Human Organism Laboratory (Biol 107)

Course Syllabus
Fall 2023

How to Use this Syllabus

This syllabus provides you with information specific to this course, and it also provides information about important university
policies. This document should be viewed as a course overview - it is not a contract and is subject to change as the semester evolves .
If any changes do occur, you will be informed by your instructor in class, through Blackboard, or via e-mail.

Course Description
Human Organism Laboratory (Biology 107) supplements and reinforces the material covered in Human Organism (Biology 106) with
a hands-on laboratory experience. Topics include microscopy, the structure and function of various organ systems, cellular
metabolism, cancer, microbiology, and genetics. Biology 107 is an introductory course that is taken by non-science majors to fulfill
general education requirements. Credit for this course may not be applied toward the requirements for a minor or major in
biological sciences. No animal dissections are performed in this course.

Course Prerequisite
Concurrent or prior enrollment in Human Organism (Biology 106)

Contact Information
Instructor: Jenny Smith
Office: Hubbard Hall Room 522
Office Hours: Wed 4-5pm, Thurs 2:30-3:30pm, or by appointment
Telephone: (316) 978 - 6718
Email: [email protected]

Required Course Materials

Visualizing Human Biology Lab Manual, 1st Edition, Ellie. Copyright 2011 John Wiley & Sons.

Measurable Student Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Locate reliable sources of scientific information
 Demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods and processes
 Explain why scientific experimentation requires the inclusion of control groups
 Critically evaluate experimental results
 Identify potential sources of error and/or bias in experimental procedures
 Perform fundamental laboratory techniques, including but not limited to microscopy, pipetting, and metric measurements

General Education Learning Outcomes

 Think critically and independently
 Employ analytical reasoning and problem-solving techniques
 Write and speak effectively
 Knowledge of the natural sciences

Attendance Policy
We believe that hands-on teaching laboratories are indispensable to the understanding of basic biology. Furthermore, good
laboratory exercises are expensive, challenging to coordinate, and require team efforts among enrolled students. For these reasons,
we find it necessary to enforce the following policy:

There will be NO make-up labs or make-up quizzes administered in this course.

At the end of the semester, your lowest two scores for each point-earning activity (attendance/participation, quizzes, and written
assignments) will be dropped before final grades are calculated. This is done to account for unexpected events that may arise on
lab days: illness, funeral attendance, transportation issues, sick family members, out-of-town work responsibilities, and so on. As a
result, make-up labs and make-up quizzes are not offered in Human Organism Lab.
 Grading
As described in detail below, three activities will contribute to your course grade: attendance/participation, quizzes, and written
assignments.

Attendance and Participation: 11 Lab Periods @ 10 Points Each = 110 Points (33%)
Lab Quizzes: 11 Quizzes @ 10 Points Each = 110 Points (33%)
Written Assignments: 11 Written Assignments @ 10 Points Each = 110 Points (33%)
Overall Course Grade 330 Points (100%)

You may earn a maximum of 330 points in the course. Your course letter grade will be assigned on the basis of the following scale:

Percent of Top Score Letter Grade

95 - 100 % A
90 - 94% A-
87 - 89 % B+
83 - 86% B
80 - 82% B-
75 - 79 % C+
70 - 74% C
65 - 69% C-
60 - 64% D+
55 - 59% D
50 - 54% D-
0 - 49% F

Attendance and Participation

During each lab period, you may earn up to 10 points for attendance and participation. To earn full credit, be mindful of the
following criteria:

 Arrive on time for each lab period

 Actively participate in lab experiments and follow the pertinent safety guidelines
 Actively participate in class discussions
 Stay for the duration of the lab period

Although experiments will be performed during 13 lab periods, the lowest two participation scores will be dropped at the end of the
semester. Therefore, your top 11 participation scores will contribute to the final course grade.

Lab Quizzes
A 10-point lab quiz will be administered at the end of each lab period. These quizzes cover the chapter material and lab experiments
from that same day. A variety of question types will be found on these quizzes: multiple choice, fill in the black, short answer, essay,
and so on. Although 13 quizzes will be administered, the lowest two quiz scores will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Therefore, your top 11 quiz scores will contribute to the final course grade. Make-up quizzes are not administered in this class.
Students who leave early will not receive an additional opportunity to complete quizzes.

