COURSE OUTLINE
BIO 121; SECTION 005
SPRING 2015
Instructor:
Office:
Office hours:
Phone:
e-mail:
Dr. Michele Harmon
SBDG 221
Mon. 8:00 am – noon
(803) 641-3607
micheleh@usca.edu
Lecture:
Credits:
Lab:
8:00 - 9:15 am Tuesday & Thursday SBDG 108
4
Wed. 9:00 – 11:00 am, SBDG 108
Required lecture text: Campbell: Biology in Focus ISBN 0321813669
Required laboratory text: Biology 121 Lab Manual 6th Edition by Jackson, Yates, and Hancock.
Course Objectives: This course will introduce the student to the underlying principles governing the science of biology. Its
primary emphasis will be on cellular components and processes. Upon completion of this course students will be expected to
understand the following:
1. The basic chemistry that governs biology
2. The major biological molecules used by cells
3. The structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
4. How materials get into and out of cells
5. How cells convert sunlight and food into energy
6. Cellular reproduction (mitosis and meiosis)
7. Mendelian Genetics and inheritance
8. The structure of DNA and how it is replicated
9. Synthesis of proteins
Methods of Presentation and Evaluation: Information will be presented through lectures along with appropriate visual
aids. Traditional exams will be used to evaluate student progress in the class. These exams will include multiple choice,
terms/definitions, and short answer. Students should bring a pencil and a long-form Scantron to each exam.
There will be quizzes and in-class assignments administered during the first 10 minutes of each class during the semester.
There will be no make-up opportunities for absence or late arrival; however, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped at the
end of the semester. Students are expected to have reviewed the material from the previous lecture in preparation.
The final course grade will be based on the following:
4 Lecture exams @ 100 pts. each
1 Final exam @ 200 pts.
On-line and in-class quizzes / assignments
Laboratory quizzes, reports, and participation
GRADING SCALE:
400
200
100
300
1000 total pts. available
A (90-100%), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), F (0-59)
Schedule for BIO 121, Section 005 for Fall 2015
Date
Jan. 13
Jan. 15
Jan. 20
Jan. 22
Jan. 27
Jan. 29
Feb. 3
Feb. 5
Feb. 10
Feb. 12
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Feb. 24
Feb. 26
Mar. 3
Mar. 5
Mar. 10-12
Mar. 17
Mar. 19
Mar. 24
Mar. 26
Mar. 31
Apr. 2
Apr. 7
Apr. 9
Apr. 14
Apr. 16
Apr. 21
Apr. 23
Apr. 30
Topic
The Science of Biology
The Chemistry of Life
The Chemistry of Life
The Chemical Building Blocks of Life
The Cell
The Cell
Exam 1
The Plasma Membrane
Cell-Cell Interactions
An Introduction to Energy, Enzymes, and Biochemical
Pathways
Deriving Energy from Food
Deriving Energy from Food
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Exam 2
The Cell Cycle
Spring Break
Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis
Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis
Patterns of Inheritance
Patterns of Inheritance
Exam 3
DNA
DNA
Genes and How They Work
Genes and How They Work
Gene Regulation
Exam 4
Development and Stem Cells
Comprehensive Final Exam: 8:00 am
Chapter
1
2
2
3
4
4
6
7
8
9
9
10
11
no class
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
CHANGES: The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the lecture or laboratory schedule, the number of quizzes
and exams given, and the contents of each exam as deemed necessary.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: The instructor may impose a penalty for absences in excess of 25% of regularly scheduled class
meetings (lectures and labs) by assigning an “F” in the course. Absences, neither excused nor unexcused, absolve the student
from meeting class assignments. Lecture exam dates are clearly stated in the syllabus, and all students are expected to take
the exam at the regularly scheduled time. Make-up lecture exams will be considered only for a documented, excusable
reason. If there is an illness or emergency, you are expected to contact the instructor immediately. Be prepared to show
documentation (doctor’s excuse, etc.). Failure to contact the instructor within 24 hours will forfeit any chance of making up
the test, and the student will be assigned a zero.
Attending lecture and taking notes is the sole responsibility of the student. Under no circumstance will the instructor
provide copies of lecture notes or slides for students.
LABORATORY ATTENDANCE: Because of their nature, laboratory investigations cannot be made up – therefore
students must make every effort to attend laboratory sessions. If you miss a laboratory investigation, you will not be allowed
to take the associated quizzes or turn in a lab report the following week. This also applies if you come in late, leave early, or
do not participate fully. You cannot write a report on a laboratory investigation that you did not do.
POLICY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES: The use of any portable electronic devices, including cell
phones, pagers, MP3 players, iPods, eReaders, etc., during class is not allowed for any reason unless prior approval has been
given to a student from the instructor or unless required for the course. If you are planning to have any of these devices in
class, they must be turned off and stowed away for the duration of the class period. If you use a portable electronic device
during a test, quiz, or other assessment, you are eligible to receive a failing grade on that assignment.
POLICY ON LAPTOP COMPUTERS: The use of laptop computers is not allowed during lecture; however, personal
laptop computers are welcome and encouraged in the laboratory. Open laptops during the lecture period will be considered a
violation of the above policy on Portable Electronic Devices.
COMPUTER USE AND EMAIL: Laboratory exercises will require the use of a computer. You must be able to log on to
the USCA computer system in order to accomplish these laboratory exercises. If you do not know how to sign on to the
USCA computer system, you should contact the CSD HELP desk as soon as possible.
All official email communications, including class announcements, are made to USCA email accounts. Students should
check their USCA email account on a regular basis and use this account for communication with the instructor. In order to
protect the privacy of the student, the instructor will not reply to emails sent from non-USCA accounts (e.g., Hotmail,
Yahoo, etc.).
DISABILITY STATEMENT: If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect your
performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, B&E 134, (803) 643-6816, as soon as possible.
The Office of Disability Services will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.
Laboratory Schedule for BIO 121, Spring 2015
Date
Topic
Jan. 14
Introduction
Jan. 21
Measurement Technique
Jan. 28
Measurement Technique Write Up
Feb. 4
Organic Molecules in Cells
Feb. 11
Organic Molecules in Cells Write Up
Feb. 18
Cell and Microscopy
Feb. 25
Cell and Microscopy Write Up
Mar. 4
To Be Announced
Mar. 11
Spring Break
Mar. 18
Enzymes
Mar. 25
Enzymes Write Up
Apr. 1
Photosynthesis
Apr. 8
Photosynthesis Write Up
Apr. 15
Chi Squared and Maize Genetics
Apr. 22
Chi Squared and Maize Genetics Write Up