Welcome to Dan Benjamin's web page

BIO 101T
M-W 3-3:50
Brooks 176

This page is a resource site for students who are enrolled in Bio 101T at CMU

The lab times and instructors for Dan Benjamin.
Spring 2001

Laboratory Schedule

Office information:

Office Hours: MW 10-11:30; W 4:00-5:00
Office Phone number: 774-2491
Office Number: Brooks 187
Office location: Brooks Hall

Dan Benjamin@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu

Class Materials:

The required text for this class is: Starr, Cecie and Ralph Taggart. Biology: the Unity and Diversity of Life (Books I and II). Custom Published: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Lab Manual: Benjamin, D. et al. 2000. Laboratory Biology (5th ed.) University Press.

Other Materials: Biology Resource Room, Brooks 171

Visit the Resource room to find additional information that may be helpful.

Course Purpose:

The General Biology 101 T Course at Central Michigan University will provide students with a broad understanding of the biological world in both its complexity and uniqueness. Students will be able to relate biological phenomena to their everyday lives and interpret world events in their biological context.

Objectives: Biology students selecting this option, though knowledge, skills, and personal experiences, should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a solid foundation of the introductory concepts, ideas, and current issues associated with the disciplines that will enhance their understanding of the relevance of biology in their daily lives.
   
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the basic methodology of the scientific method including an understanding of inquiry science, critical thinking, and life long problem solving skills important to everyday life.
   
3. Effectively participate in practical and "hands on" experiences in both laboratory and field techniques, and to potentially link these to an individual's career needs.
   
4. Effectively use and apply the technology, equipment, and procedures of biology as these may relate to specific career or occupational goals.
   
5. Experience diverse activities and cooperation where students can make informal judgments about the technical aspects of biology and can formulate solutions to problems through communication and teamwork.

A Little About Myself:

Welcome to my web site. My name is Dan Benjamin and I will be your instructor for the course this semester.  I will try to help you navigate through the general biology lecture content important to students intending to become elementary teachers.  I am also in charge of coordinating and managing our introductory program.  If you do have any questions or concerns about the program that you are enrolled in, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Special projects I'm involved in are:

My Graduate work is in aquatic ecology with an emphasis in ichthyology (fish).  I am also very interested in using remote sensing in identifying and managing wetlands.  For the past several summers, I have been working on the wetlands found on Beaver Island with students from my field biology class (BIO 100).  This is a class you may be interested in taking at our field station. I am also very interested in "tracking" exotic species (plants, zooplankton, fish, etc.) in the Great Lakes.

In the Field Biology class,  students will learn about:

• The historical and geological history of Beaver Island
• The role of parent material on soil profiles and plant and animal distribution
• Patterns of vegetation and successional changes associated with old fields, forests, dunes, and beaches
• The distribution and foraging behaviors of some common reptiles
• Population dynamics of selected fish species
• The use of pheromones and artificial webs to monitor the abundance and diversity of insects
• Small mammal behavior, home range, and marking techniques
• The aquatic diversity of microorganisms and productivity of aquatic systems
• Remote sensing and mapping techniques associated with study sites

For more information or to register, contact:

Dr. James C. Gillingham, Director

Before May 1, 2000:
Department of Biology
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Telephone: (517) 774-3173
Fax: (517) 774-3462

After May 1, 2000:
CMU Biological station
General Delivery
Beaver Island, MI 49782
Telephone: (616) 448-2325
Fax: (616) 448-2790

E-mail: James.C.Gillingham@cmich.edu

Grading scale & test dates:

Evaluation:

FINAL EXAM MONDAY, MAY 1^st FROM 2- 3:50pm

The make up policy:  It is your responsibility to see me about missed assignments, exams, etc as soon as possible.  As a rule, missed work will not be allowed to be turned in

Class attendance policy:  I expect that you will make a strong effort to attend class.  This also includes reviews and/or discussion sessions covering content.  As exams are largely generated from material covered during the lecture/lab, it is very important to make every attempt to attend.  Experience has shown that chronic absenteeism is the most significant factor in poor class performance.

Is the final cumulative?  The final exam is, in part, cumulative.  Many of the concepts in general biology are so important to your life (regardless of your major or career) that I want to make sure that you leave the class with an understanding of them.  Near the end of the semester, I will provide a review worksheet for those comprehensive areas to look over for the final.

Additional Information

You may not be aware of the size or uniqueness of the program that you are participating in.  During the spring semester alone we will have 1,700+ students, 6 lecturers, and 24 Graduate Teaching Assistants assisting with the program.  In addition, an undergraduate work-study staff of 8 students will prep the labs, prepare the media and solutions, repair equipment, and supervise the resource "support" room.  It is one of the few introductory programs of this size in the state where all students in the class go to the field for some of the laboratory work.

Central Michigan University provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities,  and services. Individuals with disabilities requiring an accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should contact me as early as possible.

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