Principles of Biological Science I and II
BIOL 126 - Spring 2008
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Instructor: |
Br. Lawrence Unfried, C.S.C. |
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Office: |
Vincent Hall, Room 175 |
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Phone: |
(219) 239-8412 |
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E-mail: |
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Text: |
Campbell, Neil A., Jane B. Reese,
and Lawrence G. Mitchell. 2002. Biology, 7th ed. Pearson Education,
Inc.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
Course Description:
Biology 126
is the second semester of a two-semester survey of the fundamental principles
of biology for students considering a major in science or for students with a strong
high school science background. Major topics covered in the first semester are
as follows: basic biological chemistry, principles of ecology, reproduction and
patterns of inheritance, and evolutionary theory. Major topics covered in the
second semester are as follows: cellular biology and energetics, molecular
genetics, an evolutionary survey of the living world, and a survey of major
organ systems of animals with an emphasis on human biology.
General Course Objectives for the Spring Semester:
After
completion of the first semester of the Principles of Biological Sciences, a
student should:
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1. |
To develop a basic understanding
of cellular structure and physiology. |
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2. |
To develop a basic understanding
of molecular genetics. |
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3. |
To become familiar with the
phylogeny, and aspects of the structure and function of viruses, monerans,
protists, fungi, plants and animals. |
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4. |
To become familiar with the
structures and functions of major animal organ systems with emphasis on human
anatomy and physiology. |
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In addition to the above objectives
for this course, there also are transferrable skills objectives. After
completion of the first semester of the Principles of Biological Sciences, a
student should be able to:
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1. |
Generate ideas and synthesize
results. |
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2. |
Understand the creative process
(planning, experimenting, implementing, and evaluating). |
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3. |
Ask relevant questions. |
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4. |
Distinguish among fact, opinion,
and judgment. |
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5. |
Understand and apply the
Scientific Method. |
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6. |
Interact and cooperatively work
with others. |
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7. |
Demonstrate skills in oral and
written communication. |
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8. |
Demonstrate skills in library and
Internet literacy. |
Course Requirements And Grades
A student's semester grade for Principles of Biological Science II will be based
on major tests, quizzes, laboratory exercises, a project, class attendance and
participation, and a final examination.
Major
Tests and the Final Examination.
Grades on
major tests, quizzes, and the final examination will constitute 65% of the
semester grade.
Major Tests. There will be four major tests based primarily on the material dealt with during the lecture/ discussion periods. Missed tests must be made up before the next major test, at a time determined by the instructor. Failure to make up a missed test will result in a grade of zero for that test.
Quizzes. There will be a number of quizzes over the course of the semester. Ordinarily they will be given at the beginning of a class period and missed quizzes cannot be made up. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped while the highest grade will be doubled. The average grade for quizzes will count the same as one major test.
Final Examination. The final examination will be cumulative and will count as two major tests.
The Laboratory.
The
development of good laboratory skills and techniques is an important part of
this course. Though it is not an essential aspect of laboratory activities,
many of the Biology 126 laboratory exercises will parallel material covered in
class. Laboratory grades will constitute 20% of the semester grade.
The Project.
To
successfully complete this course, each student must participate in a project
worth 10% of the semester grade. Each student is expected to spend a
significant amount of time and effort on this project and it must be
representative of college level work.
A written
project report is required but, also, time will be set aside at the end of the
semester for oral reports. The grade for the project will be based on its
quality of scientific thought and investigation as well as on the clarity,
organization, and neatness of the project report and presentation.
More detailed directions concerning
the project will be given as the semester progresses.
Class Attendance and Participation.
A student's
attendance and course participation will count for 5% of the semester grade.
Attendance. Students are expected to attend classes on a
regular basis and to be on time. A portion of a student’s grade for attendance
and participation will be based on being present for class and for being
on time. A student absent from more than four class and/or laboratory sessions
should not expect a grade higher than a C for the semester. While almost
everyone occasionally is late for a class, coming in late, nevertheless, is
distracting to students and to the instructor. Four incidences of tardiness
will count the same as one absence.
Participation. Participation involves more than attendance. Students who meaningfully and actively participate in the course will receive a higher grade than students who display a passive or apathetic attitude. .
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Grade Scale |
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A- |
(4.00) |
95% - 100% |
C+ |
(2.33) |
73% - 76% |
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A- |
(3.67) |
90% -
94% |
C |
(2.00) |
70% - 72% |
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B+ |
(3.33) |
85% - 89% |
C- |
(1.67) |
66% - 69% |
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B |
(3.00) |
80% - 84% |
D |
(1.00) |
60% - 65% |
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B- |
(2.67) |
77% - 79% |
F |
(0.00) |
Below 60% |