BIOL189L Lab 1 Notes: Taking Measurements in Biology

Course Overview and Logistics

  • Course: BIOL189L Lab 1 – Taking Measurements in Biology

  • Source material is a lab course transcript covering policy, procedures, and lab activities.

  • Emphasis on taking measurements, lab safety, ethics, and preparation for hands-on experiments.

Lab Structure and Materials

  • Lab manual required; only pages from the lab manual are accepted for assignments.

  • Lab manual available at UNLV bookstore.

  • Hybrid course format: 1 hour online activities and assignments outside of lab, and 1 hour 45 minutes of in-person lab activities.

  • Online activities (ESBs) introduce content for upcoming lab and are due no later than 11:59 PM the day before you are registered for lab.

WebCampus and Online Preparation

  • Online assignments are found on WebCampus.

  • Module pages prepare you for pre-lab assignments; view every page, watch every video.

  • You cannot access next modules without opening pages in the current module.

  • In student view, lab instructor demonstrates where to find Modules, Syllabus, PowerPoints, Announcements, Grades.

Lab Attendance and Absences

  • Attendance is required; you must attend the lab you are enrolled in.

  • Make-up labs/assignments require legal or medical documentation.

  • If missing lab, email the lab coordinator on the day of the absence (within 24 hours).

  • Absence requests must use the Absence Notification Form on WebCampus with supporting verifiable documentation.

  • After a lab week has passed, no other arrangements can be made (even with documentation).

  • The dropped lab quiz and lab report will be used for the week of the absence in these circumstances.

  • More information is available in the Syllabus and on WebCampus.

  • Questions: contact the lab coordinator at biol.189.lab@unlv.edu.

Quizzes and Pre-Lab Quizzes

  • Quizzes and Pre-Lab Quizzes are combined; questions are short answer, fill-in-the-blank, or practical (stations).

  • Content for each quiz is detailed in the topic schedule in the syllabus.

  • Quizzes are 12 minutes at the start of each lab; late students receive no extra time; no make-ups after the quiz is handed in.

  • QUIZZES: 20% of overall lab grade; 10 points per weekly quiz; the lowest score is dropped at the end of the semester.

  • PRE-LAB QUIZZES: 15% of overall lab grade; weekly pre-lab quizzes 5 points each; the lowest score is dropped at the end of the semester.

  • Pre-lab quiz material covers information from the lab that day, based on reading the manual, ESBs, and learning objectives in the manual.

Lab Reports

  • WEEKLY LAB REPORTS: 20% of overall lab grade; weekly lab reports 5 points each; lowest score dropped.

  • Must be actively working on the report during lab; failure to participate and complete lab may reduce points.

  • After finishing a lab, show your TA your work and have your bench properly cleaned.

  • Have TA stamp the first page of your lab report; you must request this stamp.

  • If the stamp is missing, max score is 2.5/5 (50%).

  • Due at the beginning of the next lab (due dates in Topic Schedule in the Syllabus).

  • Use time during lab and TA office hours; all answers must be handwritten; photocopies not accepted.

  • Lab reports are not accepted early; you may not turn in a lab report for a lab you were absent.

Pre-lab Protocols (PLPs)

  • PRE-LAB PROTOCOLS (PLPs): 5% of overall lab grade; due at the beginning of lab – 5 points each; lowest score dropped.

  • PLPs are outlines of protocols and procedures for the day’s experiments.

  • You preview lab exercises and write summarized steps of the protocol to complete the lab activities.

  • Include quantities, time intervals, and substance names.

  • Due at the beginning of the lab when you walk in (dates in Topic Schedule in the Syllabus).

Pre-lab Protocols Example (PLP) – Original and PLP Version

  • Original Instructions example given (10 steps for pancake): list of cooking steps and measurements.

  • PLP version condenses steps and ingredients for quick reference (e.g., heat skillet, combine ingredients, whisk, cook, flip, serve).

Online Activities (ESBs)

  • ONLINE ACTIVITIES (Elaine Super Brains, ESBs): 15% of overall lab grade.

  • Students spend approximately 1 hour completing online assignments in WebCampus before spending 1 hour 45 minutes in-person.

  • Must come to lab prepared; ESBs help with pre-lab quizzes.

  • ESBs include assignments, quizzes, diagrams, and discussions.

  • Due before 11:59 PM the day prior to your lab; late assignments are not accepted.

Practical Exams

  • MIDTERM LAB PRACTICAL EXAM: 10% of final grade (Week of Oct 13th).

  • COMPREHENSIVE LAB PRACTICAL: 15% of final grade (Week of Dec 8th).

  • More details to come; study using weekly study guides and practical study guides; review quizzes, pre-lab quizzes, lab reports, and PLPs.

  • Study guides will be provided on WebCampus.

Student Expectations and Conduct

  • You are expected to behave considerately toward fellow students, lab models, computers and software, lab equipment, and the learning atmosphere.

  • The lab is a cooperative environment; participation is expected from all students.

  • Some lab experiments will be divided among students; results should be communicated with all lab bench members.

  • Failure to share results may result in loss of points for bench members.

A.I. Use

  • Students are not allowed to use advanced automated generative AI tools on online learning activities in this course.

  • Each student is expected to complete each assignment without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.

Academic Misconduct

  • Academic Misconduct results in a failing grade (F) for BIOL189L.

  • Examples include:

    • Plagiarism: using another’s words or ideas without proper citation.

    • If retaking the class, you cannot submit the same assignments (lab reports, PLPs, online work).

    • Receiving unauthorized external assistance during an examination or any academic exercise for credit.

  • More details available in the syllabus.

Lab Attire

  • Must follow lab dress code:

    • Closed-toe shoes with enclosed heel; no holes.

    • Top must cover midriff, back, and shoulders (T-shirts or long-sleeves).

    • Pants required; no shorts or skirts.

    • No mesh clothing or holes in clothing.

    • Hair tied back.

    • Goggles and lab coats are NOT required.

  • If attire is improper, you will be asked to leave and cannot participate in the quiz or lab until properly dressed.

  • No makeup labs offered.

Safety Policies

  • Locate safety equipment around the lab.

  • Notify the TA about injuries, chemical spills, broken glass, and fire.

  • No eating or drinking in the lab.

  • Before leaving, wash hands, clean table, and return materials to their starting locations.

Student Responsibilities Agreement

  • Read and review each item; sign/initial on the back of the agreement.

  • Turn in before you leave the lab.

  • This agreement is worth 5 points.

  • Also sign the class lab safety sheet; you will not be permitted into the lab without completing the agreement.