BIO 120
Lecture Syllabus
Winter 2012
Instructor: Deborah A. Simon, M.S. Classroom- 203E
Office: Henry 226
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 – 2:00 pm; Wednesday: 2:00 – 3:00 pm; and by appointment
Office Phone: 331-8584
E-mail: simond@gvsu.edu
Required Text: Campbell, N.A. and J.B. Reece. Biology 9th edition. Pearson Benjamin Cummings Publishers. 2009.
Course Objectives:
1. to introduce biological concepts with an emphasis on cell biology, genetics and heredity, and animal development
2. to introduce the systems concept as it applies to biology
3. to foster the use of critical thinking skills in problem solving
4. to introduce students to experimental design, data collecting, and interpreting of experimental data
5. to prepare students for subsequent course work in the biological sciences by providing a conceptual framework
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is essential for successfully completing this course. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to obtain missed information/assignments/announcements from a fellow student.
Your responsibilities: You should read assigned readings prior to attending all lectures. Information not included in your
textbook will be addressed in lecture and appear on exams. Information presented in the textbook but not in lecture will not
appear on the exams. The textbook is to be used as a resource to support and help clarify topics addressed in class. You
are expected to participate in classroom discussion. I encourage you to ask questions about information that you find
confusing. If you are confused, chances are there are others who are just as confused but afraid to ask. In addition, e-mail
me questions and see me during office hours. Receiving one-on-one clarification of material is what office hours are for. I
invite each of you to stop by and see me during the semester.
Classroom Conduct: Maintaining a classroom that is conducive to learning is the responsibility of the instructor and the
students. All cell phones, ipods, two-way pagers, etc must be turned off and stowed away. Computers may be used to take
notes during class. However, if abuse of this privilege (surfing the internet, doing other class work, etc.) is observed, you
will lose the right to use your computer during class. Conversations, offensive remarks, or any other distracting behavior
during the presentation of lecture material will result in expulsion from class. Additionally, arriving late and leaving early is
distracting to the instructor and students. Arrive on time and plan to attend the entire lecture session.
Academic Dishonesty: If you cheat on a quiz/exam, you will receive a failing grade for that assessment. In addition, you
may be referred to the university’s judicial process. See Student Code.
Study Habits: Take good notes! After each class period, you should review your notes filling in missed information and
noting sections that may require further clarification. Additionally, rewriting notes and writing an accurate summary of the
information in your own word (using scientific terminology) is an effective way of learning the material. Write down any
questions that arise so they can be addressed by an office visit, an e-mail, or during the next class period. Review of your
notes after each lecture and of all notes throughout the semester will also prepare you for quizzes and exams.
Frequent review helps to cement the information and makes studying a few days before exams less stressful. I encourage
you to do all the study questions and homework. This will allow you to identify the material you have mastered and which
material needs to be further addressed. The answers to all study questions appear in the appendix of your textbook. In
addition, I highly suggest you form a study group. Informal study groups can be just as effective as a formal study group
set up through MS3. When studying as a group, I suggest that each member of the group prepare at least 10 questions
over each section of the material being studied. Have each member of the group answer all questions. Review the
answers. This often leads to further discussion of the topics and helps you fit the details into the overall picture.
Assessments:
Three exams worth 40 points each = 120 points
Homework assignments and Quizzes = 130points
Cumulative Final Exam = 50 points
Laboratory work = 100 points
Total points = 400 points
Assessment and Absenteeism: Quizzes and exams must be taken during the scheduled time period. If a verifiable
emergency arises such as death of an immediate family member, illness, or transportation problems, an alternative
quiz/exam time will be scheduled. Written documentation of the emergency is required (ie – verification from physician,
auto accident report, etc.). Homework must be turned in at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. If you will not
be in class, you must e-mail me your homework by the beginning of the class period. Homework must be sent in the file
format that I have posted it in on Blackboard. If school is closed during a scheduled assessment or when homework is due,
the assessment will be given or homework will be due during or at the next scheduled class period. The schedule is
tentative. I will announce changes to due dates in class as needed.
