BIOL 121 Syllabus

Spring 2012

Course Description:

BIOL 121 is designed to provide a broad overview of animal biology, emphasizing animal diversity and taxonomy, basic anatomy and physiology, evolutionary adaptations, and ecological relationships. The first part of the course will provide a basic overview of the various animal phyla starting with the protozoans, which are the simplest animal-like organisms, and ending with human evolution. The second part of the course will provide a comparative examination of the major organ systems found in animals, with an emphasis on vertebrate organ systems. The third part of the course will provide a broad overview of how animals interact with each other and their environment. The entire course will be placed within an evolutionary context.

Major Learning Outcomes:

Students should gain an appreciation for the diversity of animals, both extinct and living forms.
Students should be able to compare and contrast the various animal phyla, with particular attention to key evolutionary advances.
Students should develop a working knowledge of the major organ systems, including digestive, respiratory, circulatory, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems.
Students should gain an appreciation for the diversity of behaviors that animals use in everyday life.
Students should be able to describe how animals interact with each other and their environment.

Class Schedule:
Section 010 MWF: 8:00 – 8:50 in room 102 of the Science building

Required Course Materials:

1. MasteringBiology (www.masteringbiology.com) – an online tutorial and homework program that accompanies the textbook.

Recommended Course Materials:

1. Campbell, N.A., J.B. Reece, M.R. Taylor, E.J. Simon, and J.L. Dickey. 2009. Biology: concepts and connections. 7^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 homework (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.

Online Homework:

There will be a series of 15 homework assignments throughout the semester, one for each chapter that will be covered. Each assignment will be administered in MasteringBiology (www.masteringbiology.com), an online tutorial and homework program that accompanies your textbook. Students will not be allowed to make-up any homework assignments, and no homework grades will be dropped!

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. 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.

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:
It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu. Student Disability Services is located in Math 201. More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University Catalog.

BIOL 121 Syllabus