Biology 100 SPRING 2012 Syllabus
Norfolk State University
Biology Department
Name: Arnetta R. Sherrod
Office: 218 Wood Science Building
Tel. : 823-9040/823-8512
E-Mail: arsherrod@nsu.edu
Office Hours: 11:00am-2:00pm M
1:30pm-3:00pm Tue &Thurs
Fri- by Appointment
Bio 100 Sections 1,6, and 7
Welcome to your biological science course. In this course, you
will most likely learn the “science” behind things that you
already know, and, or experienced, all of your life. By becoming
fully involved in class discussions, and other activities, your
learning will be optimal; you will earn a good grade, and have
lots of fun. Learning should be enjoyable. Life should be
enjoyable. Let’s get on with it!
Course Pre-requisites:
Credits:
ENG 101& MTH 103 (Recommended)
Three (3) Semester Hours
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Students should bring their textbooks, notebook, pen, and
number 2 pencils for testing. In addition students may wish to
use 3 X5 notecards, stapler and calculator.
Required Textbook: Norfolk State University’s
“Discover
Biology” Cain, Yoon, Singh-Cundy fourth edition
Course Description: A study of the general principles and problems
of biology with special emphasis on the chemistry as it pertains to
living things, human organism including anatomy and physiology;
growth, reproduction, and inheritance. The evolution and diversity
among living things are discussed from an ecological perspective. The
course will require Internet access as resources and a portion of work
are found on the Internet.
COURSE RATIONALE: Bio 100 is a part of the general education core at Norfolk
State University. This core provides the foundation for the University’s mission to
develop in students the knowledge, qualities and attitudes necessary to become
productive citizens who contribute to a globally and rapidly changing society.
COURSE GOALS AND INTENDED OUTCOMES
At the end of this course the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to meet core concepts at 70%
2. Understand and appreciate the unifying characteristics,
diversity and complexity of living things
3. List those elements and compounds that are common to
living organisms
4. Explain how chemistry and especially organic compounds
relate to the make–up and functioning of living organisms
5. Identify and describe the structures and functions of the
cell and its cell components.
6. Discuss and describe the mechanisms that control cell
division and the outcome of division.
7. Demonstrate a basic understanding of concepts of simple
Mendelian genetics and inheritance
8. Identify and label the major organs of the organ systems of
the body.
9. Discuss conservation actions and implications
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend every class. In
the event a student misses a class due to illness or a death in the
family, a written statement from the appropriate administrative office
will be needed. All students missing class are responsible for the
material covered. The university’s attendance policy states that no
more than 20% of class meetings (excused or unexcused) may
be missed by a student during a given semester. At the discretion
of the instructor, a student whose absences exceed 20% of
scheduled class meetings of the semester may receive a grade
of “F” for the course.
Use of Technology: Students will be expected to make the necessary
arrangements to access the internet so that they can utilize research
internet resources, and regularly check their university student e-mail
account and Blackboard Account. Technology usage will be
integrated into all aspects of the course.
Examinations: There will be four major examinations given in this
course. In addition, a comprehensive final examination will be given
to all students. Other methods of assessment will also be used in
determining your final grade.
Procedure for Makeup examinations: Students missing an exam for
ANY reason (including official university business, illness (with medical
excuse), death in family) will need to arrange with the instructor for a
make-up exam on AMNESTY DAY.
Academic Integrity Policy: All students should exhibit academic
honesty in all academic exercises and assignments. An incident of
academic dishonesty occurs when a student commits any of the
following acts:
o Cheating:
Intentionally using or attempting to use
unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any
academic exercise, which includes all forms of work,
submitted for credit or hours.
o Fabrication: Intentionally or unauthorized falsification or
invention of any information or citation in an academic
exercise without prior approval of the author.
o Plagiarism: The deliberate adoption or reproduction of
ideas or words or statements of another person(s) as one’s
own, without acknowledgement.
