BIOLOGY 1201 Section 001

Spring 2005

Biology for Science Majors

T, Th 12:10 to 1:30

130 Nicholson

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Steven Pomarico

OFFICE: 15 Life Sciences Building

PHONE: 578-8785

E-mail: spomari@lsu.edu

OFFICE HOURS: Mon. 10:00 - 11:30 and Wed. 8:30 - 10:00 - Other times by appointment.

CD-TEXT: Thinkwell's Biology - George Wolfe - Bundled with

                     Schaum’s Outlines - Biology 2^nd editio

REQUIRED SUPPLEMENT: Student Response Clicker

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY PROGRAM OFFICE: Room 102 LSB, Phone: 578-8239

Biological Sciences 1201 is a General Education Course. Biological Sciences 1201 classes are designed to address several General Education Outcomes including an appreciation of the methods of critical inquiry and a comprehension of how knowledge is acquired and applied.

EXAMINATIONS: Grades will be based on 6 exams (400 points total) and 1 (one) 50-point cumulative final exam. The regular exams will be 33 or 34 multiple choice questions (2 points each) for a total of 400 points. Five of the exams will be given during the semester. The sixth exam will be given during Final Exam Week. The cumulative final exam will be 25 multiple choice questions (2 points each) for a total of 50 points. The cumulative final exam will be given in conjunction with the sixth exam during Final Exam Week

>Photo ID.'s are REQUIRED for all exams<

All of the exams (including the final) for this class are out of class and are computer based. The computer based exams will be taken in Room 102 of Himes Hall. EXAM DATES ARE LISTED IN THIS SYLLABUS.

POSTING OF GRADES: The grades for exams will be posted on the Internet via the semester book link for this course on your PAWS desktop.

GRADES: All exam scores will be included in the calculation of your final grade: no exam scores will be "dropped". Quizzes and/or out of class assignments (various points totaling 50 points) will also be given during the semester, and will be included in the calculation of grades. QUIZZES MAY NOT BE ANNOUNCED.

Final grades will be assigned as follows:

          90-100% - A; 80-89% - B; 70-79% - C; 60-69% - D; < 60% - F

Note: Although I may curve individual exams, there is no "end of the semester curve". You should always be able to calculate your current standing in the class.

MISSED EXAMS AND QUIZZES: Please do not miss a test. If you absolutely cannot avoid missing an exam, then you must let me know BEFORE the exam if possible. 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 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 missed. As with the exams, only individuals with a valid excuse may make-up the quizzes and out of class assignments.

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.

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.

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). In addition, the Learning Assistance Center in the basement of Coates Hall (room B-31) can offer excellent programs on learning/improving study techniques, test taking, etc. They are there to help you make better grades.

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 hour 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 material for exposure to topics and terminology; look at the figures; this introduction should require 45 min.

(B) Come to class and take good notes (IF YOU USE THE LECTURE OUTLINE THIS SHOULD BE EASY). That day (preferably within 4-5 hours after class), read over the notes you took that day; 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 quiz at the end of the chapter 1.5 hrs.

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.

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.

NOTICE THAT WHILE WE WILL NOT COVER ON BASIC CHEMISTRY IN CLASS. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MATERIAL (SECTIONS 2.1 AND 2.2 WILL BE ON THE FIRST EXAM). HELP WITH THIS MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY PROGRAM IN THE FORM OF A TUTORIAL WEB SITE.