BIO121L Session 1

Class Introduction

  • Instructor: Dr. Cohen, first-time lecturer for this class.

  • Lab Manual Requirement: No longer required; all necessary information will be provided during class.

Attire Requirements

  • Required Items:

    • Lab coat

    • Proper attire: closed-toe shoes, pants.

  • Safety Note: Students without proper attire will not be allowed to participate in lab activities.

  • Specimens: Students will work with different specimens, including blood.

Course Overview

  • Tentative Schedule:

    • Activities may change based on the arrival of ordered materials.

    • Next week's lab will focus on milk.

Grading Structure

  • Components of Grades:

    • Weekly participation: Attendance will be recorded via a sign-in sheet.

    • Lab reports: Details regarding the first lab report expected next week.

    • Pre-lab quizzes: Due before each class and posted on the class calendar.

    • APA format is required for all written submissions.

  • Clarification for Grades: Percentages for grading will be discussed in the next class.

Safety Protocols

  • Essential Safety Gear:

    • Sharps containers for any sharp items.

    • Gloves available at the front; sizes can be requested as needed.

    • Safety goggles are provided; students may use their own if preferred.

  • Electrical Safety:

    • Outlets are located on the ground; caution advised near water-spilling areas.

  • Washing Station:

    • Multiple stations available for cleaning glassware and hands; soap provided.

  • Proper Waste Disposal:

    • Broken Glass Disposal: Only glass should go in broken glass container.

    • Corrosive liquids must be disposed in designated corrosive waste containers.

    • Hazardous waste including corrosive materials will be managed according to safety protocols.

    • A spill kit is available for oil or hazardous spills.

    • Corrosive and flammables cabinets are present, but access will generally be limited.

Icebreaker Activity

  • Purpose: To get to know one another in a friendly manner.

    • Students will introduce themselves with name, major, and a positive personal anecdote from the past week or break.

Genetics Overview

  • Alleles:

    • Definitions of dominant and recessive alleles.

    • Dominant Alleles: Genes expressed over recessive alleles (indicated by uppercase letters).

    • Recessive Alleles: Only expressed if two copies are present (indicated by lowercase letters).

    • Homozygous vs. Heterozygous:

    • Homozygous: Two identical alleles (aa or AA).

    • Heterozygous: Two different alleles (Aa).

  • Punnett Squares:

    • Structure: A square divided into four sections used for predicting genetic variation.

    • Example given with C (butt chin) to illustrate how to fill out the squares.

Observable Traits Activity

  • Students will engage in practical demonstrations to observe genetic traits such as widow's peak, bent fingers, and albinism.

  • Discussion on how traits can display dominant or recessive characteristics and how that is exhibited through physical traits observed in class.

Blood Typing Lab Instructions

  • Purpose of Activity: Blood typing to understand ABO blood group system.

  • Blood Types:

    • Identified antigens: A, B, O.

    • Some individuals can express both A and B, resulting in AB blood type (co-dominance).

  • Testing Blood Type:

    • Procedure involves pricking a finger to draw blood, applying it onto testing cards, and adding serum solutions corresponding to the blood type being tested.

  • Waste Disposal: Emphasis on disposing used sharps and blood-contaminated items properly.

  • Safety Measures:

    • Use gloves and ensure proper handling of blood samples to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Clotting Observation: Clotting indicates blood type based on the presence or absence of antigens.

Conclusion of Activities

  • Reflection on better understanding of genetic traits and blood types.

  • Encouragement to approach the next class with any follow-up questions or clarifications needed from today’s discussion.