Biology 112, Introductory Biology II Lecture/Lab Syllabus, Spring 2016 Sections 501-511 MWF 8:00-8:50, HELD 200 Lecture Professor: Dr. Carol Johnson E-mail: [email protected] Office: HELD 320 Phone: 845-7766 Office Hours: MF 9:00-11:00; TR 2:00-4:00 Course Description: Biology 112 is the second half of an introductory two-semester survey of contemporary biology that covers evolution, the history of life, and form and function of organisms. Course includes laboratory that reinforces and provides supplemental information related to the lecture topics. BIOL 111 and 112 is a rigorous sequence intended for life science majors and other students intending to pursue a professional career in biology or the biomedical sciences. It is not designed for students who need only to fulfill the science course requirement in the core curriculum. BIOL 107, and BIOL 113 provide more appropriate course options for non-science majors. If you have any question about which biology course you should take, please confer with your academic advisor. Course Objectives: Biology 112 is a 4 credit hour course that consists of 150 minutes of lecture and 170 minutes of lab each week. Students are expected to attend both lecture and lab, where they will be introduced to the fundamentals of evolution, biological diversity, and the form and function of organisms, with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology. Upon completion of Biology 112, students should be able to discuss key concepts of evolutionary theory, the history of life on Earth, and evidence for evolution and construct evidence-based phylogenies to describe biodiversity within an evolutionary framework. Students should also demonstrate an understanding of organs and organ systems, with respect to supporting the evolution and adaptation of complex organisms to different environments. Texts/Materials: Texts are on reserve in the Evan’s library annex, 4th floor. • Campbell Biology (10th edition) by Reese et al – required. • Biology 112 Laboratory Manual, 9th ed. (2016) by Tonna Harris-Haller - required • Student Study Guide for Campbell’s Biology – recommended. • Mastering Biology Website - recommended. Subscription is included with a new text or may be purchased online at http://masteringbiology.com • Safety goggles required • Dissection kit required General Information: Lower Division Biology Instruction Office: Administrative questions pertaining to Biology 112 may be referred to 315 Heldenfels (HELD), Mon. through Fri. 8 am - 5 pm, 845-4651, e-mail [email protected]. Webpage: The Lower Division Instruction webpage at http://www.bio.tamu.edu/ldi has contact information for faculty, teaching assistants, and staff, as well as exam challenge forms and scantron grade check request forms. eCampus: Grade information and materials posted by faculty may be located on the course ecampus site. To access eCampus: Logon to http://ecampus.tamu.edu/ Choose the TAMU (Net ID) logon option. Logon with your Net ID and password. Choose the Biol 112 course list link. Release of Grades: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits faculty and staff from posting grades to unsecured websites or reporting grades by e-mail or telephone. Individual grade information is available via ecampus.Lecture Attendance Policies: Students are expected to attend ALL lecture sessions. Excused Absences: “Authorized” excuses for absences in lecture include: serious illness or accident, religious holidays, family emergencies, and university-sponsored activities (see Student Rules 7, Attendance http://studentrules. tamu.edu/rule07). Except for prolonged excused absence (see below), no make-up opportunities will be provided for missed lecture assessments (tests, quizzes, in-class assignments, etc.) unless the student notifies the lecturer of the absence within 2 working days and provides written and verified documentation of an authorized excuse within one week of the absence. In the event of prolonged (more than three consecutive) excused absences, the student should consult with the course instructor of record.The Texas A&M University Explanatory Statement of Absence Form will NOT be accepted as an adequate verification for an excused absence. . Rule 7.1.6.3, “An absence for a non-acute medical service does not constitute an excused absence.” A non-acute medical excuse will not be accepted as a valid reason to miss an exam. Unexcused Absences: Any absence without an authorized and verified excuse will be considered unexcused; no make-up opportunities will be given for any points missed as a result of an unexcused absence. Course Grade: Designation of letter grades should be expected to be determined as follows: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F ≤ 59% Some downward adjustment of letter grade cutoffs (i.e. curve) may be applied, dependent on the class numerical grade distribution and the instructor’s judgment. Final lab totals may be subject to statistical normalization. Grades are awarded only on the basis of your performance in the class. The course percentage is 75% lecture and 25% laboratory. Calculate your course percentage as follows: Lecture Percentage = total lecture points/450 x 100 Lab Percentage = total lab points/450 x 100 Course Percentage = (Lecture Percentage x 0.75) + (Laboratory Percentage x 0.25) Q-Drop: Tuesday, April 19th, (5:00 pm) is the deadline for dropping a course with no penalty (Q grade). If you have any question as to whether or not to Q-drop, see your instructor before this date. After this date, you must take a letter grade or negotiate a W (withdrawal) or NG (no grade) through your academic dean (see Student rule 10.3.) Honors Contracts: There will be no Honors Contracts for this course. Academic Integrity: – “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal – or tolerate those who do.” Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor