Course Description:

BIOL 120 is the first part of a two-semester sequence designed to prepare biology majors for upper level courses in biology and to provide non-majors a firm foundation in the principles of biology.  Course content includes cell biology, developmental biology, classification and taxonomy, and evolutionary theory.  The course also introduces the way scientists approach and attempt to solve problems leading to the discovery of and development of new knowledge.

 

Major Learning Outcomes:

• Students should develop a general understanding of the basic attributes of life, including cell structure and function, cell metabolism, and cell division.

• Students should develop a general understanding of the inheritance of characteristics, including advances in gene technology as they relate to changes in genomes

• Students should gain an appreciation for life processes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Students should be able to compare and contrast the five kingdoms of organisms and criteria used to assign species to each kingdom.

• Students should develop a general understanding of the various theories of, and evidence for, the origin of life and evolution.

 

Class Schedule:
Section 020     MWF: 8:00 – 8:50 in room 102 of the Science building

Section 040     MWF: 10:00 – 10:50 in room 105 of the Science building

Required Course Materials:

Campbell, N.A., J.B. Reece, M.R. Taylor, E.J. Simon, and J.L. Dickey. 2009.  Biology: concepts and connections.  6^th edition.  Pearson Education, Inc.

 

Attendance:

Attendance in this course is required and will be taken on a daily basis.  Although attendance does not directly factor into course grades, there is strong evidence that suggests class attendance is positively correlated with overall performance in the course. 

 

Grade Determination:

The final course grade will be calculated on the basis of online quizzes (15%), laboratory (25%), and exams (60%).  No exam grades will be dropped, and no curves will be given. Course grades will be assigned as follows: A = 90 – 100; B = 80 – 89; C = 70 – 79; D = 60 – 69; F = 0 – 59.

 

Exams:

There will be four examinations throughout the semester, the dates of which are given in the lecture schedule.  Although each exam will consist entirely of multiple-choice questions, it is important to note that these exams are generally regarded by students as being extremely difficult!.  Exams will include information presented in lecture and from the textbook.  The final exam will be cumulative to ensure complete understanding of basic biological principles, although most of the emphasis will be placed on material covered since the third exam.  Students will be allowed to make-up an exam only in the event of a serious illness, legitimate emergency, death of immediate family members, or Tarleton State University sponsored activity; in each case, proper documentation must be provided.

Online Quizzes:

There will be a series of 20 quizzes throughout the semester, one for each chapter that will be covered.  Students will be required to complete each quiz prior to lecture.  Four quizzes will be dropped at the end of the semester!  Each quiz will be administered in Blackboard (formerly WebCT) and will consist of multiple-choice questions.  Because the quizzes are timed, students are urged to study before taking them; however, students may use any available source (except other students) to help with the quizzes.  Students will not be allowed to make-up any quizzes, for they are given online and posted for several days.

 

Academic Honesty:

Tarleton State University expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct.  Students guilty of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials.  The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty that occurs in his/her class.

 

Disability Services: 
Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Director of Disability Services in the Teaching and Learning Center at (254) 968-9480 early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made.  The policy of Tarleton State University is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal, state, and local laws.  The Office of Disability Services fully supports this policy.

 

Religious holidays: 
Students who expect to miss class and/or exams because of recognized religious holidays should notify the instructor as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.  Examinations or assignments scheduled for that day will be rescheduled within a reasonable time either before or following the absence.