Laboratory Assignments

Laboratory Assignments
Data analysis and computer modeling for fisheries biology
Assigned: Weekly
Due: Weekly
Points: 10 each
Purpose:
As technology advances, computer modeling and data analysis have become standard knowledge requirements in fisheries biology. The ecosystems, life histories, and populations of interest to fisheries studies are complex and require modeling to better manage  and project changes. Several commonly used fisheries models will be introduced in these weekly exercises to provide some hands-on knowledge of their application.
Approach: Laboratory assignments will provide students with the skills of a working fishery biologist and are also designed to further explore specific topics covered in the lecture. Each week you will be supplied with an MS EXCEL database file and an instructions document to guide you through a data manipulation exercise commonly performed by fisheries managers. Each laboratory instruction sheet also has several questions which must be answered to demonstrate your completion of the lab and your comprehension of the techniques in the lab.
Laboratory requirements: Complete the guided exercise, and when finished answer the questions at the end of the exercise, submit a single .doc, .docx or .pdf document including relevant figures you have created in the process of answering the questions. It is recommended that you also submit your .xls or .xlsx workbook at the same time. It should be possible to upload both documents at the same time.
Keys to a good laboratory assignment:
Watch the lectures. Many contain step by step instructions for the labs.
Give yourself adequate time to complete the assignments.
Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the exercise. Do not make the instructor search for your answers among lengthy responses and excessive background text.
Continue to write clear and direct using a scientific tone.
If you are referencing materials other than the assigned weekly readings, they should be properly referenced and cited.
Expectations and grading:
This is a formal writing assignment and an example is provided. In this example, the objectives and instructions are included for a better understanding of the lab as an example. However, this is not required for laboratory reports submissions. The figures and answers are the sections expected to be completed each week. Clarity of presentation and correctness are both taken into account.