Objectives: This laboratory activity course is designed to introduce the non-biology major to science as a process. Basic biological concepts and principles are the focal points for the laboratory activities. The scientific process is used throughout the hands on exercises to facilitate the learning experience. Multiple sections of this course are offered in each of the fall and spring semesters. One section is typically offered in each of presession and summer I.

Prerequisites: None

Credit Value: 1

Contact Time: One 2 hour laboratory per week.

Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course a student should be able to:

• organize, graph, interpret, and make predictions based on data provided by the instructor
• design an experiment in an acceptable manner that will demonstrate an ability to state a scientific problem, form hypotheses, use a control, conduct an adequate and unbiased sample, and use inductive reasoning
• classify a group of organisms or objects and write a dichotomous key which could be used to separate these organisms or objects
• distinguish between cause and effect relationships and teleology
• apply the processes of science in preparing an argument relating to a current environmental problem
• use morphological observations of an organisms adaptations to infer ecological niches
• relate variations in a species to the process of natural selection
• explain the complimentarity of structure and function by using plant and animal circulatory systems as examples
• apply the concept of homeostasis to both the ecosystem and the individual organism
• understand growth curves
• use contemporary research to explain the interaction of genetics and the environment
• use primary processes to explain energy flow in ecosystems
• identify biologically based problems and formulate a scientifically based position for each
• explain energy flow in an ecosystem using photosynthesis and respiration as the primary processes
• identify biologically based problems that occur in Slippery Rock, PA, and the United States and the world and formulate a scientifically based position for each of these problems
• exhibit skills in performing the following - using metric measurements, using the microscope, using glassware, and weighing

Assessment:

• Quizzes: Questions may deal with material covered during any of the previous laboratory sessions or material which will be covered in todays exercise. Take-home assignments may also be administered as part of the quiz grade.
• Midterm examination: Questions will be comprehensive.
• Final examination: Questions will be comprehensive.

• NOTE: Assessment format and weighting may vary among instructors.

Laboratory Schedule:

• Observations, problem stating, hypothesis formulation
• Classification
• Presentation of data
• Interpreting data and stating conclusions
• Introduction to statistics
• Inferences
• Sampling
• Controls
• Cause and effect
• Inductive-deductive reasoning
• Contemporary issues: planning and development
• Osmotic relationships
• Populations
• Natural selection

• NOTE: The order of laboratories may vary from semester to semester