Biology Lab
Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, development and evolution. Despite the complexity of the science, there are certain unifying concepts that consolidate it into a single, coherent field. Biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that propels the creation and extinction of species. Living organisms are open systems that survive by transforming energy and decreasing their local entropy to maintain a stable and vital condition defined as homeostasis.
Sub-disciplines of biology are defined by the research methods employed and the kind of system studied: theoretical biology uses mathematical methods to formulate quantitative models while experimental biology performs empirical experiments to test the validity of proposed theories and understand the mechanisms underlying life and how it appeared and evolved from non-living matter about 4 billion years ago through a gradual increase in the complexity of the system.
The biology laboratory is a modern research infrastructure, providing a broad range of biological and biochemical techniques with in-depth practical training offered by experienced staff. Important routine work is on microbial and molecular analyses and biological sample preparation in general.
Several special applications, such as respiration experiments, enzyme kinetics, sterile culturing of microalgae, morphological taxonomic determination of fish larvae, or fatty acid sample preparation to characterize the nutritional status and composition of marine plankton. All these techniques ground on long standing expertise and a well-equipped facility (high precision scale, photometers, Fast Prep, Casey Cell counter and more).
Importance of biology lab for students..
The study of biology provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of our living world. Laboratory and field activities and inquiry provide students with opportunities to question, observe, sample, experience, and experiment with scientific phenomena in their quest for knowledge of living things.
Lab safety rules for students:-
Report all accidents, injuries, and breakage of glass or equipment to instructor immediately.
Keep pathways clear by placing extra items (books, bags, etc.) on the shelves or under the work tables. If under the tables, make sure that these items can not be stepped on.
Long hair (chin-length or longer) must be tied back to avoid catching fire.
Wear sensible clothing including footwear. Loose clothing should be secured so they do not get caught in a flame or chemicals.
Do not taste or smell chemicals.
Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when heating substances, dissecting, etc.
Do not attempt to change the position of glass tubing in a stopper.
Never point a test tube being heated at another student or yourself.
Leave your work station clean and in good order before leaving the laboratory.
Do not lean, hang over or sit on the laboratory tables.
Do not leave your assigned laboratory station without permission of the teacher.
Learn the location of the fire extinguisher, eye wash station, first aid kit and safety shower
Anyone wearing acrylic nails will not be allowed to work with matches, lighted splints, bunsen burners, etc.
Do not lift any solutions, glassware or other types of apparatus above eye level.
Learn how to transport all materials and equipment safely.
No eating or drinking in the lab at any time!