BIOL189L Lab 1 Comprehensive Notes

Course Overview

• BIOL189L Lab 1: Taking Measurements in Biology (Laboratory 1)
• Course type: Hybrid (online + in-person lab)
  • Online component: 1 hour of ESBs ( Elaine Super Brains ) and assignments outside of lab
  • In-person lab: 1 hour 45 minutes of hands-on activities
  • Lab manual required; only pages from the lab manual will be accepted for assignments
• Course location and access
  • Lab content accessed via WebCampus
  • Modules, syllabus, PowerPoints, announcements, grades, and labs modules are sequential—must view each page in a module to access the next
• Preparation
  • Students are expected to come prepared to lab
  • ESBs introduce content before the upcoming lab; ESBs due no later than 11:59 PM the day BEFORE your lab registration
• Next steps
  • Review the syllabus for detailed policies and deadlines

Lab Platform: WebCampus and Modules

• WebCampus hosts online assignments and modules
• Each module consists of pages to view, read, and watch (videos)
• You cannot access the next module until you open each page in the current module
• In student view, the lab instructor demonstrates where to find:
  • Modules, Syllabus, PowerPoints, Announcements, Grades
• Modules, pages, and activities are organized to prepare for pre-lab assignments

Lab Attendance and Absences

• Attendance is required for the enrolled lab section
• Make-up labs/assignments permitted only with verifiable legal or medical documentation
• If you miss lab, email the lab coordinator on the day of the absence (within 24 hours)
• Absence requests must use the absence notification form on WebCampus and include supporting documentation
• After a lab week has passed, no other arrangements can be made (even with documentation)
• For these circumstances, the dropped lab quiz and lab report will be used for the week of the absence
• Questions regarding policy should be directed to biol.189.lab@unlv.edu

Quizzes and Grading Structure

• Quizzes are a combined Quiz and Pre-Lab Quiz
• Question formats: short answer, fill-in-the-blank, or station-based practical questions
• Quiz content is detailed in the topic schedule in the syllabus
• Times and timing
  • Quizzes: 12 minutes at the start of each lab
  • Late students receive no extra time; no make-up for the quiz after it’s handed in
• Grade weights
  • Quizzes: 20% of overall lab grade
  • Weekly quizzes: 10 points each; 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
• Content coverage
  • Quiz material covers information from the lab the previous week
  • Pre-lab quizzes cover information from the lab you are doing that day, based on manual readings, ESBs, and learning objectives in the manual

Lab Reports

• Weekly lab reports account for 20% of the overall lab grade
• Each weekly lab report is worth 5 points; the lowest score is dropped
• You must be actively working on the report during lab; lack of participation lowers the score
• Procedure for submission
  • After completing a lab, show your TA your work and have your bench properly cleaned
  • Once confirmed by the TA, request the stamp on the first page of your lab report
  • If the lab report lacks the TA stamp, the maximum possible score is 2.5/5 (50%)
  • Due at the beginning of the next lab (due dates are in the Topic Schedule in the Syllabus)
• Tips
  • Use TA office hours for guidance
  • All answers must be handwritten; photocopies are not accepted
  • Lab reports are not accepted early
  • You may not turn in a lab report for a lab in which you were absent

Pre-Lab Protocols (PLPs)

• PLPs contribute 5% of the overall lab grade
• Due at the beginning of the lab (5 points each)
• Lowest PLP score is dropped at the end of the semester
• Purpose and content
  • PLPs provide an outline of the protocols and procedures performed in the day’s experiments
  • You preview the lab exercises and write a summarized set of protocol steps to complete the lab activities
  • PLPs should include quantities, time intervals, and substance names
• Submission timing
  • Due at the beginning of the lab when you walk in (due dates in Topic Schedule in the Syllabus)

Pre-Lab Protocols: Example

• Original Instructions example: a multi-step pancake recipe with explicit quantities and steps
• PLP version example: condensed steps with combined quantities and streamlined steps
  • Purpose: summarize the protocol so you can complete the lab activities without the full manual

Online Activities (ESBs)

