COURSE SYLLABUS
Morehead State University
College of Science and Technology
Department of Biology and Chemistry
BIOL 171 Principles of Biology Section 002
Fall 2013
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Biology 171. Principles of Biology (3-2-4); I, II. General biological principles
with an on emphasis on cell structure/function, energetics, homeostasis, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
COURSE ORGANIZATION: Lectures MWF1 – 1:50pm-2:50pm in Lappin Hall Room 130
PREREQUISITES: composite ACT of 20 or above, or minimum grade of "C" in BIOL 105 or BIOL 160
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Michael Fultz
Office: 327F Lappin Hall
Phone: (606) 783-5440
Email: m.fultz@moreheadstate.edu
OFFICE HOURS: 9:10-10:10 MTWThF or by appointment
REQUIRED TEXT:
BIOLOGY by Robert Brooker, Eric Widmaier, Linda Graham and Peter Stiling,
Customized 3rd Edition, WCB/McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Inc., 2014.
ISBN 9781259112836
i>clicker: You are required to purchase an i>clicker 2 remote for in-class participation. i>Clicker 2 is a
response system that allows you to respond to questions I pose during class including quizzes. In order to
receive this credit, you will need to register your i>clicker remote online. In order to complete this registration
properly. Once you have voted on a question in my class, go to www.iclicker.com/registration. Complete the
fields with your first name, last name, student ID, and remote ID. Your student ID should be your MSU ID, for
example, m0135624. The remote ID is the series of numbers and sometimes letters found on the bottom of
the back of your i>clicker remote. The i>clicker response system may be used every day in class, and you
are responsible for bringing your remote to each lecture. The i>clicker remote is required for quizzes.
ISBN 9781429280471
COURSE PHILOSOPHY: The primary objective of Biology 171 is to develop the foundation necessary to
understand biological principles, by enhancing your scientific vocabulary, by improving your ability to think
critically and by introducing scientific methodology that is fundamental to your success in all subsequent
courses in the Biology and Biomedical Sciences programs at Morehead State University.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs): Biology 171 is not a memorization course, it is a thinking
course. The Constructivist Philosophy is an accepted theme in that learning is an active process. Although
you will develop a large scientific vocabulary, what is required in this course is that you will have to apply
what you learn. Each of you must learn to think scientifically and to critically analyze material presented.
The faculty in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences has set high expectation levels for
its majors, and Biology 171 establishes these performance levels. Each student will be expected to develop
a positive disposition and come to class well prepared and to develop the personal discipline for academic
success. The course content and expectations include, but are not limited to:
1)
Learning, understanding and applying biological principles basic to all biological systems.
2)
3)
4)
5)
These include:
The organization of biomolecules and life processes;
The flow of energy through the levels of biological organization;
The homeostatic principles required for regulation of molecular, cellular, organismic and
ecosystems;
Basic genetic systems that govern cell activities;
Basic evolutionary and ecological concepts as applied to populations and ecosystems.
The development of a vocabulary sufficient for the comprehension of the complex world of
biological disciplines.
The development of a solid foundation upon which subsequent biology courses can be built.
An understanding of the thinking processes through which scientists operate.
The application of quantitative principles utilized in mathematics and the interpretation of
graphed data in order to understand the basic principles of biology.
“Community Engagement: A Light to and from the Mountains”
The Professional Education Unit at Morehead State University delivers rigorous, high quality programs that
prepare professionals informed by best national and international scholarship, plus research, literature, and
experiences specific to Appalachia- preparing professionals to improve the schools, quality of life, and the
communities in which they live and serve. This statement is not only the strategic mission for the College, but it
also incorporates the conceptual framework that guides all our activities.
Conceptual Framework Outcomes (CFOs):
The Unit and the faculty within individual programs assess the degree to which its graduates:
1) Master the content knowledge, professional and the twenty – first century skills need to make an optimal
contribution to “whole” student learning in education settings.
2) Are competent in the collection and use of data to inform decision – making and to demonstrate
accountability for student learning.
3) Demonstrate professional dispositions
4) Are culturally competent and understand the regions from which they have come utilizing knowledge and
experiences to effectively “bridge the gaps” (economic, achievement, and geographic) ensuring optimal
learning for all students.
5) Engage in authentic field experiences in collaboration with committed school – based partners and are
empowered to improve the quality of education throughout this region and beyond.
EXAMINATIONS: A student with a valid excuse (verification required) for missing an exam should notify Dr.
