Biology N100: Contemporary
Biology
Web page: http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/N100
| Winter - Spring 2001 | Section A542 |
| Mon. & Weds. 1:00 AM - 2:15 PM | LE 101 |
| Professor: Dr. Kathleen A. Marrs | Phone: 278-4551 |
| E-mail: kmarrs@iupui.edu | Office: SL 330 |
Support for the development of this course was provided by the National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education (NSF-DUE Award 9981111), to the WebScience Project at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis.
Text: Bioinquiry 1.0: Making Connections in
Biology
Pruit, Underwood and Surver, 2000
Yes,
the Updated, FINAL Gradebook 5/7/01 is here!
N100 Course Outline - moved up to the top. The rest
of the syllabus can be found below.
Check web page before lecture for detailed readings.
I. Course Objectives:
The major objective of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts and major themes of biology, the study of life. By the conclusion of this course, you will acquire an understanding of the cell, DNA and genetics, evolution and ecosystems. Discussion of the major concepts of biology (such as cell structure, genes, and population biology) are interwoven with analysis of contemporary issues in biology (such as biotechnology, gene therapy, and human population growth). In addition, a strong emphasis is placed on learning biology by inquiry, studying science from a social as well as a technological standpoint, and exploring the history and nature of science. This course is recommended for students majoring in education or for students of any major interested in developing scientific inquiry skills and scientific literacy.
II. Course Basics:
1. Class periods: Two classes are held each week; typically running the full 75 minutes. Lectures will be interspersed with sessions of group or individual work on problems or questions. Attendance in the classroom is expected, as is participation (asking questions, providing comments, completing short assignments). Short assignments, feedback sheets, or sign-in sheets will be used to determine attendance and participation.
2. Textbook and CD-ROM: The theme of the textbook is "Making Connections in Biology". Chapter headings begin with questions to stimulate thinking. Each sections ends with a "Piecing it Together" summary to help you think about the Big Picture, as well as review questions. Use the glossary at the end of the book frequently for terms that you are not familiar with! Material on the CD-ROM provides animations to help you visualize complex processes.
3. Exams: There will be 4 exams, 100 points each, multiple choice. A short help session will be given in class before exams. Exams may cover material from the text that was not covered in lecture. Exam 4 is not cumulative and will be given on Friday, May 4th from 1:00 -2:00. You are expected to take exams on scheduled dates; however, in the event of illness, family emergency, or work-related travel, one make-up exam will be scheduled after the final exam on Friday, May 4th from 2:00 -3:00 (you may not use this to replace a previous exam score, but only to make up an absence on a previous exam date).
Note: A seating chart will be posted for exam dates only. Please bring a #2 pencil and a calculator to exams. If you are left-handed and would like to sit in a desk on the aisle, please notify me by e-mail!
4. Academic dishonesty: Cheating or helping another student to cheat is a serious offense. University procedures for handling academic dishonesty will be followed. Please consult your student handbook.
5. Withdrawls or Incompletes: Jan 16 - course deleted from record - no signature required. March 2 - automatic W with advisor's signature required. March 30 - W or F with advisor's and instructor's signature required. Incomplete grades are only given if student has completed 3/4 of the course work and has a passing grade.
6. Office hours: Call or e-mail to ask questions or arrange an appointment. I am usually in my office M&W before and after class, T & Th from 9-1, and all day Friday; you are also welcome to drop in.
III. Course Web Page:
An important part of this class involves previewing material for lecture. Several features have been built into this course that allow students to make preparation before class as easy as possible, and should help you get into the habit quickly. The course web page allows students to prepare ahead for class, complete simple exercises, and take practice exams. The internet can be accessed at any of the library computers as well as campus computer labs. If you are not familiar or comfortable with using the internet, please see me and I will help you get started. Previewing will be expected starting this Friday, for next week's material. Try to get into the habit of checking the web page regularly before class, and then allow yourself about an hour with the notes and the textbook to prepare for lecture and do the WarmUp exercises .
