SCIENCE 1SB1

Proposed Training

Students will receive training in aseptic technique, microbial culturing, soil and plant handling, and greenhouse-based experimental design. They will assist with experimental set-up (pot washing, soil autoclaving, pouring plates, fertilizer preparation), weekly plant maintenance (watering, height measurement, leaf chlorophyll a readings), and periodic harvesting (shoot removal, drying, and weighing). Students will also help with soil sampling for 16S sequencing and final?harvest tasks such as dissecting root nodules and establishing soil slurry assays to test microbially mediated effects of antibiotic exposure.

Learning Outcomes & Science Career Competencies 

Students will develop competencies in Scientific Inquiry and Methodology (accurate data collection, careful experimental design), Technical Skills and Lab Practice (aseptic technique, microbial culture handling, DNA?based workflows), and Professionalism and Accountability (reliable scheduling, maintaining experimental timelines). They will also strengthen Data Management and Interpretation through maintaining lab notebooks and contributing to phenotype and microbial sampling datasets. The experience fosters teamwork and communication as students coordinate tasks with a graduate student researcher.

How Successful Learning Objectives Are Determined

Students will be assessed through in-lab demonstrations of technical skills, consistent completion of experimental tasks, and accurate data recording. Informal check-ins with the supervising graduate student will be used to evaluate understanding and progress. A brief end?of?term reflection will document the skills gained and how they align with science career competencies.

Required Components for Passing Grade

Students must complete approximately 20 hours of volunteer work by the end-of-term deadline and record a project log entry after each shift, documenting tasks completed, protocol deviations, and relevant observations in the shared lab notebook. A passing grade requires completion of all safety training, reliable participation in scheduled lab/greenhouse work, demonstrated proficiency in assigned tasks, and a brief end-of-term reflection. Consistent adherence to lab safety, record-keeping, and experimental protocols is mandatory.

Additional Notes

Volunteers will coordinate their ~20 hours/week schedule with the graduate student to maintain consistency in plant care and sampling. Tasks involve greenhouse work, soil handling, and microbial culture preparation; students should be comfortable working in both lab and greenhouse settings.

Students must have completed or be enrolled in Biology 1M03 and have a strong interest in microbiology, ecology, or evolution. All University mandated safety training is required, along with greenhouse-specific training before beginning work. No additional fees apply.

Standard academic accommodations will be supported, including adjustments for students with disabilities through SAS and use of MSAF or RISO where appropriate. Scheduling of volunteer hours will remain flexible to support students requiring modified timelines or task adjustments.

To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application form online.

Application Deadline: April 3, 2026

Due to the large number of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted and given permission to enrol in the course. If you do not hear back by the end of the drop/add period, you have not been chosen. 

Proposed Training

Training starts after the first two weeks after start of term, and will continue until the end of the term.  Volunteers will be trained to take care of plants in the greenhouse, which will include  trimming, planting, transplanting, propagating, fertilizing, watering, and weeding. As required, students may also need to treat plants that have been infected with either fungus or insects by removing bugs by hand. Other activities include cleaning and washing pots. Twice a year, there is a sale of plants propagated by volunteers, with the proceeds used to increase the collection and to pay for biocontrol of plant pests. Volunteers will be trained to give tours of the greenhouse to visitors.

Location of Training

Biology Greenhouse

Required Health and Safety Training on Mosaic which includes WHMIS 2015, Violence and Harassment Prevent AND Fire Safety, Ergonomics OR SAFE training.  Students should enroll in these courses and complete the tests on Avenue.

To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.

Application Deadline: April 3, 2026