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Non-lottery Elective Labs for 2008 The point value for these labs range from 8 to 24, with mostly 8-point (2 hour) lab experiences. Choose a combination of activities which will add up to 40 points (10 hours) of elective labs. Do not select elective labs which conflict with your other classes. Students who are scheduled to attend a lottery lab trip (32 points) should register for one 8 point lab to complete their elective lab requirement. Your active participation in the lab activities is required in order to receive credit for elective labs. Simply filling a seat will not earn you credit points.
THE SIGN-UP DAY FOR THESE NON-LOTTERY ELECTIVE LABS IS Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 am until noon in Weyandt 110. Additional sign-up time is available the following Monday, February 25 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm in Weyandt 119. Read your lab manual for details. Note: Some of these elective labs will be held before your regular weekly General Biology labs have ended. Do not cut a regular biology lab to attend an elective lab!
Exploring Virtual Biology Labs on the INTERNET DESCRIPTION: This lab will explore virtual biology labs on the web, e.g., Virtual Fetal Pig Dissection. You will be using the computers in the Biology Department Computer Lab. The objective of this lab is to stimulate more of an interest in biology and greater understanding of biological topics through use of the Internet. DATES and TIMES: Monday, February 25 at 2:30PM 4:25PM OR Thursday, February 28 at 12:20 PM 2:15 PM POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Computer LabPROFESSOR: Winstead
BIRD SONG AND SONOGRAMS DESCRIPTION: This indoor lab/workshop will focus on sonograms as a useful biological tool in the identification of birds through their songs. A sonogram is a graph of a bird's song pattern and pitch over time. Students will match up recorded bird songs with their corresponding sonograms. The basic objective of this lab is to stimulate being more actively aware of our environment. Bird song will be used as a specific example to illustrate the principle that if you actively listen and look more carefully, then you will actually hear, see, discover, and learn more than just passively being in a particular environment.
DATES and TIMES: Tuesday, February 26 at 12:20 PM 2:15 PM OR Tuesday, March 4 at 12:20 PM 2:15 PM POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 110 PROFESSOR: Winstead
RELATIVE SIZES OF LIVING ORGANISMS USING HUMANS AS A REFERENCE POINTDESCRIPTION: This is a quantitative lab in which you will investigate the relative sizes of living organisms using Humans as a reference point. Bring a calculator to lab, since you will be doing a number of calculations. After an introduction you will search the Internet using the computers in the Biology Department Computer Lab for appropriate data to calculate relative sizes among specified species. Successful completion and credit for this lab will require submitting a written compilation of your data, calculated results, and Internet references. DATES
and TIMES: Monday, March 3 at 2:30PM 4:25PM OR POINTS: 8 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Computer Lab PROFESSOR: Winstead
THE MOZART EFFECT: THE EFFECT OF MUSIC ON SHORT-TERM MEMORY DESCRIPTION: The study environment of todays students often has recorded music, radio and/or television playing in the background. This was generally not the case for previous generations of students, at least certainly not to the same degree. Is this audio enriched study environment influencing the students ability to learn? This lab will investigate and run a class experiment specifically on whether listening to different types of music may have an effect on short-term memory. Short-term memory tests will be given to attending students, however individual test scores of the short-term memory tests will be available only to the student and not be made public. The basic conclusions of the comparisons among different types of music for each person will be public. DATES and TIMES: Tuesday, March 18 at 12:20 PM 2:15 PM OR Tuesday, March 25 at 12:20 PM 2:15 PM POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 110PROFESSOR: Winstead
