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 Course Description:

Principles of Biology I is an introductory course designed to meet the needs of the student who has no background in chemistry or biology.  The course is aimed for the transfer student who does not wish to major in science or for the health career program candidate for whom biology is a prerequisite. This course provides an introduction to fundamental biological concepts including:

Biochemistry

The structure and function of cells

Cell Reproduction

The molecular basis of Heredity

Diversity of living organisms

Ecology

Prerequisites: None

Text: Campbell, Reece and Simon, (2004) Essential Biology with Physiology

Text website: http://www.essentialbiology.com

Course website: http://faculty.stcc.edu/rapp/biol102/biol102.htm

Course Organization:

The material in this course is presented during lecture and lab several times a week.  Lecture and lab are both important components to this course.  As much as possible, the topics covered in lecture and lab will be coordinated so as to reinforce student understanding of the material. 

The lab will familiarize students with the microscope and its use, and will emphasize the physical, chemical, and cellular aspects of life as well as the design and interpretation of laboratory experiments. 

Course Objectives:

1.      To gain an understanding of the diversity of life on Earth

2.      To learn about the cell, the fundamental unit of life and the functional unit of all life processes. 

3.      To understand the molecular basis of life, and the implications of current biological technology on one’s life. 

4.      To expose students to a variety of biological concepts and experiments so they might establish the foundations necessary for an understanding of life processes. 

5.      To develop the student’s critical thinking skills.

6.      To introduce the student to the scientific method. 

7.      To learn and appropriately apply scientific terminology. 

General Conduct:

Students are expected to observe the code of conduct outlined in the college catalog. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the course following one written warning.  Cell phones and beepers MUST BE DISABLED before entering lecture or lab.  Students who disrupt the class with said items will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return to that class or lab session.

Attendance/ Tardiness:

This is college.  It is your responsibility to come to class.  Attendance at all classes is expected and strongly advised.  Attendance on exam dates is required (see “Testing” below).  A student who is absent from lecture is responsible for the content of that class as well as any announcements made.  A student who misses class also forfeits any points towards a final grade available on that given day.  When absent, obtain the lecture notes from a classmate.

A student who is absent from lab is responsible for the content of that lab as well as any announcements made.  There are no make-up labs are given however a student may arrange with another faculty member to attend their lab.  A student who misses lab also forfeits any points towards a final grade available on that given day.  When absent, obtain the lab notes from a classmate. 

Extended absences resulting from serious illness or other personal matters should be reported to the Dean of Student Services Office, which will notify the professor. 

Students should arrive promptly and remain until the end of the class.  Tardiness will not be tolerated, and is treated as disruptive behavior (see “General Conduct” above).  The instructor reserves the right to refuse late arrivals. 

Academic Dishonesty:

Cheating, plagiarism, illicit collaboration and misrepresentation of one’s own work will not be tolerated.  The result of such will be failure in the exam, paper, etc. or failure for the course.  In addition, the student(s) will be reported to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, including removal from the class.  There will be no warnings given. 

Testing:

1.        There will be NO MAKE-UP quizzes or laboratories administered.  A student who misses class forfeits any points available on that given day.  NO EXCEPTIONS. 

2.        No make-ups are given for lab practical exams. 

3.        Students arriving late for a quiz or examination will not be allowed extra time to finish the test.  Students who arrive late to class and miss the entire quiz will not be allowed to take the quiz (see #1 above). 

4.        Class examinations will be given at the times scheduled.  Special arrangements for rescheduling for individuals will only be made for compelling reasons.  If a scheduled exam must be missed, I should be contacted as soon as possible to explain your absence.  A make-up exam will be rescheduled at MY convenience.  The make-up test may differ substantially from the original.  There can be only one make-up exam during the semester – NO EXCEPTIONS. 

5.        Bring a No. 2 pencil for all scheduled exams; you instructor will not provide you with a pencil. 

Grading:

Note: It is department policy that a student must pass the lab portion of the course to pass the entire course. 

Student Opportunities for Assistance:

1.      Biology tutors are available free of charge.  They work out of room 512 (phone # 755-4141).  Simply go in and sign up for a tutor in a time slot that works for you. 

Tutors do not lecture nor make up missed labs.  In addition to helping with course material, tutors can help with studying tips and note taking, they can quiz a student from text or his/her notes, and can help a student with internet searches and basic word-processing skills.  Keep in mind that it is typically our top students who seek the assistance of tutors.  Visit the tutoring website at: http://faculty.stcc.edu/nash/tutoring.htm

2.      I have office hours; please do not hesitate to use them!  These are listed on the first page of the syllabus.  If you cannot make these times, you may schedule an appointment. 

3.      Study groups of you and your peers can be the best way to study and improve your grades.  Try to form them immediately; do not wait until it is too late.