BIOL 102 - General Biological Science II

Catalog Description

This is a 4-credit combined lecture and laboratory course.  Together with BIOL 101, 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 reproductive principles, and the second half is centered around cell physiology.

Current Syllabus

Spring 2011 – BIOL 102/102L – General Biological Science II

Syllabus & Schedule

Section 04 (CRN 40054):        Lecture MWF 9:10 AM-10:00 AM – BY 108

                                                Lab T 12:10 PM-2:00 PM – BY 203

Section 05 (CRN 40322):        Lecture MWF 9:10 AM-10:00 AM – BY 108

                                                Lab W 2:10 PM-4:00 PM – BY 203

Instructor:         Dr. Carol Z. Plautz

Office:              Byrd Science Center 112

Phone:              (304) 876-5773

Email:               cplautz@shepherd.edu

Office Hours:    M, W, and F 10:00-12:00 and by appointment

Course Description: This is a 4-credit combined lecture and laboratory course.  Together with BIOL 101, 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 reproductive principles, and the second half is centered around cell physiology.

Course Objectives: Students completing both semesters of General Biological Science should be able to understand and display knowledge of:

  • 1. Basic biological & scientific principles
  • 2. The cellular and molecular organization of living organisms
  • 3. The unifying themes among living organisms, and an appreciation of the variety and diversity of life on earth
  • 4. The anatomy, physiology, genetics and evolution of different types of organisms
  • 5. Laboratory techniques to foster investigation of topics covered

Required Materials:

Textbook: Audesirk et al., Biology[with Physiology]: Life on Earth, 9th Ed., ISBN 978-0-321-59846-2

Lab Manual: Laboratory Manual for General Biology: BIOL 102L, Shepherd University Bookstore

Attendance:  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 pop quizzes).  Since quizzes are given early in the period, it is required that students arrive on time.

Academic Integrity:  Cheating of any sort will NOT be tolerated (refer to the section entitled “Academic Dishonesty” under “Academic Information” in the Shepherd University Catalog for a full description of Academic Dishonesty).  All parties participating in such activity will receive a grade of “zero” for their “work”.  For second offense, student will receive a final course grade of “F”.

Grading:          

  • In-class lecture exam #1                                                          100
  • In-class lecture exam #2                                                          100
  • In-class lecture exam #3                                                          100
  • 5 pop quizzes 20 pts each (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.

 The last day to withdraw from this course is April 8, 2011.

 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.

* Inclement weather: if the university is open, class will be held.  Shepherd University communicates closures due to weather through several means including NBC-25 TV, several local radio stations, announcement on 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.

* 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.

* Your phone is not to be seen, heard, or used (this includes text-messaging!) during class or lab (one exception: 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 syllabus & schedule may be altered at the discretion of the instructor. 

Note: this schedule has been updated from the version found in your lab manual.

WEEK             LECTURE                                           CHAPTER/S               LABORATORY

 1/10                 Introduction & Intro to Cells                            4                       NONE

1/17                 NO Class Monday, 1/17 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

                        Cell Division                                                    9                       Mitosis

1/24                 Cell Division & Life Cycles                              9                       Meiosis

1/31                 Genetic Inheritance                                         10                      Life Cycles

2/7                   NO Class Monday, 2/7 – This class only (professor away)

                        Genetic Inheritance                                         10                      Probability

2/14                 Genetics                                                         10                      Genetic Crosses

                        Exam #1 Friday, 2/18

2/21                 DNA                                                              11                      Genetic Code

2/28                 Gene Expression                                             12                      Human Genetics

3/7                   Reproduction                                                  41                      Embryology

3/14                 NO Classes – Spring Break Week

3/21                 Development                                                  42                      Population Genetics

                        Exam #2 Friday, 3/25

3/28                 Evolution                                                      14/15                    Evolution

4/4                   Cell Membranes                                              5                       Osmosis & Diffusion

4/11                 Energy Flow & Respiration                            6/8                      Enzymes

4/18                 Cellular Respiration                                          8                       Cellular Respiration

                        Exam #3 Wednesday, 4/20

                        NO Classes Thursday & Friday, 4/21-4/22 – Spring Weekend Recess

4/25                 Photosynthesis                                            7                      Photosynthesis                           

5/2                   Final Exam

                        Wednesday, 5/4/11, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Carol Z. Plautz, Ph.D. • Associate Professor of Biology • Shepherd University • Shepherdstown, WV 25443 • cplautz@shepherd.edu • 304-876-5773

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