Course: Principles of Biology, 7 hours/week, 4 semester units (includes laboratory) 3 hours lecture/week, 3 hours lab/week, 1 hour in the Student Success Center/week. We meet Mondays at 1:00 to 2:15 pm and Wednesdays, 1:00 - 5:15 pm. in the Life Science Building, #1.
Instructor: Ken Goehring (rhymes with "herring")Contact: Please contact me through email at bio1@bluetang.org. I will be available on Mondays after class, from 2:15 to 3:15 pm or by mutual appointment. Note that all of the class information, including this handout, can be found online at http://www.siskiyous.edu/class/bio1/.
Textbook and Materials: We will be using "Biology" by Raven, et al, 8th edition, McGraw Hill publishers. In addition, you will need a standard 3-ring binder to hold the class syllabus and lab work. You will need a computer account for this semester for your work in the Student Success Center.
Prerequisites: A student taking Bio 1 must have completed Math 53 (Intermediate Algebra) or have an appropriate score on the placement test and must have completed Bio 91 (Biology Preparation).
Learning Outcomes : Upon successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
1. Identify and explain the processes, levels of organization, and basic adaptations of life within the context of evolution – the unifying theme of biology.
2. Effectively use scientific inquiry and empiricism – hypothesis testing, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation – to examine the world and reach informed decisions on biologically complex issues.
3. Gain an ability to effectively communicate biological knowledge, experimental results, and analyses.
4. Illustrate cell structure and function and describe essential processes that occur at the cellular level.
5. Explain and apply the principles of classical genetics, discuss the processes that generate genetic diversity, explain the basics of gene regulation, and evaluate applications of molecular genetic tools and techniques in modern society.
6. Comprehend and explain how ecological factors and natural selection act on populations in shaping the adaptations and diversity of life.
7. Compare and contrast reproductive strategies and patterns of development employed by different taxa, and explain some of the applications of principles of developmental biology in treating diseases and repairing organs and tissues.
8. Illustrate and explain general physiological processes and the roles of organ systems in maintaining homeostasis and responding to environmental factors.
Requirements and Grading:I expect you to attend class, do the reading assignments, do homework and bring questions to class to be discussed. Quizzes will be given most every Wednesday. We will count your ten best quizzes, but we will take at least 12. The breakdown will be as follows:
Item Weight Notes Weekly Quizzes 250 points
Best 10 @ 25 points each Homework
120 points
12 assignments @ 10 points each
Lab Reports 180 points
15 labs @ 12 points each
Final Quiz
50 points
Monday, Dec. 15 at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Total 600 points
Any changes will be announced in advance
Grades will be assigned (at a minimum) in accordance with the following scale :
90%+ = A, 80%+ = B, 70%+ = C, 60%+ = D, 59%- = FHonesty : I expect and demand integrity and honesty in all of our dealings. The work you turn in must be your own. I will not tolerate cheating on exams, homework, or any other form of dishonesty. People who violate this trust will receive an F in the class, regardless of points earned.
Attendance and Late Work Policy : I expect people to attend class, to be on time if possible, to be courteous and polite if late. There are no make-ups for missed quizzes. If you have a school-sponsored event during quiz periods, you must contact me a week before the quiz is given. Generally there are no make-ups on missed lab work. Lab reports and homework are due as announced and will be reduced 10% for being late. I will not accept labs or homework after I hand them back. This will usually be the next class meeting. I reserve the right to drop any student that disrupts the learning environment and I reserve the right to drop any student that has missed two class meetings without contacting me. If you have an emergency that affects attending class, please contact me. It is your responsibility to understand and follow these guidelines. In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made to make-up postponed work. If the roads are unsafe, please don't risk your life to come to class!
Special Assistance: The College of the Siskiyous has many services available to students who need special assistance. See the College Catalog for a description of these services. If you feel that you will need any special assistance in this class, please discuss the problem with me within the first two weeks of class so that I can make plans to attempt to accommodate your needs.
Note: The topics covered in this course include the concept of organic evolution, evidence for human evolution and includes discussion of the scientific view of the origin of life. We will also be discussing the AIDS virus, mental retardation, forensics and other, sometimes disturbing, topics. No student will be graded on their beliefs but rather only on their understanding of the scientific concepts presented.