Fultz beforehand if possible in order to schedule a make-up examination within one week following return
to class. An exam missed without an acceptable excuse will be recorded as a Zero. Acceptable excuses
are detailed in UAR 131.02. All exams will be available for review for one week after the exam grades are
returned. Students may review exams in Dr. Fultz’s office 327F Lappin Hall or during the scheduled tutor
session. The Final Exam (Exam IV) will be approximately 20-25% comprehensive.
QUIZZES: A number of quizzes worth varying point vales will be given and cannot be made up; they can
however be taken in advance of your absence if your excuse for missing class is designated acceptable by
the institution and if I have it prepared. Quizzes will be announced in lecture. Every quiz given will be
counted until your total quiz score reaches a maximum of 150 points. You will not be penalized for missing
a quiz if you have a University approved excuse. If you should leaves class immediately or soon after taking
a quiz, then you will receive a zero on that quiz. Quizzes will be either visual, matching, multiple choice, fill
in the blank, short answer, or some combination thereof. Remember quizzes will be given at the start of
class so being on time is critical. Quizzes may be given using the i>clicker system. You are responsible for
bringing a functional i>clicker remote to each class. You must have your i>clicker to take the quiz.
LABORATORY EXAM REVIEW SESSIONS: Will take place on the Friday before each Lab Exam starting at
12:40 in Lappin 332 (171 Lab).
NCATE/ EPSB Accreditation Alignment of CFOs and SLOs:
Program: Biology-Teaching
National Science
Aligned with
Teacher
Association –
Assessment
Teacher Content
(point values)
Knowledge
BIOL 171 Principles of Biology
Description of assignment
Lecture exams
A.2.a.1-13
Exams will assess content knowledge and conceptual
(450)
A.2.b.16-18
understanding of the course material from lecture. Exams will
CFO:1, 2
be taken during scheduled class time.
SLO: 1,2,3,4,5
Lecture quizzes
A.2.a.1-13
Lecture quizzes will assess content knowledge and conceptual
(150)
A.2.b.16-18
understanding of the course material from lecture. Quizzes will
CFO: 1, 2
be taken during scheduled class time.
SLO: 1,2,3,4,5
Laboratory
A.2.a.1-13
Exams will assess content knowledge as well as conceptual
Exams (150)
A.2.b.16-19
understanding of the laboratory material. Students will also be
CFO: 1, 2
assessed on their ability to perform laboratory skills. Exams will
SLO: 1,2,3,4,5
be taken during scheduled laboratory times
Laboratory
A.2.a.1-13
Laboratory quizzes will assess content knowledge and
Quizzes (25)
A.2.b.16-19
conceptual understanding of the course material from lab.
CFO: 1,2
Quizzes will be taken during scheduled laboratory time.
SLO: 1,2,3,4,5
Laboratory
A.2.a.1-13
This writing assignment will assess the ability of the student to
Writing Exercise A.2.b.16-19
take data gathered from lab and prepare a properly structured
(25)
laboratory report including tables and graphs. The data will be
CFO: 1,2
gathered in the laboratory and the assignment will be completed
SLO: 1,2,3,4,5
as homework.
Special Note: The EPSB Standards 1-4, while they are utilized in these courses by the instructors as they follow best
practices, are not overtly instructed nor included in the assessment pieces listed above.
Required Field Experience Hours: 0
Course Evaluation: Students performance in the course will be evaluated by three lecture exams each worth
100 points, a final with a comprehensive section (150 points) lecture quizzes (150 points total), three
laboratory exams (50 points each), lab quizzes (25 points total) and a laboratory writing exercise (25 points).
GRADING POLICY: Grades will be assigned on a % basis of 800 points.
Lecture
Exam 1
100 pts
Grading Scale:
Exam 2
100 pts
Exam 3
100 pts
Exam 4 (Final)
150 pts
Quizzes
150 pts
600 Points
Laboratory
Lab Exam 1
50 pts
Lab Exam 2
50 pts
Lab Exam 3
50 pts
Lab Quizzes
25 pts
Lab Writing Exercise
25 pts
200 Points
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
E ≤ 59%
ATTENDANCE POLICY: There is a strong correlation between class attendance and success in Biology
Courses; therefore, attendance to all lectures is critical and you are expected to attend. A student with a
valid, documented excuse (such as for illness/injury, death in the family, or university-sponsored activity as
described in UAR 131.02) should promptly notify Dr. Fultz and their Laboratory Instructor in order to
make up the material missed and/or reschedule the lab exercise. Students are expected to prepare
themselves for each lecture/laboratory session by reading any related material prior to attending the
lectures/laboratories. Please do not be late because it puts you at a disadvantage and can easily disrupt the
instructor and your peers. Laboratory attendance is mandatory!! Labs missed may be made-up only
during the week of the absence. Students failing to make up a lab will be penalized 15 pts. If your absence
is going to be an extended one, it is recommended that the Dean of Students, Kevin Koett, 211 ADUC, (7832014) be contacted.
