New book: Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology

Posted on by Marc Drumm
Sea Urchin Pluteus Larva

The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our 16th free and open eTextbook: Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology by Dr. Judith A. Cebra-Thomas, Associate Professor of Biology at Millersville University, and Matthew E. Smith, Graduate Student at the University of Delaware.

“This work is designed primarily for use as a laboratory manual in college-level Embryology and Developmental Biology courses and as a companion to developmental biology textbooks. It explores several model animal systems and a variety of the scientific approaches that have been used to study them. It includes both classical embryological observations and manipulations, and more modern techniques, including organ culture and the disruption of developmental processes through pharmacology. The experiments described in the lab manual are designed for 2- to 3-hour laboratory periods. The introductory protocols in each chapter can be adapted to Introductory Biology or Cell Biology courses, while the later protocols are more suited to an advanced course in Developmental Biology. The manual also includes extensive illustrations, preparation guides and appendices to aid the instructor in setting up each lab.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology

Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology

by Judith A. Cebra-Thomas, Ph.D. and Matthew E. Smith

Keywords: Embryology, Developmental Biology,
Experimental Techniques, Lab Protocols
ePub
PDF
Developmental Biology Laboratory Book Cover

About the Book

This work is designed primarily for use as a laboratory manual in college-level Embryology and Developmental Biology courses and as a companion to developmental biology textbooks. It explores several model animal systems and a variety of the scientific approaches that have been used to study them. It includes both classical embryological observations and manipulations, and more modern techniques, including organ culture and the disruption of developmental processes through pharmacology. The experiments described in the lab manual are designed for 2- to 3-hour laboratory periods. The introductory protocols in each chapter can be adapted to Introductory Biology or Cell Biology courses, while the later protocols are more suited to an advanced course in Developmental Biology. The manual also includes extensive illustrations, preparation guides and appendices to aid the instructor in setting up each lab.

Chapters

  1. Chapter 1: See Urchin Development
  2. Chapter 2: Chicken Development
  3. Chapter 3: Zebrafish Development
  4. Appendix A: Instructor’s Notes for Sea Urchin Protocols
  5. Appendix B: Instructor’s Notes for Chicken Protocols
  6. Appendix C: Instructor’s Notes for Zebrafish Protocols

General Information

  • Publication Year: 2025
  • Edition: First
  • Subject: Developmental Biology Lab Manual

License

cc by-nc-sa

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) as a part of PA-ADOPT, except where otherwise noted. 

Usage

Readers

The eTextbooks created as a part of this program are provided in two formats: ePub and PDF. Please refer to our Reader Support section for guidance on which format may be best for you and the device(s) you use.

Instructors

If you are an instructor seeking to use this eTextbook in your own course(s) please feel free to download the ePub and/or PDF file(s) for your use, but make sure to complete our eTextbook Usage Survey (this information is used for program evaluation purposes).

If you are interested in making revisions and edits to this eTextbook please note that this is possible since the book is under a Creative Commons License, which allows you to remix, reuse, revise, and redistribute the eTextbook. Please refer to the Faculty Support Page, specifically looking at Remixing. You can download Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology‘ Apple Pages File in order to use the original document to revise and remix the eTextbook for your purposes.

Citations

MLA: Cebra-Thomas, Judith A., and Matthew E. Smith. Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology. First, The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT), 2025.

APA: Cebra-Thomas, J. A., & Smith, M. E. (2025). Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology. (First). The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT).

Chicago: Cebra-Thomas, Judith A., and Matthew E. Smith. Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology. First. The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT), 2025. 

Peer Review

This eTextbook went through an Open Peer Review process. The peer review process used the Open SUNY Textbook Peer Review Guidelines, allowing peer reviewers to read the text carefully and evaluate the following:

  • Educational Significance of Content including accuracy, appropriate and  useful materials, valid and significant concepts, models, and skills, and key  elements; 
  • Effectiveness as a Teaching Resource including a clear explanation of the  concepts, alignment of materials to the learning process of the target audience,  and alignment of the learning objectives with course goals; and 
  • Readability and Ease of Use including clarity and comprehensiveness,  consistent writing style, readability and ease of use (logic, sequence, and flow),  appropriateness for target readership level, and quality of Interactivity and  multimedia learning objects.

As a part of the open peer review process, the public review conducted by Dr. Julie Drawbridge is made available: Peer Review Document (PDF).

