College of Wildlife Photography Biology 1151 Syllabus: Summer 2010.
   

Section 065. Lectures Mon Tue Wed Thu 10:00AM-11:50AM HS 1330, Labs Mon Wed 12:00PM-2:40PM HS 1305
Instructor: Peter ChenOffice hours: before/after class 1235
Mailbox: Health and Science Center front deskPhone: before/after class 630-942-8332
Email:   Skype: bio1151 Web: http://bio1151.nicerweb.com/

Course Description:
Principles of Biological Science I, 5 credit hours (4 lecture hours, 3 lab hours)
An introduction to biology for biological science majors and interested students. Major topics include the philosophy of science, scientific method, chemical organization of life, cell biology, energy dynamics, genetics, molecular genetics, evolution, and biodiversity. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Mathematics 0481, or qualifying score on the Math Placement Exam.

Required Textbooks:
•   Neil A. Campbell and Jane B. Reece. Biology 8th Edition. Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2009. ISBN 0321543254.
•   Chris E. Petersen and Barbara. J. Anderson. Investigations in the Biology 1151 Laboratory. Stupes Publishing, 2005.
•   Optional: Kent Van De Graaff and John L. Crawley. A Photographic Atlas for the Biology Laboratory, 6th Edition. Morton Publishing Company, 2010.

Lectures and Labs:
Attendance in both lecture and lab is mandatory and critical to success in this class. Attendance in lecture is worth 2 points for each class; 2 points will be deducted for each absence. Points may also be deducted for tardiness, leaving early, or for being disruptive in class. Lab data sheets will be assessed for participation after each lab, up to 3 points each. There is no makeup for missed labs, but you can fill in the data sheets as best as you can and turn them in for partial credit.

Grading:
There will be 4 tests, each worth 100 points. The lowest score of the 4 tests is weighted at 50%; so the total possible points from the tests are 350. Makeup tests must be taken by the next lecture class; otherwise a score of 0 will be recorded for that test. No makeup for the final test. A total of 16 quizzes is planned. The quizzes are unannounced and worth 10 points each, with the lowest score of the 16 dropped. There will be 2 lab exams worth 80 each. No makeups are available for quizzes, labs, or lab exams. Other assignments will include a homework assignment and a team presentation.
 
AssessmentPoints
4 tests, 100 pts each350
16 quizzes, 10 pts each150
2 lab exams, 80 pts each160
13 lab data sheets, 3 pts each39
Research homework66
Team presentation65
Attendance (28 classes)56
Total886
GradePoints
A (90%)797.4
B (80%)708.8
C (70%)620.2
D (60%)531.6
F (<60%)<531.6
 
Grades and Tests:
The class web site will provide access to your grades. You will need to setup a password to view your grade and to take tests online. I will try to grade tests and quizzes as soon as possible, so we can review them before moving to the next topic. You are encouraged to do the end of chapter problems on your own; they can be helpful in preparing for tests. I will also provide some review questions to check your understanding of major concepts, though test questions will be broader in scope, so do not rely on these review questions as your main preparation for tests. If you miss a test, you need to make it up before the next lecture session.

Taking Notes:
Outlines for each class are posted on the web. You may use these as an aid in taking notes, or you may choose to take notes on your own paper. In either case, you are encouraged to take notes; achievement in class is strongly correlated with note taking!

Homework and Assignments:
You have homework assignment for every class: read the assigned material before coming to class, and bring your textbook/lab guide to class. One written homework will be assigned during the semester. There will also be a team project. All assignments should be typed and include at least 2 references, unless otherwise specified, using either APA or MLA citation style. The textbook or lab guide do not count as a reference. Assignments should be submitted electronically for your record; use the class upload tool to submit your assignment.

Extra credit: Quizzes and tests may contain extra credit questions; these may cover topics in the textbook not specifically addressed in class, or topics raised during discussions in class, so pay attention to class discussions and participate! Supplementary reading material will be provided for some chapters; you can earn up to 4 extra credit points by writing a one-page report on the supplementary reading and giving a brief presentation during class, up to a total of 20 points.

Withdrawal Policy:
The deadline to withdraw from class is day, 03/18. Withdrawal after that date will require my approval, and only under extreme circumstances. However, I will not grant a request to withdraw if you are getting a failing grade at that time.

Incomplete Policy:
An Incomplete grade may be given at my discretion only for emergency situations. A "Contract for Incomplete Grade" will indicate the work required and a deadline date. A grade of F will be given if the requirements are not satisfied by the deadline.

Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 and possible F for the course. See CHEN catalog, Course-Related Academic Dishonesty.

Questions:
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this class, or about your career here at College of Wildlife Photography and beyond. Answers to some frequently asked questions can be found at http://bio1151.nicerweb.com/Locked/doc/faq.html.

Conclusion:
Congratulations, you have finished reading the Syllabus for Biology 1151. Read the assignments and notes as carefully as you have read this, and you will do well!


 
Contents of this syllabus are subject to change at the instructor's discretion.

Bio1151 College of Wildlife Photography Updated: Feb 25, 2011.