Understand scientific methods and classifications of organisms

Understand the basic chemistry of life including the structure and function of the nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids

Describe the structure and function of the cell and its organelles

Understand the processes of energy production and utilization

Compare photosynthesis, glycolysis and cellular respiration

Understand the patterns of inheritance and the relationship of genes. Including basic concepts in the following areas: Mendelian genetics, human genetics, DNA structure and function and biotechnology.

Understand the concepts of evolution.

Understand the concepts and dynamics of ecology.

Grading:

Tests: There will be 4 tests and a final exam. There are no make-up exams if one is missed. There may be a few assignments. Final grade is determined by averaging the test and assignments.

Muddiest Point: Everyone will need an email address and will be expected to participate by asking questions. As you prepare for class discussions by reading the text, please let me know the Muddiest Point in the background material. If I get your message at least two hours prior to class, I can be better prepared to include your concerns in the discussion.

Grading Scale:

100 – 90 = A

89 – 80 = B

79 – 70 = C

69 – 60 = D

59 - 0 = F

I expect you to treat your responsibilities to this course the same as you would your responsibilities with an employer. This syllabus should inform you well in advance of the dates of most graded activities. I expect you to show up for each of these. Do not schedule anything that conflicts with these dates. I realize that emergencies do occasionally arise. If that happens, and you must miss a quiz, test etc. for a valid reason, you must contact me BEFORE the time of the exam. It is your responsibility to contact me directly, not mine to contact you. When you do reach me, I will listen to the reason for your absence and decide at that time if you receive an excused or unexcused absence.

If you fail to contact me directly before the time that you are scheduled to take the exam, you will automatically receive an unexcused absence.

No make-ups will be given for unexcused absences.

Attendance:

You are expected to attend each lecture. If you miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to obtain information (notes, etc.) covered in that session. Attendance will be taken at each meeting. Students who frequently miss class typically do not do well in this course. Absences in excess of one week’s classes may have their grade lowered a letter grade. Absences in excess of the equivalent of two weeks of class meetings may result in an "F" for the course or at the very least a grade lowered two letter grades.

Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices:

I expect to NEVER hear a cell phone ring during class. That is extremely rude. All cell phones and audible electronic devices of any sort are to be turned off before entering class. If you have a potential emergency and must monitor your phone, you need to advise me beforehand, turn the volume down, and sit in the front row as close as possible to the door. Please leave before answering should it ring. Also, please no iPods during class. Please no texting in class.

Student Responsibility

The student is expected to attend and actively participate in all course lectures and activities, and complete all quizzes, examinations and course assignments on time.

The student is expected to be prepared in advance before the class sessions. Being prepared includes the following: having read text materials (e.g., textbook, lecture outlines) assigned for that day and bringing required work materials (e.g., textbook, handouts, writing supplies, etc.) to the session.

Any changes in the course schedule, such as examination dates, deadlines, etc., will be announced ahead of time in class. It is the student's responsibility to be informed of these changes. It is also the student's responsibility to be informed about deadlines critical to making registration changes (e.g., last day for making official withdrawal).

The student should understand that "introductory" does not mean "easy". The student should not assume that the lack of science prerequisites for this class ensures a low level of difficulty for this course. While I assume that students enrolled in BIO 105 have little or no science background, the student should expect a level of difficulty comparable to other 100 level science classes. When difficult concepts and detailed information are presented, it is the student's responsibility to take the appropriate steps to learn and understand these concepts and information.

Science courses generally require two to three hours of independent private study time for each hour in class (depends upon the student's science background). It is the student's responsibility to allocate the appropriate time needed for study in an environment conducive to quality study. The student must budget time efficiently and be realistic about all personal and professional commitments that consume time.

How to succeed in this class:

Understanding biological science involves understanding many difficult concepts and vocabulary, not just knowing facts. The student should know that the details to these concepts are important. In addition, the student will be introduced to hundreds of new words. In some cases, the words that are familiar in a context other than biology will be introduced in the context of biology. The student will need to understand and use these terms in a biological science concept.

While the student will have lecture outlines available on my website, the student will not succeed in this class without taking careful lecture notes and reading the corresponding material in the textbook. The lecture outlines are not to be used in place of the student's own note taking. As soon as possible (best if done on the same day), the student should copy over these lecture notes filling in gaps and missing information by referring to the lecture outline and textbook. The student should carefully review these written lecture notes as often as possible. In addition to reviewing these notes before an exam, it would be useful for the student to try to rewrite these notes from memory.

In addition to copying over lecture notes, study activities should include drawing labeled diagrams or graphs that illustrate important biological phenomena (e.g., the internal structure of the cell, the stages of cell division, or the anatomy of the heart). These diagrams need not to be works of art, but should clearly illustrate significant information.

The student should make flashcards for each new vocabulary word presented. On one side of the card, write the word. On the other side, write the appropriate biological science definition for the word. The student should use these cards for self-testing as often as possible. The student should also practice using the works to explain biological concepts.

Regarding my website, the student should make use of the links to animations and other resources that I have provided.

The student should read the textbook materials corresponding to the particular lecture before and after the lecture.

Students are recommended to establish study groups and study together. The students in these groups may test each other's knowledge and understanding of the information. They may also take turns teaching each other.

The student should ask me to explain the things that you do not understand.

Don't wait until the last minute to carry out the written assignments

General:

Biology is quite fascinating, but often also quite challenging. Your success in this course depends directly on the amount of work you put into it. This is college and this can be a rigorous class. However, everyone at some time finds that they are struggling. My door is always open to you, and you can reach me by phone or email. Tutors are also available through the ACE Center. Please let me know any time that you need help or just want to be sure you are doing OK.

My job is to teach you well. Part of your job is to be sure that I do. Although my classes are informal, you can only succeed in this course if you are willing to do the work. Ultimately, your performance in this and any class is your responsibility.

I expect you to fulfill your responsibilities and to always treat me, your classmates with respect. I encourage you to let me know if, at any time, you feel that I am not doing the same. If there is anything I can do to help you as an individual, or to improve the course, please bring it to my attention. I value and depend on your constant feedback. I want everyone to gain the most from and enjoy this course, so please let me know what I can do to ensure that this happens.

GENERAL BIOLOGY LECTURE SCHEDULE

TOPIC

Introduction: Biology Today

Essential Chemistry for Biology/The Molecules of Life

A Tour of the Cell

The Working Cell

Cellular Respiration: Obtaining Energy from Foods

Photosynthesis

Cellular Reproduction

Patterns of Inheritance

Structure and Function of DNA

DNA Technology

How Populations Evolve/How Biological Diversity Evolves

Ecology

Final

Note: All information contained herein subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with announcements made in class.

St. Charles Community College makes every effort to accommodate students with disabilities. If a student has a need for special accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessibility, (636) 922-8247. Requests for accommodations must first be processed through this office located in ADM 1206A.

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