To become familiar with techniques for sampling and analyzing the biological, chemical, and physical properties of aquatic habitats. To become proficient in writing scientific/technical reports and communicating scientific ideas.

BIOL 3170 Limnology Laboratory Exercise Book -- a collection of photocopies available at Fast Copy, University Center. For many laboratories, graph paper and a scientific calculator are required. See the instructions for individual exercises. You should prepare yourself for each lab by reading these instructions thoroughly.

A lab report is required for most of the exercises we will do. General instructions on writing reports are given in the lab exercise book. Each week's assignment will include directions about data, calculations, graphs, etc. to be reported. Also, several questions about each exercise will be asked. You should answer each of these with one or a few paragraphs, as appropriate. Handwritten reports are acceptable. Lab reports will be due one week after the exercise is conducted, and late work will be penalized. Lab reports should be your own work and written in your own words. Half of the grade for each lab report will be based on the report itself, and half on the questions.

Do not quote from course handouts, textbooks, or other sources without attribution. Interpret quotations from other sources in your own words. Violation of these guidelines constitutes plagiarism and is subject to disciplinary penalties according to University policy.

We will not necessarily do all the lab exercises in the lab book. We will do a total of at least 13 laboratory exercises. No report is required for the first week's exercise (on computer spreadsheets), which is optional. Your grade will be based on a total of 12 lab reports. If you turn in more than 12 lab reports, the best 12 scores will be used. If you turn in less than 12 reports, missing reports will be scored as zeros. To receive credit for a lab report, you must attend the lab exercise and participate in data collection. Further information on grading policy will be presented in class.

WARNING: Due to the attendance and grading policy, it will be difficult to pass this course if you miss more than four labs, and it will be difficult to get an A if you miss more than two.

Tuesday and Thursday 9-10 AM; Thursday 2-4 PM. If I am not in my office, look in my lab. To meet at other times, schedule an appointment.

Your rights under law to be informed of hazardous chemicals and other laboratory hazards will be explained early in the semester, and you will be asked to sign a form indicating that you have been given this information. Safety tips and training will be given when needed for specific laboratory techniques.

Smoking, eating and drinking are forbidden in university labs, vehicles, and on field trips.

When we go on field trips, take special care to follow any instructions given concerning safety. Wear clothing appropriate to the weather, and bring raincoats, hats, and sunscreen when appropriate. Use common sense when in the field: be a good citizen and don't litter.

If you require an accomodation under the terms of this act, please meet with me in the privacy of my office during the first week of class so that an appropriate accomodation can be made.

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