HUMAN BLOOD TESTING DESCRIPTION: In this lab activity, students will learn about the cellular components of human blood by performing various simple tests using a few drops of their own blood. If you faint at the sight of blood, this lab is not for you! DATES AND TIMES: Monday, March 24 at 12:20 - 2:15 pm OR Wednedsay, April 16 at 8:00 - 9:55 am OR Wednesday, April 16 at 2:30 - 4:25pm POINTS: 8 NO. of STUDENTS: 20 in each section LOCATION: 110 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Jack
Mammals of PENNSYLVANIA DESCRIPTION: There are over 60 species of mammals that reside in Pennsylvania. We will explore major differences between these PA mammals along with some of their natural habits through hands on experience examining and identifying specimens. DATES AND TIMES: Monday, March 24 at 12:20 2:15 PM OR Monday, March 24 at 2:30 4:25 PM OR Tuesday, March 25 at 10:10 AM 12:05 PM POINTS: 8 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 LOCATION: 112 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Duchamp
ANIMAL MIGRATION DESCRIPTION: This indoor lab will track the migratory feats of several types of animals using satellite telemetry data. Satellite transmitters are attached to study animals and used by biologists to track their movements anywhere in the world. We will meet in the biology computer lab where students will download satellite data and track the movements of ospreys, sea turtles, and whales. By the end of this lab, students should have a greater appreciation for the marvels of migration and hazards faced by migratory animals along the way. DATES and TIMES: Monday, March 24 at 2:30 - 4:25 pm OR Wednesday, March 26 at 2:30 - 4:25 pm POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Computer Lab PROFESSOR: Thompson
Exploring Endangered animals on the internet DESCRIPTION: Using the Internet and computers in the Biology Department Computer Lab participants will explore the topic of endangered animals. The objective of this lab is to stimulate more of an awareness and interest in endangered animals. Using web resources you will create a notebook of one-page information sheets about different endangered animals, where the information sheets will contain such information as current population size, location, and reason for being endangered. DATES and
TIMES: Tuesday, March
25 at 2:30PM 4:25PM OR POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Computer LabPROFESSOR: Winstead
BIODIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA DESCRIPTION: What is biodiversity? During this lab, students will attend a presentation that answers this question. The presentation will be followed by a session where students get hands- on experience examining and identifying various specimens. DATES and TIMES: Wednesday, March 26 at 8:00 - 10:45 am OR Wednesday, March 26 at 12:20 - 3:05 pm OR Wednesday, March 26 at 5:15 - 8:00 pm OR Thursday, March 27 at 8:00 10:45 am POINTS: 12 No. OF STUDENTS: 48 LOCATION: Weyandt 6 PROFESSOR: Larkin
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WITH SOUND DESCRIPTION: This lab will explore the types and functions of animal communication using sound. As a part of the lab, students will match up recorded animal sounds with the corresponding species. DATES and TIMES: Thursday, March 27 12:20 PM 2:15 PM OR Thursday, March 27 2:30PM 4:25 PM POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 110PROFESSOR: Winstead
Wildlife Radio Telemetry DESCRIPTION: Radio telemetry is used to track an amazing variety of animals. We will examine the equipment used in this process along with examples of the animals tracked. Afterward, we will head outdoors where students will gain hands on experience tracking radio collars. DRESS for the WEATHER & for HIKING. DATES AND TIMES: Monday, March 31 at 12:20 - 3:05 PM OR Tuesday April 1 at 8:00 - 10:45 AM OR Wednesday, April 2 at 12:20 - 3:05 PM POINTS: 12 No. OF STUDENTS: 22 LOCATION: 112 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Duchamp
Effects of Drinking Alcohol, smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana, and taking anabolic steroids DESCRIPTION: The time in this lab will be divided into four half-hour time periods in which you will investigate the effects of drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana, and taking anabolic steroids by searching the Internet for this information. Successful completion and credit for this lab will require submitting a written compilation of the information you find, along with your Internet references. DATES
and TIMES: Monday, March
31 at 2:30PM 4:25PM OR POINTS: 8 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Computer Lab PROFESSOR: Winstead
