BIOL 101 - General Biological Science I
Catalog Description
This is a 4-credit combined lecture and laboratory course. Together with BIOL 102, it satisfies the general education science requirement and presents an integrated approach to the biology of plants, animals, and microorganisms. The first half of the course is centered around environmental principles (ecology or environmental biology). The second half is centered around concepts relating to the anatomy and physiology of multicellular organisms (emphasis on circulation, gas exchange, nutrition, homeostasis, regulation and control systems).
Current Syllabus
Shepherd University Mission Statement
Shepherd University, a West Virginia public liberal arts university, is a diverse community of learners and a gateway to the world of opportunities and ideas. We are the regional center for academic, cultural, and economic opportunity. Our mission of service succeeds because we are dedicated to our core values: learning, engagement, integrity, accessibility, and community.
The last day to withdraw from this course is October 25, 2013.
Required Textbook Audesirk et al., Biology[with Physiology]: Life on Earth, 9th Ed. (2011)
ISBN 978-0-321-59846-2
Required Lab Manual Laboratory Manual for General Biology: BIOL 101L (2013)
Shepherd University Bookstore
Attendance: You MUST attend your classes regularly and engage in the requirements for each class; otherwise, your financial aid may be revoked either partially or in full. This would result in an amount due by you to the University immediately. Please refer to http://www.shepherd.edu/faoweb/ for more details. Regular attendance in lecture and lab is absolutely required for successful completion of this course; absences will result in missed information. Absences will also result in missed (grade of “zero”) pop quizzes (there are NO make-ups of quizzes). Since quizzes are given early in the period, it is required that students arrive on time.
Academic Integrity: Each student is expected to abide by the Shepherd University Academic Integrity Procedures found on p 157 of the Student Handbook, www.shepherd.edu/students/studenthandbook.pdf
Disability Support Services at Shepherd University believes that every student should succeed, and works closely with students to meet their needs. Students requesting any disability related accommodation should contact the Disability Coordinator at 304-876-5453. This includes students with learning disabilities needing classroom accommodations, students requesting specific housing accommodations for health-related reasons, and all other disability accommodations. Accommodations must be documented and provided to instructors. Please see http://www.shepherd.edu/mcssweb/dss/default.html for more information.
Grading: In-class lecture exam #1 100
In-class lecture exam #2 100
In-class lecture exam #3 100
5 pop quizzes avg (drop lowest 2 of 7) 100
Final lecture exam – cumulative 100
Total Points: 500
Final Grades: A 450-500 (90-100%)
B 400-449 (80-89%)
C 350-399 (70-79%)
D 300-349 (60-69%)
F 299 or lower (0-59%)
Make-Up Policy:
Exams: Make-up exams will only be given if: 1) the student has obtained permission from Dr. Plautz prior to the exam, or 2) there is a documented medical/family emergency, brought to the attention of Dr. Plautz (in person, by telephone, or email) prior to or within 2 business days after the exam. Otherwise, exams must be taken at the scheduled time or a “zero” will be given.
Quizzes: There will be no make-ups for pop quizzes. To allow for unexpected emergencies, students may drop two quizzes as noted in “Grading” above.
Other Policies:
* Students are expected to READ the assigned textbook material as well as other materials distributed in class prior to and/or after the corresponding lecture.
* No food or drinks in the laboratory room at any time.
* Other laboratory safety rules will be discussed in detail in the lab – students must abide by these rules.
* Inclement weather: if the university is open, class will be held. Shepherd communicates weather closures through several means including NBC-25 TV, several local radio stations, the website (www.shepherd.edu), and announcement on the main phone number (304)876-5000. Commuter students should observe common sense with regard to road safety. See “Snow Policy” in the Shepherd University Student Handbook.
* Your phone is not to be seen, heard, or used (this includes text-messaging!) during class (if you need it for emergency contact, put it in your pocket on “vibrate”).
* Out of respect for fellow students and the instructor, disruptions to class must be avoided – following first warning, student(s) may be dismissed from class.
* Failure to abide by these policies may result in a final course grade of “F”
To account for unforeseen circumstances, this schedule may be altered at the discretion of the instructor.
WEEK LECTURE CHAPTER LABORATORY
8/26 Introduction and Organization of Life 1 None
9/2 NO Classes Monday, 9/2 – Labor Day
Biosphere, Biomes, and Climate 29 Plant Taxonomy
9/9 Energy and Ecosystem Productivity 28 Ecological Succession
9/16 Biogeochemical Cycling 28 Vegetative Analysis I
9/23 Succession 27 Vegetative Analysis II
Exam #1: Friday, 9/27
9/30 Community Ecology: Interactions 27 Vegetative Analysis III
10/7 Population Ecology 26 Ecological Systems
10/14 Human Population Growth 26 Ecological Applications
NO Classes Thursday 10/17 and Friday 10/18 – Fall Break
10/21 Intro Animal Form/Function & Digestion 31 & 34 Food Composition
10/28 Gas Exchange in Plants and Animals 33 Gas Exchange &
Exam #2: Wednesday, 10/30 Transpiration
11/4 Circulation 32 Blood Circulation
11/11 Excretion and Homeostasis 35 Kidney Function
11/18 Nervous System 38 Nervous System
11/25 NO Classes: Thanksgiving Recess ----- -----
12/2 The Senses 39 Sensory Reception
Exam #3: Wednesday, 12/4
12/9 Final Examinations: Section 12 (9:10 class): Wed 12/11, 9-11AM
Section 14 (10:10 class): Mon 12/9, Noon-2PM
Section 19 (11:10 class): Wed 12/11, Noon-2PM