Unfortunately, due to building and laboratory renovations, we are unable to host Bioathlon for the 2025 school year. Please stay tuned for the announcement of our 35th Bioathlon, in 2026. We are looking forward to seeing you next year, in our new and updated state-of-the-art facilities!
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.
Previous Year's Project Topics Included:
Through these projects, students had 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 was 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 suggested that students come prepared with a writing utensil that they would dispose at the end of the rotation. The lab had 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 was 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 was 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!
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)