Grading:
Grades are based on quizzes, identification of unknowns, and various other assignments as listed. It is important that you don’t miss any labs. In addition, a lack of appropriate microscope care, lab neatness, preparation for the lab, and completion of lab activities may result in a reduction of participation points.
The lab will account for 100% of the Biol 3015 course grade with grading as follows:
(The final grade will include “+” and “-” for each letter grade.)
8 quizzes 80 points
Notebook 10 points
Hand in assignments
Gram Stain Slide 20 points
Streak Isolation 10 points
Attendance, care of equipment, neatness 10 points
Homework and proposal/flowchart 20 points
Blast exercise 10 points
Final Report (more details in class) 40 points
Total 200 points
Grading Scale
The standard Canvas scale, shown below, will be used to assign letter grades to your work this semester:
| 94-100 A | 87-89.9 B+ | 77-79.9 C+ | 67-69.9 D+ |
| 90-93.9 A- | 84-86.9 B | 74-76.9 C | 64-66.9 D | <61 F
| | 80-83.9 B- | 70-73.9 C- | 61-63.9 D- |
Laboratory Format
Most laboratory sessions will begin with a short (10 -15 minutes) introduction, which will be used for explaining new material as well as to answer questions from previous labs. You will be responsible for this material, and the quizzes may include information from them as well as the material covered by the instructor. Students may work in pairs, unless otherwise stated. Please note! When using the microscopes, you MUST have your instructor check your microscope when you are finished (before you put it away) to ensure that you have properly cleaned the lenses and prepared it for storage. Failure to do so, and any problems found later with your scope, may result in a loss of participation points.
General Safety Procedures
Lab Safety Quiz
The first lab listed in the Lab Manual is Lab Safety. To help ensure that everyone understands the lab safety expectations, a detailed open book quiz will be given over this material. Each student must pass this quiz with a score of 90% or better.
It is required that all students learn these procedures and adhere strictly to the rules as outlined by your instructor.
1. All bacteria are potential pathogens; therefore, always use aseptic techniques. Wipe down your workspace with the disinfectant provided before and after lab, wash your hands at the beginning and end of each lab, and always wear your lab coat.
2. Report any spills or accidents to the instructor immediately. Do NOT attempt to clean them up by yourself.
3. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or put anything into your mouth (i.e., pens, pencils, fingers, etc.) while working in the lab.
4. Tie back loose hair.
5. Wear gloves (provided for you) during the laboratory session.
Disclaimer Statement
Information policies in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Tentative Schedule (Tuesday Lab)
| Lab # | Date | Day | Exercise
| 1 | 2/Sep/2025 | Tuesday | Getting Started (Introduction & Lab Safety)
| 2 | 9/Sep/2025 | Tuesday | Aseptic Technique I
| 3 | 16/Sep/2025 | Tuesday | Aseptic Technique II
| 4 | 23/Sep/2025 | Tuesday | Microscopy
| 5 | 30/Sep/2025 | Tuesday | Negative staining
| 6 | 7/Oct/2025 | Tuesday | Gram staining
| | 14/Oct/2025 | Tuesday | Fall Break (no classes)
| 7 | 21/Oct/2025 | Tuesday | Biochemical Testing
| 8 | 28/Oct/2025 | Tuesday | DNA Isolation
| 9 | 4/Nov/2025 | Tuesday | Polymerase Chain Reaction
| 10 | 11/Nov/2025 | Tuesday | Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
| 11 | 18/Nov/2025 | Tuesday | Endospore Staining
| | 25/Nov/2025 | Tuesday | Thanksgiving (no classes)
| 12 | 2/Dec/2025 | Tuesday | DNA Sequencing