New books: General Biology Laboratory Booklet, and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

Posted on by Marc Drumm
blurred cauliflower head

The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our fourteenth and fifteenth free and open eTextbooks: General Biology Laboratory Booklet and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet by Dr. Martilias Farrell, Visiting Professor of Biology at Cheyney University.

General Biology Laboratory Booklet

“This laboratory manual provides a diverse collection of experiments designed to immerse students in techniques mirroring those used in professional biomedical research. Students will explore fundamental enzyme kinetics, investigating how varying amylase concentrations and the introduction of chemical modifiers influence starch digestion rates. These labs emphasize quantitative analysis through colorimetric assays and densitometry using ImageJ software. The booklet also features studies with planaria, where students will assess how common substances affect locomotor activity and screen compounds for their impact on the remarkable regenerative abilities of these organisms, including generating concentration-effect curves. Additional activities guide students in using microscopy to observe microscopic life. Throughout these hands-on investigations, students will develop and refine crucial laboratory skills such as preparing serial dilutions, mastering precise pipetting techniques, and maintaining detailed, reproducible laboratory notebooks, thereby building a robust foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and the scientific method.”

Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

“This laboratory manual presents a diverse collection of hands-on and interactive activities designed to enhance understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Students will engage with skeletal anatomy by creating and decoding messages using bone terminology with anatomical models and by performing bone measurements to analyze relationships with physical attributes. The manual delves into neuroscience by investigating the perception of binaural beats through auditory experiments and by utilizing the Neuronify simulation tool to construct and analyze neural circuits demonstrating synaptic summation. Physiological concepts are explored through experiments on respiratory rate dynamics in response to exercise and the principles of lung surfactant action. Additionally, students will apply anatomical terminology to describe dance movements. These activities collectively foster skills in data collection, critical analysis, and collaborative learning.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

by Martilias Farrell, Ph.D.

Keywords: Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Neuroscience
ePub
PDF

Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

About the Book

This laboratory manual presents a diverse collection of hands-on and interactive activities designed to enhance understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Students will engage with skeletal anatomy by creating and decoding messages using bone terminology with anatomical models and by performing bone measurements to analyze relationships with physical attributes. The manual delves into neuroscience by investigating the perception of binaural beats through auditory experiments and by utilizing the Neuronify simulation tool to construct and analyze neural circuits demonstrating synaptic summation. Physiological concepts are explored through experiments on respiratory rate dynamics in response to exercise and the principles of lung surfactant action. Additionally, students will apply anatomical terminology to describe dance movements. These activities collectively foster skills in data collection, critical analysis, and collaborative learning.

Chapters

  1. Note to the Reader
  2. Axial Code Lab
  3. Dance Move Lab
  4. Bone Measurement Lab
  5. Binaural Beats Perception Lab
  6. Lab Activity: Exploring Synaptic Summation
  7. Laboratory Exercise: Visualizing Surfactant Action and Lung Function
  8. Respiratory Rate Dynamics
  9. Appendix A: Notes for the Instructor
  10. Appendix B: How to Install Neuronify
  11. Appendix C: Binaural Beats Web Pages Code

General Information

  • Publication Year: 2025
  • Edition: First
  • Subject: Biology

License

Public Domain

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Zero-Public Domain 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0 Universal) as a part of PA-ADOPT, except where otherwise noted.

Usage

Readers

The eTextbooks created as a part of this program are provided in two formats: ePub and PDF. Please refer to our Reader Support section for guidance on which format may be best for you and the device(s) you use.

Instructors

If you are an instructor seeking to use this eTextbook in your own course(s) please feel free to download the ePub and/or PDF file(s) for your use, but make sure to complete our eTextbook Usage Survey (this information is used for program evaluation purposes).

If you are interested in making revisions and edits to this eTextbook please note that this is possible since the book is under a Creative Commons License, which allows you to remix, reuse, revise, and redistribute the eTextbook. Please refer to the Faculty Support Page, specifically looking at Remixing. You can download Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet Apple Pages File in order to use the original document to revise and remix the eTextbook for your purposes.

Citations

MLA: Farrell, Martilias. Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet. First, The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT), 2025.

APA: Farrell, M. (2025). Human anatomy and physiology laboratory booklet (1st ed.). The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT).

Chicago: Farrell, Martilias. Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet. 1st ed. The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT), 2025.