BIODIVERSITY THROUGH THE MICROSCOPE DESCRIPTION: Would you like to explore the miniature world teeming in a drop of pond water or a patch of soil? In this lab, students will examine pond and soil samples from the Indiana area looking for microorganisms, such as algae, insect larvae, mites, bacteria, and protists. It will be your job to identify the organisms using the resources available and to also observe their behavior. DATES AND TIMES: Monday, March 31 at 2:30 4:25 pm OR Tuesday, April 1 at 12:20 2:15 pm OR Tuesday, April 1 at 2:30 4:25 pm POINTS: 8 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: 110 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Thompson
NATURE PRINTING DESCRIPTION: Using water-based paint and leaves from various plant species you will learn the process of creating nature prints. The objective of this lab is to stimulate more of an interest in biology through art. DATES and
TIMES: Tuesday, April 1
at 12:20 PM 2:15 PM OR POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 112PROFESSOR: Winstead
Reading Food Labels DESCRIPTION: You will investigate the meaning of food labels by searching the Internet for this information. You will also compare various food items based on the food labels provided on the Internet. Successful completion and credit for this lab will require submitting a written compilation of the information you find, along with your Internet references. DATES and
TIMES: Wednesday, April 2
at 10:10 AM 12:05 PM OR POINTS: 8 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Computer Lab PROFESSOR: Winstead
WHATS INSIDE? ADDITIONAL DISSECTIONS DESCRIPTION: If the fetal pig dissection sparked your interest in internal anatomy, sign up for this investigation of additional animals. We will examine the internal anatomy of starfish and grasshoppers and compare these two vastly different invertebrates, as well as dissect a cow eye. Not only will we investigate the animals anatomy, but we will also relate how its form influences its life history. DATES AND TIMES: Wednesday, April 2 at 2:30 5:20 pm OR Wednesday, April 9 at 2:30 5:20 pm POINTS: 12 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: 110 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Thompson
Sounds of the night DESCRIPTION: Forests are filled with nocturnal creatures that dont come out until the night. Although most of these animals are hard to see, you can definitely hear them if you know what to listen for. For this lab you will spend time in lab learning about our local nocturnal animals and their calls. Then we will drive out to a nearby forest where we will hike along trails observing the habitat visually prior to sunset. At dusk, we will continue to listen and try to figure out who is out there. DRESS for the WEATHER & for HIKING. DATES AND TIMES: Wednesday, April 2 at 5:00 - 9:00 PM POINTS: 16 No. OF STUDENTS: 22 LOCATION: 112 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Duchamp
AVIAN ECOLOGY DESCRIPTION: Dress appropriately and come along with wildlife biologists as they monitor the spring migration of birds through western Pennsylvania. During this lab students will be introduced to the basics of bird identification. After a short period in the lab well head out into the field to identify birds. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Be prepared to spend several hours out in the field (rain/snow/wind). DATES and TIMES: Thursday, April 3 at 8:00am - 12:00 pm OR Friday, April 11 at 1:30pm - 5:30 pm POINTS: 16 NO. OF STUDENTS: 22 each section LOCATION: Weyandt 112 PROFESSOR: Larkin
MICROBES: THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA DESCRIPTION: Students will work in a microbiology lab to grow bacteria from varied common sources in the environment. The second meeting time is required to examine the resulting growth. NOTE: You must attend both days (1 hour each day) for credit and arrive on time. DATES AND TIMES: Monday, April 7 at 12:20-1:10 AND Wednesday, April 9 at 12:20-1:10 pm OR Monday, April 7 at 2:30-3:20 AND Wednesday, April 9 at 2:30-3:20 pm OR Monday, April 7 at 3:35-4:25 AND Wednesday, April 9 at 3:35-4:25 pm POINTS: 8 NO. OF STUDENTS: 24 LOCATION: Weyandt 110 PROFESSOR: Jack
ANIMAL SIGNS DESCRIPTION: First, students will learn about the seven categories of animal signs: tracks, scat, eat marks, territory markers, sounds, homes, and body parts. After the introduction, we will travel to an off-campus forest and search for these categories of animals signs. This is an outdoor lab, regardless of the weather, so be sure to dress appropriately! DATES AND TIMES: Monday, April 7 at 2:30 - 5:20 pm OR Tuesday, April 8 at 12:20 - 3:30 pm POINTS: 12 No. OF STUDENTS: 23 each section LOCATION: 112 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Thompson
