LABORATORY

Each week we will conduct an investigation focusing on a topic or topics discussed in lecture. Some laboratory experiments may require data collection over several days and you will be required to come into the laboratory during non-class hours to complete the project. Complete understanding of laboratory sessions will depend heavily on a thorough understanding of the lecture material and assigned readings. Generally, you will work in groups of three or four, but may work in pairs. Discussion of questions posed during each laboratory is expected within each lab group.

For one of the labs, you must analyze your data and write a short group report (no more than five typed, double-spaced pages). I will discuss this in class. The report should take the form of a short scientific paper. This includes: (1) an introduction describing the objective(s) of the experiment, (2) the methods used to achieve the objective(s), (3) a concise summary of the results, (4) a short discussion and interpretation of the results, (5) literature cited. Graphs and/or tables illustrating your results should be included in each report.

Consult Pechenik (2007), Chapter 9 for instruction on writing the lab report.

Your laboratory grade will consist of the following:

Scientific Paper – Goldfish or Plant Defenses lab 40%
LAP Group Report paper – 10%
Oral Presentation - 20%
Dissection Practical - 30%

Laboratory Schedule
Aug. 25/ 27 - Lab Introduction, Orientation, and Safety / Scientific Method and Analyzing Data
Sept. 1/3 - Evolution Mechanisms – Simulations – planning for “LAP lab”
Sept. 8/10 - Population Genetics – “LAP Lab”
Sept. 15/17 - Population Genetics – “LAP Lab” – data analysis
Sept. 22/24 – Scientific Writing, Goldfish Respiration – Plan Experiment, Proposal due by end of class
Sept. 29/ Oct. 1 - Goldfish Respiration – Data collection/analysis (LAP lab Due Oct 3 by 5:00 pm)
Oct. 6/8 - BioBlitz – on DCEP, field work form required, Plan Plant Defenses (discuss proposal prior to next lab)
Oct. 13/15 NO LAB – FALL BREAK
Oct. 20/22 – Plant Defenses Bioassay
Oct. 27/29 - Plant Defenses – data analysis
Nov. 3/5 - Fetal Pig Anatomy (Plant or Goldfish Lab due Nov. 7 by 5:00 pm)
Nov. 10/12 – Fetal Pig Anatomy
Nov. 17/19 - Practical Exam (Fetal Pig Anatomy)
Nov. 24 NO LAB - THANKSGIVING
Dec. 1/3 - Conservation Biology - Presentations