Biol 179-01
Course Outline and Syllabus
Spring 2007
Course description: Welcome to Biodiversity. In this course you will learn about the kingdoms of organisms
commonly known as bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals. Diversity will be the central theme, with a major
emphasis on form , function and evolution within and among these groups.
Expected Course Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this course, you will:
1. understand the kingdoms of organisms, phyla and characteristics of all major groups of organisms,
2. appreciate the scope of biodiversity on earth, with an understanding of key elements of structure, survival,
reproduction, and evolution,
3. recognize the incredible diversity of life on earth and appreciate the importance of biodiversity.
Classroom: Science Lecture (Auditorium). When: MWF 10:30 - 11:30
NOTE: Due to ongoing construction in Science Lecture, this class will be held in LA 309 until further notice.
INSTRUCTORS:
Dr. Stanley Wiatr
Dr. Jim Barron
Office Hours (or arranged)
Phone
email
Office
MWF 8:00-9:00
657-2018 swiatr@msubillings.edu Science 139
MWF 11:30 – 12:30
657-2918 jbarron@msubillings.edu Science 132
Part I: (January 17 - March 2): Dr. Wiatr will discuss bacteria, fungi, protists and plants
Part II: (March 12- April 26: Dr. Barron will discuss the animal kingdom.
REQUIRED TEXT: Raven, PH, GB Johnson, JB Losos and SR Singer. 2005. Biology 7th edition. McGraw-Hill.
This is the same text used in Biol 178 last semester.
Website: This website (www.mhhe.com/raven7) developed exclusively for use with your text is a great study tool
that enhances the material in your text. It is a wonderful site with quizzes, outlines and links to other biology sites.
Use this resource as an electronic study guide and practice exams.
Additional readings: Supplemental reading assignments may be given from time to time.
GRADING
1. Exams: Six exams will be given on the tentative dates given in the syllabus. The final exam will be given during
finals week. Each exam will carry the same weight. They will not be comprehensive. Exams may consist of essays,
definitions and multiple guess. Essays will be evaluated for content primarily, but correct spelling and grammar will
also influence your grade.
Exam schedule: See the attached course syllabus. The instructor will reserve the right to change the date of an
exam (except for the final) should circumstances warrant.
Makeup examinations will be given only if very urgent circumstances exist beyond your control. Fishing trips,
hunting trips, working all night, working all day, vacations, marriage, divorce, a ride home with friends or a long
holiday weekend are not urgent circumstances. Makeup work will be allowed only if arrangements are made before
the regularly scheduled exam, and completed within one week of it. Otherwise, a zero will be recorded. In the event
of an emergency, contact your instructor by phone or email, or leave a message with our Admin Asst (Melanie 6572031).
2. Grading summary:
Maximum score = 600 points
A > 540 points
B = 480-539 points C = 420-479 points
D = 360-419 points F < 360 points
Tentative exam dates subject to slight changes depending on course progress.
Exam
Topics
Date
1
Classification, Viruses & Bacteria
Monday, January 29
2
Protists and Fungi
Wednesday, February 14
3
Plants and Plant Reproduction
Friday, March 2
4
Noncoelomates, Mollusks, Annelids
Wednesday, March 28
5
Arthropods and Echinoderms,
Friday, April 13
6
Vertebrates, Sex and Reproduction
Monday, April 30, 2007 10:00-11:50
Other useful stuff:
1. Read the assignments before class. Cramming will not work.
2. Read the assignments again after class. Reinforce what you have already read and heard in class.
3. Answer questions in the text. Focus on the Learning Objectives at the beginning of each chapter, and the Review
Questions at the end of each chapter...a great Study Guide.
4. Ask questions in class. Both you and your classmates will benefit.
5. Don’t cut class.
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Biol 179-01
Course Outline and Syllabus
Spring 2007
Readings in: Raven, PH, GB Johnson, JB Losos and SR Singer. 2005. Biology 7th edition.
Chapter
25
26
27
Topic
Systematics and the Phylogenetic revolution
Viruses
Prokaryotes
Exam 1 Topics : Chapters 25, 26, 27
Starts on Page
509
531
545
28
30
Protists
Fungi
Exam 2 Topics: Chapters 28 & 30
561
599
29
Plant Diversity
Exam 3 Topics: Chapter 29
579
31
32
33
Overview of Animal Diversity
Nonceolomate Animals
Mollusks, Annelids
Exam 4 Topics: Chapters 31, 32, 33 (in part)
617
633
651
33
33
Arthropods
Echinoderms
Exam 5 Topics: Chapter 33
664
676
34
50
Vertebrates
Sex and Reproduction in Animals
Exam 6 Topics: Chapters 34, 50
683
1061
Tentative exam dates… again: These are subject to slight changes depending on course progress.
Exam
1
2
3
4
5
6
Topics
Classification, Viruses & Bacteria
Protists and Fungi
Plants and Plant Reproduction
Noncoelomates, Mollusks, Annelids
Arthropods and Echinoderms,
Vertebrates, Sex and Reproduction
Date
Monday, January 29
Wednesday, February 14
Friday, March 2
Wednesday, March 28
Friday, April 13
Monday, April 30, 2007 10:00-11:50
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