Instructor: M. Stevens, Associate Professor

Office: 405 Phone: 878-5195

Office Hours: MWF 8-9am ;T 1-2 Th 10-11; and by appointment

Course Description: This course will utilize many topics that are currently being discussed in the media to cover the basic concepts in biology. The course will incorporate the principles of genetics; ecology; natural selection; cell structure, function, and energy; human systems, nutrition, healthy living; etc..

Goals of the Course:

1.Expose students to the unity and diversity of organisms inhabiting the Earth.

2.Help students gain an understanding of the structure and function of ecosystems

considering the influence of physical and biotic factors.

3.Reveal the biological importance of conservation issues (e.g. sedimentation,

stream impoundments, endangered species, disease control, and waste water

treatment).

4.Provide students with learning experiences that will facilitate their appreciation

for the natural environment.

Objective of the Course:

1.Recognize common terms used in biology.

2.Recognize specific biological facts.

3.Understand general biological principles.

4.Apply biological facts and principles to new situations.

Required Text: Lecture - Inquiry into Life, Sylvia S. Mader, 9th edition; Laboratory - Biology Laboratory Manual, Mary Ann Stevens, and a 3-ring binder.

Evaluation: The students final grade will be an average of points earned in lecture and the laboratory. Your grade in lecture will be an average of a paper and presentation, 3 exams given during the semester, and a comprehensive final. Quizzes and written assignments will be given frequently, since these are class participation points, if you are not in class when the activity occurs you will not be able to earn points on that assignment. At the end of the semester an average of these quizzes and assignments will be used to replace the lowest test score or an excused missed exam.

Point breakdown: Exams I-III 300

Paper\ 100

Presentation

Final 200

_____________________

Total Points 600

Grading Scale: 90 - 100 = A

80 - 89 = B

70 - 79 = C

60 - 69 = D

59 & below = F

Assessment

Pre-assessment

Throughout the semester:

1.Multiple choice, matching, and essay quizzes will be given.

2.In class writing assignments will be given.

3.Problem solving assignments will be given.

Post-assessment

1.Three exams throughout the semester will be used to evaluate

the students progress.

2.A comprehensive final.

3.A research paper and presentation.

Absence Policy: In accordance with university policy, you will be sent a warning after 2 absences and will be subject to dismissal with the third. Excessive tardiness will be handled in the same manner.

Reading Assignments and Exams

Date Chapter Subject Matter

8\22 - 9\13 1 Introduction: Science, Nonscience,

Pseudoscience; Scientific Method

Characteristics of Living Organisms

3, 4 Cell structure and function; Membrane

Structure and function

And Photosynthesis

9\15 Exam I

9\18 - 10\23 25 DNA\RNA - Molecular Basis of Heredity

5, 22 Mitosis and Meiosis

26 Biotechnology

10\25 Exam II

10\27 - 11\15 36 Ecosystems and Human Interference

33 Population Ecology

34 Community Ecology

11\17 Exam III

11\20 - 12\8 15 Human Biology - Respiratory System

13 Circulatory System 12 Digestive System

21 Reproductive System

Final Exam - to be announced

Date Subject Matter

8/22 Lab Orientation and Microscopes

8/29 Cells and Tissues

9/5 Diffusion

9/12 Osmosis

9/19 Mitosis, Meiosis, Development

9/26 Genetics

10/3 Genetics

10/10 Environmental Issues

10\17 Diversity: Monera, Protista

10/24 Diversity: Plants and Fungi

10/31 Diversity: Platyhelminthes, Nematoda

11/7 Diversity: Animal Kingdom

11/14 Mammalian Systems: Circulatory, Respiratory systems

11/21 Mammalian Systems: Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive

11/28 Heart Sounds, Blood pressure (Handout)

12/5 Special Senses (Handout)

Points to be earned in lab: Quizzes (12 @ 20pts. Each*) 200pts

Labbook 50pts

Daily Work 50pts

Total pts. 300pts

*Two quizzes may be dropped at the end of the semester.