About Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab

This lab course supplements BIO101 : "Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology." Although we cannot virtually replicate a true lab experience, this "lab" will allow you to become familiar with scientific thinking and techniques and will enable you to explore of some key principles of molecular and cellular biology. The material in this lab supplement directly relates to the material covered in the lecture and reading portion of the course. While the lecture and reading portion focuses on big-picture concepts, here we will focus more on visual understanding, manipulation, and practical use of your knowledge. In each unit, you will work through tutorials related to important scientific concepts, and then will be asked to think creatively about how your knowledge can be put to practical or experimental use. There are also activities devoted to learning important techniques in scientific study, including microscope use, DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and DNA microarrays. As these are frequently used, and you will be expected to understand their use in your future studies, take this opportunity to become familiar with the proper equipment, procedure, and use of each technique.