WarmUps: WarmUps are short (10- 15 minute), straightforward pre-lecture assignments that are e-mailed to me before class begins. Warm Ups consist of 3 questions and are worth 6 points each if handed in on time. There are no wrong answers. WarmUps will be posted on the web on the Friday before they are due, and must be sent to me by 9:30 AM before each Wednesday lecture. Because they are pre-lecture assignments, they will not be accepted after 9:30 AM.
In the News: News articles that relate to topics we are studying in class. We will often discuss these articles in class. For some day's discussions, articles on the web will be the reading material for class. You do not need to print these articles out unless it is specified on the webpage as necessary for lecture discussions.
Help: Prior to each exam, a set of practice exam questions and answers will be found here. Study objectives will be posted here as well. This should allow you to identify areas that you still need help with before the exam. Remember that if you need further help, I can be reached at kmarrs@iupui.edu or 278-4551.
Lecture Notes: Each Friday, a partial lecture outline will be posted for the coming week's Monday and Wednesday lectures. Specific readings will be indicated, details can be filled in before or during class, and lecture objectives will be included to allow you to check your understanding of the material.
What is Biology Good For?: A short essay about some aspect of biology in everyday life or some technological breakthrough made possible through biological study. Each Friday, a new essay will be posted. This activity is optional, but each essay will have questions at the end that may be answered for up to a maximum of 30 points extra credit.
IV. Grading:
1. Course points: Your grade will be based on a total of 500 points:
Exams 1 - 4: 100 points each x 4 =400 points
Warm-Up exercises 1-14: 6 points each x 14 = 84 points
Attendance and participation: 16 points = 16 points
Any extra credit earned: Up to 30 points Total: = 500 points
2. Grading Scale:
| A | = 90 - 100% | = 450 - 500 points |
| B+ | = 87 - 89 % | = 435 - 449 points |
| B | = 80 - 86 % | = 400 - 434 points |
| C+ | = 77 - 79 % | = 385 - 399 points |
| C | = 70 - 76 % | = 350 - 384 points |
| D+ | = 67 - 69 % | = 335 - 349 points |
| D | = 60 - 66 % | = 300 - 334 points |
| F | = 59% or less | = 299 points or less |
VI. This course addresses the IUPUI Principles
of Undergraduate Learning
1) Core Communication and Quantitative Skills: Students in N100 are asked to (a) to express ideas and facts to others effectively in writing, (b) to comprehend, interpret, and analyze texts, (c) to communicate orally in one-on-one and group settings, (d) to solve problems that are quantitative in nature, and (e) to make efficient use of information resources and technology for personal and professional needs.
2) Critical Thinking: Students in N100 are asked to (a) to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions, (b) to synthesize information in order to arrive at reasoned conclusions, (c) to evaluate the logic, validity, and relevance of data, (d) to solve challenging problems, and (e) to use knowledge and understanding in order to generate and explore new questions.
3) Integration and Application of Knowledge: Students in N100 are asked to apply knowledge (a) to enhance their personal lives, (b) to meet professional standards and competencies, and (c) to further the goals of society.
4) Intellectual Depth, Breadth, and Adaptiveness: Students in N100 are required to (a) demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of at least one field of study; (b) compare and contrast approaches to knowledge in different disciplines; (c) modify the approach to an issue or problem based on the contexts and requirements of particular situations.
5) Understanding Society and Culture: Students in N100 will develop the ability (a) to compare and contrast the range of diversity and universality in human history, societies, and ways of life; (b) to analyze and understand the interconnectedness of global and local concerns; and (c) to operate with civility in a complex social world.
6) Values and Ethics: Students in N100 are asked to make judgments with respect to individual conduct, citizenship, and aesthetics demonstrated by the ability (a) to make informed and principled choices regarding conflicting situations in their personal and public lives and to foresee the consequences of these choices; and (b) to recognize the importance of aesthetics in their personal lives and to society.
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