Written Assignments
At the end of each lab period, your instructor will assign a 10-point written assignment that is due at the beginning of the next class
period. Although 13 written assignments will be collected, the lowest two assignment scores will be dropped at the end of the
semester. Therefore, your top 11 assignment scores will contribute to the final course grade. Note: Written assignments are due at
the beginning of each class period. If written assignments are submitted after the first 15 minutes of class, then they will not be
accepted for credit. In other words, late assignments will be assigned a score of zero (0).

Students have one week to contest the grade of a quiz or written assignment once it is returned. Grade modifications will not be
considered after this time period.
 Definition and Assignment of Credit Hours
In order for students to be successful in this 16-week semester course, each credit hour represents two hours of laboratory
instruction and a minimum of one hour of outside classwork per week. Outside classwork activities include but are not limited to
reading, writing, studying, research, and completing homework.

Tips for Succeeding in this Course

 Read the pertinent chapter in the lab manual before coming to lab.
o The experiments are designed to be completed in one lab period, but only if you understand the material in
advance.
o In addition to covering experimental results, each quiz will cover theory from the associated chapter in the lab
manual.
 Consult with your lab instructor if you have any questions over the material.
 Record all the data you collect while performing experiments. This information will be needed for completion of quiz
questions and written assignments.

Academic Integrity Policy

The Department of Biological Sciences adheres to the University Policy on Academic Honesty as described in the Undergraduate
Catalog, the Graduate Bulletin, and the Student Handbook. The penalties for breach of this policy vary with the degree of dishonesty
and will be determined by the faculty member teaching the course. Such penalties may range from reprimand to dismissal from the
University. Typical first offense penalties include, but are not limited to, receiving a zero on an examination for cheating or receiving
a letter grade of F in the course for plagiarizing material. Penalties may be more severe in cases of repeat offenses. In all cases, a
report of the violation will be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Dean’s office of the student’s College. Students may
appeal all disciplinary actions for violations of this Policy by following the procedures of the Court of Student Academic Appeals. For
more information regarding the Student Academic Integrity Policy, go to http://webs.wichita.edu/inaudit/ch2_17.htm. Additional
information concerning the Student Code of Conduct can be found at: http://webs.wichita.edu/inaudit/ch8_05.htm

Student Code of Conduct

WSU endeavors to provide students with the necessary tools to engage in effective communication and to resolve conflicts in an
appropriate manner. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves and others and to conduct themselves in a
manner that is compatible with the Kansas Board of Regents’ and University’s rules and policies as well as federal, state, and local
laws and city ordinances. As members of the Wichita State University community, students must know and follow the policies in the
Student Code of Conduct which can be accessed at http://webs.wichita.edu/inaudit/ch8_05.htm. Those who violate the code of
conduct will face disciplinary consequences appropriate to the violation and in consideration of any prior conduct issues.

Incomplete Grade Policy

The Department of Biological Sciences has adopted the following policy on the issuance of Incomplete (I) Grades.

Before consideration is given to the issuance of a grade of I (Incomplete) to a student who cannot complete all of the course
requirements during the normal period of the semester, ALL of the following criteria must be met:
1. The student is unable to complete no more than ONE of the course requirements due to circumstances beyond
his/her control.
2. The student must be performing at a level that would warrant the issuance of a passing grade at the time the
request for an incomplete is made.
3. No more than TWO weeks of classes remain in the semester.
4. The request is initiated by the student properly completing a Request For An Incomplete form obtained from the
departmental office (537 HH) and securing all of the required signatures.

Withdrawal from the Course

If you encounter personal or academic difficulties, you may withdraw from this course on or before the date specified in the official
semester calendar as "last day to officially drop a course with a W". Assuming that you decide to withdraw from a single course or
from all of your courses, it is your responsibility to initiate the process, obtain the appropriate signatures, and make sure that the
process has been completed by the published deadline. Students who do not earn a minimum of 50% of the possible points and who
do not withdraw will receive a grade of F for this course. The last day to withdraw from a course with a "W" this semester is
October 31st.

Laboratory Safety
Safety requires the full cooperation of everyone in the laboratory; be sure to follow general safety rules during every lab session.
During the first lab period, your instructor will outline general rules for laboratory safety. Any behavior that would endanger
yourself, others, or laboratory property will result in removal of the student from the lab and possibly from the course. Due to the
potential hazards present in science laboratories, only students who are enrolled in this course may enter the laboratory space.
 Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, or believe, you might have a disability, which requires accommodations, please contact the
Office of Disability Services (ODS) to discuss reasonable and appropriate accommodations and eligibility requirements. It is the
University’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers
based on a disability ODS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what academic accommodations are necessary and
appropriate for you. For example, adaptions of teaching methods, class materials or testing may be made on a case-by-case basis if
warranted, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including accommodations for a practicum, clinical, or
internship that is WSU sponsored. All information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by
ODS without your written permission.

