Course Philosophy

Your experiments might not go as well as someone else’s, your interpretation of results might be completely different from the rest of the students, a lab team member may not contribute as much as you to a study, and dozens of other events that you can not foresee, let alone control. This will frustrate you, make you mad, and be a general problem that lurks about in this course.

As your lab instructors, we will do our best to guide you around the pitfalls as best we can. Unfortunately, some you, perhaps all of you, will fall at least once, if not more. It's okay to stumble, we expect it. This is the course to stumble in and to learn why you stumbled and how not to do it again.

2. Develop analytical skills.

3. Develop communication skills to report outcomes from research, primarily through technical writing.

4. Become familiar with using microscopes as a tool in research and extend your use of computers and the Internet.

5. Develop your ability to participate as an effective member of a research team.

6. Enrich your understanding of how the principles of Biol 1440 are connected to the principles of Biol 1441.

Materials

You are expected to bring the following items to lab each week:

1. Calculator- one with statistical functions is highly recommended

2. Graph paper which may be bound in a Lab notebook.  Plain white paper is optional, and will be useful in making scale drawings.

3. Marking pen, waterproof ink, such as Sharpie brand

4. Metric ruler

5.  Dissection kits are required, but only for labs when you will be doing investigations of organisms.  Check the web page for details on specific labs.  Students in the same lab group may share a dissection kit.  Kits are available in the UCA bookstore. 
Gloves, either latex or other suitable materials, are required for all animal dissections.

Lab grades will be based on both individual and group efforts in:

• Lab Assignments
• Lab Reports
• Lab Quizzes

This will often be given as a Research Question at the end of the previous lab. Becoming familiar with library research tools will help.

Contact the Reference Librarians at the Torreyson Library to arrange a session on learning about the Life Sciences Collection.

You will also be expected to have a Computer Account so that you can access the BIOL 1440 Web Page for each week’s assignments, labs, and other important information. Always look over the assignment on the Web before making any hardcopies.

Writing is an important part of lab, if you need help visit the Writing Center, 118 Irby Hall.

You will need to make every effort to be in lab on time and to help clean up when lab is over.

Three unexcused absences from lab is grounds for dropping a student with a WF.  If you know you will miss your registered lab section during the week, you may attend a different lab section with permission from the lab instructor.

Disclaimer

• Read your lab before class and listen to specific safety instructions from your instructor.  Check the web several times each week for updates and assignments.

• Know where the fire extinguisher, eye wash, and first aid kit is located.
  
• Do NOT eat or drink in lab. Never put anything in your mouth, that includes fingers, toes, elbows, etc.
  
• Wear a lab coat or clothing that can be stained or bleached. We are NOT responsible for clothing that is stained or damaged.
  
• Protective eyewear is optional for most labs, but may be required for specific labs.
  
• Notify your instructor immediately of any spillage, breakage, or injury.
  
• Clean up your lab bench thoroughly and any other lab areas before leaving.

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR LAB INSTRUCTOR!!