Information Sheet for LRSC Online Biology Courses – Michelle Murphy, M.S., M.Ed.
Biology 202 (Microbiology): The most commonly asked question from
students before entering the course is “what are the labs like”? In online
Microbiology, labs fall into two main categories. In most units of the course,
participation in a computerized “virtual lab” environment is required. The
program used for these labs guides the student through the procedures and
techniques used in a real lab setting. Students use the program to complete
guided lab activities and to search for the identity of unknown bacteria, just
as they would do if taking the lab in person.
Also required for the course, are completion
of wet lab activities. These activities involve
the collection and testing of bacteria samples
gathered from the student’s home
environment. The skills used in completion of
the wet lab activities are the same as those
mastered first through use of the computer
simulations. Kits for the wet lab portion of the
course are custom built by the LRSC staff each
term and purchase is required from the LRSC
bookstore by each individual student.
Biology 220 and 221 (Anatomy and Physiology I & II):
As with Microbiology, the most commonly asked question by students
entering online A&P is “what are the labs like”? In online AP-I, labs fall into
three main categories. The primary project of AP-I is construction, from
scratch, of a three-dimensional human model. Students will add bones,
muscles, and nerves to a human outline to build, over the course of the
term, a life-size human model. Labs also involve some kitchen chemistry,
using supplies commonly found in most homes. Finally, several units
include PhysioEx physiology simulation exercises that closely mimic the
types of
experiments
conducted in
live-animal and
tissue
physiology lab
situations.
Labs in AP-II
expand on the
use of the
PhysioEx
exercises, and also introduce elements of
problem based learning, in the form of
examination of case studies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
 Are proctors needed for the exams?
o No, all quizzes are exams are timed and randomized from a test bank. Since students each
have different arrangements of questions on their exams, and there is a time limit, proctors
are not required.
 Can I take the lecture portion of the class without the lab portion?
o No, LRSC has a combined 4 credit lecture/lab format. All students enrolled in the course
must complete all of the components of the course, including the lab exercises.
 What are the ISBN numbers for the books?
o All books can be acquired from the LRSC bookstore. ISBN information can be obtained
from the bookstore website.
o Purchase from the LRSC bookstore is highly recommended. Students who order through
other venues often receive the incorrect book and/or experience shipping delays.
 Do I need any special lab equipment?
o Microbiology: The wet lab kits must be refrigerated so access to a refrigerator is necessary.
Students must also purchase a small quantity of bleach and rubbing alcohol on their own.
All other supplies are provided in the wet lab kit.
o A&P 220: Construction of models involves materials on hand. Students who do not have
many recyclable supplies on hand may need to purchase small quantities of posterboard,
wrapping paper, and yarn. Kitchen chemistry experiments are also conducted but use only
small quantities of materials found commonly in most kitchens (ex: kool aid powder,
vegetable oil).
 How do I submit my lab results?
o Lab models and wet lab results are submitted by uploading digital photographs and dated
screen shots. Face shots are required, but no pictures will be shared with anyone other
than the instructor without the specific permission of the student.
o Virtual Unknown (Microbiology) and PhysioEx (A&P) lab exercises will be submitted using
screen shots, .pdf reports tracked by the program, and analysis question answers.
o For Microbiology, final gram stain slides will be mailed to the instructor for grading.
 Are dissections required?
o There is one optional dissection – a deer, pig, or cow heart – in APII. The rest of Anatomy is
learned using a constructive technique, not a deconstructive technique. This means you
will construct a 3D model of the body (including bones, muscles, and nerves) from scratch
rather than deconstructing an organism by dissection.
 Is late work accepted?
o Due dates are each Tuesday at 11:59pm.
 Discussion posts are not accepted late for any reason so it is best to post early on
those (all are open from the first day of class on).
 Labs lose 10% of their value for each day late. This penalty is waived in cases of
documented illness, with a doctor’s note or care receipt.
 Quizzes are computer graded and do not carry a late penalty.
o Term extensions of final grades (incompletes) are only allowed in cases of documented
illness and will only be granted in cases where at least 75% of the course work has been
completed with a grade of 70% or better.
 Can I work with other students?
o All work must be completed within the Academic Honesty guidelines set forth in the LRSC
policy manual. All work submitted must be completed by the student earning the grade.