Students are made aware that a basic understanding of biological principles explains and enriches many important aspects of life. Designed specifically for the non-major, the manual presumes little or no background in the sciences. Accordingly, the exercises expose students to fundamentals of the life sciences. The use of models and accurate illustrations facilitates this approach. A diversity of quantitative and qualitative exercises allows for design of a wide range of laboratory investigations.
Many exercises are open-ended, allowing the instructor to expand topics as needed.
The eighteen exercises are appropriate for the introductory biology lab lasting two quarters or one semester. At the suggestion of students, the new third edition contains nearly a hundred full-color photos taken directly from slides and specimens. The color photos enable students to more readily identify structures and organisms studied in the lab. The 21 exercises in this manual begin with cells and cell functions, then proceed to structure and function of higher plants with a survey of plant and plant-like organisms. Questions and illustrations throughout the manual guide students in observing materials and applying observations.