Quizzes/exams address information presented in lecture. For exams, you will circle your answer on the question sheet and
fill in a bubble sheet. The answers on the bubble sheet will be graded. It is your responsibility to make sure you have filled
in the correct bubble. No credit will be given for circled answers on the question sheet. At the end of the exam, the question
sheet and the bubble sheet must be turned in to me. The question sheet will be returned to you for in class review. After
reviewing each exam in class, you will be required to hand in the question sheet. Failure to follow these instructions will
result in a failing grade for the course. If you would like to review your exam in greater detail, feel free to come to my office
during office hours to do so. Time and space are limited so do not wait until one or two weeks before the cumulative final
exam to review previous exams.
Blackboard/E-mail: You are responsible for all e-mails and information posted on blackboard for this course. Check both
daily. If you are not using the provided GVSU e-mail account, you are responsible for making sure the e-mail address you
would like to be used is listed as your e-mail address on blackboard. Makes sure your e-mail address is functioning
properly.
Please check both blackboard and the syllabus for answers to commonly asked questions before you e-mail me. I
am always happy to hear from students and want you to use the e-mail system to contact me with questions and
concerns that lend themselves to this mode of communication. It, however, saves both you and I time if you refer
to the syllabus and blackboard first to find answers to questions of classroom policy, exam dates, updates, etc.
Grades: Your lab grade will count for 25% of your final grade. You must receive a 60% independently in the lecture and
laboratory portions of the course to pass the class. Grades posted on Blackboard are not final. If you fail the lecture portion
and/or laboratory portion of the course, a laboratory grade will not be posted on blackboard at the end of the semester. You
will receive a failing grade for the course. If you passed the course, a laboratory grade will be posted. I will issue a letter
grade based on your % grade at the end of the semester. Percent grades are rounded up. For example, if your grade is
a 79.00 – 79.50%, I will issue a grade of C+. If you grade is 79.51% or greater, I will issue a grade of B-.
Grading Scale
Percent
94-100
90-93
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
64-69
60-63
< 60
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
Deadlines:
Add/Drop with full tuition refund: 1/13/12 by 5 pm
Drop with 75% tuition refund: 2/3/12 by 5 pm
Drop deadline with a withdrawal grade: 3/9/12 by 5 pm
Spring Break: 3/4 - 3/11/12
Grades available to students: 5/3/12
Disability Support Services: Disability Support Services are available to students who have special needs due to learning
or physical disabilities. Phone: 331-2490.
Getting Help: I am your first contact for help in this course. PLEASE come and see me with any questions or concerns you
have. My goal is to facilitate your success in this course. If there is something additional I can do in class to help you, do
NOT wait until the end of the semester. Tell me as soon as possible. Because the time I can offer you is somewhat limited
(due to teaching other courses, total student load, serving on GVSU committees etc.), you have a second source for help:
Academic Support offers FREE tutoring (201 STU; 331-3451). Your 3rd source for help is MS3
What is MS3?
MS3 is a learning center that offers academic support for students in the fields of Science and Mathematics. Our facilitators,
upper-level students who have mastered content in various science and mathematics courses, provide academic support.
MS3 is a walk-in service (no appointment needed) where facilitators provide one-on-one as well as group tutoring for
students. Facilitators also visit classes, develop and assist study groups, and maintain contact with faculty, in order to better
aid students with current course content.
Other services that MS3 provides are:
 Current Texts for use in Learning Center
 Study Aids such as Learning Style Analysis & Study Skills
Where is MS3 located?
MS3 is located in 399 Padnos. Please stop by and plan to avail yourself of the services of MS3. They are there for you!
For more information, contact the MS3 facilitator help-desk at 331-3695, or the Program Coordinator at 331-3267. You can
also find up to date information on our website at www.gvsu.edu/ms3
Tentative Schedule: You are responsible for being aware of all schedule changes including changes for
quizzes/homework/exam dates.
