BIOL 1111- Introduction to Biology

Prof. Stelline Pedoto-Nestorov

Spring Semester 2008

Course Description

Number and Title:

BIOL 1111
Introductory Biology I

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

The biology sequence (BIOL 1111-1112) covers basic and biological chemistry, cellular organization and function, cell division, bioenergetics, ecology and organ/system physiology as well as Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, biotechnology, and evolutionary principles. BIOL 1111 includes the basic and biological chemistry, cellular organization and function, cell division, bioenergetics, ecology and selected topics in organ/system physiology.

This sequence is designed for non-science majors. The biology sequence of BIOL 1107 and 1108 is the sequence advised for science majors and most medical majors. If you have questions about the appropriate sequence for your major, please ask your instructor.

Course Co-requisite: BIOL 1111L, Introductory Biology Laboratory I (1 semester credit hour)

Note: If a student withdraws from BIOL 1111L, the student must also withdraw from BIOL 1111. If a student withdraws from BIOL 1111, the student must also withdraw from BIOL 1111L.

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 operating system.
• Able to use a the Microsoft Word^TM word processing program.
• Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM program.
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will not be used in this class. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the basic concepts of chemistry which are applicable to introductory biology.
• To understand the principles of evolution and the means by which evolution is studied.
• To describe the structure and explain the function of the cellular organelles.
• To describe the processes involved in cellular division.
• To understand general chemical and energetic processes that occur within most eukaryotic cells.
• To understand ecosystem structure and function.
• To understand how the scientific method was employed in acquiring biological information.

Student Learning Outcomes:

General education outcomes:

• Communication: knowledge base. BIOL 1111 will provide knowledge base information necessary for communication of information concerning biological chemistry, cellular biology and ecology.

Knowledge Base

Description: Answers to quiz and test questions must convey knowledge of biology that is appropriate to the question.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on tests.

Awareness of Recipient

Description:  Communication of solutions to quiz and examination problems must be understandable to a trained biologist.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on tests.

Organization

Description:  Logical and organized thinking is required.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on examinations.

Mechanics/Delivery

Description:  Solutions to quiz and examination problems must be communicated using proper biological vocabulary.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on examinations.

Style

Description:  Given that most exams in this course are multiple choice in format, there is no significant evaluation of style, other than proper bubbling of scantron forms.

Evidence: Scantron forms are checked by students for scanning errors.  Any detected are reported to the instructor.

Critical thinking: all components (question/issue, method, evidence, conclusion). BIOL 1111 will require application of knowledge base information to understand biological relationships.

Question/Issue

Description: Given student unfamiliarity with biological concepts, the instructor in all introductory biology courses generally provides the question/ issue component.  Students are encouraged to ask questions about biological concepts.

Evidence:  None.

Method

Description: Given an instructor provided question, students are required to determine appropriate biological concepts to address the problem at hand.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on examinations.

Evidence

Description:  Non-quantitative critical thinking is evaluated through conceptual multiple-choice questions or short answer questions.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on examinations.

Conclusion

Description:  Conclusions that are biologically correct and reasonable are required.

Evidence:  Samples of student work on examinations.

Teacher Education Standards:

The content of this course syllabus correlates to education standards established by national and state education governing agencies, accrediting agencies and learned society/ professional education associations.  Please refer to the course correlation matrices located at the following web site:

http://a-s.clayton.edu/teachered/Standards%20and%20Outcomes.htm

Instructor Information:

Sections 1and 2
Dr. P. Melvin (CRN 85534 & 85535)
Office: G210P
Phone: 678-466-4789
e-mail: PMelvin@clayton.edu
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/pmelvin
Fall Office Hours:  Monday and Friday 9:30 – 11:30am,
Monday and Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00pm

Section 3
Stelline Pedoto-Nestorov
Office: Library L112
Phone: (678) 466-4852
email: StellinePedoto@clayton.edu
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/spedoto/
Fall Office Hours:

Section 4
Ms. D. McKeithen (CRN 85537)
Office:  Arts and Sciences Building , Room G116
Phone:  (678) 466-4712
e-mail:  DanielleMcKeithen@clayton.edu
Internet address:  http://a-s.clayton.edu/parttime/McKeithen/McKeithen.htm
Fall Office Hours:   TBA

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:

Campbell , Reece, Mitchell and Taylor , Biology, Concepts and Connections, 5th edition, Benjamin Cummings, 2006

Text Coverage:

Chapters to be covered: 1-12

Evaluation:

Grading:

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Tentative Course Schedule*:

Textbook: Biology, Concepts and Connections, Campbell , Reece, Mitchell, and Taylor , 5th edition, 2006

*This lecture schedule and lecture testing is tentative and may change. Tests may be given the week before or the week after the week listed here--or during the week predicted. Specific test dates will be announced approximately one week in advance in class.

Final Examination Schedule:

Course Policies:

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

Absences from QUIZZES and EXAMS must also be accompanied by a signed physician's or judge's excuse (there are no exceptions). Without an excuse provided within one week, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed assessment.  If the student does have a valid excuse the next quiz will be doubled to make up for the missed quiz or the final exam will be doubled to make up for the missed exam.  If the final exam has been missed, a makeup will be administered.

Detailed instructions concerning late assignments will be included with assignment descriptions.

Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Students may not play video games during lecture.

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at
http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/

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.

Last update: 1/08