(reference: student handbook)
COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
Week 1
Characteristics
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Week 2-3
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Chapter 1 – The Nature of Science and the
of Life
The work of science
The characteristics of living things
Viruses
The biological hierarchy
Energy flow through Biological Systems
Chapter 4 – Chemical Building Blocks
The physical world is made of atoms
Covalent bonds
Hydrogen and ionic bonds
The pH scale
The building blocks of living systems
** CONCEPT REVIEW SESSION***
EXAMINATION I – Week 4
Week 4-5
Compartments
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Chapter 5 – Cell Structure and Internal
The cell theory
Role of the plasma Membrane
Prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells
The function of each cellular organelle
Week 6
Chapter 6 –Cell Membranes, Transport, and
communication
 The Plasma Membrane
 Active and passive transport
 How the Membrane Transporters Work
 Which way will water move
 Cell membrane mediated transport
** CONCEPT REVIEW SESSION***
Week 7-8
Chapter 9 – Cell Division
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Week 8
EXAMINATION II- MIDTERM ADVISORY WEEK
WEEK 9
S P
Week 10
Week 12
R I N G
B R
E A K
Chapter 10 – Patterns of Inheritance
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Week 11
The Cell Cycle
Mitosis and Cytokinesis
Meiosis: Reduction division- the making of gametes
Genes are units of instruction for inheritable traits
Basic Patterns of Inheritance
Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
Extensions of Mendel’s Laws
Most phenotypes are shaped by genes and the
environment
Chapter 11- Chromosomes and Human Genetics
 The Role of Chromosomes
 Genetic linkage and crossing over
 Human genetic disorders
 Autosomal inheritance
 Sex-linked inheritance
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Chapter 29 - Reproduction and Development
Human reproduction and development
Sexual and asexual reproduction in animals
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The fertilization process
The process of cleavage and implantation
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** CONCEPT REVIEW SESSION***
EXAMINATION III – WEEK 12
Week 13
Chapter 21 – Animal Nutrition and Digestion
 Nutrients that animals need
 The human digestive system
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Special adaptations of animal digestive systems
Week 14
Environment
Chapter 20 – Maintaining the Internal
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Week 14 & 15
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Characteristics of homeostasis
Regulation of water and solute concentration
Week 15
Chapter 23 – The Circulatory System
The human cardiovascular system
Blood vessels and blood flow
Comparing circulatory systems among animals
Human health conditions affecting cardiovascular
system
Chapter 22 - Gas Exchange
 Breathing in humans
 Principles of gas exchange
** CONCEPT REVIEW SESSION***
Week 16
Chapter 16 - How Evolution Works
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Biological evolution
Mechanisms of evolution
Evolution can explain many characteristics
Evidence that evolution happens
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Chapter 33 – The Biosphere
Why is Ecology important?
Interactions with the environment
Climate’s effect on the biosphere
Life on land and water
Week 16
Week 16
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Chapter 36 – Communities of Organisms
The effects of species interactions on communities
Communities change over time
Recovery from disturbance
EXAMINATION IV – week 16
AMNESTY DAY (IF OFFERED) OCCURS DURING THE LAST WEEK OF CLASS
This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor, weather conditions, or
progress of the class
Evaluation: Evaluation will be based upon the level of achievement
reflected by timely completion of work, dedication to the exploration of
science, periodic critiques, and written assignments.
Grading:
50% 4 Exams
20% Final Exam
30% Projects/special assignments, homework, quizzes at the
instructors discretion.
Special homework assignments are the only form of extra credit
offered in this course. Take advantage of it when it is assigned.
Grading Scale:
100-90 = A
89-88 = A87-85 = B+
84-80 = B
79-78 = B77-75 = C+
74-70 = C
69-68 = C67-65 = D+
64-60 = D
59-57 = D56-below = F
The instructor reserves the right to modify course content to reflect
current issues that will be beneficial to the student’s academic
development.
In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act
and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAO of 1990, we ask if you
have a disability or think you have a disability, please make contact
with the Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS)
Office.
A student who has not been in attendance by the third week of
class will be deleted from the roster.
For any grievances please refer to the protocol established in the
NSU Student Handbook.
Classroom Attitudes and Behavior:
1. Attendance is Mandatory. Roll will be taken each class period. You
will have assigned seats. If your seat is empty then you’re considered
absent.
2. Arrive on time!! If you are late, take your seat quietly and orderly.
3. Cell phones, and other electronic devices should be silenced for the
duration of the class. If an emergency arises and you must answer
your phone, please leave the room and do not return until the next
class period.
4. Sleeping, talking or other forms of overt inattention that distract the
instructor or other students will not be tolerated. This includes texting.
5. Disrespectful and disruptive conduct in class will not be tolerated.
Those students will be removed from class .
6. Your name must be on the official roster in order to receive a
grade for the semester. YOU are responsible for making sure you are
properly enrolled.
7. Remove hats, sunglasses, and wave caps when entering
class.
8. Dress appropriately and respectably for learning in an academic
environment.
9. Please try to take care of personal needs before class begins.
THERE ARE NO BATHROOM BREAKS DURING EXAMINATIONS.
10. All electronic devices must be removed from your desk during
examinations.
11. If you miss the first two weeks of class your name will be lined out
on the roster and you may be de- registered from the class.
12. Accessibility to Blackboard is a requirement. You are enrolled
in the blackboard course when you register for the course. Make sure
you have computer access to it. All of your class assignments and
announcements will be on blackboard. Although Blackboard is not my
official roll book, you can monitor your assignments there.
Final Examination Schedule: To be announced