BIOL 1107L - Principles of Biology I Laboratory
Course Syllabus – Fall 2011

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description

Number and Title:

BIOL 1107L;  Principles of Biology I Laboratory

Credit Hours:

1.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

Laboratory accompanying BIOL1107, Principles of Biology I.

Co-requisites:

BIOL1107, Principles of Biology I. Withdrawal from BIOL1107L requires withdrawal from BIOL1107 and withdrawal from BIOL1107 requires withdrawal from BIOL1107L.

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

·         Able to use the Windows^TM.

·         Able to use a the Microsoft Word^TM.

·         Able to use a the Microsoft Excel^TM.

·         Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM.

·         Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will be used in this class. Outside of class, computers will be used to complete science assignments, to access the internet and class materials, to do activities on the text CD ROM, and to communicate with the instructor.

Laboratory objectives: For specific laboratory objectives, see the first page of each Lab Topic in the Laboratory Manual.

Student Learning Outcomes:

General education outcomes:

The following links provide tabular descriptions of the communications outcome and the critical thinking outcome components  (see BIOL1107L in the tables):

·         Communications outcomes components

·         Critical thinking outcomes components

Biology outcomes:

BIOL1107L supports outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the biology major:

·         Outcome 1.  Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.

·         Outcome 2.  Mastery of a broad range of basic lab skills applicable to biology.

·         Outcome 4.  Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear concise manner.

·         Outcome 5.  Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret scientific data, and employ critical thinking skills to solve problems in biological science and supporting fields.

Operation Study: At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items.

Instructor Information:

Dr. Samantha Fowler (CRN: 87018, 88189)

Office:  Natural and Behavioral Sciences Building, 165
Phone:  (678) 466-4816
e-mail: Samanthafowler@clayton.edu
Internet address:  http://a-s.clayton.edu/sfowler4/SamanthaFowler.default.htm
Office hours:  http://a-s.clayton.edu/sfowler4/Schedule.html

Dr. Jere Boudell (CRN 87019, 87022)
Office: Laboratory Annex Building, 116-C
Phone: (678) 466-4772
E-mail: JereBoudell@clayotn.edu
Internet Address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/jboudell/
Office Hours: http://a-s.clayton.edu/jboudell/schedule.htm

Dr. J. Yvette Gardner (CRN 87020, 87021, 88731)

Office: Natural and Behavioral Sciences Building, 166

Phone: (678) 466-4779

e-mail: JGardner@clayton.edu

Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/jgjohnson/default.html

Office hours: TBA

CAMPUS MAP
 

*See campus map above

Textbook Information and Lab Supplies:

Required text: The Pearson Custom Library for the Biological Sciences, Clayton State University, 2011

Lab Supplies:  Safety Goggles and Laboratory Notebook

Evaluation:

*Guidelines for Lab Reports

Sample Lab Report

Grading:

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Tentative Course Schedule*:

Investigating Biology, Sixth Edition, Morgan/Carter, 2008

*This schedule is tentative and may change.

Instructor Prep -students do not have access 

Lab Technician Prep -students do not have access

CLASSROOM REGULATIONS AND POLICIES:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

1.      Attendance is required.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each lab period and will count as part of your course grade.  For every lab section you attend, you will earn 2 points, for a total of 20.  Students who are more than 5 minutes late will be considered tardy and only earn 1 point for that day.  Students who are more than 10 minutes late will be considered absent and earn 0 points for that day.  If you are absent from a lab, you are still responsible for the missed material for exams, quizzes, notebook, lab report, etc.  You cannot get any points for any work pertaining to the lab that was missed (quizzes, assignments, etc.).  You are expected to come prepared for all labs.  Each week you must download and bring all laboratory materials to class (pre- and post- lab objectives, lab hints, data tables, worksheets, etc.).   Students who do not attend regularly and are unprepared generally do not do well in the course.

2.      Students with a valid excuse may attend another lab section with permission of both instructors.  This is only available to those students who have a valid, written excuse.  The only absences that are excusable are for illness (requiring a doctors note), accident (requiring note from the police), and legal reasons (requiring a note from the judge), and work obligations outside of the ordinary (requiring a note from your boss).  The following are examples of absences that are NOT excusable:  travel (including leaving for break early or coming back late) or any type of appointment (doctor, dental, eye, etc.).  Labs meet for 3 hours.  Appointments should not be scheduled during lab time. 

