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Major Course Objectives:

Biology 101 Laboratory consists of experiments, exercises and demonstrations emphasizing an introductory survey of plants and animals. You will study phylogenetic organization, morphology, and physiology of sample organisms. The course is for biology majors, premed students, and others who require a prerequisite in the biological sciences.

Evaluation:

Lab Pop Quizzes                                     50 points
Two Lab Reports (50 points each)          100 points
Two Lab Practicals                              200 points

TOTAL                                                  350 points

90-100% = A
80-85% = B
86-89% = B+
76-79% = C +
70-75% = C
60-65% = D
66-69% = D+
< 60% = F

Quizzes will be pop quizzes based upon the previous laboratory exercise. You should be certain that you have answered the questions within the text of the laboratory assignment, as well as, the QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW and APPLYING YOUR KNOWLEDGE at the end of the laboratory section. Quizzes will be similar to these questions or applications of the principles upon which these questions are based. QUIZZES CAN ONLY BE TAKED DURING THE LAB FOR WHICH THEY ARE SCHEDULED. There are no make-up quizzes.

Lab Reports:

Lab reports will focus on the Results and Discussion sections of a formal report. Appendix III (p. 499) at the end of your laboratory manual contains instructions for writing a formal lab report. We will go over these prior to the submission of your first lab report.

The laboratory provides an opportunity to investigate concepts introduced during the lecture portion of the course. It is an opportunity to develop careful observation, dissection and organization skills. Frequently when instructors are asked to write recommendations for students, laboratory experiences provide evidence of skill and knowledge in biology. Please take assignments seriously and be prepared to begin work when you enter the laboratory. It is difficult to provide a substitute lab experience for those who miss lab so try to be present each week. You are required to keep a record of your laboratory observations in your lab notebook. The more complete and detailed your lab notebook is, the greater the assistance it will provide.