SUNY Orange - Department of Biology – at S. S. Seward Institute
Course Outline and Syllabus
At S. S. Seward Institute
Course:
General Biology I- 31101
Fall 2013
Instructor:
Ernest F. VanderKruik
Textbook:
Biology, 9th 10th edition, Raven and Johnson; McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2011.
Catalog Description:
3 lect., 3 lab., 4 cr. 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 the cell with an emphasis on photosynthesis, respiration, functions of DNA, and the processes of
mitosis and meiosis. The course concludes with the genetic and evolutionary consequences of meiosis and reproduction.
Relationship to Programs:
General Biology I is required for students pursing an 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.
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:
This 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 an 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
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6. Methods scientist 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.
Grading Policy:
The lecture portion of the course will determine 60% of the grade and will be determined by performance in the following categories:
Exams
80%
Other assignments
20%
The laboratory portion of the course will determine 40% if the final grade and will be determined by your performance of the labwork, team-work, written and oral presentations.
A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of the semester and will count as 1/5 of the final grade. For SUNY Orange purposes
the numeric grade will be translated as follows:
93-100 A
73-76 C
90-92 A70-72 C-
87-89 B+
67-69 D+
83-86 B
63-66 D
80-82 B60-62 D-
77-79 C+
<59 F
Support Services:
At Seward:
At SUNY Orange:
Mr. VanderKruik – any day after school in Room 210 by appointment, any other time during the day by
appointment
1) The BATCAVERN – (BioTech building, Room 155)
2) Individual tutoring is available for a small fee each semester. Please fo to the Tutorial Center in the Library
of the SUNY Orange campus for an application. Sign up early – tutors can 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 dishonest. Any violation of this could result in a failing grade for the assignment or the class. Acts of dishonest 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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