Biol 121: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
Fall 2006
Welcome to Biology 121! Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology is designed to
create a foundation for study in the life sciences by introducing students to the biology of
the cell, classical genetics and molecular genetics. The goal for this course is not only for
you to become familiar with life at the cellular level, but the means by which it is
investigated as well. Some outcomes of this familiarity will be an understanding of:
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Cell Theory and the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
the structure and function of the major organelles of eukaryotic cells.
the structure and function of cell membranes.
the basic structure and function of the four major types of biological molecules
the importance of energy transformations and the role of enzymes in metabolic
pathways.
the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis
the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis.
the principles of Mendelian inheritance.
the molecular basis of inheritance:
the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
the control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
In lab you will gain hands on experience with a diversity of biological systems: from
DNA and enzymes to spinach chloroplasts and jewel wasps. While investigating these
systems you will become familiar not only with a variety of technical skills such as
microscopy, spectrophotometry, polymerase chain reaction and aseptic technique; you’ll
also gain an understanding of how scientists communicate with each other using
descriptive statistics, graphs and tables, scientific figures and written lab reports.
Course Structure: Your success as a student in this course will require regular
attendance, careful note taking and mastery of the textbook material through careful
study. You will meet for a 70-minute lecture period every other day. Since the labs are
smaller than the lectures, you will probably attend another lab section than most of the
people in your lecture. Labs are taught by professors and student Teaching Assistants,
and meet once every cycle (including cycles 1 and 12). Lab attendance in your lab
section is mandatory. The time scheduled for each lab is 2 hours and 50 minutes, but
occasionally you may need to stay longer to complete assigned work, or come in outside
of the regularly scheduled time to check on the progress of an experiment.
Text: The required text for this course is Biological Science (2nd edition) by Scott
Freeman. It is available in either a single hardcover or three separate paperback volumes.
You should have received a letter about this prior to the start of school.
Lab manual and lab notebook: The faculty and staff of this department have written
the lab manual used in this course. It will be handed out at the laboratory orientation
session that you are scheduled to attend. However, you also need to purchase a
carbonless Student Lab Notebook for Life Science, available at the SJU Bookstore.
Evaluation: Your grade in this course will be determined based on your performance on
exams, quizzes, homework and laboratory work. The point breakdown is a follows:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Final Exam
Assignments, quizzes, seminars, etc.
Lab
15 - 17%
15 - 17%
15 - 17%
20 - 24%
0 - 10%
25%
The instructor for your lecture section will announce exact percentages for exams and
assignments at the beginning of the semester. The format of the exams will vary
according to section. You can expect multiple-choice, short answer, matching, fill in the
blank, label the diagram and essay-type questions. The lecture exams will cover the
chapters indicated on the course syllabus. The final will be 50% comprehensive, 50%
new material. Your instructor may also assign homework, give quizzes or request your
attendance at seminars for a portion of your grade.
Your instructor may schedule a review session prior to the exam. If that is the case,
don’t miss it. It is a valuable opportunity to ask your questions and go over some of the
more difficult points in the text or lecture.
Grading: Letter grades will be assigned as
follows:
Biol 121 is offered for standard, A-F,
grading only. There is no S/U option
available.
A
AB
B
90-100%
87-89%
82-86%
C
CD
D
72-78%
69-71%
60-68%
BC
79-81%
F
<60%
Academic Integrity: The teaching of Biology 121 and other courses in the Biology
Department depend on the highest standards of academic conduct. Cheating, plagiarism
and other dishonest acts will not be tolerated and may result in your expulsion from the
course. Violations of academic integrity will be dealt with according to the procedures
outlined on pages 24-25 of the 2005-2007 Academic Catalog.
Course Instructors: Biology 121 has 12 lecture sections and 20 laboratory sections. If
questions or problems arise do not hesitate to contact your instructor or the course
coordinator. We are always willing to talk with you and, if possible, assist you with your
concern. We wish you a successful and exciting semester!
Ms. Carol Jansky
NSC 218: 363-3178
Lab/Lab Coordinator
Dr. Bill Lamberts
PENGL 353; 363-3160
Course Coordinator
Dr. Ellen Jensen
NSC 206: 363-3092
Lecture and lab
Dr. Michael Reagan
NSC 216; 363-3110
Lecture and lab
Dr. Cheryl Knox
NSC 254: 363-3224
Lecture and lab
Dr. Charles Rodell
PENGL 357; 363-3174
Lecture and lab
Dr. Jeanne Marie Lust
NSC 208; 363-2777
Lecture and lab
Dr. Steve Saupe
PENGL 335; 363-2782
Lecture
Dr. Barbara May
NSC 204; 363-3173
Lecture
Dr. Shawn Thomas
PENGL 303; 363-3275
Lecture and lab
Dr. David Mitchell
NSC 214; 363-3268
Lecture
Dr. Marcus Webster
PENGL 313; 363-3176
Lecture and Lab