• ESBs ( Elaine Super Brains ) account for 15% of the overall lab grade
• Structure
  • Approximately 1 hour of online lab assignments on WebCampus prior to 1 hour 45 minutes of in-person lab time
  • These activities help with the pre-lab quiz as well
• Content types
  • Assignments, quizzes, diagrams, discussions
• Deadlines
  • Due before 11:59 PM the day prior to your lab
  • No late assignments accepted

Practical Exams

• Midterm Lab Practical: 10% of final grade (Week of Oct 13)
• Comprehensive Lab Practical: 15% of final grade (Week of Dec 8)
• Preparatory resources
  • Weekly study guides and practical study guides
  • Quizzes, pre-lab quizzes, lab reports, and PLPs are used for preparation
  • Study guides will be provided on WebCampus

Student Expectations and Conduct

• Behavioral expectations
  • Be considerate of fellow students, lab models, computers, software, lab equipment, and learning atmosphere
  • The lab is a cooperative environment; participation is expected from all students
• Collaboration and communication
  • Some experiments will be divided among students at each lab bench; results should be shared with all bench members
  • Failure to share results can result in loss of points for all contributing members
• AI policy
  • Students are not allowed to use advanced automated AI tools on online learning activities
  • Each student is expected to complete assignments without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools

Academic Integrity

• Academic Misconduct can result in a failing grade (F) for Biol 189L
• Definitions include:
  • Plagiarism: using someone else's words or ideas without proper citation
  • If retaking the course, you cannot submit the same assignments (including lab reports, PLPs, and online work)
  • Receiving unauthorized external assistance during an exam or any academic exercise for credit
• Further details are provided in the syllabus

Lab Attire and Safety

• Lab attire requirements
  • Closed-toe shoes with enclosed heel; no holes
  • Top must cover midriff, back, and shoulders (T-shirts or long sleeves)
  • Pants only (no shorts or skirts); no mesh clothing or holes in clothing
  • Hair must be tied back
  • Goggles and lab coats are NOT required; if not properly dressed, you will be asked to leave and cannot participate or take the quiz
  • No make-up labs offered
• Safety policies
  • Locate safety equipment in the lab
  • Inform the TA of injuries, chemical spills, broken glass, or fire
  • No eating or drinking in the lab
  • Before leaving, wash hands, clean the table, and return materials to their starting locations

Student Responsibilities Agreement

• Read and review each item in the Student Responsibilities Agreement
• Initial each item and sign the back of the agreement
• Submit the agreement before leaving lab (worth 5 points)
• Sign the class lab safety sheet
• You will not be permitted into the lab without completing the agreement

Lab 1: Taking Measurements in Biology

• Title: Laboratory 1 — Taking Measurements in Biology
• Core focus: acquiring metric measurement skills across several domains

Procedure 1.1: Making Metric Conversions

• Objectives
  • Learn to convert between standard notation and scientific notation
  • Memorize the metric system base units
  • Practice conversions between metric and imperial systems
• Example 1: Scientific notation conversion
  • Practice: Convert 0.000321 to scientific notation
  • Process: Count how many places the decimal point must move to determine the exponent
  • Result: Since the decimal moves to the right, the exponent is negative
  • Calculation: $0.000321 = 3.21 \times 10^{-4}$
• Example 2: Imperial to metric conversion
  • Practice: How many mL are in 10 fluid oz?
  • Given: 1 fluid oz = 29.6 mL
  • Setup: Set up the equation so units cancel to leave mL
  • Calculation: $10\ \,\text{fluid oz} \times \left(\dfrac{29.6\ \text{mL}}{1\ \text{\,fl oz}}\right) = 296\ \text{mL}$
• Additional notes
  • You must memorize metric base units and prefixes (refer to the table provided in the course materials)
  • The table is used to convert between units within the metric system

Procedure 1.2: Taking Metric Measurements of Volume

• Common lab glassware and supplies
  • Beaker, Flask, Graduated Cylinder, Test Tube (in a Test Tube Rack), Transfer Pipette
• Reading a graduated cylinder
  • Must be at eye level
  • For precise volumes, read from the bottom of the meniscus

