Thinking About Biology: An Introductory Laboratory Manual, CourseSmart eTextbook, 4th Edition

For one-semester, non-majors introductory biology laboratory courses with a human focus.

This manual offers a unique, extensively class-tested approach to introductory biology laboratory. A full range of activities show how basic biological concepts can be applied to the world around us.

This helps students to: 

1. gain practical experience that will help them understand lecture concepts
2. acquire the basic knowledge needed to make informed decisions about biological questions that arise in everyday life
3. develop the problem-solving skills that will lead to success in school and in a competitive job market, and
4. learn to work effectively and productively as a member of a team.

The Fourth Edition features many new and revised activities based on feedback from hundreds of students and faculty reviewers.

Preface

Exercise 1. Introduction to the Scientific Method
Exercise 2. Windows to a Microscopic World

Exercise 3. Functions and Properties of Cells
Exercise 4. Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes

Exercise 5. Investigating Cellular Respiration
Exercise 6. Photosynthesis

Exercise 7. Organic Molecules and Nutrition
Exercise 8. Factors that Affect Enzyme Activity

Exercise 9. Introduction to Molecular Genetics
Exercise 10. Mitosis and Asexual Reproduction

Exercise 11. Connecting Meiosis and Genetics
Exercise 12. Human Genetics

Exercise 13. Evolution
Exercise 14. Functions of Tissues and Organs

Exercise 15. The Cardiovascular System
Exercise 16. Introduction to Anatomy: Dissecting the Fetal Pig

Exercise 17. Organs of the Abdominal Cavity
Exercise 18. Introduction to Forensic Biology

Exercise 19. Biotechnology: DNA Analysis
Exercise 20. Using Biotechnology to Assess Ecosystem Damage

Exercise 21. Ecosystems
Exercise 22. Population Ecology

Appendix I. Game Cards for Ex. 21
Appendix II. Self-Test Answers