BIO 121:  Principles of Biology

Syllabus and Course Objectives
Credit Hours (4)

Lecturers:

Sherry Harrel, Ph.D.
Office: Memorial Science 79 (622-1537)

Paul Cupp, Ph.D.
Office: Moore 208 (622-2043)

Ronald L. Jones, Ph.D.
Office: Memorial Science 170 (622-6257)

Course Description:  Cellular structure and function; tissue-organ system levels of organization; reproduction and development; heredity and evolution.

Objectives:  During this course students will be asked to:

1. Understand and appreciate the fundamental biological concepts and principles which govern all living organisms and their interactions.
2. Recognize the cell as the basic unit of life and to understand how the cell functions and reproduces.
3. Understand the need for energy in life processes and have a detailed knowledge of the biochemical processes which generate energy.
4. Understand both the chromosomal and molecular basis of inheritance.
5. Appreciate the basic events in the embryological development of multicellular organisms.
6. Examine the theory of evolution and to understand how populations evolve, how species originate, and the evidences and implications of evolutionary theory.

Course Policies:

1. Lecture tests will be over material presented in lecture and over assigned readings. The tests will include short answer and discussion questions. Basic terminology and major concepts will be stressed.
2. There will be 500 points in lecture exams. The final exam is not comprehensive--it will cover the last unit of the course.
3. There will be 250 points in lab quizzes. Total points in the class will be 750.
4. The grading scale is as follows:
   
   90 - 100  A
   
   80 - 89  B
   
   70 - 79  C
   
   60 - 69  D
   
   Below 60  F
   
   
5. The Department of Biological Sciences maintains a policy that a student having more than 20% unexcused absences in either lecture or lab shall receive a grade of "F" in the course. The absence will be excused if it is in accordance with University policy.
6. Students will be allowed to make up any exams missed by an excused absence.
7. Students can calculate their mid-term grade by combining all of their points at mid-term, both lecture and lab, and dividing by the possible points at midterm, and using the above scale.
8. The Instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus during the semester. Students will be informed in advance of any changes.
9. If there is any student in this class who is in need of academic accommodations and who is registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, please make an individual appointment with the course instructor to discuss accommodations. Upon individual request, this syllabus can be made available in alternative forms. If any student who is not registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities has need of academic accommodations, please contact the Office directly either in person on the first floor of the Turley House or by telephone at 622-1500.

Required Text:  Biology, 6th ed., Raven & Johnson.
Lab text: Morgan & _____. Lab Manual for Biology.

The instructor reserves the right to change lecture and lab topics and their sequence during the semester, as well as the number of exams.