BIOLOGY 1010

     LAB SYLLABUS

 

DESCRIPTION:  The laboratory component of this course provides for practical hands‑on involvement in science and scientific inquiry.  Lecture topics are exemplified in the laboratory program to promote understanding and reinforce lecture material.  The laboratories are designed to chronologically follow the presentation of the lecture material as closely as possible.  Exercises will be performed by individuals or small groups of students.  The instructor will provide an explanation of the work to be performed and be present during the laboratory period to guide and assist students.  The laboratory exercises are contained in a laboratory manual authored by the VSCC Biology Department Faculty.  Some laboratory programs will be supplemented by videos, web programs and/or field experiences. Students will receive instruction and supervision in the use of scientific tools appropriate to introductory biology.  The scientific method of problem solving will receive particular emphasis and practice in the laboratory.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:  All policies and procedures not described below are contained in the lecture section and will apply to the laboratory. Refer to Inclement Weather policy.

 

GRADING:  The laboratory grade, as determined by the laboratory instructor, will count 30% of the course grade.  It will be derived from three or four sources of equal weight as explained by your instructor::   

 

1.  Quiz Average and/or lab reports - Quizzes covering material from the previous lab and pre-viewing the current lab will be given at the discretion of the instructor and/or lab

      reports may be assigned.  (The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.)      

2.  Laboratory Examination I - Practical examination covering labs 1, 2, 3, and 4.

3.  Laboratory Examination II - Practical examination covering labs 6, 7, 8, and 9.

         4.  Laboratory Examination III - Practical examination covering labs 11, 12, and 13.

 

The grade for this course will be determined as follows:

 

          70% - Lecture examinations, final examination, and quiz average

          30% - Laboratory grade as determined by your lab instructor 

          EXAMPLE:    

 

ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS OR QUIZZES:  Absence from a laboratory has two consequences.  The instructor will record a zero for any missed quiz, and the student will not benefit from assistance in mastering the material presented in the lab.  There will be no make‑up session provided for the laboratory.  Laboratory examinations will be given only at the time scheduled by the laboratory instructor and may not be made up. 

 

NOTE:  Official absences from the college (absences excused by the appropriate Dean) are not subject to these policies and will be handled individually.  Under these circumstances (official absences) arrangements MUST be made in advance.  SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

                                   

See Laboratory Schedule for weekly Laboratory Sequence.  VSCC faculty have written and posted BIOL 1010 laboratory exercises on-line to reduce the cost of your college textbooks for this course.  This is a direct benefit of your Technology fee!