OCN 201 Laboratory Policies and Procedures

BIOL 200 Laboratory Policies and Procedures

1. Attendance  Attendance in labs is mandatory. Part of your lab grade will include attendance points.  If you anticipate an absence, you must inform your instructor ahead of time. Since this is the only oceanography lab, it will be almost impossible to make up; however, field trips will have to be arranged on your own time.  Be on time to lab! Instructions and advice are given at the beginning of class and will not be repeated. Also, it is important to arrive on time or even early for field trips, so we can load the van with passengers and equipment.  Do not expect the labs to end early—these labs are designed to run for the full class time. You have already planned to be here for those hours, so make the most of it.

2. Preparation  It is vital that you read each lab assignment in full prior to attending the lab. This point cannot be stressed enough: to succeed in this course, you MUST read the material beforehand. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything—at least be familiar with the material so that you can work through the lab more efficiently.  Be prepared to attend a field trip—sunscreen, hat, water, snorkel gear, tabbies or booties, and bathing suit, when needed. It is unlikely a trip will be canceled because of rain, so bring or wear appropriate clothing.

3. Grades  Your grades are solely determined by your work performance. Good grades are not given they are earned. Take advantage of office hours to get help if you are struggling, but do not wait until the last week of lab to ask for help!

4. Behavior  There will be ZERO tolerance for cheating or plagiarism. The colleges policies are clearly defined on these matters—review your student handbook. Those who feel the need to cheat will be subject to disciplinary action. You are expected to do your own work on assignments-- these are the write-ups. However, when you are working with a lab partner you are expected to participate and not stand aside to watch.  Eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking are not allowed in the lab. No exceptions. If you need a drink or food feel free to take a short break outside the lab. Also, to adhere to OSHA policies you will need to wear closed toed shoes during lab (no slippers).  Horseplay is not allowed in the labs. Be respectful of other students as well as their property.  Use of cell phones, pagers, all electronic devices and other distractions are not allowed. No exceptions. They are considered a distraction and must be turned off before entering the lab.  On field trips, you represent the school. Be respectful of your fellow students, guest lecturers, and the places we visit.

5. Equipment and Clean-up  The equipment that we use is expensive and can be damaged by carelessness. Follow the instructor’s guidelines for handling equipment such as microscopes, test kits, and plankton nets. Please report any problems you are having with equipment to your instructor. If something breaks, let the instructor know right away. There are different procedures for broken glass, spilled chemicals, or damaged equipment.  Please help put away any equipment you or the class uses. Make sure it is cleaned before being put away. Clean the tables with a disinfectant and put the chairs under the table. You must leave a clean lab when you are finished.

6. Safety  Some laboratory exercises may require the use of chemicals. By law, you have the “right-to-know” what chemicals are used and how exposure to these chemicals could affect your health. A copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used is available to you upon request. Your laboratory instructor will explain all the necessary precautions you will need to protect yourself. These may include wearing eye goggles or aprons (these will be provided).  Come to lab dressed appropriately—closed-toed shoes, tie long hair back, no baggy clothing. If any clothing is determined by the instructor to be inappropriate, you may be asked to leave the lab.  Report any injury to the instructor.