The Office of Disability Services (DS) is located in Grace Wilkie, room 203, (316) 978-3309 (voice/tty) (316-854-3032 videophone). DS
will review your concerns and determine, with you, what academic accommodations are necessary and appropriate for you. All
information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by DS without your written permission.

Student Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) Policy

Wichita State University supports students who are members of the United States Armed Forces and Reserve Units.  To assist them,
as well as protect and safeguard their status as WSU students, and in accordance with federal law, the University has adopted a
Student Military Leave of Absence Policy.  Students requesting leave for military service must give advance written notice by
completing a Wichita State University Student Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) Authorization Form.  Policy details and the MLOA
Authorization form can be accessed at http://webs.wichita.edu/inaudit/ch8_09.pdf .

Counseling & Prevention Services

WSU Counseling & Prevention Services (CAPS) provides quality mental health services to enrolled students by licensed providers and
presents programs and trainings on topics promoting personal growth and optimal wellbeing. Services are by appointment, low cost
and confidential. They are located in the Student Wellness Center of the Steve Clark YMCA. Their phone number is (316) 978-4SWC
(4792). CAPS is open during regular business hours. If you have a mental health emergency while Counseling & Prevention Service is
not open, please call 911 or COMCARE Crisis Services at (316) 660-7500 for 24-hour assistance.

Inclusive Excellence and Respect for Diversity

Wichita State University is committed to being an inclusive campus that reflects the evolving diversity of society. To further that
goal, Wichita State University does not discriminate in its employment practices, educational programs or activities on the basis of
age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status,
national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. Retaliation against an
individual filing or cooperating in a complaint process is also prohibited.

Students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives are welcome in this Course and the diversity that students bring to this
course should be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. All materials and activities are presented with the intent to be
respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are
encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other
students or student groups. In addition, if any of our class meetings conflict with your religious events, please let me know so that
we can make arrangements for you. Complaints or concerns related to alleged discrimination may be directed to the Office of
Institutional Equity and Compliance, Wichita State University, telephone 316-978-3187.
Concealed Carry Policy
The Kansas Legislature has legalized concealed carry-on public university campuses.  Guns must be out of view, concealed either on
the body of the carrier, or backpack, purse or bag that remains under the immediate control of the carrier.    Gun owners must
familiarize themselves with WSU’s Concealed Carry Policy at http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=wsunews&p=/weapons_policy_documents
and the Kansas Board of Regent’s policy at
http://www.kansasregents.org/about/policies-by-laws-missions/board_policy_manual_2/
chapter_ii_governance_state_universities_2/chapter_ii_full_text#weapons.  If you believe that there has been a violation of this
policy, please contact the University Police Department at 316 978-3450.

Student Health Services

WSU’s Student Health Services (SHS) provides professional medical care and health education to enrolled students by licensed
health care providers. General health care services are available ranging from routine and preventive care to managing acute
illnesses and minor injuries. SHS offers convenient onsite laboratory and medication services including vaccinations. Staff are
available to provide health education on a variety of topics, both in and out of the classroom setting. SHS is located in the new
YMCA/Student Wellness Center. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the phone number is (316) 978-
4SWC (4792).  Check out www.wichita.edu/shs  for health information and access to myShockerHealth, the online patient portal
where students can schedule appointments, send a secured message to a healthcare provider, check immunizations and more.  All
services are confidential.

Shocker Alert System

Get the emergency information you need instantly and effortlessly! With the Shocker Alert System, we will contact you by email the
moment there is an emergency or weather alert that affects the campus. Sign up at www.wichita.edu/alert.

Names and Pronouns

Everyone has the right to be addressed as and referred to by the name and pronouns (including non-binary pronouns) that they choose
and that correspond to their gender identity. Class rosters have a student’s legal name and do not include pronouns, therefore,
students are asked to indicate the names and pronouns they use for themselves. A student’s chosen name and pronouns are to be
respected at all times in the classroom.

Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation

Wichita State University is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all of our community members. To that end,
we are partnering with Everfi to provide sexual assault prevention trainings that will help us all be informed on topics vital to
achieving our goal. These trainings, in addition to being highly interactive and engaging, are based in research around the best
practices for healthy communities. All students, staff and faculty are required to complete these trainings annually. Students will
need to complete Everfi training in the fall semester before being able to enroll for the spring.

