Bioathlon Returns to Campus on May 10, 2024!
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 35+ years.
This Year's Project Topics Include:
Through these projects, students have to 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 has 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 sheep's heart specimen and labeling predetermined structures
- General knowledge of the anatomy as well as dissection techniques
Ecology Scavenger Hunt - Hints
To execute the following Bio-athlon Ecology Scavenger Hunt 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 food webs, trophic interactions, and calculating energy dynamics
* Please come prepared and dressed for the weather!
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)