3.      Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class.  Students who are late must remain outside of the classroom until the quiz is finished and will receive a grade of zero.  There are no make-up quizzes.  A quiz may be based on your attendance on a particular day.  Quizzes, including attendance quizzes, may be unannounced.

4.      Lab Practical exams start at the beginning of class.  The instructor may permit a student to begin late if the excuse is reasonable.  Students who are more than 10 minutes late will not be allowed to begin the exam. There are no make-up exams.  With a valid excuse (see #2 above) you may attend another section with the permission of both instructors.  Students are expected to take both lab practical exams.

5.      Assignments are due at the beginning of class.  No exceptions.  Assignments may be turned in up to 24 hours late for half credit.

6.      Keeping a lab notebook is required.  For each lab you are responsible for completion of the pre-lab and post-lab objectives in your notebook.  Pre-lab objectives or pre-lab quizzes should be completed for that week's lab prior to coming to lab.  Post -lab objectives should be begun during the current lab.  With permission of the lab instructor, they can be completed at home and should be present in the lab notebook by the following lab period.  Lab notebooks will be checked for completion.  The notebooks will be excellent study guides for the practical exams.  

7.      No cellular telephones, pagers, instant messaging devices, etc.  One point will be deducted from your total earned points each time your device makes an audible sound.  One point will be added to each student’s total earned points if the instructor’s phone makes an audible sound.  If a student’s cell phone makes and audible noise during an exam or quiz, that student will lose ten points from his or her total earned points. 

8.      No talking while the instructor or another student is talking.  Students repeatedly violating this policy will be asked to leave the classroom for being disruptive.

9.      Computers are for note-taking, research, or other class related activities only.  Students using them for surfing the internet, checking email, playing games, etc will be asked to turn them off.  On subsequent offenses, the student may be asked to leave the classroom for being disruptive.

10.  Visitors are not permitted without the instructor’s permission.  Children are not allowed in the classroom at anytime.

11.  No form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated in this course.  The most common forms are cheating and plagiarism, but any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards will constitute academic dishonesty.  You will be working in groups this semester and share similar data.  When preparing laboratory reports and assignments all text and explanations should be in your own works.   The minimum penalty is a grade of zero on the work involved.  The maximum penalty is expulsion from the university.  Be aware that students found in violation of the university’s academic dishonesty code have lost scholarships, athletic eligibility, and/or their U.S. student visa (if an international student).  All forms of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs for investigation.  Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

12.  No form of disruptive behavior will be tolerated in this class.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or is found to be repeatedly disruptive while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.  For more information, please refer to: http://as.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

Common examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to:

·         Monopolizing classroom discussions

·         Failing to respect the rights of other students to express their viewpoints

·         Talking when the instructors or other students are speaking

·         Constant questions or interruptions which interfere with the instructor’s presentation

·         Overt inattentiveness (e.g. sleeping or surfing the internet)

·         Creating excessive noise

·         Entering the class late or leaving the class early

·         Use of cell phones or pagers in class

·         Inordinate or inappropriate demands for time or attention

·         Poor personal hygiene (e.g. noticeably offensive body odor)

·         Refusal to comply with faculty direction

Students exhibiting these types of behaviors can expect a warning from the instructor or dismissal for the lesson in which the behavior occurs. Failure to correct such behaviors can result in dismissal from the course.

More extreme examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to:

·         Use of profanity or pejorative language

·         Intoxication

·         Verbal abuse of instructor or other students (e.g. taunting, badgering, intimidation)

·         Harassment of instructor or other students

·         Threats to harm oneself or others

·         Physical violence

Students exhibiting these more extreme examples of disruptive behavior may be dismissed from the lesson or the entire course.

Students dismissed from a lesson will leave the classroom immediately or may be subject to additional penalties. Dismissed students are responsible for any course material or assignments missed.

Students dismissed from a course have the right to appeal the dismissal to the department head responsible for the course. Appeals beyond the department head may also be pursued. If no appeal is made or the appeal is unsuccessful, the student will receive a grade o WF (withdrawal – failing) regardless of the current grade in the course.

Conditions attributed to physical or psychological disabilities are not considered as a legitimate excuse for disruptive behavior.

The description of disruptive behavior and listings of examples of disruptive behavior are taken from the Web sites of James Madison University, the University of Delaware and Virginia Tech.

Changes or additions to this syllabus, including reading, exam schedule, grading, and course policies can be made at the discretion of the instructor at any time.