Biology 104 – Topics in Human Biology
Instructor: Marcelle Darby
Office: Shiley Technology 433
Telephone: ext. 4074, e-mail: mdarby@sandiego.edu
Biology Office: Shiley Technology 372, 260-4729
Textbook: Human Biology, Concepts & Current Issues (2E) by M. Johnson
Course Description
Topics in Human Biology (with Lab) is a one semester course designed for non-majors, fulfilling the GE
requirement for a Life Science with lab. The general principles of biochemistry, physiology, and genetics are
illustrated by reference to normal and abnormal human body function. Evolution and ecology are also treated
with a primarily human emphasis.
Graded Materials
Midterm Exams: 3 x 100 points each
Final Cumulative Exam:
Laboratory Assignments: 6 x 20 points each
Lab Quizzes: 5 x 10 points each
Cumulative Lab Practical:
300
100
120
50
30
600
Total
Grading Scale
90-100%
A
80-89%
B
70-79%
C
60-69
D
<60%
F
Students taking the course Pass/Fail must obtain 70% or more of the total points for a passing grade.
Academic Integrity
You are expected to strictly observe USD rules regarding academic honesty, including abstaining from cheating
on exams, properly referencing published written and electronic material, and only submitting work that is your
own. If you have any questions regarding what behavior is proper, including what constitutes plagiarism,
please do not hesitate to ask.
Attendance , Make-up Policies, and Class Contribution
Attendance for all six laboratory sessions is required for credit. There will be no make-up labs or
quizzes. Attendance at all exams is also required. Exam Dates: February 18, March 24, April 28. If you
miss an exam for a genuine emergency and can document the reason, I will allow you to take a make-up exam.
Any make-up exam will be full essay format.
Attendance in lecture is not required, but highly recommended. Faithful participation is expected in all
lecture and lab sessions: your active involvement is the basis of this course and will be considered in making
final grade determinations, particularly in borderline cases. Behaviors that count as positive contributions
include: 1) answering questions asked by the teacher or other students; 2) asking questions about material being
presented in class or material in the text; 3) making comments that might include relating a personal experience,
sharing relevant content form another class, or responding to something another student said in class; 4)
contributing within small groups toward the successful completion of tasks.
Tips for Success
 Never miss a lecture.
 Read the text chapter before coming to lecture.
 Answer the questions at the end of each chapter and be sure you understand the listed terms and
concepts.
 Give yourself time to learn.
 Rewrite your lecture notes as soon as possible after lecture.
 Review your lecture notes.
 Form a study group.
 Ask questions in class.
 Consider my office hours a tutoring session and use them to work with me before you fall behind.
Lecture and Lab Schedule for Sections 3 and 4
Date
26-Jan
28-Jan
2-Feb
4-Feb
9-Feb
11-Feb
16-Feb
18-Feb
23-Feb
25-Feb
1-Mar
3-Mar
8-Mar
10-Mar
15-Mar
17-Mar
22-Mar
24-Mar
29-Mar
31-Mar
5-Apr
7-Apr
12-Apr
14-Apr
19-Apr
21-Apr
26-Apr
28-Apr
3-May
5-May
10-May
17-May
Topic Lecture
Characteristics of Living
Things
Properties of Water,
Hydrogen Ions
Macromolecules
Macromolecules
Macromolecules
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Structure and Function
Exam 1
Passive & Active Transport
Cellular Respiration
Levels of Organization
Levels of Organization
Class Cancelled
Skeletal System
Spring Break
Spring Break
Muscular System
Exam 2
Immune System
Nervous System
Endocrine
Nutrition & Digestion
Easter Monday
Cell Reproduction &
Differentiation
Cell Reproduction &
Differentiation
Cancer
Genetics
Exam 3
Genetics
Evolution
Review
Final Exam, 11:00-1:00, IPJ
218
Chapter
Lab &
Sect #
Lab Topic
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
no Lab
1-3
Scientific Method, Microscopes
1-4
Scientific Method, Microscopes
2-3
Functions & Properties of Cells
2-4
Functions & Properties of Cells
3-3
Functions of Tissues & Organs I & II
3-4
Functions of Tissues & Organs I & II
4-3
Circulatory & Respiratory Systems
4-4
Circulatory & Respiratory Systems
5-3
Sensory
17
5-4
Sensory
17
18
19
6-3
Useful Applications of Genetics
3
3
4
4
5
6
9
11
12
6-4
19
22
Cumulative
Final
7-3 & 4
Lab Practical, Field Trip: Museum of
Man