DISABILITY STATEMENT: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all students with a
documented disability are entitled to reasonable accommodations and services to support their academic
success and safety. Though a request for services may be made at any time, services are best applied when
they are requested at or before the start of the semester. To receive accommodations and services the
student should immediately contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Evangeline Day in 204-E ADUC, at
606-783-5188, or e.day@moreheadstate.edu.
CAMPUS SAFETY STATEMENT: Emergency response information will be discussed in class. Students
should familiarize themselves with the nearest exit routes in the event evacuation becomes necessary. You
should notify your instructor at the beginning of the semester if you have special needs or will require
assistance during an emergency evacuation. Students should familiarize themselves with emergency
response protocols at http://www.moreheadstate.edu/emergency.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Students will be expected to use the internet for literature searches of laboratory
projects as well as the use of e-mail, i>clickers, word processing, and any other appropriate software needed
to complete assignments. In several of the laboratory sessions, students will use technical procedures
involving micropipetters, spectrophotometers, and gel electrophoresis set-ups in order to reach the
designated outcome.
DROP DATE: The last date to drop this class with a grade of W is Friday, November 1st.
A special section of BIOL 105 is available for students to enter if during the first half of the semester they feel
they are not adequately prepared for Principles of Biology (BIOL 171). This section of Biology 105 begins on
Monday, October 14th (BIOL 105, Section 020, 3 Hrs, 8:00-9:00, MTWThF, Lappin 311, Taught by Dr. David
Eisenhour) and will use the same text, without the laboratory component.
TUTOR SESSION: A weekly tutor session for Dr. Fultz’s BIOL 171, Principles of Biology, Section 002 will be
announced. Additional tutoring may be received by making an appointment or through the Learning Lab in
208 Allie Young Hall (783-5200).
RETENTION POLICY: In an attempt to achieve greater success among a larger percentage of students
taking Biology 171, the following policy will be in place. After the first exam, if you are not attending class
regularly and/or are performing below the 70% level, you may be contacted and are expected to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Fultz for a short personal conference in order to discuss how you might improve your
performance in BIOL 171, in addition to what ever help you may already be receiving.
A method that has proven to be successful is the “study buddy” or “study group” system in which you pair-up
with another member(s) of the class and spend time each week going over the material presented in lecture
and lab.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism or cheating in any form will not be tolerated
and will be dealt with in accordance with policies detailed in the student handbook and the University
Undergraduate Catalog. Academic dishonesty, as defined by the University occurs when you do not do your
own work, fail to give credit for the work of others, or use resources inappropriately.
Consistent Tardiness is not acceptable. You are expected to be in your seat and ready for class unless
Lappin 307 is locked.
Cell Phones (including Blackberry’s and I phones), Walkie Talkie’s, PDA’s, and Beepers must be shut off
upon entering the classroom. MP3 Players, iPOD’s or any other device requiring the use of headphones
are not permitted during class.
Laptops and Tape recorders are welcome but must be kept at your desk. It is a safety issue to have power
cords running across the floor (It is your responsibility to have a fully charged battery). If I discover that you
are doing anything other than course related material on your laptop during class I will collect your computer
and you can pick it up immediately following class, following your second offense you will lose your privilege
to bring your laptop back to class.
Disruptions to class will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave
Remind 101: Remind101 is a website that provides a safe way for teachers to text message students a
reminder for quizzes and exams. To sign up, send a text message to 606-488-0020 Body of the message
@biol17 Press to send You will receive a message back asking for a reply back with your full name After
replying back, you will then be subscribed. If you want to ever unsubscribe, text the word stop to the same
number. For questions, please see www.remind101.com/faq. Text rates do apply
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 2
October 10 and 11
October 14
November 1
November 6-19
November 27-29
December 12
Labor Day (no class)
Fall Freak (no class)
Mid-term grades due
Last day to drop with grade of “W”
Advance registration for Spring
Thanksgiving Break (no class)
Final Exam 12:45pm-2:45pm
Tentative Lecture Syllabus
Dates are subject to change.
