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If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost.
That is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

Expectations


Course Goals and Objectives

This laboratory course further advances basic laboratory, record keeping, and technical communication skills that were introduced in BIOC 211: Experimental Biosciences. Our emphasis is on the process of science (i.e., fundamental abilities and skills) rather than the content (i.e., discipline-specific lab techniques). In this experiential course, students work in teams to complete part of a research project. Overall learning goals and intended learning outcomes for the course are outlined below.

Goal 1: Possess basic and advanced laboratory skills desired of an independent researcher

Understanding the rationale behind procedures and asking questions that reflect a willingness to learn promote effective time management and successful completion of experiments. Our best students are always the ones who are engaged in the learning process. An independent researcher

Goal 2: Understand the importance of effective communication and of detailed and accurate record keeping

Communication and record keeping are fundamental to the dissemination of science. A student who is an effective communicator

Goal 3: Recognize the necessity of maturity and responsibility when working in a professional environment

In addition to working independently, on one's own initiative, each student is expected to work well with the other team members. A mature and responsible student

Goal 4: Recognize appropriate context

Paying attention to detail is important not only in performing experimental procedures but also in reporting the results to the scientific community and the general public. A meticulous and focused student

Goal 5: Integrate and apply knowledge/experience to current and future work

On the path to become a self-reliant critical thinker, problem solver, and communicator, a student progresses through several proficiency levels. A highly proficient student recognizes when the current skill level is not adequate to handle a particularly complex problem, and EFFECTIVELY seeks resources to acquire the needed skill. A student's present level of achievement and success is a reflection of past experiences and opportunities that have been made available as well as self-confidence. A successful student
Thus, I expect you not only to retain and apply what you learned in BIOC 111 and 211, but also to build on that foundation and achieve higher proficiencies. Here are some examples of how we are "raising the bar:"

Special note on my role as your teacher: My job is to guide your learning. Guidance means I help you find ways to get the answers. I encourage you to ask me questions during lecture and during the lab - sometimes I may not answer the question directly or give you all of the answer (and sometimes I may not know "the answer"). My goal with this approach is to help you develop your ability to obtain and use information; simply giving you the information does not accomplish that goal.

Research Project Overview

Preparation

Program Goals and Objectives


Copyright, Acknowledgements, and Intended Use
Created by B. Beason (bbeason@rice.edu), Rice University, 26 May 2006
Updated 7 March 2015