Welcome to Life Science 2L03!
In this laboratory-based, inquiry course we will explore diverse techniques used by researchers to probe fundamental questions in the Life Sciences with a focus on human aging at the molecular, cellular, systemic, and organismal level. We’ll be exploring diverse fields such as epidemiology, neurophysiology, histology, cell biology, and physiology through some of the techniques employed in these fields, e.g. microscopy, disease modelling, cell culture, and the use of model organisms.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss aging processes from molecular, cellular, systemic, organismal, and societal perspectives.
- Read, follow and execute instructions in and out of the classroom.
- Practice a variety of lab skills through the completion of lab activities and experiments.
- Perform Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining on mammalian tissue and prepare a slide for imaging.
- Use a microscope to focus on a field of view, capture images and annotate images using computer software.
- Practice aseptic technique and work with cultured mammalian cells in a biological safety cabinet.
- Use bioinformatics tools (e.g. BLAST, Clustal Omega) to analyze a gene of interest.
- Handle small animals (e.g. nematodes) and perform dissection.
- Pipet small volumes using a micropipette.
- Collect, analyze and interpret experimental data using various data analysis tools (e.g., Excel and ImageJ).
- Visualize and describe data by creating multi-panel figures, graphs, figure captions, and tables.
- Practice scientific writing by composing sections of a laboratory report.
- Practice working effectively with colleagues through the completion of group work.
- Identify areas of interest in the Life Sciences and potential experiential and/or research opportunities through conversations with TAs/IAs/Instructors and peers.
This course maps onto the Honours Life Sciences Program Learning Outcomes in the following ways:
| LS 1 | Identify and examine factors that influence human health by integrating molecular, genetic, cellular, physiological foundational knowledge with current societal perspectives and emerging empirical literature. | Introductory |
| LS 2 | Critically evaluate the ways in which social, political, and environmental influences impact human health outcomes. | n/a |
| LS 3 | Communicate scientific findings and significance clearly and effectively through written, oral, and visual media to diverse audiences. | Introductory |
| LS 4 | Collect, organize, analyze, interpret, visualize, and present small and large data sets using current research methodologies in the Life Sciences. | Introductory |
| LS 5 | Assess personal, professional, and academic development through reflective practice. | Introductory |
| LS 6 | Evaluate the scientific validity and societal implications of findings from primary and secondary publications (e.g. literature, media) in Life Sciences disciplines through critical analysis and class discussion. | Introductory |
| LS 7 | Synthesize and apply acquired knowledge towards addressing real-world challenges through research, community engagement, and/or experiential learning. | n/a |
| LS 8 | Collaborate with peers through group/team-based learning to develop interpersonal, time management, and leadership skills that can be applied to professional settings. | Introductory |
The primary goal of this course is to share our excitement of learning via hands-on lab activities, and to provide you with some basic lab skills that will give you the confidence to pursue lab-based courses and/or research during your academic journey. In addition, we hope you will take advantage of the opportunities provided through the lab and tutorials to meet people in your program, get advice from upper year students (e.g. TAs) about opportunities that exist for Life Sciences students, and to develop a network of support (academic or otherwise) that will be invaluable as you progress through your undergraduate career.
We look forward to a great term with you!
