University Studies
Course Proposal Cover Form
College/School: College of Arts and Sciences
Type of Course:
New course*
Department or Unit: Biology and Marine Biology
Existing course with changes*
✔ Existing course without changes
*You must complete your College/School’s Curriculum Form as well.
Are you interested in this course being considered as part of a thematic cluster?
✔ Yes
Course Prefix/Number: BIO 201
No
Possibly
Course Title: Principles of Biology: Cells
Please select all the components for which this course is being submitted. (Separate component forms must be submitted
for each component.)
Foundations
Approaches & Perspectives
Common Requirements
Composition
Aesthetic, Interpretive, & Literary
Perspectives
Capstone Courses
Foreign Language
Historical & Philosophical Approaches
Information Literacy
Freshman Seminar
Living in a Global Society
Quantitative and Logical
Reasoning
Lifespan Wellness
Living in Our Diverse Nation
Writing Intensive
Mathematics and Statistics
✔ Scientific Approaches to the Natural
World
Understanding Human Institutions and
Behaviors
Recommended and Approved by (Name of Department/Unit Chair): Martin Posey
E-mail address:
poseym@uncw.edu
University Studies Course Proposal Checklist:
✔ University Studies Cover Form
✔ University Studies Component Proposal Form for each component selected above
✔ Model Syllabus to include:
• Course student learning outcomes linked to component student learning outcomes
• Course catalogue description (50 words or less, include prefix, number, title, credit hours, crosslisting,
prerequisites, corequisites, etc.)
College / School Course Action Form (for new and modified existing courses only)
Submission instructions:
Please submit cover form, all component forms, a model syllabus (to include course catalogue description and course student learning outcomes
linked to component student learning outcomes), and College/School’s course action form (if needed) to your department chair.
Department chairs should then submit these forms, syllabus, and course action form (if needed) in one email message to
universitystudies@uncw.edu from their UNCW email address.
Save
University Studies Component Form: Scientific Approaches to the Natural World
I. Rationale
Please provide a rationale for the course which explains how the course being proposed fits into this
component based on the component's description. For your convenience, the overall description and rationale
for this component are included below.
Overall Description and Rationale for Scientific Approaches to the Natural World
This component of the University Studies program includes courses that provide students with an
understanding and appreciation of the natural world from a scientific perspective. Natural Science is a way
of knowing that produces knowledge based upon evidence repeatedly tested by observation and repeatedly
refined to be more consistent with observation. Training in the natural sciences is essential for learning to
distinguish between testable and un-testable ideas, for recognizing scientifically valid tests of theories, and
for understanding the value and limitations of scientific studies. The increasing role of technology in modern
life demands scientifically literate citizens who can evaluate and develop sound evidence-based explanations
and discern explanations that are not. Courses in this component will introduce students to the major
methodologies used in the natural sciences; develop the abilities to analyze, evaluate, and test a scientific
hypothesis; foster students’ abilities to think critically, identify unifying principles, and communicate using
the basic scientific language.
This class presents the student with a framework of fundamental principles and
Brief Statement
of Rationale
forthe
Course's
Inclusion
in Scientific
Approaches
the Natural World
concepts
in the study
of life at
cellular
level. This
includes
levels oftobiological
organization, the chemical nature of life, emergent properties of complex cellular
systems, metabolism, principles of cellular energy transformations, growth and
heredity. Importantly, students learn about DNA and the molecular basis of all cellular
processes, genetic diversity and evolution. Students learn and apply the scientific
method in lecture topics and laboratory assignments. The assignments of the
laboratory component of this course are designed to encourage students to work in
teams, develop basic quantitative laboratory skills and discuss their data with peers.
Students are also challenged to think critically about their experimental findingsevaluating how these support the concepts and principles they have explored in class.
1
II. Common Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Each course must address all of the Common Student Learning Outcomes for the component, and list these
Common SLOs along with course-specific SLOs in the model course syllabus (to be attached). For each
Common SLO, list the course SLOs that address the common SLO, describe the opportunities which will be
provided for students to learn the outcome (readings, class discussion and/or activities, applied projects), and
list the means of assessment (exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.) that will be used to determine the level of
student understanding.
SAN 1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic scientific principles, theories, and laws as well as an
awareness of the changing nature of science.
