Bioathlon

Bioathlon Returns to Campus on May 10, 2023!

Hands-on, Problem Solving Competition

To stimulate an interest in biology careers, the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University has sponsored a single-day, hands-on, problem solving competition known as the Bioathlon for the past 30+ years.

Project Topics include:

Through these projects, students must demonstrate organizational skills, critical and creative thinking, knowledge of biological concepts, and laboratory skills.

Microbiology Rotation (MLS) - Hints

To execute the following Bio-athlon Microbiology Rotation to the fullest extent, it is recommended, but not required for students to come prepared having background knowledge and/or practice experience on:

  • Gram staining reagents and procedure
  • Nomenclature – How organisms are classified (taxonomy)
  • Cellular structures
  • Microscope use and function

* We also suggest that students come prepared with a writing utensil that they will be disposing at the end of the rotation. The lab will have some pencils on hand if forgotten.

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) Dissection - Hints

To execute the following Bio-athlon A&P Dissection Rotation to the fullest extent, it is recommended, but not required for students to come prepared having background knowledge and/or practice experience on:

  • Dissecting a specimen belonging to the genus Rana and labeling predetermined structures
  • General knowledge of the anatomy as well as dissection techniques

General Biology Mash-Up - Hints

To execute the following Bio-athlon General Biology Rotation to the fullest extent, it is recommended, but not required for students to come prepared having background knowledge and/or practice experience on:

  • General knowledge of the naming of biological processes, abbreviations, cell structure, and more.
  • General knowledge of food webs, trophic interactions, ecology, and evolution.

Blood Typing - Hints 

To execute the following Bio-athlon Blood Typing Rotation to the fullest extent, it is recommended, but not required for students to come prepared having background knowledge and/or practice experience on:

  • Knowing the definition of antigen and antibody
  • Being familiar with how antigens on red blood cells differ
  • What factors determine the blood type of an individual
  • Why a person can't receive a blood type that does not match their own 

Competition Prizes

1st place - $100.00 per person

2nd place - $75 per person

3rd place - $50 per person

Recent Participants

  • A.D. Johnston (Bessemer)
  • Baraga
  • Calumet
  • Chassell
  • Dollar Bay
  • Forest Park
  • Hancock
  • Houghton
  • Jeffers
  • Lake Linden
  • L’Anse
  • L.L. Wright (Ironwood)
  • Laona 
  • Negaunee
  • Superior Central
  • Wakefield
  • Watersmeet
  • West Iron County
    (Iron River)
  • Westwood (Ishpeming)