Download Bio 104 Biology Concepts and Methods

Bio 104 Biology Concepts and Methods
Fall 2007 Syllabus and Schedule: Section B
Dr. John Moeller
Office
RMSC 203H (Biology Suite)
Email
[email protected]
Phone
597-4627
Website
http://webs.wofford.edu/moellerjf/
Lecture:
Lab:
TTh 9:30-10:50 AM in RMSC 207
Monday 2:00-5:00 PM in RMSC 207
Text:
Frans de Waal, Our Inner Ape, Berkley Publishing Group 2005.
ISBN 1-59448-196-2
Steven Johnson, The Ghost Map, Riverhead Books 2006.
ISBN 1-59448-925-4
In addition, selected readings will be assigned throughout the
class. These readings will be provided by the instructor.
Course Description: Bio 104 is a biology course designed to introduce students to
basic concepts in biology and to the scientific method. In this section we will examine
the major theories of modern biology in the context of animal behavior and disease. This
is a lecture/discussion course with a significant laboratory component, which serves to
reinforce and explore the major topics of the course.
Goals
1) To learn the basic theories and concepts that form the foundations of biology
2) To explore the scientific method through discussion and laboratory
experiments
3) To gain an appreciation of the fields of animal behavior and medicine and
relate these sciences to human culture and societies
Assessment
Your overall grade will consist of a lecture score (75%) and laboratory score
(25%). The scores will be base on the following breakdown:
Lecture:
3 exams
Final exam
Quizzes and assignments
150 pts
250
50
Laboratory
Weekly assignments
Participation
200
50
Tentative Schedule: I reserve the privilege to alter the content and/or requirements of
this course should I find this plan unsuitable at a future date
Week/Date
Topic
1
M 9/3
T 9/4
Th 9/6
Introduction
Cells and DNA
2
M 9/10
T 9/11
Th 9/13
DNA and development
DNA and development
M 9/17
T 9/18
Th 9/20
Brains and behavior
Brains and behavior
4
M 9/24
T 9/25
Th 9/27
Exam 1
Reproductive behaviors
5
M 10/1
T 10/2
Th 10/4
Reproductive behaviors
Social/group behaviors
6
M 10/8
T 10/9
Th 10/11
Social/group behaviors
Discussion: Human behavior
7
M 10/15
T 10/16
Th 10/18
Discussion: Human behavior
Exam 2
8
M 10/22
T 10/23
Th 10/25
Bacteria and infection
Viruses and infection
Brain lab
Cricket behavior lab
Cricket behavior lab
Rat predation lab
Rat predation lab
Bacteria lab
9
M 10/29
T 10/30
Th 1/1
Animal Pathogens
Animal Pathogens
10
M 11/5
T 11/6
Th 11/8
Cholera
Cholera
M 11/12
T 11/13
No lab
DNA lab
3
11
Lab
Bacteria lab
Infection lab
Exam 3
Ascaris lab
Th 11/15
Epidemics and infection
M 11/19
T 11/20
Th 11/22
Epidemics and infection
Thanksgiving Break
13
M 11/26
T 11/27
Th 11/29
Bioengineering and technology
Bioengineering and technology
14
M 12/3
T 12/4
Th 12/6
Science and medicine
Science and medicine
T 12/11
Final Exam (9-12am)
12
15
No Lab
TBA
TBA
Exams will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer/discussion, true/false,
fill-in-the-blank, and matching.
Grading is on a 10pt scale unless stated otherwise: 90-100%= A; 80-89%= B, etc.
60 = lowest possible passing grade
Attendance and Participation: Attendance at all class meetings is mandatory.
Excused absences will be given when proper documentation is provided (doctors note,
etc.) Students will be given up to 2 personal absences from lecture; these require no
explanation. Upon a third unexcused absence, students will be reported to the Dean.
Students are responsible for all assignments, announcements and materials covered in
class whether presented orally or in any assigned readings or handouts. No exceptions
are made for non-attending students. Excuse for absence does not relieve a student from
responsibility for materials from the class meeting missed. It is the student’s
responsibility to notify the instructor of the reason for their absence, preferably before
the fact, and provide written documentation upon instructor’s request. Absence from
lab should be avoided if at all possible. See me PRIOR to lab, if you must absent
from your scheduled lab period. Unexcused absences from lab will result in a deduction
of 5 participation points from your grade. No lab make-ups will be allowed.
Academic Integrity Cheating occurs in many forms. Copying homework, lab work,
sharing information regarding material on a quiz or exam, or signing another person’s
name to an attendance sheet are but a few. Do not give me a reason to suspect that you
are cheating! All acts of academic dishonesty will be addressed to the fullest extent
allowed by the guidelines set forth by the College (See Student Handbook).