A.	Biology 181L is the laboratory companion course to the Bio 181R lecture course.  The credit and grade for 181L is separate from the lecture.  You are not required to take the two courses simultaneously, although it is highly beneficial to do so.

		B.	This course is designed to deepen your acquaintance with the scientific approach and experimentation, as well as a range of fundamental biological concepts.  Your level of involvement will dictate the benefit you receive from the course. Activities will include both 'wet' experiments and computer simulations, depending upon which format best engages the big ideas in an area of inquiry.

		C.	Specific topics include the scientific approach; the nature of the molecular world and the structure and function of key macromolecules; detection of macromolecules and their state; capture, storage and release of energy; experimental investigation into the communication and development of a simple organism, AIDS transmission and detection

		D.	Learning goals It is the purpose of these labs to enable you to...

		E.	Basic mathematics and chemistry knowledge is assumed.

		A.	Bruce Patterson      Lab Director            patterso@u.arizona.edu

		B.	Kevin Baker        Ass't Lab Director            kbaker2@email.arizona.edu

		C.	Annette Orozco    181 Administrator    BSE109    621-9267    introbio@email.arizona.edu

		D.	George Ferguson    Lab Prep Coordinator            georgef@u.arizona.edu

		A.	Biology 181 Lab Manual, 2008.

		B.	access to a current 181R lecture textbook (Biological Science, 3d edition by Scott Freeman)

		C.	Course website: http://blc.arizona.edu/courses/181Lab

		D.	Essential software will be available from the course website for download and use on most modern, internet-connected Mac or Windows systems. You can access this material on computers in the BLC and in most cases, the Science Library and Main Library.

		A.	It is essential to arrive at each class having read through and considered the background material for that session.  In addition, always ask yourself, “Why am I doing this particular step in this procedure?  What prediction am I testing?  What will I ultimately learn when I am finished?” Many of these issues will be discussed prior to the start of the lab, but you and your group may be asked to present them or to lead the discussion--or they could be represented on a quiz--so come prepared.

		A.	Laboratory attendance is required.

		B.	Absences will be excused for exceptional and verifiable reasons, but arrangements need to be made well in advance.  When feasible, excused absences are made-up by attending your instructor’s other section, or another instructor’s section, and require an approval form from the lab administrator in BSE 109.  Failure to make up the lab will result in zero points for all assignments associated with the lab.

		C.	Assignments handed in late (except due to an excused absence)

		D.	If you miss and fail to attend make ups for more than two labs, (excused or not) you will be dropped from the course or given a failing grade

		A.	Ignorance of the existence of an assignment is no excuse. Even with an excused absence, it is your responsibility to be caught up as soon as possible. This may require you to make contact with your instructor instead of waiting until your next lab section.

		B.	Assignment point values: Assessments & Quizzes: 15% Lab associated assignments (LABAs): 50% Photosynthesis report: 10% Slime mold proposal: 5% Slime mold outline: 5% Slime mold report: 10% Debate/Wildcard: 5%

		C.	Assessments

		D.	Lab-associated assignments

		E.	Bonus exercises

		F.	Grade cutoffs will be: A = 90%; B = 80%; C = 70%; D = 60%

		G.	There may be a final assessment exam for the laboratories, but it will be scored in such a way that it either boosts your overall score or does not affect it.

		H.	Re-grade Policy You may return assignments for a re-grade within one week of having them returned to you.  Re-grade requests must be accompanied by a typed clarification of what was overlooked or in error the first time.  Your instructor will re-examine the entire work, not just the area in question. The purpose of re-grades is to correct errors in your instructor’s understanding or scoring of your work, not to debate scoring policies. Note that a regrade constitutes new work on your part; an egregious mis-understanding demonstrated in your regrade request may cost you points.

		I.	We reserve the right to adjust your scores upward based on exceptional participation and/or mastery of the course material as judged by your instructor.

		A.	General: Integrity is expected of every student in all academic work. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that a student's submitted work must be the student's own. This principle is furthered by the Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures established by ABOR Policies 5-308 - 5-403, all provisions of which apply to all University of Arizona students. For further information, please see: http://dos.web.arizona.edu/uapolicies/.

		B.	Cheating/Plagiarism is an extremely serious matter and will be treated as such. Please note that possible responses to even a first instance of plagiarism include an 'E' for the course or expulsion from the university.

		C.	See the contract on page vii of your lab manual for some guidance.

		D.	Reports that are highly similar or that lack proper credit for sources of information, will be considered as cases of cheating and/or plagiarism.  We strictly adhere to the University’s Code of Academic Integrity and Code of Student Conduct as presented in the University catalog and the Student Handbook (http://web.arizona.edu/~dos/uapolicies/cai1.html ).  Therefore, any case of cheating or plagiarism will, at the very least, receive zero points for that assignment, and could result in your expulsion from the university.  If you have any questions regarding how to properly cite a source for a scientific paper, resolve them with your instructor before you hand the assignment in.

		E.	Turnitin.com

		A.	Read the introductory sections of the Lab Manual and adhere to those rules.  No food or drink is allowed in the lab.  We cannot risk contaminating the lab materials, or worse yet, contaminating you! Points may be taken off the week's quiz or homework for failure to observe reasonable clean-up behavior.  Do your share in keeping the common areas of the lab clean as well.

		B.	Lab Safety These labs have been developed to minimize dangers posed to students.  However, we occasionally use equipment or reagents that can cause injury, and accidents sometimes happen.  Report any injury to the prep-room staff or your instructor immediately!  Showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits are present in case of an emergency.  Closely follow your instructor’s instructions in the use of dangerous equipment, and in the disposal of all reagents and supplies.

		C.	Decorum Your lab instructor is the authority in the room. Simple courtesy is expected of everyone in the room--there's never cause to yell or interrupt your peers or your instructor. Phones, mp3 players, etc. should be turned off throughout the lab. During your lab instructor's presentation, you're expected to  listen attentively unless called on or participating in discussion. Computers are present in the labs for specific exercises which don't include checking e-mail, downloading the study guide for another course, or viewing human anatomy.

		A.	If you have serious a problem with the lab or your instructor, make an appointment discuss it with your instructor first. In the exceptional circumstance where an understanding cannot be reached, you may petition the Assistant Lab Director for a resolution.

		A.	If you anticipate the need for reasonable accommodations to meet the requirements of this course, you must register with the Disability  Resource Center http://drc.arizona.edu/ and request that the DRC send your instructor official notification of your accommodations needs as soon as possible. Please plan to bring documentation to Annette Orozco and meet with your instructor by appointment  or during office hours to discuss accommodations and how course requirements  and activities may impact your ability to fully participate.