Biology 151Fall Semester, 2015Instructor: Dr. Mark T. HuylerOffice: 427T Integrated Science BuildingGrading Scheme: Point Value % of TotalBiology 151Fall Semester, 2015Section 38:00-8:50AM MWFInstructor: Dr. Mark T. HuylerOffice: 427T Integrated Science BuildingPhone: 545-2344Email: [email protected] 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 inthe biological sciences.Course Content: This course is the first of a two semester sequence for science majors. Students will be exposedto 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. Therewill 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) ofthe 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 thesecond 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 $147.505. 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 ina 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 % of Total Three hourly exams each worth 100 pts 300One hourly exam administered during finals week 125 61.1Discussion (10 of the 11 Discussions Counted, 12pts each 120 17.3Lecture Quizzes: (Absolutely No Make-ups)11 Quizzes (@10pts each; Highest 10 Grades counted) 100 14.4iClicker / Course participation 50 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 havebeen assigned (see below). Locations and alternative times (for those with a legitimate conflict)will be announced.QuizzesThere 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.