CADAVER DISSECTION DESCRIPTION: This lab provides a unique opportunity for students to view the anatomy and internal workings of their own body. A cadaver currently being dissected by the Human Anatomy students will be utilized for this lab. Students will have the chance to view organs of the digestive, circulatory, nervous, and respiratory systems to name a few. Only enrolled students will be able to attend this lab, no stand-bys allowed. NOTE: Do not register for this lab if you are not interested in, or prepared to view, a human cadaver dissection!! DATES AND TIMES: Monday, April 14 at 2:30 - 4:25 pm OR Wednesday, April 16 at 9:05 - 11:00 pm POINTS: 8 No. OF STUDENTS: 24 each section LOCATION: 324 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Thompson
MICROBES OF THE SKIN AND THROAT DESCRIPTION: Students will work in a microbiology laboratory and differential growth media to grow and identify bacteria found on their skin and in their throat. Normal flora in the throat and on the skin will be compared to potential pathogenic bacterial species that may be present in/on some of the students who attend this lab. NOTE: You must attend both days (1 hour each day) for credit and arrive on time. DATES AND TIMES: Tuesday, April 15, 12:20-1:10 AND Thursday, April 17, 12:20-1:10 pm OR Tuesday, April 15, 2:30-3:20 AND Thursday, April 17, 2:30-3:20 pm POINTS: 8 NO. OF STUDENTS: 24 LOCATION: Weyandt 110 PROFESSOR: Jack
TRANSGENIC FLY LAB DESCRIPTION: Students will use computers in the Biology Department Computer Lab to perform virtual experiments in fruit fly genetics. Transgenic flies contain experimentally inserted DNA, and can be used to explore complex biological processes. In this lab, students will direct the computer to perform molecular biology experiments on genes involved in circadian rhythms. DATES and TIMES: Tuesday, April 15 at 10:10 am -12:05 pm POINTS: 8 NO. of STUDENTS: 24 in each section LOCATION: Weyandt 120A Biology Department Computer Lab PROFESSOR: Yerger
Conserving habitat for an Endangered species: THE Allegheny woodrat DESCRIPTION: Habitat loss and destruction is one of the greatest threats to many endangered species. We will discuss some reasons for this and provide some examples, before focusing on the state endangered Allegheny woodrat. Later we will travel to a forested site where students will hike to a habitat site, observe signs left by woodrats, and gain hands on experience performing a habitat assessment. DRESS for the WEATHER and for HIKING; PACK a LUNCH. DATES and TIMES: Saturday, April 19 at 9:00am - 3:00 pm POINTS: 24 No. of STUDENTS: 22 LOCATION: 06 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Duchamp
Spring pollinatorS: What does a flower have to do to be noticed around here? DESCRIPTION: Heard of being busy as a bee? How do flowers get bees to stop what they are doing and pay a visit? We will explore these questions and more among the vast world of insect and flower interactions. The lab will involve an indoor portion where we take a close look at local specimens of flowers and their pollinators. We will then follow-up by traveling to a nearby forest to see pollination in action. DRESS for the WEATHER & for HIKING. (WARNING: BEE ENCOUNTERS are POSSIBLE; students with allergies to bees or other insects should alert the instructor prior to the lab). DATES and TIMES: Monday, April 21 at 12:20 am - 3:05 PM OR Tuesday April 22 at 8:00 - 10:45 AM OR Tuesday, April 22 at 12:20 am - 3:05 PM POINTS: 12 No. of STUDENTS: 22 LOCATION: 112 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Duchamp
COMPARATIVE SKELETAL ANATOMY DESCRIPTION: Students will examine the skeletal anatomy of a human, a turkey, and a cat, comparing the similarities in bone arrangement of these three animals, as well as the differences that are evident due to their differences in locomotion. Students should acquire from this lab a familiarity with the major bones and joints, and an appreciation of the adaptations for flight vs. bipedal movement vs. quadrupedal movement. DATE AND TIME: Monday, April 21 at 2:30 - 4:25 pm OR Wednesday, April 23 at 12:20- 2:15 pm OR Thursday, April 24 at 12:20 - 2 15 pm POINTS: 8 No. of STUDENTS: 24 LOCATION: 110 Weyandt PROFESSOR: Jack
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