Course Description:

This one semester laboratory course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of the biological sciences, including cell biology, vertebrate organ systems, genetics and heredity and vertebrate evolution. Emphasis will be placed on how these topics relate to the human organism.

Objectives of the Course:

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of

1. the basic structure of the cells,
2. the structure and function of vertebrate systems,
3. the genetic basis of inheritance,
4. the concepts of evolution.

Secondarily, it is my aim to provide opportunities for you to explore, examine and analyze problems. Through these, we will improve our reasoning abilities and our synthetic abilities in both oral and written formats.

Evaluation:

There will be many opportunities to evaluate progress during this course. There will be written exams (4-5); group assignments and a non-written project. Laboratory exercises will be done in small groups, and participation is critical.

Average performance on the written exams and project will constitute 80% of the final grade. The remaining 20% of the final grade will be determined by the quality of laboratory work and group assignments. I reserve the right to subjectively evaluate each student's body of work.

The final grades for the course will be based on the straight grading system that follows. There will be no curve on any test, project or exercise. You get what you earn.

Letter Grade Percentage Levels 

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

Attendance:

Nothing has yet been discovered to replace the value of the daily, cumulative, educational growth that results from regular class attendance. This is especially true where ideas, concepts, points of view, social development, poise, confidence, knowledge and success derive from the interaction of students and faculty. Taking test or turning in a paper, while extremely important as part of the educational process, will not in itself provide for the complete student growth.

There fore, it is my policy for this course that your attendance is required. You should understand that work or tests missed as a result of absences will jeopardize your grades.

If you have any problems, within this course or outside it, I invite you to come see me or phone me. My office location, phone number and email address are at the top of the first page of the syllabus. I check my phone mail everyday and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is required of the Student:

To make this a successful experience, the students must put forth their best efforts to:

• participate actively and complete all assignments,
• to get an email account, from Academic Computing,
• be prepared when they come to class,
• be open and willing to share,
• cooperate with all members of the class,
• be in class, on time, and stay until the class is over,
• be respectful of all in the class.

To make this a successful experience, the professor must put forth her best efforts to do all that is required of the students, as well as:

• be a resource to be used for improving learning opportunities,
• be a sounding board for ideas,
• help provide answers to your questions,
• be available, both in the course confines and outside it.

Important Dates:

October 1 - graduation applications due

October 21 - last day to withdrawal from classes with the student and professor signature

November 11 - no class Veteran's Day

November 25 - Thanksgiving recess

December 15 to 21 - finals week