SUNY Orange
Course:
General Biology I – 101
Instructor:
Mr. E. VanderKruik, email: evanderkruik@floridausd.org
Fall 2011
Textbook:
Biology, 8th edition, Campbell and Reece; Benjamin Cummings 2008. 7th or 9th
editions will also be acceptable.
Catalog Description:
3 lecture hours, 3 lab hours, 4 credits. Topics include a study of the nature and scope of science
in general and biology in particular: the chemical and physical basis of life; the structures and
functions of mitosis and meiosis. The course concludes with the genetic and evolutionary
consequences of meiosis and reproduction.
Course Purpose:
This course stresses the process of scientific inquiry and covers topics that unify and support all
the branches of biology. Understanding the concepts of this course and the process through
which this knowledge has been attained is essential for students of biology and for those who
hope to make informed decisions about science and technology.
Course Goals:
The course is designed to provide you with an understanding of major biological concepts and
the process of science. The successful student will be able to demonstrate and understanding of
the:
1. Biochemistry of living systems including metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis and
enzymes
2. Structure, function, organization, and replication in plant and animal cells
3. Principles and concepts of heredity and genetics in prokaryotes and eukaryotes including gene
regulation and meiosis
4. Protein synthesis, gene expression and DNA technology
5. Concepts of evolution
6. Methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis
development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and
employment of mathematical analysis, application of scientific data, and concepts and models in
biology.
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Relationship to Programs:
General Biology I is required for students pursing and Associate in Science Degree with a
Mathematics and Natural Sciences emphasis and students in the Jointly Registered Teacher
Education Program with an Academic Concentration in Biology. This course is recommended
for students transferring into a biology majors program at a 4-year institution. This course may
be applicable to several programs. Consult your advisor and refer to the SUNY Orange catalog,
which contains authoritative information
Grading Policy:
The lecture portion of the course will determine 60% of the grade and will be determined by
performance in the following categories:
Four Exams
400 points
The exams will have multiple choice, short answer and essay questions
Other assignments
100 points
Details of these assignments will be given in class
The laboratory portion of the course will determine 40% of your final grade and will be
determined by your performance in the following categories:
Prelabs (or Quizzes) and Assignments
30%
Laboratory Reports
70%
Your final grade will be determined by your percentage of total points:
93-100 A
90-92 A87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-80 B73-76 C
70-72 C67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D-
77-79 C+
<59 F
Support Services:
At Seward: Mr. VanderKruik – any day after school in Room 210 by appointment,
any other time during the day by appointment
At SUNY Orange:
1. BATCAVERN (BioTech Bldg. Room 155) – see Ms. Penny Gullette or Mr. David
Logan
2. Individual tutoring: Private tutoring is available to students for a small fee each
semester. Please go to the Tutorial Center in the Library for an application or call
Eileen Burke (341-4520). Sign up early – tutors get booked quickly.
3. Students with learning difficulty or a documented disability, who anticipate needing
accommodations in the course, please make arrangements with your instructor as
soon as possible.
Academic Integrity – You are expected to hold yourself to a high degree of academic integrity,
which prohibits cheating, plagiarism or any kind of academic dishonesty. Any violation
of this could result in a failing grade for the assignment or the class. Acts of dishonesty
are subject to the disciplinary sections outlined in the Code of Student Conduct (SUNY
Orange). See www.turnitin.com to learn more about avoiding plagiarism.
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