Introductory Laboratory Courses in Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Our department offers two introductory level laboratory courses. Each course is described briefly below. More information is available at the individual web sites.

Brief descriptions

BIOC 111 (1 cr. hr.) introduces fundamental methods and standard laboratory practices in biosciences.  A major objective is to prepare students who have limited laboratory experience to move on to courses that require more independent learning, including BIOC 211.

BIOC 211 (2 cr. hrs.) is an intermediate level laboratory course designed for biochemistry & cell biology majors. Students wishing to enroll in BIOC 211 must first take BIOC 111 or pass a pre-laboratory exam (see below).

Registration process

• STEP 1: log into Owlspace, search under "joinable sites" for the BCB Teaching Lab Collaborative Site, and join

• STEP 2: on the BCB Teaching Lab Collaborative Site complete and submit the Bioc 111 and 211 Signup Form under "Tests and Quizzes," then confirm that it is listed under Submitted Assessments in OWL-Space; the signup form is available only certain times of the acacemic year – see Registration periods below
• STEP 3: wait for us to contact you with instructions for taking the pre-lab exam (if you have not taken it before) or confirmation that you are eligible to pick up a signed special registration request form (if you took the exam in a prior semester)
• STEP 4: after you have been notified of your status then please select a section of the course you plan to take and pick up a preregistration form from the appropriate instructor during scheduled office hours; have a back up plan in case the section you want is full

Registration periods

During the 2012/2013 academic year the signup form for BIOC 111 and 211 will be available during the following registration periods:

• Fall 2012 Orientation – 6 pm Sunday Aug 12 through Sunday Aug 19; signups for BIOC 111 only continue through Friday Aug 24
• Spring 2013 Registration – 6 pm Sunday Nov 11 through Sunday Nov 18; signups for BIOC 111 only continue from 6 pm Sunday Jan 6 through Friday Jan 11
• Summer 2013 Registration – 6 pm Sunday Mar 4 through Sunday Apr 7 (start of fall registration)
• Fall 2013 Registration – 6 pm Sunday Apr 7 through Sunday Apr 14
• After Sunday Apr 14 signups will close until Fall Orientation 2013

Important facts and answers to FAQs

• Registration is by instructor permission only, not through ESTHER
• Once you take the pre-laboratory exam you need not take it again; we keep the scores
• You must complete the survey form each semester that you attempt to take one of these courses, even if you have signed up in a previous semester
• If you need off campus access to the survey form then please contact us at bios211@rice.edu.
• Both courses, especially BIOC 111, are in great demand; if you web-drop then please notify us immediately, as there is most likely a wait-list
• On-time attendance is required in both courses
• BIOC 211 starts with a lecture the first day of classes
• We are unable to offer makeup labs – if you anticipate any time conflicts please resolve them on your own
• We do not accept dual credit or AP credit for BIOC 211 except for someone who transfers to Rice after completing a year at another university
• We accept dual credit or transfer credit for BIOC 111
• Both courses are offered each semester and will be offered in summer sessions starting in 2011