Layout of the class

You will perform three series of experiments (called “modules”) over the course of the semester. The modules differ in length and in the ways you will be assessed. For each module, you also have the opportunity to choose a concentration area for your assessments, namely

• an oral communication concentration (shown in red)
• a written communication concentration (shown in blue)

You and your lab partner will have to choose a concentration for each module. A description of each is shown below.

The experiments and your assignments are:

You will be working as pairs throughout the semester, but you will submit individual lab reports and give individual oral presentations, unless the assignment indicates otherwise. Relevant guidelines from MIT policies and procedures are here and here. Please ask one of the teaching faculty if any question arises about what constitutes collaboration, plagiarism, etc.

• • You and your lab partner must choose the same concentration area for each module.
  • We encourage but do not require that you try a different concentration for each module.
  • You are locked into your decisions for the term by the end M1D3.
  • Late work is penalized 1/3 of a letter grade each day late.
  • Only work turned in on time is guaranteed timely or extensive feedback.

Module 1 (determines 20% of your final grade)

Assignments for Oral Communication Concentration

• 10% = Lab certification: part 1 (in lab: 9.11.12 or 9.12.12), part 2 (in lab: 10.2.12 or 10.3.12)
• 5%= Online cloning lab: slides due (11A: 10.2.12), defense in pairs for NK, AS (in lab 10.2.12 or 10.3.12)
• 5%= FACS data analysis: slides due (11A: 10.11.12), defense in pairs for Bevin (in lab 10.11.12 or 10.12.12)

Assignments for Written Communication Concentration

• 10% = Lab certification: part 1 (9.11.12 or 9.12.12), part 2 (10.2.12 or 10.3.12)
• 10% = M1 ppt summary: slides and notes due (11A: 10.11.12)

Module 2 (determines 35% of your final grade)

Assignments for Oral Communication Concentration

• 10% = Slides for Oral Presentation (11A: 10.16.12 or 10.17.12)
• 10%= Oral Presentation (1PM: 10.23.12 or 10.24.12 or 11.6.12 or 11.7.12)
• 15%= Results and Discussion ppt (11:12A: 11.12.12)
  • or
• 15%= Online b-gal and protein analysis labs: slides (11A: 11.6.12) and defense for TA (in lecture: 11.6.12)

Assignments for Written Communication Concentration

• 10% = Slides for Oral Presentation (11A: 10.16.12 or 10.17.12)
• 25% = Full Research Article (11:12A: 11.12.12)

Module 3 (determines 25% of your final grade)

Assignments for Oral Communication Concentration

• 15% = Written Research Proposal (11.27.12 or 11.28.12)
• 5%= Oral Presentation (12.6.12)
• 5%= Online dialysis lab (11A: 11.15.12) OR solar cell assembly lab (11A: 11.29.12)

Assignments for Written Communication Concentration

• 15% = Written Research Proposal (11.27.12 or 11.28.12)
• 10%= Online dialysis lab (11A: 11.15.12) AND solar cell assembly lab (11A: 11.29.12)

Additional Assessments

Independent of your concentration, determines 20% of your final grade

5% Pre-lab Questions

You will be assigned a day to write three questions in advance of lab, submit these to the TA 24 hours in advance

10% Lab Notebooks

These will be reviewed by the TA at the end of each module. You will be graded on a check minus (=75%), check (=85%), check plus (=95%) scale. The requirements for your notebooks are described here. Your lab notebooks must be turned in to the TA by noon on 9.21.12 (module 1), 10.19.12 (module 2), 11.30.12 (module 3). They will be returned at the start of your next lab period.

5% Reflections

Reviewers

NK/AS BE/NK/AB TA WAC