Introduction
Welcome to the AUBIO 112 lab manual! This manual was written for students in the AUBIO 112 course at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus.
Throughout the course we will be studying the mechanisms of evolution and the major innovations that have led to the biological diversity we see today. The labs will complement the lecture component of the course by providing examples of theory you are learning, as well as provide you with an introduction to the practical skills necessary to study the types of questions asked in evolutionary biology. Generally, the labs are designed to provide you with practical experience in: applying the scientific process to questions related to evolutionary biology, analyzing data you collect with integrity using common lab equipment and techniques, classifying organisms on a high level, and studying organism behaviour. In addition to gaining experience with the process of science, you will also practice being professional in a lab and team setting.
Learning Objectives
After completing AUBIO 112 laboratories, you should be able to:
- Select the appropriate type of graph to use to display data in an effective manner
- Ask a research question relating to evolutionary biology that you will answer through the scientific process
- Collect qualitative and quantitative data with integrity
- Summarize and display data in Excel
- Use theory learned in lecture and peer-reviewed articles to interpret data
- Communicate findings in a manner that follows the guidelines for biological sciences
