Lecture Notes on Biology of Human Life

Instructor: Ms. Gianna or Prof. Gianna
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology from Sacred Heart University
- Currently pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology and Ecology at Montclair State University
Professional Experience:
- Conducted research in various laboratories
- Engaged in non-profit work
- Worked at Connecticut Beardsley Zoo
Research Interests:
- Invasive Plant Research
- Conservation efforts for Barnegat Bay

Laboratory Attendance and Grading Policies:
- Missing three or more labs will result in automatic failure of the course.
- Unexcused absences will receive a zero for missed classes, unless excused by the university.
Excusable Circumstances May Include:
- Prolonged Illness/Chronic Health Issues
- Hospitalization
- Family Emergencies (e.g., death of an immediate family member)
- Fire and Flood Emergencies
- Military Deployment
Communication Policies:
- If tardy or absent, students must email the instructor BEFORE class.
Lab Assignments:
- Must be completed using the designated manual or will incur point deductions.
- Late work will not be accepted.
- All assignments will be graded on accuracy unless stated otherwise.
Quizzes:
- Weekly quizzes based on the previous week’s material.
- Students who were absent will still be required to take the quiz.
- If a student is absent on the quiz day, they must email the instructor.
- Students arriving late may not take the quiz.

Exams:
- Two planned exams, each worth 20% of the final grade.
- Exam dates are October 16th and December 11th.
Individual Assignments:
- Students must prepare a presentation and paper based on a scientific research article, due at the end of the semester.
Microscope Policy:
- Microscopes must be returned to the correct spots after use.
Food and Drink Policy:
- Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited in the lab at all times.
Safety Compliance:
- Non-compliance with safety procedures as outlined in the handout may lead to removal from the lab and receiving a zero for the day.
- Students who do not sign the safety contract will receive a zero until it is completed.

Attire Requirements:
- Wear proper protective equipment (e.g., goggles, gloves) as necessary.
- Always wear closed-toed and closed-back shoes, and long pants in the lab.
- Hair must be tied back as needed.
- Avoid wearing dangling jewelry.
Avoiding Exposure:
- Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are prohibited in the laboratory.
- Familiarize oneself with the eyewash station before using any chemicals in case of exposure.
- Any injuries or accidents must be reported immediately.
- Always wash hands after completing lab activities.

Steps in the Scientific Method:
1. Make an Observation
2. State your Hypothesis
3. Experiment - Test your Hypothesis
4. Analyze your Data
5. Draw Conclusion

Example of Observation: "My flashlight isn’t working!"
- The observation identifies the problem needing resolution.
- Specificity regarding the observed problem is crucial.

Example Hypothesis: "If I put new batteries in my flashlight, then it will turn on."
- A hypothesis does not require phrases such as “I think that” or “I believe”; it should be direct.
- The structure must use the words "if" and "then" to delineate the anticipated outcome.
- A hypothesis serves as an educated guess regarding the experimental outcome.

Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter.
- Example: Condition of batteries (new vs. old batteries).
Dependent Variable: The variable that responds to changes in the independent variable.
- Example: Whether the flashlight turns on (on-off state).
Control Group: The standard for comparison.
- Example: A flashlight with the same battery placement, but using old batteries instead of new.

Conceptual Visualization:
- Independent Variable
- Manipulated
- Cause
- Input
- Dependent Variable
- Measured
- Effect
- Output
- What you do results in what happens before and after the experiment.

Scenario: A group of students participated in speed-reading training to determine if monetary incentives affect performance on a reading test.
- Independent Variable (IV): Monetary incentive ($5 or no money).
- This is the manipulated variable.
- Dependent Variable (DV): Performance on the reading test.
- This variable can be quantified by the results of the experiment.
- Control Group (CG): The group offered $0 (no monetary incentive).
- This group does not experience the influence of the independent variable.

To test the hypothesis, insert new batteries into the flashlight to confirm its functionality.
The procedural details must be clearly outlined to ensure accuracy in the experimental process.
The experiment seeks to either confirm or deny the hypothesis.

Upon collecting data during the experiment, observe for any identifiable trends.
- If the data supports the hypothesis – conclude that the hypothesis stands.
- Example: Installation of new batteries leads to the flashlight illuminating.
- If the data does not support the hypothesis – the hypothesis is refuted.
- Further experiments may be required with different factors (e.g., testing with a new light bulb).
When concluding, be sure to identify potential errors that might have occurred during experimentation, such as incorrect battery types, a stuck switch, or other variables.