1/10
1/12
1/17
1/19
1/24
1/26
1/31
2/2
2/7
2/9
2/14
2/16
2/21
2/23
2/28
3/1
3/4 - 3/11
3/13
3/15
3/20
3/22
3/27
3/29
4/3
4/5
4/10
4/10-12
4/17
4/19
Introduction
The Study of Life/Chemistry and Water
The Study of Life/Chemistry and Water
Carbon: The Molecule of Life
Biological Molecules
Biological Molecules
Quiz: Chapters 1 – 5
Homework: Chapters 2-5 (one of your choice) due
Cell Structure
Cell Structure
Homework: Chapter 6 due
Membranes
Membranes
Homework: Chapter 7 due
Energy and Metabolism
Exam I (Chapters 1 – 7)
Review Exam
Energy and Metabolism
Homework: Chapter 8 due
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Cell Respiration
Homework: Chapter 10 due
Cell Respiration
Homework: Chapter 9 due
Cell Cycle
Spring Break
Exam II (Chapters 8 – 10)
Review Exam
Meiosis
Genetics
Homework: Chapter 12 and 13 due
Genetics
Genetics
Homework: Chapters 14 and 15 due
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Exam III (Chapters 12 – 15)
Review Exam
From Gene to Protein
Homework: Chapter 16 due
From Gene to Protein
Regulation of Gene Expression
Homework: Chapter 17 due
Quiz: Chapters 18
Animal Development
Animal Development
Chapters 1 – 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
10 pts
5 pts
Chapter 6
13 pts
Chapter 7
7 pts
Chapter 8
40 pts
10 pts
Chapter 10
Chapter 9
12 pts
15 pts
Chapter 12
40 pts
Chapter 13
Chapter 14 and 15
23 pts
10 pts
Chapter 16
40 pts
Chapter 17
8 pts
Chapter 18
12 pts
5 pts
Chapter 47
Exams are designed to be taken in a 50 minute period. Therefore, there may be 15 minutes of lecture (material not
on exam) prior to the exam
Final Exam: Cumulative 50 pts
BIO 120-70, TR from 4-5:15 pm: Final Exam 4/26 (Thursday) from 4-5:50 pm
Bio 120 Study Suggestions in Lecture Textbook – No credit
Chapter 2
A. Concept check: 2.3-1; 2.4-2.
B. Test your understanding: 2, 4, 5.
C. All homework posted on Blackboard
Chapter 3
A. Concept check: 3.1 all; 3.3-3
B. Test Your understanding: 2
C. All homework posted on blackboard
Chapter 4
A. Concept Check: 4.2-2
B. Test your understanding: 2, 3, 5, 7
Chapter 5:
A. Concept Check: 5.1 all; 5.3-1, 2; 5.4-1, 2; 5.5-2
B. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Chapter 6:
A. Concept Check: 6.3-1, 6.4-1, 2, 3; 5.4-1, 2, 3; 6.6-1, 2, 6.7-1
B. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Chapter 7:
A. Concept check: 7.1-2, 7.2-1, 2, 3; 7.3-1, 2; 7.4-1, 3; 7.5-1, 2, 3
b. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Chapter 8:
A. Concept Check: 8.2-1, 3; 8.3 all; 8.4-2; 8.5-1
B. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 4, 7,
Chapter 9:
A. Concept Check: 9.1-1; 9.2-2; 9.3-1, 2; 9.4-1; 9.5-1; 9.6-5;
B. Test your understanding: 2, 4, 6, 7,
Chapter 10:
A. Concept Check: 10.1-1, 3; 10.2-1, 3; 10.3-1, 3
B. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 4, 5,
Chapter 12:
A. Concept Check: 12.1 all; 12.2-1, 2, 3, 6; 12.3-3, 4
B. Test your understanding: 1, 3, 5, 6
Chapter 13:
A. Concept Check: 13.1 All, 13.2-2, 3; 13.3-1, 13.4-1, 2, 3
B. Test your understanding: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Chapter 14:
A. Concept Check: 14.1 all; 14.2 all; 14.3 all; 14.4-1, 3, 4
B. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22
Chapter 15:
A. Concept Check: 15.1-1, 15.2 all; 15.3-2, 3; 15.4-1, 2
B. Test your understanding: 1, 2, 7, 10, 11, 13,
Chapter 16:
A. Concept Check: 16.2-4
B. Test your understanding: 2, 3, 4,
Chapter 17:
A. Concept Check: 17.1-3; 17.2-1, 2, 4; 17.4-1, 3, 4; 17.5-3;
B. Test your understanding: 2, 3, 5, 6,
Chapter 18:
A. Concept Checks: 18.1 all
B. Test your understanding: 1, 6
Chapter 47:
A. Concept checks: 47.2-1, 2
B. Test your understanding: 3, 8