Course SLO(s) to Address SAN1
Students will be able to:
Describe the 4 major groups of macromolecules. Recognize basic cellular structures
and define the functional significance of these structures in cells. Describe how cells
transport of ions and solutes. Understand how organisms transform energy into a form
that can be used to do cellular work. Explain how hereditary information is encoded,
expressed, replicated and transferred between cellular generations.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Both lecture and laboratory classes emphasize material pertinent to these key learning
outcomes. Students are also assigned with text-book, lab manual and multi-media
reading and viewing of these topics. Historical aspects of major scientific advances are
introduced throughout the course, from Darwin's theory of evolution and Mendel's
genetic experiments (i.e. before cells, DNA and chromosomes were recognized) to
contemporary cell biology and DNA biotechnology.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Assessment is accomplished with lecture exams, laboratory quizzes and in-class
quizzes. A variety of Blooms level questions are designed to evaluate knowledge and
application of the material.
2
SAN 2. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific hypotheses and theories using rigorous methods
(including statistical and mathematical techniques).
Course SLO(s) to Address SAN2
Be able to solve problems requiring information retrieval, use, and analysis
while participating productively in a working group.
• Acquire and document quantitative and qualitative data in laboratory experiments
• Present data in graphical and table formats
• Explain and critically evaluate the meaning of your data with peers
Be able to collate multiple data sets from lab experiments and present in a
scientific paper format.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
The laboratory classes, led by graduate TA's and overseen by the instructor are the
focus for these learning outcomes. Students are presented with laboratory
experiments in which they are asked to formulate hypotheses, make predictions of the
experimental outcomes, acquire both qualitative and quantitative data using the
appropriate laboratory equipment and present their quantitative data accurately in the
appropriate format.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Each student is responsible for maintaining their laboratory note book and accurately
documenting their experiments during each session. These are checked by the TA for
clarity and understanding. Students are regularly graded on take home assignments
that require them to present their data in table or graphical format and interpret this
data with respect to the original experimental objectives. Students are also assessed
in lab quizzes and a cumulative lab final exam.
3
SAN 3. Demonstrate the ability to write and speak critically about the essential questions addressed
by the natural sciences, using the conventions and language of one of those disciplines.
Course SLO(s) to Address SAN3
Students will be able to solve problems requiring information retrieval, use, and
analysis while participating productively in a working group.
• Acquire and document quantitative and qualitative data in laboratory experiments
• Present data in graphical and table formats
• Explain and critically evaluate the meaning of your data with peers
Be able to collate multiple data sets from lab experiments and present in a
scientific paper format.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
The laboratory classes, led by graduate TA's and overseen by the instructor, are the
focus for these learning outcomes. Pertinent to this SLO, the students work in teams of
4 and are asked to cooperate in the multiple laboratory tasks to complete each lab in a
timely manner. Students observe experiments and share their data within their team
and, for some labs, between teams. Students discuss and evaluate their data together
before presenting and explaining their results to others in 'wrap-up' sessions at the end
of lab. Written laboratory papers during the semester provide learning opportunities for
developing scientific writing skills.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Teaching assistants use a simple writing and oral grading rubrics for take home and
in-class assignments.
Submission instructions:
Please submit cover form, all component forms, a model syllabus, and College/School’s course
action form (if needed) to your department chair. Department chairs should then submit these
forms, syllabus, and course action form (if needed) in one email message to
universitystudies@uncw.edu from their UNCW email address.
Save
4
BIO 201- Fall 2009: Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dr Taylor
Biology 201: Principles of Biology-Cells
Fall Semester 2009
INSTRUCTOR:
CLASS HOUR:
CLASS:
OFFICE:
E-MAIL:
OFFICE HOURS:
Dr Alison Taylor
Tuesday and Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dobo Hall 134
Dobo 209 PHONE: (910) 962 2176
taylora@uncw.edu (Please put BIO 201 in the header)
Dobo Hall 209 T & R 09:15-10:15 or by appointment
CATALOGUE COURSE DESCRIPTION:
BIO 201. Principles of Biology: Cells (4) Introduction to principles governing living systems,
especially the cellular and molecular basis of life and the transmission and utilization of
genetic information. Laboratory exercises introduce basic investigative skills and methods of
biological inquiry. Three lecture and three laboratory hours each week.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Biology 201 by Campbell, N.A., Reece, J.B. et al 2008 (ISBN 0536-13528-2). This is a customized edition by Pearson Custom Publishing for UNCW, which
contains ONLY the first 21 chapters of Biology 8th Edition by Neil A. Campbell et al. 2008. It
is available at the UNCW bookstore. Note Textbook website: www.masteringbio.com
REQUIRED LABORATORY MANUAL: The laboratory manual will be Principles of
Biology: Laboratory Manual by Thomas H. Shafer, also published by Pearson Custom
Publishing, and available at the UNCW bookstore.
