The Honor Code 1
CHAPTER 1: LAB POLICIES
APPLICATION OF THE HONOR CODE TO BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Students are to pay scrupulous attention to the Honor Code when making entries in their
laboratory notebooks and writing proposals and papers. Make the following guidelines your
own:
All data and observations in my notebook are to the best of my knowledge accurate
reports. Fabrication and alteration of data are unauthorized.
Copying data from another student’s book is unauthorized unless we obtained the
data together. Reading any answers to questions or discussions in another student’s
book or allowing someone to read my book are unauthorized, whether or not we were
partners.
Calculations and discussions may be written outside the laboratory. These may be
discussed with others, but the actual calculations and discussions in my book must be
written by me. I must state clearly which of these were influenced or aided by another
student or instructor other than my own.
Unless your professor indicates otherwise by asking specifically, in writing, for group
write-ups and proposals, this rule also applies to written material such as proposals and
reports to be turned in and graded. These MUST be written individually. In the case of
proposals, discussion within a lab group of the experiments to be run is highly
recommended. Discussion facilitates understanding. However, proposals MUST be
written individually. If there is more than one idea in a group regarding what to do in a
second week of experimentation, individuals in a group may propose different
experiments. However, during the second in-lab session all members of a group will be
expected to run the same experiment.
With regard to lab reports, while all the members of a group will be reporting on the same
experiments and reporting the same data, these MUST be written individually. Again,
you are encouraged to discuss the meanings of results but you are not allowed to write or
use portions of each others' reports.
Entering data into the computer under any other than my name and ID number is
unauthorized.
In addition, proper citation of sources used in writing proposals and papers is a MUST.
Use proper citation methods and formats as noted in the Survival Guide, using ideas and
citing the source for these ideas but do not copy.
Never cut and paste from a web site into your paper
Never copy portions from any source without using quotations.
The Honor Code 2
EQUIPMENT
At times, students will check out equipment as it pertains to individual labs. Some
equipment such as digital cameras and associated accessories can cost in excess of $300. It is
the policy of the Biology Department that students will be held personally responsible for
returning the equipment in working order or providing for its replacement. In the case of a
group of students checking out equipment, all members of the group will be held equally
responsible.
LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES
Protective Equipment
√ Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as instructed. This includes, but is
not limited to, the use of aprons, goggles and gloves. In general, use this equipment
whenever dealing with chemicals of particular hazard, or in large volumes or high
concentration; or when working with flames, or gases under pressure.
√ Do not wear PPE outside of the lab unless necessary (ie to the restroom or classroom).
Doing so exposes other people and places to contaminants that should remain in the lab
and vice verse exposing your experiment to outside contaminants. Keep this in mind when
you must wear PPE to transfer work to another lab for example.
√ Learn the location and operation of eyewash, safety shower, and fire extinguisher. Know
what to do or whom to contact in case of an emergency.
Personal Hygiene
√ While Class Dress is not required, lab dress has its own requirements. Appropriate lab
dress is as follows: Wear shoes that will cover and protect the whole foot, leather is best.
Clothing, made of natural fibers, should cover the entire body; shirts should cover the
entire torso. Long sleeves and long pants are best, however, sleeves should not be loose
and floppy. You will not be allowed into lab without appropriate clothing. This is for your
safety and the safety of those around you.
√ Wash hands frequently: before you begin your experiment, when you change gloves, and
before you leave lab.
√ Tie back long hair to keep it away from flames and chemicals.
√ Never smoke, eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory area. Avoid touching your
face, chewing on pens or other similar behaviors.
√ Never taste a chemical. Check odors, only if instructed to do so, by wafting with one
hand towards your nose.
Behavior
√ Act in a responsible manner at all times. No horseplay or fooling around should occur in
the lab or experimental area. Never remove chemicals from the laboratory area without
proper authorization.
√ Never perform unauthorized work, preparations, or experiments.
The Honor Code 3
√ Turn off the Bunsen burner when it is not in use. Never leave a flame unattended.
√ Report any injuries to the professor or lab assistant, and seek medical attention
immediately if needed.
√ Keep walkways and work areas free from obstructions. Coats, book bags or other
materials not directly needed to perform labs should be kept in lockers, in the hallway, or
in another room not in use. Keep stools under benches when not in use.
Chemical Hygiene
√ Follow all disposal methods for chemicals as specified by professor or lab assistant.
√ Treat all chemicals with the respect they warrant.
√ In case of spill, immediately contact the professor or lab assistant.
√ Wash off chemicals splashed or spilled on your skin or body immediately and thoroughly,
removing contaminated clothing. Have your lab partner notify the professor or lab
assistant immediately.
√ Clean your lab bench, place all equipment and reagents on the bench as you found them,
and wash your hands with soap and water at the end of each laboratory session.
√ Dispose of all hazardous, Biohazardous, Radioactive and Hazardous Materials, as
directed by your instructor, i.e. blood or bacteria in the “BIOHAZARD” bag, needles in
the “sharps” container, and broken glass in “broken glass” container. There may also be
waste containers for certain chemicals. When in doubt, ask.
Biological Safety
√ Practice Universal Precautions when appropriate. This means that you should assume that
all biological materials are potentially infectious and take necessary precautions to prevent
exposure.
Field Safety
√ Wear appropriate clothing to protect you in the out of doors. Sturdy shoes that cover your
entire foot, long pants, and sleeved shirts are best. Dress for the weather, most of our labs
will be in the field. Wear a hat and sunscreen if needed.
√ Be aware that you are a visitor in the homes of various organisms: especially ticks, bees,
poison ivy, and snakes. Your instructor will orient you to the habits of these organisms in
our area.
√ Please let your instructor know about any pertinent medical history you may have (ex.
diabetes, anaphylaxis, colorblindness). This allows lab staff to be better prepared should
the situation arise.