BASIC BIOLOGY -- BIOL 110 CWU Winter 2007 INSTRUCTORS Dr. Kristina A. Ernest Office: Science 236J Phone: 963-2805 E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: Tues 2-3, Thurs. 1-2 and by appointment Teaching Assistant Zach MacMillen Office: Science 236N E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: Friday 10-11 and by appointment COURSE STRUCTURE Class meets M, T, W, Th 11:00-10:50 in rm 241 Lab meets Th 2:00-3:50 in rm 141 Credits: 5 TEXT AND READING MATERIALS Required: • Biology (7th ed.) Campbell and Reece. 2005, Benjamin Cummings, ISBN 0-8053-7171-0 • Materials on BLACKBOARD (http://courses.cwu.edu). The BlackBoard site for this course called BIOL110.003_1071. Registration for the Blackboard course is required because important announcements, discussion articles, class notes, and review sheets will be posted on the site. All course handouts will also be available on BlackBoard (so if you lose yours, or miss class, this is the place to go). Registration for blackboard uses your CWU Netware username and password. • Readings as assigned (handouts or on Blackboard). Lab handouts will be provided in lab. Recommended: • Textbook Web Support: Go to http://www.campbellbiology.com (the Campbell text site) to join the following course: cm926719. When you purchase the book, you will receive an access code that will allow you to use this site. If you have purchased a used book or are borrowing a book, you can purchase access on-line. • A Handbook of Biological Investigation (6th ed.), by Ambrose et al. 6th ed. 2002, Hunter Textbooks, Inc. ISBN 0-88725-266-4 COURSE PHILOSOPHY AND OUTCOMES Welcome to BIOL 110, Basic Biology! This course is the first in the introductory biology sequence for biology majors and minors. It has no prerequisite, and is meant to be at the introductory level. However, this course is not “easy”. To do well in the course you must keep up on the readings, come to class and laboratories and participate fully, and study (a lot). BIOL 110 must be successfully completed before taking the other courses in the sequence (Biology 111/112/220).CWU BIOL 110, Basic Biology, Winter 2006 Page 2 Basic Biology is designed to provide a basic foundation in biology upon which you will build as you tackle more advanced biology courses. As the beginning course in the biology major, Basic Biology starts with the chemical foundations of life, then introduces major biological concepts -- such as evolution and genetics -- that constitute the underpinnings of modern biology. All these important concepts have been discovered and refined by biologists using the scientific method, an active process that is far more than a conglomeration of facts. Thus, Basic Biology also emphasizes how biological knowledge is discovered and developed by introducing you to the process of science. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: • Apply basic terminology relating to the chemistry of life, cells, genetics, and evolution to concepts in biology; • Apply knowledge of biological concepts to answer biological questions and solve related problems; • Describe how biological phenomena are studied; • Identify the basic genetic mechanisms which underlie the process of evolution; • Explain the process of natural selection and speciation; • Explain current scientific theories of the origin of biological diversity; • Use the scientific method to test hypotheses and acquire knowledge; • Use the metric system to measure cells and organisms; • Effectively use a compound microscope; • Make and record careful and accurate observations, and prepare diagrams or sketches based on observation; • Write a well-organized, concise lab report in appropriate scientific format; • Demonstrate the ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member; and • Participate effectively in group discussions of scientific issues. GRADING Activity Points Approximate letter grades: Discussion: 8 @ 10 80 90-100% A- to A+ Midterm exams: 2 @ 100 200 80-89% B- to B+ Final exam 150 70-79% C- to C+ Lab 200 60-69% D- to D+ Total 630 < 60% F Discussion: We will engage in weekly discussions of Scientific American (or other) articles about biology. To prepare for these, you will carefully read the article (made available on Blackboard or handed out in class). Bring to class a 1-2-paragraph summary of the article (main points), and a list of 3 or more questions or comments you could raise during the discussion. All students are expected to actively participate in the discussion, which will be facilitated by a team of students.CWU BIOL 110, Basic Biology, Winter 2006 Page 3 Exams: There will be three lecture exams (two midterms and a comprehensive final). The lecture exams will be composed primarily of objective completion (multiple choice), sketch & label, briefly “define, describe or identify”, and short essay questions derived from the lecture material, readings, and discussion. Make-up exams will only be given under exceptional circumstances (e.g., verifiable medical emergencies) and with permission obtained before the scheduled exam. Lab: A lab schedule will be handed during lab to explain the breakdown of grading in lab. COURSE POLICIES • You are expected to attend and come prepared for each class and lab, and to work cooperatively with other students in class activities. No cell phones, please. • All assignments must be handed in on time. Students who miss class (unless it is a verified emergency or official university function) will not be able to make up class points for that day. Other assignments handed in late will be penalized 10% per day. • Make-up exams will be allowed only if arranged in advance, or in special cases of illness or other emergency. No make-up labs will be provided. In documented cases of emergency, you will be asked to complete an alternative assignment. • Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that requires special attention, please contact me or Disability Support Services (963-2171) for disability-related educational accommodations. • Academic honesty: The only true learning comes from hard work and self-motivation. No form of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will be tolerated. • No incompletes will be given except in