"In science, as in life, learning and knowledge are distinct, and the study of things, and not of books, is the source of the latter".  - THOMAS HENRY HUXLEY,  Biologist, (1825-1895)

To the Animal Physiology Student:
    Our knowledge of the biological world is based on the ability to ask questions and test hypotheses.  An important aspect of learning is participating in the scientific process and developing creative and critical reasoning skills.  The goal of this course is to encourage student participation in the scientific process and to gain experience in the excitement of discovery and in the satisfaction of solving problems and observing physiological phenomena.

     The laboratory exercises, where possible, will encourage you to ask questions, propose hypotheses, and make predictions prior to initiating laboratory work.  You then synthesize results from observations and experiments and draw conclusions and apply their results to new problems.  You will, wherever possible, be given the opportunity to generate hypotheses in open-ended investigations of their own design and analyze and draw conclusions.

     Throughout the course, you will logically work through problems, critique results, and modify hypotheses.  They will be challenged to think and develop critical thinking skills.  To further emphasize these skills, medical correlate questions are often posed to assist students in applying knowledge and principles to daily life and to the field of medicine.

     The laboratory exercises are arranged by topic and often built on information and techniques of previous experiments. There is a combination of traditional procedures and investigative processes for both experimental and observational exercises. You are encouraged to develop hypotheses and predict the results of their experiments. They then collect and summarize data and accept or reject their hypotheses based on these results.

OBJECTIVES

     Welcome to Biology 331: Animal Physiology Laboratory.  Physiology is an experimental science and the laboratory experience is an important part of a physiology course.  It is hoped that your experiences in the following months will be stimulating, interesting, fun, and will increase your understanding and appreciation for the wonderful complexity and diversity of animal life.

Upon completion of this course, you should demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the scientific method; the generation of hypotheses and the testing of predictions.
• Understand experimental design and the importance of controlled experimentation.
• Increased ability to critically evaluate data and experimental designs.
• Gain experience in methodologies and equipment frequently used by physiologists in the demonstration of physiological   phenomena and testing of basic principles.
• Obtain direct experience in observations of physiological phenomena.
• Develop ease in the handling and responsible care of animals used in experimentation.
• Develop skills in appropriate administration of anesthetics and effective evaluation of depth of anesthesia.
• Appreciate and compare functional processes of animals adapted to different environmental conditions.
• Recognition of the importance of accurate observations and data collection.
• Develop skill in the use of computers for data acquisition, as well as statistical  analysis and graphical presentation of scientific data.
• Gain experience in the oral and written presentation of scientific data in a  professional manner.

 In order to achieve the course objectives, live animals, instead of computer simulations, must be used.  The experiments have been designed so that animal suffering is minimized.  If you are morally opposed to animal use for teaching purposes, you will want to take an alternative laboratory course.

 It is common courtesy to clean up after yourself.  Please, keep your workstation tidy and fresh for the next class .

 You will be handling some potentially dangerous chemicals, anesthetics, sharp objects, etc.  Be extra careful with hypodermic needles, abrasive chemicals, and noxious gasses.  DISPOSE OF THEM IN PROPERLY LABELED CONTAINERS.

 Set aside and label all instruments that are inoperable for repair.  Make the instructor aware of any equipment problems.
 
 

 All animals must be treated properly and with the utmost respect and care.  Experiments have been designed so that animal suffering is minimized while still achievlng the objectives of the course.  Animal experimentation is absolutely necessary to accomplish many of the course objectives.  All experimental protocols have been approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
 
 

 Laboratory attendance is mandatory !  Each lab has extensive preparation (animals, equipment, chemicals, etc.) and cannnot be made up in any other time.  If you cannot attend lab, you must contact your instructor ahead of time.

Directions for Preparing a Scientific Paper
Checklist for Reviewing a Written Report (Peer Review)
Oral Presentation Checklist
Data Presentation Checklist

Author: Kenneth M. Crawford 

Last Update : Thursday, August 28, 2008