports can be saved, placed in a DropBox^® account, or emailed to instructors for review, or saved on a networked server.