BISC 111/113

Welcome to BISC 111/113 Introductory Organismal Biology Laboratory, Fall 2011!

Laboratory Instructors: Jocelyne Dolce, Janet McDonough, Christa Skow, Sally S. Smith, Simone Helluy

Labs: M 1:30-5 McDonough; T 12:30-4 Dolce; W 2:15-5:45 Skow; W 6:30-10pm Smith; Th 1-4:30 Smith; F 1-4:30 Helluy

Laboratory Responsibilities
The lectures for BISC 111 will focus on the structural and functional relationships in plants and animals, evolution and ecology. Although the information in the laboratories will not always coincide with the lectures, the laboratories and the lectures form a complementary package. The labs are an integral part of the learning experience in this course and your attendance is required. In order to pass BISC 111 you must pass both the lecture and the lab section of the course. If you have unexcused absences, you will not pass the lab.

Please see the Calendar and Assignments link above for specific assignments and descriptions.

Your performance in the laboratory will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Preparation: Students who prepare for the laboratory sessions ultimately have a better performance record in the course. If you are to work efficiently and effectively in the laboratory, it is necessary for you to be organized and familiar with the laboratory exercise. To prepare for each session carefully read the lab exercise and supporting material from the text before coming to lab.

Assignments: Several labs have small assignments. The instructions are found at the end of each lab. If your lab instructor modifies the assignments, it is your responsibility to record these changes in your lab notes.

Lab Reports and Oral Presentations: Guidelines are presented within this Wiki and your lab instructor will give more specific instructions.

Lab Practicals: These are in-class, hands-on tests that cover material such as lab skills, computer skills, and dissections not specifically covered in the lab reports.

In-Laboratory Performance: Part of your overall laboratory grade will be based on how you conduct yourself in the laboratory. Be sure that you are familiar with the rules enumerated on page III. Remember that repeated tardiness is grounds for loss of points.

Tardiness: Directions and explanations of each lab will be given at the beginning of lab. Therefore PROMPT attendance is imperative.

Makeups: Laboratories are a REQUIRED and ESSENTIAL part of the course. There will be no opportunity to make up a missed laboratory except for illness. In this case the laboratory should be made up by attending the same lab with another section.

Equipment:You are responsible for the compound microscope and the dissecting microscope. Please use them carefully and report any defect as soon as you are aware of it. Turn off the light, put the low power lens in position, cover the microscope, and return it to its cabinet each time you finish with it. Place any computer files you want to save in the lab folder for your section.

General Lab Safety Information

Campus police: 2120, emg. 5555

1. Note the position of fire extinguisher, fire blanket, eyewash, first aid kit in each laboratory (and shower if present).

2. In case of fire, exit to rear of the lab.

3. No drinking, eating, or smoking in the laboratory.

4. Keep the lab aisles clear and your desktop uncluttered.

5. Hang coats on hooks in the hall and put unneeded books in the lockable cabinets outside the laboratory before entering. Shoes are required in the lab (no sandals).

6. In case of personal accidents such as cuts, spilling living cultures, etc., report immediately to the instructor.

7. Clean desks of all apparatus, cultures, etc. at the end of each laboratory period. Leave each laboratory as you found it. Willingness to help in the clean up at the end of each lab is expected.

8. Label all material you wish to save with your name, date, lab section, and identify the material.

9. Wash hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.

10. Read and sign the informed consent prior to lab 8.

Finally, we want your experience in the laboratory to be enjoyable. If you arrive prepared, you should find the material both stimulating and exciting. Share your excitement with students at your bench. Never hesitate to ask questions of your lab instructor and have a great semester!