1 B161 DO2 - The Human Organism Spring 2013 Instructor: Dr. Eileen D. Grogan Contact Information; Tel.: 660-1824 Email: [email protected] Office: Science Center 107A Fall Office Hours: Tues.: 10 am -12 pm Thurs.: 10 -11 am Wed.: 11am -1 pm Fri.: 11 am-12 pm All other times require an appointment Required Text: Goodenough, McGuire, & Wallace: Biology of Humans ala carte with Mastering Biology, 4th ed. (Pearson Prentice Hall) Projected Schedule: Note that this is a guide. We may not be able to cover all topics. Date Subject 1/15- 2/5 Course Expectations, Humans in the World of Biology, Chemistry Comes to Life, The Cell, Body Organization & Homeostasis Skeletal and Muscular Systems 2/7 Exam 1 2/12-3/12 Neurons, Drugs and the Nervous System Sensory Systems Blood Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems Body Defenses and Infectious Disease 3/14 Exam 2 3/19- 4/4 Respiratory System, Digestive System and Nutrition Urinary System, Reproductive System, STDs, & AIDS Endocrine System 4/9 Exam 3 4/11 - 4/25 Development throughout Life Chromosomes, Cell Division, Genetics, DNA and Biotechnology Cancer Evolution, Ecology Human Population, Limited Resources, and Pollution Exam Week Exam 4 and cumulative essay Course Objectives and Means of Assessment To develop scientific literacy and student appreciation for the value of this literacy through; 1. lecture and discussion of textual readings that are designed to provide a basic understanding of the design, function and integration of the organ systems comprising the human organism, 2. independent student survey of popular communications (i.e. Science Daily, with the option to supplement with magazine and newspaper articles) for recent developments or debates concerning chapter topics, and 3. integration of information from these different sources via class presentations and group discussion. Discussion will address the scientific accuracy and merit of these writings and the impact(s) that these issues have on society. These course objectives will be assessed via; a. four exams and a cumulative course essay that are designed to test mastery, synthesis, and application of the subject material covered in lecture and b. three (3 page) mini reports on a Science Daily article with a discussion of the topic cross referenced to the linked chapter of the class text -OR- one individual research paper on a biological topic of interest that requires the student to explore, explain, and discuss, beyond the realm of what is presented in our textbook, and using current popular relating to that topic. (Details of each option and the expectations for the submitted report will be addressed in lecture and accompanied by a summary handout.)2 Additionally, “A Harvard Minute” will be administered weekly for student feedback on understanding lecture material or related discussions. BlackBoard will be used for regular communication and posting of lecture presentations. Grading and Attendance Policy: Your final grade will be determined by performance on the exams, the written report(s), and on the quality of the cumulative essay(s). Any extra credit (based on participation in demonstrations) earned during the semester will be added to an exam grade. The faculty evaluation of attendance, class attitude/effort, and participation are considered when the student's final grade is marginal. Note that the "FA" option will be invoked if there are more than 3 unexcused absences. The grading breakdown is as follows: Category Percent of Final Grade exams 4 x 15 = 60 cumulative essay(s) 20 report (option of research paper –v- 3 mini-reports) 20 Grade Assignment: B+ = 87 - 89 C+ = 77 - 79 D+ = 67 - 69 A = 93 - 100 B = 83 - 86 C = 73 - 76 D = 60 - 66 A- = 90 - 92 B- = 80 - 82 C- = 70 - 72 F = below 60 Exams: Exam dates should be considered firm. Examinations will generally be in the format of multiple-choice but may include short answer essays, T/F, fill-ins, and diagrams. They are based on lecture and class discussions and assigned readings. Makeup exams are not to be expected without an acceptable physician’s note. Students with a Documented Disability: Please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (Room 113 Science Center, 610-660-1774 or 610-660-1620) as early as possible if you have a documented disability (learning, physical, psychological) for which you are or may be requesting reasonable academic adjustments. The student is responsible for following proper protocol if un-timed testing is requested and approved by the instructor. That is, a student request for extended time to take an examination in a distraction free environment must be discussed with the professor a minimum of one week prior to the scheduled date of the exam, the student must complete the Extended-Time Request Form and obtain the professor’s approval, and submit the completed form to the office of Services for Students with Disabilities a minimum of 3 days prior to the date of the scheduled exam. Academic Honesty: Honesty and mutual respect are integral component s of academic life. Any student(s) that misrepresents his/her work in any fashion during this course will be brought up on academic charges. (Remember, signing in a colleague on the attendance sheet is misrepresentation in the form of forgery.) Any guilty person will receive an F for the course. Faculty Recommendations: 1. Outside Assistance: You are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of my office hours if you are unclear about any material. If there is a conflict between my office hours and your schedule see, email, or telephone me as soon as possible so that we may be able to work out an alternative arrangement. Test your understanding of the lecture and reading material by using the Mastering Biology cd that came with your book. Alternatively, you may be able to log onto www.humanbiology.com if you purchased a bound version of the book. 2. Study Strategy for Exams. “Cramming” doesn’t work in biology and understanding a topic requires more than memorization. You should begin reviewing your notes one week before a scheduled exam (assuming, of course, you have been preparing from class to class). All studying should be completed by the evening preceding the exam. Group study sessions between