Changes will be announced in lecture.
BIOL 171, Section 002
SECTION 1. BASIC CHEMISTRY AND CELL ORGANIZATION
August
19
Introduction: syllabus, study habits; hierarchy of biological
organization; properties of life;
21
basic principles of evolution; central dogma; homeostasis;
and scientific methodology.
23
The Chemical Basis of Life: atoms and the periodic table;
bond types and reactivity; water; and pH.
26
The Chemical Basis of Life: biological macromolecules;
functional groups; proteins; and levels of protein structure.
28
September
2
4
6
9
The Chemical Basis of Life: nucleic acids; lipids;
and carbohydrates.
Labor Day (co class)
Cellular Overview: cell size; microscopy; and
prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic organelles.
Cellular Overview: cytosol; nucleus; endomembrane system;
and semiautonomous organelles.
Membrane Structure and Transport: fluid-mosaic
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
16
model; and the function of membrane proteins.
Membrane Structure and Transport: membrane transport;
selective permeability; osmosis; passive vs. active transport;
and coupled channels.
Catch-up
18
EXAM I
11
SECTION 2. ENERGY AND METABOLISM
20
Enzymes Metabolism, and Cellular Respiration:
principles of thermodynamics; metabolism;
enzyme function; oxidation and reduction; and ATP.
23
Enzymes Metabolism, and Cellular Respiration:
cellular respiration-glycolysis; fermentation vs respiration.
25
30
October
2
4
7
9
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 6&7
Enzymes Metabolism, and Cellular Respiration:
Kreb's cycle; electron transport; and chemiosmosis.
Enzymes Metabolism, and Cellular Respiration:
review of respiration, energy bookkeeping,
aerobic vs. anaerobic metabolism, bioconversion.
Chapter 7
Cellular Respiration: supplying O2 to the cell;
CO2 release and uptake, carbonic anhydrase;
pH and O2 release.
Photosynthesis: principles of photosynthesis;
chemiosmosis; and ATP synthesis.
Photosynthesis: light and dark reactions;
comparisons between mitochondria and chloroplasts.
EXAM II
Chapter 7
SECTION 3. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
14
Cell Cycle & Eukaryotic Chromosomes, Mitosis,
and Meiosis: cell cycle control mechanisms and
chromosomes.
16
Eukaryotic Chromosomes, Mitosis, and Meiosis:
mitotic cell division and meiosis and sexual reproduction.
18
Simple Patterns of Inheritance: Mendel's laws and the
chromosome theory of inheritance; laws of segregation
and independent assortment; variations on Mendel;
sex-linked inheritance, human genetics
21
Simple Patterns of Inheritance: Mendel's laws and the
chromosome theory of inheritance; laws of segregation
and independent assortment; variations on Mendel;
sex-linked inheritance, human genetics.
23
Nucleic Acid Structure and DNA Replication:
the history of molecular biology: and DNA/replication.
28
Nucleic Acid Structure and DNA Replication:
DNA/replication.
30
Gene Expression at the Molecular Level:
gene expression and transcription.
November
1
Gene Expression at the Molecular Level:
RNA processing; translation; and the genetic code
4
Gene Regulation: regulating gene expression: on/off
switches of the lac operon
6
EXAM III
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
SECTION 4. EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY
Origin and History of Life:
11
Evolution: Evidence for evolution; fossil record and
the development of theories of evolution; Darwin’s
concepts of natural selection; molecular systematics.
13
Population Genetics: genes and populations; hardy-weinberg;
and evolutionary mechanisms
15
Population Genetics: genes and populations; hardy-weinberg;
and evolutionary mechanisms
18
Origin of Species: speciation; reproductive barriers; and
biogeography.
20
Taxonomy and Systematics:
Population Ecology: populations; growth models; human
population growth.
25
Species Interactions: competition; predation; herbivory;
parasitism; mutualism; and commensalisms.
succession.
December
2
Community Ecology: communities; richness; diversity;
stability; and succession.
4
Ecosystems Ecology: food webs and energy flow;
biochemical cycles.
May 9
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
EXAM IV (Final Exam is on Thursday December 12th from 12:45pm-2:45pm)
The Final is approximately comprehensive (20-25%) and will thus consist of questions
covering material from the previous three exams and the last section (75-80%).