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Instructor
Desislava (Dessy) Raytcheva, Ph.D.
Email: d.raytcheva@northeastern.edu
Office: 414J Mugar Life Sciences Building
Student (Office) hours: Fridays, 12-3:00 pm in room 605 Behrakis, or by appointment.
Individual assistance is always available. Looking forward to seeing you during office
hours.
Course Information
Academic Term: Spring, 2018
Credit Hours: 4SH
Laboratory Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-6:20 pm
Laboratory Location: Room 610 Behrakis Health Sciences Center
Course Description
In this guided inquiry laboratory, students will have the opportunity to design experiments and
test student-derived hypotheses. Students will generate, analyze, and present scientific data to
their peers in a multitude of authentic formats used in science. This course prepares students for
upcoming independent research positions by immersing them into a research lab setting under
supervision by lab personnel. Students are responsible for making and maintaining their own
solutions and reagents, collecting data, adjusting experimental protocols, and collaborating with
their peers to troubleshoot standard experimental issues.
Course Prerequisites
BIOL 2301 Genetic and Molecular Biology. Restricted to students in the College of Science.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Apply the process of Science: formulate hypotheses; design experiments with attention to
controls to test hypotheses; properly follow and adjust protocols to collect data; maintain
detailed and accurate records of experimental procedures; interpret and evaluate data,
and determine the next steps in the research process.
2. Communicate the research findings in effective written and oral communication formats.
3. Critically evaluate scientific literature as well as the work of peers.
4. Develop as young professional researchers by practicing foundational research lab skills,
demonstrate exemplary lab safety as well as exemplary work ethic.
Required Readings
Primary literature articles and published reviews will be assigned by the instructor throughout
the semester, and will be posted to Blackboard. Students are expected to critically read these
papers prior to the assigned reading date indicated on the course calendar and come to lab
prepared to discuss each section of the paper (question/hypothesis, methods, results/data, and
conclusions).
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