We are committed to the elimination of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking within the University community.
These incidents may interfere with or limit an individual's ability to benefit from or fully participate in the University's educational
programs. Students are asked to immediately report incidents to the University Police Department, (316) 978-3450 or students may
contact Christine Taylor, Executive Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance, at [email protected] or 978-3205.

Students may also report incidents to an instructor, faculty or staff member, who are required by law to notify the Title IX
Coordinator. If a student wishes to keep the information confidential, the student may speak with staff members of the Counseling
and Prevention Services (316) 978-3440 or Student Health Services (316) 978-3620. For more information please refer to policy
3.06 / Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation for Employees, Students and Visitors .

Syllabus Policies and Student Resources

All students should familiarize themselves with the course-related policies and student resources that can be found at:
www.wichita.edu/syllabuspolicies
These include, but may not be limited to:
 Important Academic Dates
 Video and Audio Recording
 Intellectual Property
 CARE Team
 First Generation Students
 Heskett Center and Campus Recreation
 Academic Appeals
 The Office of the Student Advocate
 Tobacco Free Campus
 COURSE SCHEDULE

Lab Period Laboratory Exercise Point-Earning Activities

Aug. 23-24 Course Mechanics/Orientation to the Lab

Lab 1: Using the Scientific Method in Everyday Life Quiz 1 over Lab 1 (End of Class)

Aug. 30-31 Lab 2: Observing Cells with Light Microscopy W.A. 1 (Due at Beginning of Class)
Quiz 2 over Lab 2 (End of Class)

Sept. 6-7 Lab 4: Chemistry of Life W.A. 2 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 3 over Lab 4 (End of Class)

Sept. 13-14 Lab 10: Nervous System W.A. 3 (Due at Beginning of Class)
Quiz 4 over Lab 10 (End of Class)

Sept. 20-21 Lab 11: Special Senses W.A. 4 (Due at Beginning of Class)
Quiz 5 over Lab 11 (End of Class)

Sept. 27-28 Lab 17: Microorganisms and the Human Body W.A. 5 (Due at Beginning of Class)
Quiz 6 over Lab 17 (End of Class)

Oct. 4-5 Lab 16: Cancer W.A. 6 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 7 over Lab 16 (End of Class)

Oct. 11-12 Lab 6: Cardiovascular System W.A. 7 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 8 over Lab 6 (End of Class)

Oct. 18-19 No Labs – Fall Break

Oct. 25-26 Lab 7: Respiratory System W.A. 8 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 9 over Lab 7 (End of Class)

Nov. 1-2 Lab 5: Digestive System W.A. 9 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 10 over Lab 5 (End of Class)

Nov. 8-9 Lab 8: Urinary System W.A. 10 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 11 over Lab 8 (End of Class)

Nov. 15-16 Lab 9: Reproductive System W.A. 11 (Due at Beginning of Class)

Quiz 12 over Lab 9 (End of Class)

Nov. 22-23 No Labs – Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 29-30 Lab 14: Human Genetics W.A. 12 (Due at Beginning of Class)
Quiz 13 over Lab 14 (End of Class)

Dec. 6-7 Final Lab Period (No Experiments Performed) W.A. 13 (Due at Beginning of Class)

* W.A. = Written Assignment

 Biol 107 – Human Organism Lab
Detailed Course Schedule
Fall 2023

Due to time constraints, there are some experiments in the lab manual that will be omitted. This detailed course
schedule lists the experiments you will perform during each lab period; reading assignments are also included in this
handout. The reading assignments will help you 1) prepare for each lab period, 2) complete written assignments, and 3)
study for quizzes. It is strongly recommended that you read this information prior to lab.

Review questions are found at the end of each experiment, as well as at the end of each chapter. Some of these
questions will be assigned as written assignments, while others may show up on quizzes. It is wise to write down the
answers to these questions before lab (when applicable), during lab, or after lab.

