An Introduction to the Study
This summer course is based on a National Science Foundation-funded research project entitled “IIBR Instrumentation: Field-deployable multi-parameter lactate probe to enable new animal physiology discoveries.” Led by your UCI instructors, this project will create a small, flexible probe that can measure important body chemicals like lactate, glucose, and oxygen continuously in animals. Lactate is a key chemical in our bodies that helps with activities like exercise and stress, but too much can indicate problems like muscle fatigue or disease. The new probe will use special technology to measure these chemicals accurately and in real-time, even in freely-moving animals. Researchers will use this probe to study animals both in the lab and in the wild, providing a better understanding of how these chemicals change during different activities and conditions.
For additional information on the project, review the project summary.
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a systematic process used to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate previous knowledge. It involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This method is iterative and cyclical, as each cycle of experimentation leads to new hypotheses and further testing, continuously refining and expanding scientific understanding. Its purpose is to ensure objectivity and reproducibility in scientific research. We will be introducing this important foundational information on the first day of the course. Should you need a reminder, you can refer to this presentation on the Scientific Method.
Lab Safety
Lab safety is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment by following proper protocols, using appropriate protective equipment, and being aware of potential hazards. Adhering to lab safety guidelines protects both personnel and the integrity of the experiments. We will review lab safety at the start of this course. For reference, you can find a list of USD lab safety protocols below. In addition to these, we request you wear long pants every day given we will be regularly soldering.
Teams & Tables
This week we will be working in teams of two, and organized at specific tables. These groups are intentional as you all have a great diversity of interests and experiences. As we find out teammates at the start of the week, please decide on a table team name that we can use for identifying groups throughout the week:
Intro to Stats
Basic statistics, including calculating averages and understanding variability, help us compare different groups and draw meaningful conclusions. Learning these simple statistical steps in tools like R is important because it allows us to analyze data accurately and make informed decisions in science and everyday life. This week we will use this statistical tool to evaluate our results and to compare measurements for our experiments. Please connect to the Posit Cloud workbook below and follow along with the instructor.