REQUIRED “CLICKER”: This class will make extensive use of an
audience participation system and each student is required to have a
“TURNINGPOINT” ResponseCard RF (radio frequency) key pad.
This will enable you to participate in class during Q&A sessions, take
regular in-class quizzes for credit and register attendance. The clickers
are available from the UNCW bookstore. You are required to bring this
to every class and it is your responsibility to ensure it is working
correctly every time it is used. In order to register your attendance
and be awarded points for participation, quizzes and extra credit you
need to enter your clicker details on Dr Taylor’s TurningPoint Registration page
http://student.turningtechnologies.com. The detailed instructions are available on the class
SEAPORT page under ‘Files’ menu.
You MUST have your clicker purchased, registered and bring it to the first day of class.
Class policy on use of clickers are reporting errors will be discussed in class and posted on
the class SEAPORT pages.
*****IMPORTANT*****.
Dr Taylor will post class clicker results after each session and it is your responsibility to
check this within 24 hours to make sure your clicker responses are being recorded and
report any errors to Dr Taylor according to the class policy.
Page 1 of 6
BIO 201- Fall 2009: Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dr Taylor
DETAILED CLASS DESCRIPTION: Cells are the basic functional units of living organisms.
All of the complex activities of animals and plants depend ultimately on the activities of
individual cells. Cells take highly varied forms in different plants, animals and microorganisms but they are all complex systems of molecules capable of carrying out all of the
interactions of life, including energy transductions, growth and duplication. This class
provides an introduction to the key ideas, principles and concepts that are basic to
understanding biology, with an emphasis on life at the cellular and molecular levels of
organization. Topics include; the principles of cell structure and the macromolecular
composition of cells. These structural aspects are integrated with a discussion of the
biochemical reactions that are common to most eukaryotic cells.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This is not a complete list of all you will be asked to study and
encouraged to learn. However, after successfully completing this lecture and laboratory
course you should at least be able to:
1) Describe the 4 major groups of macromolecules including: [SAN 1]
• The fundamental chemical principles underlying their structure
• The cellular roles of each type of macromolecule
• How protein structure relates to function and catalysis
2) Recognize basic cellular structures and define the functional significance of
these structures in cells [SAN1]
• Describe the major organelles, cell structures and their primary function
• Be able to tell the difference between prokaryote and eukaryote cells
3) Describe how cells transport of ions and solutes and large molecules between
compartments and throughout the cell [SAN 1]
• Transport processes
• Membrane structure function
• Cell compartmentalization and trafficking (vesicles, exo and endosytosis)
• Membrane transport
4) Understand how organisms transform energy into a form that can be used to do
cellular work [SAN 1]
• Understand the principles of energy transformation and metabolism
• Describe the two major metabolic pathways related to energy transformation
Respiration & Photosynthesis
• Describe what it means to be autotrophic and heterotrophic
5) Explain how hereditary information is encoded, expressed, replicated and
transferred between cellular generations [SAN 1]
• Structure of DNA and replication
• Nucleus and chromosomes
• The cell cycle and cell division and how this relates to growth and reproduction
• Mitosis and meiosis – genetic recombination & diversity of organisms
• Gene expression, transcription and translation
6) Be able to solve problems requiring information retrieval, use, and analysis
while participating productively in a working group. [SAN 2, 3]
• Acquire and document quantitative and qualitative data in laboratory experiments
• Present data in graphical and table formats
• Explain and critically evaluate the meaning of your data with peers
7) Be able to collate multiple data sets from lab experiments and present in a
scientific paper format. [SAN 2, 3]
Page 2 of 6
BIO 201- Fall 2009: Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dr Taylor
LECTURE COURSE: Lectures are given with PowerPoint presentations. It is the student’s
responsibility to download and bring handout copies of the slides for note-taking in class.
Lecture handouts and other study materials will be posted on the course pages at UNCW
Seaport. You must log in to seaport (http://seaport.uncw.edu/) to view and download these
class materials. Class announcements and extra study materials may also be posted on
seaport, so make sure you check the course pages regularly. You will be responsible for all
of the material covered in both the assigned reading and the lectures.
