Course Syllabus
FALL 2013
BIOLOGY 200 (001-017): CONCEPTS IN BIOLOGY
INSTRUCTORS: Maria Stanko and Christopher Trimby
EMAIL:
mstanko@njit.edu
ctrimby@adm.njit.edu
OFFICE:
434 &442 Colton Hall
COURSE
SCHEDULE:
Lectures: M, W: 11:30am-12:55am –OR– T, R: 11:30am-12:55pm; GITC 1100
http://courseschedules.njit.edu/index.aspx?semester=2013f&subjectID=BIOL&course=200
COURSE WEBSITE:
http://moodle.njit.edu/
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce students to the study of biology at the beginning of their course of study.
Central ideas in the biological sciences will be highlighted, with an emphasis on the process of scientific discovery and
investigation. The course will provide the basis for more advanced coursework and learning experiences in biological
sciences as students delve into the curriculum of study.
PREREQUISITES: None: This course is REQUIRED for all NJIT and Rutgers-Newark Biology Majors.
REQUIRED TEXT: Principles of Biology, Nature Education [978-1-9374-1599-0]. This is a digital textbook which you can
purchase at the NJIT bookstore (you will get a card with an access code) or directly from the publisher; enter the
course code (to be announced). An i▶Clicker is required for this course. You can purchase one from the NJIT or
Rutgers campus bookstore.
COURSE WEBSITE: http://moodle.njit.edu/, login with UCID. We will have frequent readings which will be posted to the
course moodle site. Please ensure you can access the Moodle site as soon as possible!
GRADING POLICY:
Your grade for this course will be determined based on participation, quizzes, assignments, and three written projects.
Grades will be determined by the percentage of the possible points earned, following the standard grade scale.
Grades are not curved and we do not offer extra credit.
Recitation Attendance/Participation
Lecture i▶Clicker Participation
Quizzes
Assignments
Projects
TOTAL
070 points
030 points
100 points
120 points
130 points
450 points
ATTENDANCE, MAKE-UP, AND LATENESS POLICY:
►Lectures and recitations are linked, and attendance at all course sessions is important to doing well in the course.
►Attendance at recitations is required. If you must miss recitation for a valid reason, please discuss making up the
missed material with your recitation instructor as soon as possible. ►Attendance and participation in lecture will be
assessed using the iClickers. ►Be sure you bring your iClicker to every lecture! ►You must respond to at least 80% of
iClicker questions to receive full credit for lecture participation. ►Late assignments will be deducted 10% of the points
available for each 24 hours after the assignment was due.
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Course Syllabus
FALL 2013
BIOLOGY 200 (001-017): CONCEPTS IN BIOLOGY
SCHEDULE AND COURSE OUTLINE: Dates listed by week; lectures will meet twice every week and recitation will meet
every week, unless otherwise noted. Quiz dates depend on your lecture section.
WEEK OF
LECTURE / RECITATION TOPIC
NOTES
Week 1
9/2-9/6
Introduction / What is Science? / Critical Thinking / Pre-quiz
Week 2
9/9-9/13
Numbers & Graphing / Interpreting Figures
Week 3
9/16-9/20
Scientific Writing / Bioethics & Plagiarism
Week 4
9/23-9/27
DNA Structure & Transcription
► Have iClicker registered by 9/23
Week 5
9/30-10/4
Translation & Molecular Techniques
Week 6
10/7-10/11
Cell Biology
Week 7
10/14-10/18
Cell Division & Meiosis
Week 8
10/21-10/25
Inheritance
Week 9
10/28-11/1
Natural Selection & Evolution
Week 10
11/4-11/8
Life Histories & Energetics
Week 11
11/11-11/15
Community Interactions
Week 12
11/18-11/22
Trophic Cascades / Biodiversity Patterns
QUIZ 4: 11/18, 19
Week 13
11/25-11/27
Ecosystems
11/26-27: Classes follow a Thursday & Friday schedule
NO RECITATIONS THIS WEEK
NO LECTURE 11/27
►
11/28-11/29
11/28-29: Thanksgiving Recess – No Classes
Week 14
12/2-12/6
Global Change / Invasive Species
Week 15
12/9-12/12
Post-quiz
12/12: Reading Day – No Classes
Week 16
FINALS
FRIDAY DECEMBER 13- THURSDAY DECEMBER 19, 2013
QUIZ 1: 9/23, 24
QUIZ 2: 10/9, 10
QUIZ 3: 10/28, 29
QUIZ 5: 12/9, 10
NO RECITATIONS THIS WEEK
NO LECTURE 12/11
FINAL EXAM WEEK: DECEMBER 13-19, 2013
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: The course has a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and
cheating. Instances of dishonesty will be punished by a zero on the assignment and consultation with the office of the
Dean of Students to determine if further action is required. If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism or
cheating, please ask us or refer to the academic integrity code: www.njit.edu/academics/integrity.php.
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Course Syllabus
FALL 2013
BIOLOGY 200 (001-017): CONCEPTS IN BIOLOGY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Students will be able to…
1.
Develop hypotheses to explain observed phenomena.
2.
Design a basic experiment to test a hypothesis, taking into account the ethical and methodological considerations
for proper experimental design.
3.
Read and evaluate data critically:
a. identify and describe patterns in raw data.
b. interpret statistical analysis of others’ results.
c. draw conclusions based on graphical presentation of data.
4.
Research topics via electronic and print sources:
a. attribute sources correctly.
b. identify appropriate strategy for information gathering.
c. appraise appropriate source material.
5.
Integrate information from multiple sources to formulate broader concepts.
6.
Apply learned concepts to new topics.
7.
Communicate scientific information effectively:
a. present source material without plagiarizing.
b. convey information in written and graphical form.
c. target delivery appropriately to audience.
8.
Develop personal learning strategies based on recognition of their own learning processes.
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