MISSED EXAMS AND QUIZZES: It is your responsibility to schedule and take the exams. Please do not miss a test. If you absolutely cannot avoid it, you must let me know BEFORE the exam date. You must support your reason for missing the exam with documentation. If I approve, you will be allowed to take the make-up exam. If you miss an exam without a valid excuse, you will receive a 0 (zero) for that exam. The make-up exam will consist of short answer and/or short essay type questions. Only individuals with a valid excuse may take the make-up exam and it will given only once within one week of the exam that was missed. Quizzes and homework cannot be made up. If you miss class, you run the risk of missing bonus points.

NOTES AND STUDY HABITS: The lectures will be given based on the assumption that you have read the assigned material before coming to class. Outlines of my lecture notes are available. Most of the terminology with which you should be familiar is in bold print in the notes. I will assume that you have a copy of the notes in class. You should plan to spend at least 3 hours studying for every 1.5 hours you spend in class. Repeated exposure to material in smaller portions is a much more effective method of learning than attempting to learn all the material in one large chunk (cramming). The following strategy should be successful in this class:

(A) Before class, read the assigned text material (we’ll be covering between 10 - 15 pages per class) for exposure to topics and terminology; look at the figures in the text; this introduction should require 45 min.

(B) Come to class and take good notes (IF YOU USE THE LECTURE OUTLINE THIS SHOULD BE EASY). The next day, read over the notes you took the day before; edit as necessary (45 min).

(C) Go back over the assigned material concentrating on what was emphasized in class. Study the figures to help you develop mental images of concepts. Modify your lecture notes as needed. Be certain that you understand concepts, not just terminology. Take the quizzes at the end of the chapters. (1.5 hour).

PROBLEMS: If you find yourself having problems with this course, come see me EARLY in the semester. Don’t wait until you’re past the point of help (the day before an exam).

BIOLOGY ONLINE: All relevant materials (lecture notes, syllabus, etc.) will be available online through the Introductory Biology Program homepage at http://www.biology.lsu.edu/introbio/ which will be link through the “course materials” section of the semester book information for this course.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see me as soon as possible so that we may make the appropriate arrangements.

DROP DEADLINES: Through January 25, 2005 this course may be dropped without receiving a grade of "W". After January 25 and through April 8, 2005, this course may be dropped, but you will receive a grade of "W". After April 8, no classes may be dropped.

CLASS BEHAVIOR: Since all students are entitled to an environment that is conducive to learning, you are expected to keep disruptions to a minimum. This means; be in class and prepared to begin on time. If you come in late, do so as quietly as possible. All pagers, telephones, electronic games, radios, tape, or CD players (or any other device) that generates sound must be turned off when you enter the classroom. Disruption of class, whether by latecomers, noisy devices, or inconsiderate behavior (talking), WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Repeated violations by individuals may result in penalties including being dropped from the class.

LECTURE TOPICS AND ASSIGNED READINGS

Lecture topics will be covered in the order listed below. Exam dates are fixed barring extreme circumstances. The material coverage is a good-faith estimate, but is subject to change.