BIOLOGY 311C: INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY ILecture ParticipationStrategies for Success Prior knowledge and skills required for BIO 311CBIOLOGY 311C: INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY IMWF 8:00 - 8:50Fall 2014Instructor: Dr. Jessica WandeltEmail: [email protected] Office Hours: Mondays from 12:30-2 in CBA 4.338 Thursdays 11-12:30 in GDC 4.302 By appointment (please email to schedule a meeting) Weekly Group Review Session: Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 pm JES A121A. Feel free to drop-in late.Teaching Assistant: Zuyun ZhaoEmail: [email protected] Hours: Mondays from 4:30-5:30, Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00 in PCL 4.194 or by appointment (please email to schedule a meeting)Course Description311C is designed for majors in biological sciences, and for others if required by their departmental programs. This course covers major concepts in biological chemistry, cellular organization, metabolism, cell cycle, gene expression, and gene regulation. Core Objectives This course may be used to fulfill three hours of the natural science and technology component of the university core curriculum and addresses the following four core objectives established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: communication skills, critical thinking skills, teamwork, and empirical and quantitative skills." PrerequisitesCredit for (with a grade of at least a C-) or concurrent registration in Chemistry 301 (or its equivalent). If you do not meet this requirement, you will be automatically dropped from this class.SuppliesTextbook (highly recommended): Biology by NA Campbell and JB Reece (7th, 8th or 9th edition)Clicker (required): i>clicker or i>clicker 2. It is recommended that you buy the i>clicker 2 if you do not yet have a clicker. Print outs of powerpoint lecture outlines (available on Canvas before each lecture).I also recommend that you have some colored pencils/pens handy for class.Course OrganizationLectures (3 hours/week)You are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures. The material presented during lecture will be the basis for the exams. In addition, a part of your grade will be determined by your daily participation in class (see below). Outlines of lecture powerpoint presentations with figures willbe available on Canvas (canvas.utexas.edu) prior to class. It is suggested that you bring these to class as a guide for note taking. Just looking at these outlines or the textbook will not be an adequate substitute for attending class. If you must miss a lecture, review the slides, do the recommended reading and check with at least one other classmate who attended the lecture for any additional notes. After you have done this, you may also make arrangements with your lecturer or T.A. to review the material you missed. Discussion Sections (1 hour/week; Discussions will begin meeting the week of September 8.)Each student is enrolled in a one hour per week discussion section (see below). These discussions, which are led by your TA, are run for your benefit. The purpose of these sessions is to review and reinforce the material covered in lecture, as well as to provide you the opportunity to discuss topics in smaller groups. It is highly recommended that you attend all discussion sessions. Participation during these meetings will be factored into your overall course grade (see below). Please attend the discussion section to which you are assigned. Unique # Day Time Location49120 Wednesday 1:00 – 2:00 BUR 13049125 Tuesday 2:00 – 3:00 SZB 29649130 Wednesday 2:00 – 3:00 BUR 13449135 Thursday 3:00 – 4:00 SZB 380Course Learning OutcomesInformation on learning outcomes will be provided in the course website on Canvas (canvas.utexas.edu).GradingYour overall grade in this course will be determined by the following:3 semester exams 57% (3x 19%)Lecture Participation 10% Discussion Quizzes & Participation 8%Final Exam 25% The final course grade is expected to obey the following grading scale:A = 93.50% and above B = 83.50-86.49% C = 73.50-76.49% D = 63.50-66.49%A- = 90.00-93.49% B- = 80.00-83.49% C- = 70.00-73.49% D- = 60.00-63.49%B+ = 86.50-89.99% C+ = 76.50-79.99% D+ = 66.50-69.99 F = 59.99% and belowIf your grade falls within one of the categories, you are guaranteed the letter grade indicated. Occasionally, I have been known to slightly modify the grade categories downward to reflect the overall performance of the class, but this is not a guarantee. DO NOT COUNT ON A CURVE OR CATEGORY ADJUSTMENT TO RAISE YOUR GRADE. Please DO NOT ask for a grade adjustment, as this will guarantee that you will not receive one.ExamsThere will be three exams during the semester (57% of your final grade) and a comprehensive final exam (25% of your final grade) during the scheduled exam period. Each of the semester exams will be worth 19% of your grade; in the final calculation of your exam grades, your lowest semester exam score will be replaced with the average score of ALL 3 semester exam scores (without any added extra credit points).All exams will be based on the material covered in lecture (unless otherwise specified). Due to the nature of the course material, the exams will be cumulative. Exams will cover factual material, but will also emphasize application and synthesis of material. Exams will be a combination of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and short-answer/very short essay questions. You are expected to bring a pencil, pen and your UT ID to all exams. There will be assigned seating for all of the exams, so it is advised that you arrive early to find your seat and minimize chaos. If you do not sit in your assigned seat, your exam will not be graded; please take the time to double check. At your seat, you will only be allowed pencils, pens and your photo ID; make sure all books, purses, and backpacks are placed at the front/side of the room and cell phones are turned off. You must have your photo ID to turn in your exam. Any cell phone disturbances during exams will result in a 50% grade reduction on the exam. You may not leave the room during an exam, so please plan ahead. Make sure to come to the exams on time: no exams will be collected after time is called at the designated time and no late-comers will be allowed to start the exam if another student has already finished the exam/left the room. Exams #1 - #3 will take place from 6:30-8:00 pm in UTC 2.112A (see lecture schedule/course announcements for more