Course: Current Issues in Biology, LS 1004-3, Lab 1004-4
MWF - 1:00 pm, Room 407, Lab, Tuesday, 12:00-2:40 pm, Room 401

Instructor:
Sue Way
275-3478 e-mail: littleway@juno.com

Text Requirements:
Inquiry into Life, Sylvia S. Mader, 9^th Edition
Biology Laboratory Manual, Mary Ann Stevens, and a 3-ring Binder

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.

Course Assessment: The student's final grade will be an average of points earned in lecture and the laboratory. The lecture grade will be an average of papers and presentations, 3 exams given during the semester, and a comprehensive final. Quizzes and written assignments will be given frequently. These are class participation points, if the student is not in class when the activity occurs, that student 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.

Exams (3) 300
Paper/Presentation 100
Final 150

Total 600

Grading Scale: 90 - 100 A
80 - 89 B
70 - 79 C
60 - 69 D
59 and below F

1. Expose the 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.
5. Recognize common terms used in biology.
6. Recognize specific biological facts.
7. Understand general biological principles.
8. Apply biological facts and principles to new situations.

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

Assessment: Pre-assessment

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.

Reading Assignments and Exams (Subject to adjustment)

8/23 - 9/11 1 Introduction: Science, Nonscience, Pseudoscience; Scientific
Method, Characteristics of Living Organisms
4 Cell membranes; Diffusion; Osmosis;
3 Organelles
6-7 Biochemical Pathways: Cellular Respiration
8 Photosynthesis
9/13 Exam I

9/15 - 10/23 2.2, 22, 25 DNA/RNA - Molecular Basis of Heredity
5, 22 Mitosis and Meiosis
23, 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 Human Reproductive System
Exam IV

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
10/224 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
Heart Sounds, Blood pressure (Handout)
12/5 Special Senses (Handout)

Points to be earned in lab: Quizzes (12 @ 20 pts. each*) 200
Lab book 50
Daily work------------------------------- 50

Total 300

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