LABORATORY COURSE: The laboratory sessions are an integral part of this course in
which you will receive ‘hands on’ practical experience using both observation and
experimentation to actively study several of the major topics covered by the lectures.
Attendance is mandatory and your lab grade counts for 25% of your final grade. Read the
lab manual before class and carefully review what you do each week to ensure a good
grade. Note that lecture exam questions may cover lab material. Your laboratory TA will
explain their lab policy, assignments and grading when you first meet.
COURSE GRADING: There will be THREE lecture exams during the semester, each worth
130 points. They will only cover the material since the previous exam and will be in
“multiple choice” format. The last 130 point test (Exam 3) will be given during the time
scheduled for the final exam (see class syllabus below). Your laboratory grade will be
worth an additional 150 points.
Your final grade will be based on 600 points:
3 tests @ 130 points each
= 390 points
60 points attendance and participation
= 60 points
Laboratory
= 150 points
Total
= 600 points
Letter grades will be assigned as follows
A 90% and above
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 59% and below
MAKE
•
•
•
•
•
UP AND EXTRA CREDIT POLICY:
All of your exams count towards your final grade.
A missed exam will result in a grade of ZERO for that exam being recorded.
In the rare cases where you are likely to miss an exam due to an unavoidable
conflict, such as serious illness or a family emergency, you must contact me and
provide me with written/verifiable documentation of the conflict BEFORE the exam. A
make up exam will be arranged under these unusual circumstances.
If you fail to provide a valid excuse for missing an exam, you will receive a grade of
ZERO for the missed exam, no exceptions.
There will be no extra credit assignments, however, unannounced in-class
quizzes (using the Turningpoint Audience Participation System-see above) will be
given during the semester which could add up to 30 points or 5% to your final
grade.
Page 3 of 6
BIO 201- Fall 2009: Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dr Taylor
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE: Each student enrolled at the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington shall conform to the University’s Academic Honor Code at all times. Please
familiarize yourself with the Code as outlined on page 73 of the UNCW Student Handbook
and in the Code of Student Life. Academic dishonesty (e.g. plagiarism, bribery, cheating)
will not be tolerated in this course. Students that violate the Academic Honor Code will be
subject to disciplinary sanction as indicated in Section I of the Code of Student Life (pages
6-10). The Academic Honor Code can also be found at http://www.uncw.edu/policies/04100-academichonorcode.htm. Examples of academic dishonesty cited in the code include:
• “Any conduct during a program, course, quiz or examination which involves the
unauthorized use of written or oral information, or information obtained by any other
means of communication
• The unauthorized buying, selling, trading or theft of any examination, quiz, term
paper or project.
• The unauthorized use of any electronic or mechanical device during any program,
course, quiz, or examination or in connection with laboratory reports or other
materials related to academic performance.
• The unauthorized use of laboratory reports, term reports, theses, or written
materials in whole or in part.
• The unauthorized assistance or collaboration on any test, assignment, or project.
• The unauthorized use by a student of another student’s work or the falsification of
any other student’s work”.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a student with a diagnosed disability and
require special accommodations to attend BIO 201, please contact the Office of Disability
Services in Westside Hall (x3746) to obtain an accommodation letter. We can then discuss
the appropriate accommodations based on the recommendations of Disability Services.
HOW CAN I DO WELL IN THIS CLASS?
In BIO 201 we cover a lot of facts, new concepts and vocabulary, the application of which
will be the foundation for several more advanced classes you will take during your degree.
While some students feel comfortable with the BIO 201 class material, many students will
find it difficult, especially if this is one of your first undergraduate classes. Here are some
tips that will help you succeed:
• The exam questions will be drawn from the lectures as well as text book and
laboratory materials. Therefore do not miss lectures or lab! You will not do well in
exams if you do.
• Go to the SeaPort (https://luminis.uncw.edu/seaport.htm) class page regularly to
download lectures and study materials. Read and use the study guide article posted
there are well.
• Read the assigned chapters and lecture notes before lecture class and lab.
• For every hour of lecture you should be studying your text book and notes for at
least 2-3 hours. Re-read your notes each evening after lecture and read the text
carefully.
• There are excellent on-line media resources for your textbook they are a really great
way to go over material covered in class.