Aug. 23-24 Course Mechanics / Orientation to the Lab

Lab 1: Using the Scientific Method in Everyday Life
Read the Following Material Prior to Lab (if Possible) or After Lab: All of Lab 1
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
1.1 Testing the Chemical Content of Different Water Samples
1.2 (modified) Comparing the Clarity and Smell of Different Water Samples (if time permits)
1.3 Testing the Effectiveness of Hand Washing

Aug. 30-31 Lab 2: Observing Cells with Light Microscopy

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 2
From Last Period: Look at “Effectiveness of Handwashing” plates and discuss results
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
2.1 Observing Skin with Light Microscopy
2.2 Observing Hair with Light Microscopy
2.3 Observing Cheek Cells with a Compound Microscope

Sept. 6-7 Lab 4: Chemistry of Life

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 4 except Exercise 4.5 (p. 4-11 to 4-12)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab
4.1 (modified) Testing for Glucose with Glucose Test Strips
4.2 Testing for Starch with Iodine Reagent
4.3 Testing for Proteins with Biuret Reagent
4.4 Testing for Lipids with the Sudan IV Test
Sept. 13-14 Lab 10: Nervous System
Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 10 except Exercise 10.1 (p. 10-4 to top of p. 10-5) and Exercise 10.3
(p. 10-12 to top of p. 10-17)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
10.2: Nerve Conduction in the Human Body
10.4: Effects of Caffeine on the Human Body
10.5: Testing Your Reflexes

Sept. 20-21 Lab 11: Special Senses

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 11 except Exercise 11.3 (p. 11-11 to 11-12), Exercise 11.6 (p. 11-23 to
top of p. 11-25), and Exercise 11.7 (p. 11-25 to 11-27)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab
11.1 Testing the Relationship between Taste and Smell
11.2 The Two-Point Discrimination Test
11.4 (optional) Examining the Ears with an Otoscope (Virtual Otoscopy)
11.5 Sound Localization
11.8 Near-Point Accommodation Test

Sept. 27-28 Lab 17: Microorganisms and the Human Body

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 17 except Exercise 17.2 (p. 17-11), Exercise 17.4 (p. 17-17), A Closer
Look at the Gram Stain (p. 17-18 to 17-21), and Exercise 17.7 (p. 17-29 to p. 17-30)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
17.1 Detecting Microorganisms in the Environment
17.3 Observing Bacteria in Dental Plaque
17.5 Observing Bacteria in Yogurt
17.6 Simulating Transmission of an Infectious Disease

Oct. 4-5 Lab 16: Cancer

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 16 except Exercise 16.1 (p. 16-3 to 16-12)
From Last Period: Look at “Detecting Microorganisms in the Environment” plates and discuss results
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
16.2 Evaluating Tissue Biopsies
16.3 Identifying Mutagens with the Ames Test
Oct. 11-12 Lab 6: Cardiovascular System
Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 6 except Exercise 6.3 (p. 6-9 to top of p. 6-11) and Exercise 6.6 (p. 6-
19 to top of p. 6-21)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
6.1 Observing a Normal Blood Smear
6.2 Blood Disorders
6.4 Listening to Your Heartbeat
6.5 Determining Pulse Rate
6.7 Identifying Arteries and Veins on a Microscope Slide
6.8 Determining Your Blood Pressure

Oct. 18-19 No Labs – Fall Break

Oct. 25-26 Lab 7: Respiratory System

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 7 except Exercise 7.1 (p. 7-2 to 7-5) and Exercise 7.2 (p. 7-7 to 7-8)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
7.3 Listening to Lung Sounds
7.4 Visualizing the Effects of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide on pH
7.5 Measuring Respiratory Volumes with Spirometry

Nov. 1-2 Lab 5: Digestive System

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 5
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
5.2 Determining the Specificity of Lactase
5.3 Effects of pH on Trypsin Activity
5.4 Effects of Temperature on Amylase Activity
5.5 Effects of Bile on Lipase Activity

Nov. 8-9 Lab 8: Urinary System

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 8 except Exercise 8.3 (p. 8-14 to 8-15)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
8.1 Gross Anatomy of the Urinary System
8.2 Filtering Blood through a Semi-Permeable Membrane
8.4b Performing Urinalysis on Simulated Urine Samples
8.5 Urological Disorders
Nov. 15-16 Lab 9: Reproductive System
Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 9 except Exercise 9.2 (p. 9-11 to top of p. 9-16)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
9.1 Gross Anatomy of the Reproductive System
9.3 Observing Sperm Motility

Nov. 22-23 No Labs – Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 29-30 Lab 14: Human Genetics

Read the Following Material Prior to Lab: All of Lab 14 except Exercise 14.2 (p. 14-5 to top of p. 14-6)
Exercises You Will Perform During Lab:
14.1 Extracting DNA from Cheek Cells
14.3 Examining Traits with Simple Inheritance
14.4 Identifying Different Modes of Inheritance
14.5 Blood Typing and Paternity Exclusion

Dec. 6-7 Final Lab Period