LABORATORY SYLLABUS Life/Earth Science GNSC 1104
DATE
LAB #
Aug. 27
1. Introduction to the Microscope
Sept. 3
2. Labor Day
Sept. 10
3. Geography – Reading Topographic Maps*
Sept. 17
4. Minerals, Rocks*
Sept. 24
5. Invertebrate Paleontology*
Oct. 1
6. Invertebrate Paleontology and Review*
Oct. 8
LAB MIDTERM
Oct. 15
7. Diffusion and Osmosis
Oct. 22
8. Invertebrate Animals; Squid Dissection*
Oct. 29
9. Vertebrate Animals*
Nov. 5
10. Population Demographics and Sampling*
Nov. 12
11. Plants*
Nov. 19
THANKSGIVING NO LAB
Nov. 26
12. Review*
Dec. 3
LAB FINAL
*quizzes occur on lab days
with asterisk and are based
on material from previous lab
CLASSROOM AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES: Attendance is required; be on time/do
not leave early. Students with 3 or more unexcused absences may be dropped from the course.
Excused absences must be communicated to lab instructor, before or within one day of absence.
Get your lab instructor’s email during the first lab session. Students should refer to the MSU
Student Handbook for university policies related to student responsibilities, rights, and activities.
GRADING POLICY: Lab grade is 25% of the course grade. Lab grade consists of a midterm and a
final, each worth 35%, lab exercises, which are worth 10%, and quiz grades, which are worth 20%.
LABORATORY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the laboratory is to introduce students to earth
materials and features, and to acquaint them with the diversity of extinct and extant life on earth.