Class Syllabus BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2010

 

Fall 2004, Lecture: MWF 2:30 - 3:20 pm, room 228 Conradi

Optional Help Session: Th 5:15-6:15 pm, room 208 Bio Unit 1

 

Office Hours 12-1 MWF and by appt.
Professor: Dr. Debra Ann Fadool
Office: 214 Biomedical Research Facility - Ext. 4-4775
Lab: 217 Biomedical Research Facility
Email: dfadool@bio.fsu.edu
Required Text Book: Biology, sixth edition, 2002;
Campbell and Reece

 

1. Rationale for the Course:

 

Biology is the study of life. A scientist can explore life on many levels; the cell, a molecule of DNA, a protein structure, an organ, the organism, the interaction of organisms within their environment.....and at each level there are regulatory mechanisms that provide a constant dynamic balance of life. “Biology is the scientific extension of the human tendency to feel connected to and curious about all forms of life. It is a science for adventurous minds.” Campbell 2002.

 

2. Course Objectives:

 

This course will cover four major units in introductory biology: 1) Atoms and biological molecules, 2) Energy transformations, 3) Molecular genetics, and 4) Animal exchange, transport and regulatory systems. It is my intension to provide a broad foundation in general biology that the student can build upon in advanced courses depending upon their career interests and sub- specialties. A solid knowledge base is vital for the student of modern biology. During an era of information overload and heightened accessibility, our objective will be to establish a diverse base upon which the young biologist can draw from in later academic years as the information presented is refined and narrowly tuned. This course will permit an understanding in cellular biology in its broadest sense so that the young student finds excitement in exploring many niches of biology as a foundation of their general biology education.

 

3. Course Evaluation: You will be graded based upon the following -
Exam I - 100 pts.       Grading Scale     90-100 4.0
Exam II - 100 pts.                        80-89 3.0
Exam III - 100 pts.                       70-79 2.0
Quizes - 50 pts.                          < 69 1.0
Final Exam - 100 pts.

 

I use a combination of different testing formats within a single exam. This is designed to NOT test your ability to take exams, but rather to tell me what you have learned and what you can apply. You can therefore expect multiple choice, fill in, true/false, calculations, and short answer. Quizzes can come at any time and can deal with lecture material or text readings. They will be short 10 pointers to keep you frequently studying facts and concepts. There are NO makeups for quizzes. Please don't be afraid to ask questions either in class, during office hours, or over the net. If your schedule conflicts with my hours please make an appointment to see me, I am happy to meet with you. The internet is always open and I check it twice daily.

4. Calendar of Assigned Readings (Click for Link)

5. Course Outlines(Click for Link)

 

6. Student Responsibilities:

 

I will direct the content of the lecture material around classic principles in biology to allow you to begin to formulate your own critical line of thinking. This is essential for you to be successful as scientist, a professor, a medical professional, a scientific writer, or any number of professions that branch from a degree in the Biological Sciences. The textbook readings are required readings that will provide greater details of the work synthesized in lecture. There is no substitute for text reading and reviewing lecture notes for applying and acquiring knowledge. For every hour I have with you in the classroom, you can expect 2-3 hours of reading, thinking, and self-study. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared to each class meeting by having the reading completed and prior lecture notes reviewed. It is useful to print out the course outlines (Item 5 above) so that you have it in front of you while taking notes about unfamiliar terminology.

 

You will occasionally have optional reserve reading or visiting scientist seminars that will provide more up to date information than what is presented in a textbook. The reserve reading can be checked out and/or photocopied from the main library. These readings will be original research articles. Learn to read these more difficult assignments. Do not memorize experimental designs but rather take home global concepts.

 

7. Florida State University Honor Code:

 

Students are expected to uphold the Academic Honor Code published in The Florida State University Bulletin and the Student Handbook. The academic honor system of The Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility (1) to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the student's own work, (2) to refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the university community, and (3) to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the university community.

 

8. Class Attendance:

 

Class attendance is required. Data support the idea that class attendance improves learning. It is very difficult and as well as uninspiring for me to help a student who does not attend lecture. What is created in the classroom cannot be reenacted.

 

9. Policy on Missed Material or Missed Exams:

 

There will be NO exam makeups without PRIOR notice of a VERIFIED university excused absence (illness, death of family member, academic society meeting, subpoena to court, varsity athletics, or religious holiday). If you are ill, you must have a signed statement from the treating physician. The student must contact the instructor prior to the exam if they anticipate an university excused absence on the day of the exam. Final grades will be determined from the weighted average of all exams and quizzes and a curve will be established in the event of a low class average (an overall class average of less than 70%). In the case of borderline grades, the pattern of class performance, level of continued effort and academic growth, and student development will be taken into consideration by the instructor.

 

10. American Disabilities Act Policy:

 

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should (1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center, and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class.