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.
- 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).
- Create multi-panel figures and graphs and 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 the completion of a reflection.
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 year with you!
