Elmer E. O Banion Science Building Room. Office Phone: FAX:

Transcription

1 Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, Texas College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology Spring 2015 Course Syllabus BIOL 1025-P03 CRN General Biology Course Instructor: Office Location: Elmer E. O Banion Science Building Room Office Phone: FAX: Snail Mail Address: Prairie View A&M University/P.O. Box 519/MS 2210/Prairie View, TX Office Hours: Course Location: Room Lab TTH 3:30 7:00pm O Banion Science Bldg. Room 104- Lecture and Lecture: TTH 3:30-7:00pm Required Textbook: Biology, 10th Edition, by Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky And Jackson ISBN 13: or ISBN-10: Access to Learning Resources: PVAMU Library: Phone Web: University Bookstore: Phone Catalog Description General Biology, (3-4) Credit 5 semester hours. Structure and function of living organism systems. Ecological relationships, natural selection, evolution and human ecology. 1

2 Supplements: 1. Student Study Guide to accompany Campbell Biology 10th Edition ISBN: 13: or ISBN: Website to accompany Campbell Biology, 9 th Edition, is an online learning tool that contains pretest, narrated animations, tutorials on basic math/ chemistry, study skills and word roots. Access to this website is provided with the purchase of a new textbook from the university bookstore. The publisher charges $80 for access if you do not purchase a new textbook. Therefore, the use of this web site is optional for this course. Course Goals and Objectives: The purpose of this course is to provide first year biology majors or any student required to study the first biology course for majors with a detailed knowledge of general biology that satisfies the prerequisites for entry into health professional school and graduate biomedical programs. This is part two of a comprehensive introduction of the concepts of modern Biology for students majoring in Biology. It covers principles of heredity, regulation of gene expression, DNA Technology, genomics, developmental genetics, evolution, diversity of life and introduction to ecology. Outcomes for Students: In order to be successful in this course a student must demonstrate an understanding of the following: Conduct of laboratory investigations using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of the scientific method during laboratory investigations. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and scientific problem solving skills to make informed decisions. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of heredity. 2

3 Demonstrate by drawings an understanding of transcription, translation and gene expression. Demonstrate knowledge of DNA technologies and genetic engineering. Demonstrate knowledge of genetic principles. Demonstrate knowledge of evolution and the history of life. Demonstrate knowledge of viruses and prokaryotes. Demonstrate knowledge of the Kingdoms Demonstrate knowledge of Population Ecology Demonstrate knowledge of Community Ecology Demonstrate knowledge of the Ecosphere and the Biosphere Students are required to bring their course notebook and textbook when they meet with the instructor for either class or for study conferences. Don t come without your notes and textbook. Course Evaluation Methods: The University Academic Catalog grading policy is used. All exams are weighted equally. At least four exams will be given. Exams will be announced at least one week prior to the administration of the exam. All exams will be cumulative in terms of the information covered. The Final Exam will be administered according to the University s exam schedule. This schedule is in your registration booklet. Unannounced quizzes may be given to evaluate how well students are learning the covered information. Grading Matrix: Instrument Value Points Possible Exam 16% Laboratory 20 % 100 Exam Policy: Students are strongly advised to take all exams at the scheduled time. Plan and schedule your activities so that you can be present to take all exams at the scheduled time. Students with non-valid or unofficial excuses for missing an exam will earn a grade of zero for the missed exam. Students may request a make-up exam with a valid or official excuse. The instructor will 3

4 schedule the time and place of the make-up exam which will not interrupt the teaching of the class or delay the complete covering of the course topics. Students missing a make-up exam will not be provided a second opportunity to take a make-up for the original exam missed. Class Attendance: The University Attendance Policy requires students to be present for each scheduled class. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of each concept of modern biology covered by the course textbook and the instructor. Students with or without official excuses for missing class will be tested and evaluated the same as students who were present for class. However, students attending class have the advantage of being taught knowledgeable information which they are expected to know. Excessive absenteeism will result in the student s grade being reduced. Conduct Not Allowed: Smoking is not allowed in the New Science Building. Please do not bring food to the classroom. On exams, honesty is required at all times. Cheating on exams and quizzes is not allowed or acceptable. Failing grades (zero) are assigned to students that cheat. Additional Information: Be aware of current events. Read the newspaper, look at CNN and look at local and national news. Student Academic Appeals Process: Authority and responsibility for assigning grades to students rests with the faculty. However, in those instances where students believe that miscommunication, errors, or unfairness of any kind may have adversely affected the instructor s assessment of their academic performance, the student has a right to appeal by the procedure listed in the Undergraduate Catalog and by doing so within thirty days of receiving the grade or experiencing any other problematic academic event that prompted the complaint. ADA Statement: Students with disabilities who believe they may need adjustment in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Disabilities Services at (936) as soon as possible. Once you receive a letter of adjustment from the office, please make an appointment with me to discuss appropriate adjustments for this class. 4

5 Course Outline: Tentative Examination Schedule (Dependent on the pace that chapters are covered) Chapters Exam 1 Chapters Exam 2 Chapters Exam 3 Chapters Time line/definition Exam 4 Chapters 24, 27, 28 Exam 5 (Tentative) Chapters 52 & 53 Tentative Tentative Laboratory Schedule Week# Date Lab 1 Safety 2 Mitosis and Meiosis 3 DNA Extraction 4 Exam/Electrophoresis 5 Electrophoresis 6 Blood Typing/Paternity 7 Blood Typing (Cont d) 8 Effects of Drugs 9 Exam 10 Spring Break 11 Dissection 12 Dissection 5

6 13 Dissection 14, 15 & 16 Research Presentations Academic Calendar Spring 2013 *subject to change without notice* Jan. 14, Mon. Jan. 18, Fri. Late Registration and Drop/Add Begins Instruction Begins Late Registration, Add Courses, Change Major/Certification or any Matriculation Change Ends for Undergraduate Students Student Web Access Closed Jan. 19, Sat. Late Registration, Add Courses, Change Major/Certification or any Matriculation Change Ends for Graduate Students Student Web Access Closed Jan. 20, Mon Jan 29, Thurs. Jan. 30, Wed. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Closed) General Student Assembly-All Students to Attend Census Date (12th Class Day) LAST DAY to Drop Course(s) without academic Record LATE DEADLINE to apply for Spring 2015 graduation Withdrawal from courses with academic record ("W") Begins Jan 31, Thurs. Feb. 11, 20 th Class Day Mon. Mar , Mid-Semester Examination Period Thurs.-Sat. Mar Spring Break Mar. 12, Mid-Semester Grades Due Tues. Mar. 15, Fri. (University Closed) 6

7 Mar. 18, Instruction Resumes Mon. Mar. 25, Founders Day/Honors Convocation Wed. Apr 3 rd - Good Friday/Easter (Student Holiday) 5th, Friday- Sat. Apr. 1, Mon. Withdrawal from Course(s) with academic record ( W ) Ends Apr. 9, Tues. Priority Registration Begins for Summer/Fall 2013 Semesters Apr. 12, Graduation Application DEADLINE FOR SUMMER 2013 AND Tues. FALL 2013 Apr , Course Review Day [Classes must convene and instructors Mon.-Tues. will prepare students for Final Exams] APR. 30,, Last Class Day for Spring 2015 Semester Tues. Last Day to Withdraw from the University (From All Courses) May 6 th - 12th, Wed. Tues. May 7, Tues. for the Spring 2013 Semester Final Examination Period Final Grades Due for Graduation Candidates May 11, Sat. Commencement May 6 th - Final Grades Due for All Other Students 10 th 7