Course Information

This course is an introduction to basic concepts of biology, with emphasis on the following topics:

evolution, ecology, cells and metabolism, chemistry of life, genetics, diversity of organisms, biology of cancer, and current issues in biology. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities to practice scientific inquiry.

1. Gather information on scientific topics, evaluate its validity, and use it to analyze issues in science.

3. Describe essential biological structures and processes that occur at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels that enable life.

6. Describe ecological interactions that occur within ecosystems, communities, and populations.

Attendance: You are expected to attend all classes, both lecture and assigned lab section. If you miss class, you won’t have the notes and interactions with other classmates that are essential to learning. You will also miss the occasional quiz or in-class assignment and the grade points associated with it.

Quizzes are given only during the first 10 minutes of class. NO MAKEUPS FOR LATE ARRIVALS.

IF YOU MISS MORE THAN 2 LABS, YOU CANNOT PASS THIS COURSE. This requirement is part of the agreement with UC and CSU that grants transfer credits for this course.

Current Issues Project
This activity gives you the opportunity to investigate in depth both sides of a controversial topic involving biology. Using a variety of sources, compile and analyze research on this topic. Put together a poster that tells us the story of this issue, and your conclusions. Detailed instructions will be given in class.

For now, keep on the lookout for topics that interest you. You may be inspired by newspaper or magazine articles, your personal experiences, textbooks, or other sources.

Late Work: Late assignments will be accepted if you have contacted me (phone or email are fine) ahead of time. Points will be deducted. Early turn-in is fine. You can always slip it under my office door if I am not presen or email it to me or both.

Contact me as soon as any problems with this class come up. I welcome comments that help me improve this class and make it worthwhile for you. I look forward to a successful term exploring biology with you.

Required Texts: C. Starr. Biology Today and Tomorrow, 2007 (2nd ed)
Lab Manual for Biology 110 by Rhodes and Boyett-Anderson, Sept 2007
required lab materials: safety goggles or glasses, paper (graph, lined, and blank), colored pencils

Assignments, Exams, Grades:

You earn your grade by completing the following: 3 midterm exams (30%), final exam (15%), lab assignments and quizzes (40%), and a Current Issues Project (15%).

Better learning occurs when several different brain functions are involved, so include reading, writing, speaking, drawing, listening, and movement in your study plan. Use the sets of questions in the text and the Study Questions I will provide to help you prepare for exams. Use your lecture notes. textbook. and the CD activities to answer these questions. Work in study groups with classmates to improve your ability to discuss problems. When you can explain a concept to someone else, you understand it better yourself.

Exams will be multiple choice and short answer format. Bring Scantron cards (form 882-E) and pencils. Each midterm will have 2 grades: in-class and take-home. After taking the test in class and turning in your Scantron card, take the test questions home and complete a second Scantron card. Use texts, notes, study guide and classmates as resources. Any biology instructor, including me, is NOT a valid resource. Turn in this second Scantron card by the due date and time. The sum of both grades will count as your midterm grade. There will be no second Scantron for the final exam..
There will be no makeup exams. The lowest midterm grade (in-class and take-home combined) for each student will be dropped when calculating the final course grade. The final exam must be taken by everyone. Grades are based on the percentage of total points earned by you. The highest individual score will be used as the 100% mark.
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 65-79%
D 55-64%
F below 55%

Details, details

If you decide to drop this course, YOU must file the required papers with the registrar. Do not assume that I will do it. Take care of your academic records.

I look forward to a stimulating semester with you. With good effort, we can all be successful in this class.

Think, inquire, pursue your curiosity with zest, and enjoy the journey!

Sept 5- Last day to add or drop a semester long class (and be eligible for partial fee refund.)


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Course Information
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