BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Biology 4393-01 (Dane Peither)
Fall 2011
Dr. Kathy Wood
238B WSN
295-4214
Email: kwood@umhb.edu
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES for the course: The successful student should …
o Be able to conduct an extensive literature search for studies related to their research project. (This will
be used in the introduction section of your final report.)
o Be able to use the techniques required to successfully complete the project, such as PCR, micropipetting,
sterile technique, agarose gel electrophoresis, gel documentation, media preparation, Gram staining, etc.
o Be able to operate the equipment required to complete the project.
o Keep a laboratory notebook to record all experiments done, both successes and failures, according to
acceptable laboratory practice. (Read the “Laboratory Notebook Guidelines” handout.)
o Be able to analyze and interpret the data obtained.
o Communicate their progress & results and logically discuss “next steps” for the project with Dr. Wood.
This should be done usually at the end of the week and should include a written plan for the upcoming
week. (Such planning minimizes wasted time coming into the lab “cold” the next week.)
o Prepare a written report at the end of the semester which summarizes the work done and the results
obtained. This report should be written in an IMRAD format.
o Follow all safety rules and practices which apply to a biological research laboratory.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
o A laboratory notebook will be provided by Dr. Wood, as will any needed safety items such as goggles or
lab coats.
FINAL GRADE will be determined as follows and will follow UMHB grade guidelines (i.e., A=91% and
above, etc.):
o Evaluation of lab work by Dr. Wood ……………….
50%

This evaluation includes but is not limited to attendance & being on time, adherence to lab safety rules,
general lab performance, proper lab techniques, being prepared for lab, and the ability to work
independently. If I judge your work ethic to be lacking, your grade will reflect that. I should not need to
come in and clean up after you or hunt you down to make sure the work gets done.
o Results of lab work …………………………..………
15%
o Properly maintained lab notebook …………………..
15%
o Final report at the end of the semester ………………
20%
ATTENDANCE: Attendance of each laboratory session is required. In addition, it is important that you are on
time and are mentally prepared for what you are going to be doing during any given lab period. Note that for
every credit hour of research you are signed up for, you are required to spend 3 hours doing research in the lab
or working on your project.
SECURITY: You may periodically need to come into the lab to check on an experiment during times that are
outside of your normal lab times. This must be done during a normal 8-5 working day, not at night, unless one
of the faculty is available during that time.
You are also not allowed in the lab during weekends because of safety concerns. Please check with Dr. Wood
or Pat Freeman for access to the lab. If neither of them are available, you may ask one of the other faculty to
unlock the doors for you.
You MUST be careful to lock the door to York 222 (the Cell Prep Room) before leaving because of the
chemicals stored in that room. You MUST also keep York 215 (the Cell Equipment Room) locked from the
outside. Only access this room from room 217. Unlock that connecting door to open it and then immediately
relock it and leave it open until you are done for the day. Then close it before you leave.
MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS for RESEARCH:
o Do a thorough literature search for your research topic to find out what has been done and what methods
might best be used for your project. Discuss initial ideas with Dr. Wood to see if your plans are feasible.
o Write a proposal which should include an experimental design for the research project you want to
pursue. This should also include a timeline of expected progress and the methods you plan to use. Talk
with Dr. Wood about the exact format of the proposal. This should be finished by the second week of
the semester.
o Once the proposal is approved, you may begin the actual research. It is expected that your research
plans are doable in the time you have available during the semester.
o The final report is due during the week before finals begin.