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Biology 1: Biology for Non-Majors

Spring 2008 Syllabus

Lecture Sections  

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 -11:00 a.m. in B107

   Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 a.m. -7:00 p.m. in B106

Laboratory Sections

Monday 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

 Tuesday 7:00- 10:00 p.m. in B104

Course Description

This introductory level course for non- majors is designed to introduce you the basic principles and processes of biology. Areas stressed include scientific method, the origin of life, structure and function of cells, basic processes of life, reproduction, ecology, microbiology, evolution, classification, genetics and metabolic processes.

English Advisories

English A and English 41

Required Materials : Life on Earth, 4th Edition, Audesirk, Audesirk and Byers

Bound Composition Book

Expected Student Outcomes (ESO's)

ESOs are what you, the student, should be able to do upon completion of this course. Click for a preview of how these are integrated into this class.

Lecture Evaluation (~75% of grade)

• Homework : Homework assigned from the questions at the end of the chapters or from supplementary materials is due the first day of every week (5 points each).
• Examinations: Four lecture examinations, 150 points apiece. Tests will include multiple choice, short essays, and diagrams. NO MAKEUPS: your lowest score will be dropped.
• Final : The final will consist of two parts a) a regular exam covering the remaining material, and b) a cumulative portion taken from previous exams (50 points).
• Phenology Project: A handout with details will be provided the first day of class, due date on schedule. (50 points).

Laboratory Evaluation (~25% of grade)

·         Laboratory reports will be collected at the next lab period. Each lab report is worth 15 points.

Grading

Extra credit: There will be several opportunities to participate in extra credit activities throughout the semester, however none are required! Most activities, like bird walks and native plant restoration, are on the weekend. The dates for these activities are not scheduled by the instructor and I cannot move them to more convenient times. A maximum of 40 points in extra credit are allowed.

Attendance/drop policy: I reserve the right to drop students who have the equivalent of two week’s absence. Extenuating circumstances may modify this policy, however it is the student’s responsibility to bring these circumstances to my attention. A student wishing to drop the course must do so by the published deadline to avoid a letter grade.

Academic Honesty Although students are encouraged to study together each student must submit their own work. If identical work is submitted, each student will receive only a portion of the credit, with the credit being divided amongst those in the group. If identical work is submitted a second time, all students involved will receive zeros which cannot be made up. Students who copy from others or use disallowed material, such as cell phones, on exams will receive a zero on the exam that cannot be dropped. Extreme cases of copying or cheating will be reported to Karyn Wiens, Dean of the Los Baños campus, and Anne Newins, Vice President of Student Personnel, and may result in a failing (“F”) grade in the course.

Classroom Courtesy: Please turn cell phones off (or on vibrate) during lecture and lab. Arrive on time to avoid disturbing the class. Please inform the instructor if you need to leave early. No eating or drinking in the classrooms. Please refrain from talking during lecture, as it distracts others. Students who do not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave for the day, or in the case of talking, may be reassigned to other seats.

Class Calendar: Click MWF or TTH for a calendar of events in your course, with the dates of exams, homework assignments, holidays, and lab topics.This calendar may be modified during the semester if circumstances warrant it.