• If you have a question, ask it in class. I’ll be happy to answer questions for or
explain the material again. Many of your classmates will have a similar question or
point they don’t understand and they will be grateful you asked.
• There is lots of help available if you are struggling with the class material. TAKE
ACTION EARLY IN THE SEMESTER, don’t wait until just before exams or finals. You
can come to me in office hours (bring a friend or classmate if you like!), talk with
your TA, attend BIO 201 supplemental instruction sessions (see below) and form a
study group with your class-mates.
Page 4 of 6
BIO 201- Fall 2009: Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dr Taylor
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of peer-facilitated group review sessions designed
to help students succeed in this difficult introductory biology course. SI instructors are
experienced undergraduates who are majoring in biology and who have excelled in cell
biology (among other subjects!). They have been selected to run these sessions for you and
are in regular contact with your professor for this class and with the UNCW Learning Center
who organize the sessions. UNCW students who participate in SI regularly earn between a
half grade and a full grade higher than students who do not attend SI. These special extra
sessions are organized to give you the extra help you may need when studying the class
material. You are free to drop in to these sessions at any time during the semester but I
advise you to take advantage of these sessions on a regular basis, as often as you can.
For this course, your SI leader will be Chet Saunders cas7491@uncw.edu and you can visit
UNCW’s SI website at http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/uls/si.htm for further details about SI.
Your SI instructor will give more details about when and how they will run these sessions
during the first week of class. I will post any further details of their sessions on the class
SEAPORT webpage.
SI Sessions Start AFTER LABOR DAY:
Chet Saunder’s SI Sessions
Monday 7:30-9pm, Dobo 205
Tuesday 5-6:30pm, Dobo 202
Wednesday 5-6:30pm, S&B 108
Thursday 4-5:30pm, Dobo 202
****DRAFT LECTURE AND LAB SCHEDULE: SEE NEXT PAGE****
Page 5 of 6
BIO 201- Fall 2009: Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15
Dr Taylor
DRAFT LECTURE OUTLINE- Subject to changes that will be announced in class and
posted on class SeaPort pages:
Week
1
Date
R 8/20
Reading
Ch. 1
Lecture Topic
Class Introduction- Themes in
Biology & Levels of
Organization
Laboratory Topic
No Lab
2
T 8/25
Ch. 2
Chemical bonds and reactions
3
R 8/27
T 9/1
R 9/3
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Chemical bonds and reactions
Polarity
Carbon and Functional Groups
T 9/8
Ch. 5
Carbohydrates & Proteins
R 9/10
T 9/15
R 9/17
T 9/22
R 9/24
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
Ch. 6
Nucleic Acids & Lipids
Cell structure
Cell structure
Exam 1 (Chapters 1-6)
Membrane structure
T 9/29
R 10/1
T 10/6
R 10/8
T 10/13
Ch. 8
Ch. 9
R 10/15
T 10/20
R 10/22
T 10/27
R 10/29
Ch. 10
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Ch. 13
Photosynthesis
Cell Signaling or Special Topic
Exam 2 (Chapters 7-11)
Mitosis and cell cycle
Sexual Life Cycles
12
T 11/3
R 11/5
Ch. 13
Ch. 14
Meiosis
Mendelian Genetics
10. DNA Analysis,
Bioinformatics
Part I
13
T 11/10
R 11/12
Ch. 14
Ch. 15
Inheritance patterns
Chromosomes
10. DNA Analysis,
Bioinformatics
Part II
14
T 11/17
R 11/19
Ch. 16
Ch. 17
DNA
Transcription
15
T 11/24
R 11/26
Ch. 17
Translation
No Class- Thanksgiving
16
T 12/1
R 12/3
R 12/10
TBA
Special Topic
No Class- Reading Day
Exam 3 (Chapters 12-17 &
Special Topic)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
17
Ch. 7
Ch. 9
Ch. 10
Energy Transfer & Enzymes
Cellular respiration
No Class – Fall Break
Cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
1. Microscopy
2. Levels of Organization
**No Labs -Labor Day**
3. Quantitative Skills
4. Biological Molecules
5. Enzymology
**No Labs –Fall Break**
6 & 7 Diffusion, Osmosis &
Respiration
8. Photosynthesis
9. Chromosomes, Mitosis,
Meiosis and Inheritance
***Comprehensive Lab
Finals***
Page 6 of 6