BIOLOGY 102, GENERAL BIOLOGY II

SPRING, 2008 SYLLABUS

Biology 102, General Biology II:  The course examines the diversity of life in terms of its taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology.  Emphasis is placed on vertebrate structure and function.  Students should either have taken or concurrently be taking Mathematics 105.

*Lab schedule is subject to change, depending on the weather.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS COURSE
 Textbooks:    Campbell, Neil A., and Jane B. Reece.  2002.  Biology, 6^th ed.  Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., Inc, New York.
 Laboratory Manual:        Vodopich, D.S., and R.C. Moore.  2005.  Biology Laboratory Manual.  7^th ed.  Wm.C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa.
 
 Laboratory Kit:           4½” scissors                 4½” forceps            small probe
                                    15 cm ruler                   5½” forceps            dropper pipette
                                    lens paper                     pins                        2 straight needles
                                    (2-4H pencils)

 Other Materials:        Calculator (A scientific calculator is recommended)

 GRADING AND ATTENDANCE

            The lecture grade is based on 3 lecture exams each worth 100 points and one final exam worth 200 points. The final exam consists of 2 parts: a fourth lecture exam and a comprehensive section covering material from the first three exams. Exams will consist of short answer and essay questions only.

            Failure to attend an exam will result in a zero for that exam. Make-ups are not available except for valid, documented medical absences. Failure to attend two exams OR the final exam will result in automatic failure.  Only if both exams are missed due to valid, documented medical absences will an incomplete be given.

            Students who do not have the textbook will not be permitted to sit for exams.

 
Lab Grade

            Attending the laboratory is critical to the completion of this course, therefore any student who misses 3 or more labs for any reason cannot pass this course. Only if all 3 absences are due to valid, documented medical absences will an incomplete be given. There are no dropped lab scores and no make up labs. Failure to attend a lab will result in a zero for both the pre-lab and the lab exercise.

            There are 10 scheduled laboratory exercises. Each lab will begin promptly with a review of the pre-lab assignment. The pre-lab review ends exactly 5 minutes after the start of lab and pre-labs will only be graded during that time period. No late pre-labs will be accepted.

            Each laboratory exercise requires pages from the laboratory manual to be filled out. These are due at the beginning of the following lecture. Labs will be not accepted without attending the full lab period. Labs written on notebook paper will not be accepted. Labs that are more than 15% incomplete will not be accepted. Labs handed in after the lecture will be considered late and docked accordingly. Labs completed during the lecture period will not be accepted.

            Late points will be deducted as follows: Late work handed in between 1/29 and 2/27 will be docked 10%. Late work handed in between 2/28 and 4/2 will be docked 20%. Late work handed in between 4/3 and the final exam will be docked 30%.

            There are two assigned collections: a plant collection and an insect collection. Each collection will consist of at least 50 specimens correctly labeled with genus, species, location and date of collection. The specimens will be arranged by family. Specifications as to the required number of specimens per family and instructions on proper collection, labeling and mounting techniques will be provided immediately prior to the spring break. However, it is strongly recommended that you begin collecting insects as early as possible. They keep well in the freezer.

            The final word on absences: If an absence was for a valid reason such as illness, inclement weather, or severe family or personal problems, submit a written statement as to the reason for the absence and supporting documents within one week of your return to classes.  Planned absences such as travel with a university team must be cleared in advance of the absence. This includes leaving class or lab early for games or practices. NOTE:  Students are expected to make appointments at times other than class time.  Therefore such appointments will not be considered a valid reason for missing class.  This includes physician’s appointments (except for emergency appointments), bursar, registrar, & financial aid appointments; and any other type of appointment except for emergencies.

 OTHER REGULATIONS

 Full participation in all exercises including those involving dissection and the handling both live and preserved animal material is required.

Cell telephones are not allowed to be in use during class time.  Please turn your cell telephones off during class unless permission to have the telephone available is given before class.

 Bathroom breaks should not be taken during class.  Visit the lavatory before class.  During tests, any student who leaves the classroom during class will be considered to have completed test and will not be allowed back into the classroom until the test is over.

 Course registration must be completed by Friday, February 1, 2008. Students not on the class roster by this date will be barred from further class attendance.

Come on time. The first 5 minutes of lecture is when labs are due and when critical information about how to study and prepare for quizzes, labs and exams is given out. This information will not be repeated for late arrivals. The first 20 minutes of lab is when the pre-lab and quizzes are taken and instructions on how to do the lab are given. Late arrivals will not be permitted to take the quiz, and may not be permitted to do the lab exercise.

Study the assigned material.

Come to lab prepared. Always thoroughly read the lab exercises before coming to class. Plan out your list of materials and how to divide tasks among your lab group. You will save time and avoid mistakes.

Use your texts to prepare for labs and exams. Before lecture and lab, go through the assigned reading. Make sure you can define all the bold text words, italicized words, and understand the figures. If there are terms, concepts, or processes you don’t understand read the text more closely and bring unresolved questions to class.          

Studying in groups is strongly recommended. Thinking of your own test questions and discussing the correct answers is an excellent way to prepare for exams and quizzes.