Syllabus for Perspectives in Biology

Perspectives in Biology (Bio 001)
(Fall 2000)

Professor                                                           Class times
Dr. Cody L. Arenz                                             Lecture: Olin LH-A, MWF 2-2:50pm
office: Olin Hall of Science Rm 206                  Lab sec 1: Olin 217, T 9-11:50am
office tel #: X2448                                             Lab sec 2: Olin 217, T 2-4:50pm
e-mail: carenz@nebrwesleyan.edu
office hours: 9-10am MF, 3-4pm W

Textbooks
Biological Perspectives (lecture text)
Thinking Biologically: Biological Perspectives (lab text)
****you should get a three-ring binder for these materials****

Goal of Course
An introduction to the principles and mechanisms of biology. After taking this course, students should be able to appropriately apply the scientific approach, understand the role of biological study in society, and have a basic understanding of biological phenomena.

Course Style
The style of your textbook and my preferred teaching method is interactive, i.e., you will be involved in:
- Discussions
- Problem-solving
- Exercises
And, this will occur in class as well as in the laboratory. You are encouraged to ask a lot of questions…this will not only keep you awake, but you will learn the material more effectively.

Attendance
Attendance is required. Coming to class regularly, reading the text before class, and asking questions are keys to success. Group activities and discussions cannot be recreated for you to make-up. Missed exams cannot be made up without prior arrangements (see below).

Quizzes
I plan to give pop quizzes….before you boo and hiss….these quizzes will have the following characteristics / purpose:
- fairly easy
- will contain material from the previous and CURRENT lecture
- are designed to encourage students to go over their notes, read ahead, and to
come to class…I will NOT be designing them to punish students.

Missed Exams
No exam scores will be dropped. If you are going to miss an exam and would like to avoid having a big ZERO on your grade sheet, you must talk to me BEFORE you miss the exam. Excused absences are only given with documentation of the purpose of your absence.

Tentative Points Breakdown*
Three unit exams @ 100 pts each 300
One comprehensive final 150
Quizzes 100
Paper 100
Class participation 100
* tentative because I may have 8 quizzes instead of 10, or I may decrease the points for the paper, etc. If I do this, I will update your syllabus.

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is one of the basic principles of a university community. Nebraska Wesleyan University encourages and expects the highest standards of academic honesty from all students. The Student Code of Conduct states that ‘cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty’ are subject to disciplinary action. Refer to the Student Code of Conduct for additional information.

Class Schedule
Week Topics Readings
8/28-9/1 The Examination                                                    Chapter 1
9/4 Labor Day
9/6-9/8 Interacting Systems                                                  Chapter 2
9/11-9/15 Coordinating and Maintaining Homeostasis        Chapter 3
9/18-9/22 Using Matter and Energy                                     Chapter 4
9/25-9/29 Reproduction and Development                           Chapter 5
10/2 Exam #1
10/4-10/6 Your Genetic Self                                                 Chapter 6
10/9-10/13 Your Immediate Past                                          Chapter 7
10/16 Mid-semester recess day
10/18-10/20 Our Distant Past                                               Chapter 8
10/23-10/27 Our Distant Past & Looking into the Future    Chapters 8-9
10/30 Exam #2
11/1-11/3 A Common Concern                                             Chapter 10
11/6-11/10 Thinking Ecologically                                         Chapter 11
11/13-11/17 Thinking Ecologically about Biodiversity         Chapter 12
11/20 Thinking Ecologically …
11/22 & 11/24 Thanksgiving Recess
11/27-12/1 Thinking Ecologically about Behavior &            Chapter 13
         Limited Resources                                                        Chapter 14
12/6 Exam #3
12/8 - 12/13 Wrapping up important uncovered material
12/14 Study day
12/21 Comprehensive Final Exam @ 1:30pm

NWU’s Commitment to ADA
Nebraska Wesleyan University seeks to maintain a supportive academic environment for students with disabilities. To ensure their equal access to all educational programs, activities, and services, Federal Law requires that students with disabilities notify the University, provide documentation, and request reasonable accommodations. If you need accommodations in this course, please notify me so that I can verify that the required documentation is filed with the ADA Compliance Manager and that your accommodation plan is in place.