Biological Research Methods, BIOL 4193-01 (Shawn Connolly)
Spring 2013
Dr. Kathy Wood
238B WSN
295-4214
Email: kwood@umhb.edu
OFFICE HOURS: M (9:00-11:00) (1:00-2:00);T (11:00-12:00); W (9:00-11:00); R (11:00-12:00); F (9:00-11:00; 1:00-2:00)
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE:
Biological Research -- BIOL 4193-01 (Spring 2013) Students will conduct biological research under the supervision of a
faculty member. Students will be expected to keep a research notebook according to standard laboratory practices and
may be required to submit a research proposal at the discretion of the faculty member. A final written report of work
accomplished will be required. A minimum of 3 clock hours of laboratory per week will be required for each semester
hour of credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department chairperson. Fall, Spring, Summer.
MEETING TIME / LOCATION: TBA
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The successful student should …
o Know how to do a literature search using scholarly library databases. Topics: algae use in research projects; soil
microorganism isolation for research project. To include detailed description of what a student researcher should
be able to successfully do and equipment & materials needed with estimated costs & vender sources. Additional
literature searches on how best to do algal genotyping and/or sequencing-based algal identification.
o
Write up results (with extensive bibliography) as a report/proposal.
o
Know how to determine optimal algae colony dispersal method(s) using ultrasonic bath, capillary isolation
methods, and/or cell sorting techniques.
o
Know sterile techniques to make algae growth media and plate isolated algae samples.
o
Know how to keep a laboratory notebook according to acceptable laboratory practice.
o
Know all safety rules and practices which apply to a biological research laboratory.
o
Know and demonstrate the proper behavior to use in a laboratory environment.
BIOLOGY STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES COVERED IN THIS COURSE:
o (SLO #3) Biology majors demonstrate competency in basic laboratory skills and safety.
o
(SLO #5) Biology majors can organize and clearly communicate scientific ideas orally and in writing; they
should be able to locate scholarly information from the scientific literature and, using an appropriate style, to
document their sources of information.
o
(SLO #6) Biology majors demonstrate an ability to interpret and critically evaluate primary research articles
containing tables, graphs, and other data formats.
This is a 1-credit hour research course with library and lab content. At least 45 hours of student work is required for
each credit hour.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: none.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: The UMHB policy on academic integrity applies in all courses. Please refer to the policy,
which is published in the academic catalog and in the student handbook.
DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES & ACCOMMODATIONS: It is the student’s responsibility to request
disability accommodations. If you require an accommodation for a disability, contact the Counseling, Testing & Health
Services, Mabee Student Center, Suite 310 as early as possible in the term. The Course Catalog, Student Handbook and
UMHB website provide more details regarding the process by which accommodation requests will be reviewed.
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING:
Your FINAL GRADE will be determined as follows using UMHB grade guidelines (i.e., A=91% and above, etc.):
o Evaluation of participation by Dr. Wood ……………………………………………….….
25%

o
Labwork …………………………………………………………………………………….

o
This evaluation includes but is not limited to attendance at & being on time for scheduled biweekly
meetings; being prepared to discuss progress on your project; being proactive in following other lines of
inquiry during your literature search.
This part of your grade includes keeping a neat work environment (dishes washed & put up; equipment
turned off/put up), keeping an accurate and thorough lab notebook, and adhering to applicable safety
practices. It also includes working collegially with other research students. Last minute lab work is not
acceptable practice – you should plan out your work and then work your plan.
Research report/proposal …………………………………………………………………..

25%
50%
The bibliography for this proposal should be thorough and extensive enough to cover the topic
completely. The proposal should be typed, double-spaced, and free of inconsistencies and other errors.
See the LMS page for the Wood Research Group for report guidelines.
You should receive an invitation to join the Wood Research Group by email. Once you receive that invitation, follow
the instructions to be allowed onto this group. Several important documents, including a timesheet, can be found on this
site.
STUDENT DECORUM:
o
TIME SHEETS: Research students are expected to turn in a time sheet (see the LMS for this class) that records
all work done during that week and the next week’s plans. This time sheet is due by NOON the following
Monday. You may hand in a hard copy to Dr. Wood or send it by email. It is expected that at least the minimum
required time for this course (3 hours) be put in every week.
CREDIT HOUR DEFINITION:
The credit hour is a unit by which an institution measures its course work. The value of a credit hour can be
determined by time, the educational experience, and outside preparation by the student. The following constitutes the
definition of a credit hour in this course offered at UMHB: A minimum of forty-five (45) hours of student work is
required for each credit hour.
OTHER IMPORTANT CLASS INFORMATION:
o EMAILS: At times I may need to contact you about unexpected changes in the course or assignments. I will do
so by using the Collaboration function of the LMS. The LMS is set up to send emails to your UMHB email
account. It is your responsibility to make sure that EITHER you check your UMHB email account regularly OR
that you have all emails that are sent to that account forwarded to an email account that you check regularly.
BIOL 4193-01 Biological Research
Spring 2013
This schedule may be altered at the discretion of Dr. Wood. If this becomes necessary, the student will be
informed in advance of scheduling changes that affect student grades.
Due
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
07
Go over plan for semester; set meeting times
14
Meeting
28
Meeting
11
Meeting
25
Meeting
11
Meeting
25
Meeting
08
Meeting
29
Meeting
Final Proposal