Course

description

This course explores the principles of biology including: the characteristics of life, the origin and evolution of organisms, the fundamental relationship of biological form and function, the mechanisms of genes and heredity, and the ecological interaction of organisms and the environment.  This course satisfies the University Program Group IIA requirement (descriptive science with laboratory).  Note: Credit cannot be earned in both BIO101 and BIO105.

Course

objectives

a.       To study biology using the scientific method and critical thinking.

b.      To understand evolution as the unifying thread of biology

c.       To understand the fundamental relationship between form and function.

d.      To understand genetics and inheritance.

e.       To understand how organisms relate to one another and their environment.

Course times

Lecture: Tuesday and Thursday 9-9:50 am

Lab 13813: Monday 8-9:50 am

Lab 13890: Monday 8-9:50 am

Lab 14135: Monday 12-1:50 pm

Lab 13886: Tuesday 4-5:50 pm

Lab 13938: Wednesday 10-11:50 pm

Lab 13859: Wednesday 2-3:50 pm

Lab 13770: Friday 12-1:50 pm

Grading

Exam 1

100

Exam 2

100

Exam 3

100

Assignments

100

(10 points each – 11 assigned, lowest score dropped)

Laboratory

275

Final exam

150

825

points

You are required to attend each class session and should read the assigned text before coming to class.  You are responsible for all information presented during lecture and all assigned readings.  Exams will consist of both multiple choice and essay questions.  Assignments will be given in lecture and, depending on the assignment, will be due in lecture on the same day or at the next lecture.  Laboratory points will be adjusted from lab scores – please note that in order to pass this course, you must pass the laboratory portion of the class. The final exam will cover material from the entire course.

Final grades will be based on a tentative percentage scale:  A 92-100%, A- 90-92%, B+ 88-90%, B 82-88%, B- 80-82%, C+ 78-80%, C 72 - 78%, C- 70-72%, D+ 68-70, D 60–69%, E <60%

Regrades

If you would like to contest a grade on a quiz or assignment, you must submit a written explanation of why you think the grade was incorrect.  Please note that the ENTIRE quiz or assignment will be subject to reevaluation (i.e., your grade may go up, down, or stay the same).  Regrade requests must be made within one week after the exam or assignment is returned to the class. 

Policy on Students with Disabilities

CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs, activities or services.  Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet requirements should first register with the Office of Student Disability Services (250 Foust Hall, telephone #517-774-3018, TDD #2568), and then contact me as soon as possible.

Policy on Academic Integrity

In May 2001, the CMU Academic Senate approved the Policy on Academic Integrity, which applies to all university students.  Copies are available on the CMU website at http://academicsenate.cmich.edu/noncurric.htm, and in the Academic Senate Office in room 108 of Bovee University Center.  All academic work is expected to be in compliance with this policy.

Classroom Civility

Each CMU student is encouraged to help create an environment during class that promotes learning, dignity, and mutual respect for everyone.  Students who speak at inappropriate times, sleep in class, display inattention, take frequent breaks, interrupt the class by coming to class late, engage in loud or distracting behaviors, use cell phones or pagers in class, use inappropriate language, are verbally abusive, display defiance or disrespect to others, or behave aggressively toward others could be asked to leave the class and subjected to disciplinary action under the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures.

Make-up exams and late assignments

Make-up exams are only given under special circumstances (e.g., family emergency, serious illness, approved university event).  If you must miss an exam due to an approved scheduled event, contact me prior to the event to arrange a different testing time.  Written documentation may be required for absences.  Please notify appropriate university officials if an emergency or illness will result in an extended absence.  For each day that a written assignment is late, 10% of the potential points will be deducted from that assignment.