Procedure 1.3: Taking Metric Measurements of Length

• Reading a ruler
• Activity: Measure your foot and calculate your European and US shoe sizes

Procedure 1.4: Taking Metric Measurements of Mass

• Using a scale
• Ensure the scale is measuring in grams (g)
• Always zero or tare the scale before weighing an item
• When using a weigh boat, tare the scale after placing the weigh boat on the scale
• Case Studies
  • Case Studies 3 & 4; Case Study 4 includes items within the prescription bottle in your bin labeled ‘Pill A’

Procedure 1.5: Taking Temperature

• Reading a thermometer
• Water beaker stations located on the front bench
• You must be able to convert between °C and °F
  • Formulas:
  • $^{\circ}F = (1.8 \times (^{\circ}C)) + 32$
  • $^{\circ}C = \dfrac{(^{\circ}F) - 32}{1.8}$
• You will always be given the formula
• Today’s current outside temperature in °F is written on the board
• Case Study 5

Practice PLPs and Lab Preparation

• Practice PLPs: complete 2 Practice PLPs in your lab manual today
• Show your TA to receive credit and feedback
• A Pre-Lab Protocol (PLP) is a summarized set of procedural steps
• PLP should include all information to complete the experiment without the lab manual
  • Include quantities, time intervals, and substance names
• Weekly routine: review lab procedures before coming to lab and complete your PLP

Today’s Lab: Cleanup and Safety

• Cleanup tasks: use a test tube brush and warm-soapy water to clean graduated cylinders and teaspoons
• Use disinfectant to clean ruler and lab bench
• Replace all materials to starting locations

Today’s Lab Safety and Procedures

• Safety reminders
  • Alert your TA of any broken glass; do not touch broken glass
  • Use disinfectant to clean surfaces
  • Be cautious around hot plates and hot water
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands

Today’s Lab: Schedule and Materials

• For today only, printouts are available for students without a lab manual
• Sign the Student Responsibility Agreement and Lab Safety Signature Sheet (worth 5 points)
• Procedure 1.1: Making Metric Conversions
• Case Studies and Practice PLPs
• Case Study 2: Procedure 1.2: Taking Metric Measurements of Volume
• Case Study 2: Practice PLP for Procedure 1.3
• Measure objects and your feet to calculate shoe sizes
• Procedure 1.4: Taking Metric Measurements of Mass
• Case Studies 3 & 4
• Procedure 1.5: Taking Temperature
• Measure the temperature of water in beakers on the front bench and convert temperatures
• Case Study 5

Next Lab and Important Dates

• No labs next week due to Labor Day recess
• Next lab during the week of Sept 8
• Syllabus Quiz, Plagiarism Quiz, Upcoming Excused Absences Survey, and Lab Conduct and Responsibility Agreement Quiz are due on WebCampus by Sept 7 at 11:59 PM (mandatory to unlock lab modules)
• ESBs for Lab 1 are due Sept 7 at 11:59 PM; ESBs for Lab 2 due the day before your scheduled lab during the week of Sept 8
• Access and complete early to avoid technical difficulties
• Lab 1 Lab Report (pages 23–24) due at the Beginning of Lab
• Lab 2 Pre-Lab (pages 25–26) due at the Beginning of Lab
• Quiz and Pre-Lab Quiz 1 occur during the first 12 minutes of lab; do not be late
• Study guide on the next slide
• Always come to lab in dress code

Quiz and Pre-Lab Quiz 1 Study Guide

• Study all modules, PowerPoints, pages, lab manual chapters, pre-labs, and lab reports
• Quiz 1 topics
  • Syllabus and Course Policies, Safety, Standard Notation and Scientific Notation conversions, Metric base units and prefixes and conversions, Imperial/English to metric conversions, Measurement of Volume, Length, Weight/Mass, Temperature (instruments and how to use/read them)
• Pre-Lab Quiz 1: The Scientific Method
  • Distinguish characteristics of science
  • Explain the steps in the scientific method
  • Construct a hypothesis
  • Identify variables
  • Interpret data collected
  • How to construct a graph and components of graphs
  • Writing a hypothesis