Biology 151 Fall Semester 2015 Section 3 8 00 8 50AM MWF Instructor Office Phone Email Dr Mark T Huyler 427T Integrated Science Building 545 2344 mhuyler vasci umass edu Course Goals and Objectives To present the fundamental concepts of eukaryotic and prokaryotic life To apply this knowledge using a problem solving approach to answer current topics in the biological sciences Course Content This course is the first of a two semester sequence for science majors Students will be exposed to subject material which includes introduction to the scientific method biochemical basis of living systems cell and molecular biology mitosis and meiosis principles of genetics and developmental biology In discussion sections students will be expected to participate in discussions based on lecture topics and assignments that are relevant to material being covered in class Critical Thought Scientists are all governed by the rules of the scientific method which includes hypothesis formation collecting and analyzing data and drawing conclusions based on these data Students will demonstrate their ability for critical thought through the use of the scientific method in both the lecture and discussion section components of this course Connections It is expected that students will acquire the ability to apply and integrate these methods in real world problems Questions Office Hours immediately before or after class for questions requiring a minute or two For more lingering concerns come to my office after class or set up an appointment with me There will be a weekly review question answer session at 5PM on Wednesday afternoons location TBA Text 1st edition How Life Works 2013 by Morris et al W H Freeman and Company publisher I will summarize the various options you have for accessing this text Prices listed are the publisher s suggested retail 1 You can purchase the complete hard cover version both Volumes 1 and 2 of the text with electronic portal for 196 There is no requirement that you have the portal for this class 2 The e text includes both volumes can be purchased for 96 from the publisher 3 It can also be purchased in two soft cover volumes 1 and 2 We will cover only the contents of Volume 1 in Bio151 If you have no intentions of taking the second half of the course Bio152 then the soft cover version of Volume 1 can save you a significant amount of money 105 4 Lastly there is a loose leaf version of the entire text you supply the 3 ring binder for 147 50 5 I have placed several copies of the text on reserve in the library Technology Use All class announcements communications notes presentations grades supplemental material will be available on line via MOODLE This site must be visited frequently You will need an i clicker2 responder for this class Once you purchase it Textbook Annex go to the class MOODLE page and register your clicker Teaching Philosophy All students will be provided with the opportunity to learn the principles outlined in lecture Whether or not you avail yourselves to this opportunity is wholly up to you Student Conduct All students while attending lectures and labs are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon either my ability to teach or your classmates singular and collective ability to learn Academic Honesty Students are expected to strictly adhere to the UMass Academic Honesty Policy http www umass edu dean students codeofconduct I make the assumption of complete honesty on the part of all students until proven otherwise Violations will be vigorously pursued through the official proceedings of the Academic Honesty Committee within the Ombud s Office These proceedings are very unpleasant and may have far reaching consequences for your professional aspirations Grading Scheme Point Value Three hourly exams each worth 100 pts One hourly exam administered during finals week Discussion 10 of the 11 Discussions Counted 12pts each Lecture Quizzes Absolutely No Make ups 11 Quizzes 10pts each Highest 10 Grades counted iClicker Course participation of Total 300 125 120 61 1 17 3 100 50 14 4 7 2 695 total points 100 The keys to doing well in this class 1 An excellent set of your own lecture notes which means being in class both physically and mentally So there is no confusion there is a difference between being physically present occupying a seat and being in class Sleeping and Texting do not constitute being in class Do yourself a favor and turn off your cell phone while in class Your Face Book update can wait and the world can turn without your guidance for 50 min Good news is all the sweeter and bad news well as the saying goes Ignorance is bliss 2 Go over your notes after each class while details are still fresh in your mind and fill in those oh I can remember that spaces you left in your notes Do the required readings twice perhaps if that is what it takes 3 If there is something you don t understand ask for help early and often Resources include myself TAs supplemental instructors SIs and other students 4 You paid good money for your book USE IT All reading assignments will be posted on Moodle Hourly Exams All exams will be administered on Tuesday evenings at 7 00PM Dates of all of the exams have been assigned see below Locations and alternative times for those with a legitimate conflict will be announced Quizzes There will be eleven 11 in class quizzes administered in class on Fridays Ten of these quizzes will count lowest grade will be dropped The dates for the quizzes are noted below These quizzes must be taken when they are administered in class There are no make ups for the quizzes no exceptions Discussion Section All students are assigned to one 50 minute discussion section It is required that you attend this specific section no exceptions Each discussion will be led by a Teaching Assistant TA Points will be earned based on a combination of out of class assignments computer based research short writing assignments problem sets presentation s and of course discussion of the topic s at hand The goal of this discussion is to buttress the concepts that were introduced in lecture We will meet 10 times during the semester You are allowed to miss one discussion with no loss of points Please note that the discussion component of the class makes up about 17 of your grade Attendance The importance of regular attendance during both lecture and discussion cannot be overstated Material missed due to unexcused absences for both lecture and the discussion