You know the value of attending lectures and labs. I do not follow the text and use extensive outside readings in the preparation of my lectures. Any classes missed, you are responsible for the material. If you miss 2 lectures, you will be warned and if the third lecture is missed, you will be dropped from the course failing. You should attend labs.
Time spent in lab is invaluable.
Working on the slides the first time by yourself is, in my estimation, a miserable experience. If you miss a lab, you will be warned and the second lab missed, you will be dropped from the course failing. You will have your own slide box. You will be issued a key to a drawer in MS 303 and you should keep the slides locked up when you are not using them. The slides will be returned prior to each lab exam.