Peer Review

This eTextbook went through an Open Peer Review process. The peer review process used the Open SUNY Textbook Peer Review Guidelines, allowing peer reviewers to read the text carefully and evaluate the following:

  • Educational Significance of Content including accuracy, appropriate and useful materials, valid and significant concepts, models, and skills, and key  elements; 
  • Effectiveness as a Teaching Resource including a clear explanation of the  concepts, alignment of materials to the learning process of the target audience, and alignment of the learning objectives with course goals; and 
  • Readability and Ease of Use including clarity and comprehensiveness, consistent writing style, readability and ease of use (logic, sequence, and flow), appropriateness for target readership level, and quality of Interactivity and  multimedia learning objects.

As a part of the open peer review process, the public review conducted by Dr. Adedoyin Adeyiga is made available: Peer Review Document (PDF).

General Biology Laboratory Booklet


General Biology Laboratory Booklet

by Martilias Farrell, Ph.D.

Keywords: Experimental Biology, Planaria, Microscopy
ePub
PDF

General Biology Laboratory Booklet Cover

About the Book

This laboratory manual provides a diverse collection of experiments designed to immerse students in techniques mirroring those used in professional biomedical research. Students will explore fundamental enzyme kinetics, investigating how varying amylase concentrations and the introduction of chemical modifiers influence starch digestion rates. These labs emphasize quantitative analysis through colorimetric assays and densitometry using ImageJ software. The booklet also features studies with planaria, where students will assess how common substances affect locomotor activity and screen compounds for their impact on the remarkable regenerative abilities of these organisms, including generating concentration-effect curves. Additional activities guide students in using microscopy to observe microscopic life. Throughout these hands-on investigations, students will develop and refine crucial laboratory skills such as preparing serial dilutions, mastering precise pipetting techniques, and maintaining detailed, reproducible laboratory notebooks, thereby building a robust foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and the scientific method.

Chapters

  1. Note to the Reader
  2. Microscopic Life, Laboratory Notebooks and the Scientific Method
  3. Ecosystem Observation and Sample Collection
  4. Soil Core Analysis
  5. Microscopic Analysis
  6. Biochemical Analysis of Environmental Samples
  7. Enzyme Lab I
  8. Enzyme Lab II – Modifiers of enzyme rate
  9. Enzyme Lab III – Concentration Effect curve
  10. Planaria Locomotor Lab
  11. Planaria Regeneration Screen
  12. Concentration-Dependent Effects of Screen Hits on Planaria Regeneration
  13. Appendix A: Note for the Instructor
  14. Appendix B: Lab Notebook Format Entry Guide
  15. Appendix C: DIY Imager
  16. Appendix D: Using ImageJ To Quantify Images
  17. Image Citations

General Information

  • Publication Year: 2025
  • Edition: First
  • Subject: Biology

License

Public Domain

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Zero-Public Domain 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0 Universal) as a part of PA-ADOPT, except where otherwise noted.

Usage

Readers

The eTextbooks created as a part of this program are provided in two formats: ePub and PDF. Please refer to our Reader Support section for guidance on which format may be best for you and the device(s) you use.

Instructors

If you are an instructor seeking to use this eTextbook in your own course(s) please feel free to download the ePub and/or PDF file(s) for your use, but make sure to complete our eTextbook Usage Survey (this information is used for program evaluation purposes).

If you are interested in making revisions and edits to this eTextbook please note that this is possible since the book is under a Creative Commons License, which allows you to remix, reuse, revise, and redistribute the eTextbook. Please refer to the Faculty Support Page, specifically looking at Remixing. You can download General Biology Laboratory Booklet Apple Pages File in order to use the original document to revise and remix the eTextbook for your purposes.

Citations

MLA: Farrell, Martilias. General Biology Laboratory Booklet. First, The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT), 2025.

APA: Farrell, M. (2025). General biology laboratory booklet (1st ed.). The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT).

Chicago: Farrell, Martilias. General Biology Laboratory Booklet. 1st ed. The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT), 2025.

Peer Review

This eTextbook went through an Open Peer Review process. The peer review process used the Open SUNY Textbook Peer Review Guidelines, allowing peer reviewers to read the text carefully and evaluate the following:

  • Educational Significance of Content including accuracy, appropriate and useful materials, valid and significant concepts, models, and skills, and key  elements; 
  • Effectiveness as a Teaching Resource including a clear explanation of the  concepts, alignment of materials to the learning process of the target audience, and alignment of the learning objectives with course goals; and 
  • Readability and Ease of Use including clarity and comprehensiveness, consistent writing style, readability and ease of use (logic, sequence, and flow), appropriateness for target readership level, and quality of Interactivity and  multimedia learning objects.

As a part of the open peer review process, the public review conducted by Dr. Adedoyin Adeyiga is made available: Peer Review Document (PDF).