Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Spring 2014 Course Syllabus
BIOL 1107: Principles of Biology I
CRN 30682 MWF 9:00-9:50am
CRN 30684 MWF 10:00-10:50am
Nursing Education 259
Instructor: Dr. Heather M. Cathcart
Email: hcathcart@abac.edu
Daytime phone: 229-391-5119
Office: Conger Hall 203
Office hours: M, T, and R 2-4pm and F 1-3pm or by appointment.
Prerequisite: Exemption from or successful completion of READ 0099, ENGL 0099 and MATH 0099.
Co-requisite: BIOL 1107L
Required Materials:
1. Campbell Biology, 9th Edition, Campbell et al.
2. iClicker2 remote
3. x6 (882-E) scantrons (you bring on exam days)
4. Additional readings may be posted on the web and/or distributed in class
Textbook Website: http://www.masteringbiology.com/
Class website: https://abac.view.usg.edu/ (Desire2Learn)
You are required to purchase an iclicker2 remote for in-class participation. iclicker2 is a response system that allows
you to respond to questions the instructor poses during class, and you will be graded on that feedback and your inclass participation. In order to receive this credit, you will need to purchase and register your iclicker2 remote by
01/22/14. You must come to class at least once and vote on at least one question in order to complete this
registration properly. Once you have responded to a question with your iclicker2 remote, go to
http://www.iclicker.com/registration. Complete the fields with your first name, last name, student ID, and remote ID.
Your student ID should be your ABAC 918 number. The remote ID is the series of numbers and sometimes letters
found on the bottom of the back of your iclicker2 remote. iclicker2 will be used every day in class, and you are
responsible for bringing your remote and extra batteries daily.
Course Description: An integrated three credit hour introduction to modern biology from atomic particles to evolution.
General topics to be considered include chemical, molecular and cellular basis of life, photosynthesis, cell metabolism,
cell division, genetics, biotechnology, and evolution.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of Biology, Science and the Scientific Method
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the process skills associated with science
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic chemical nature of living things (e.g., chemistry, carbon, water, thermodynamics)
4. Demonstrate knowledge of cell structure and function
5. Demonstrate knowledge of basic chemical processes involved in living organisms (e.g., respiration, photosynthesis,
and metabolism)
6. Demonstrate knowledge of cellular reproduction and genetics
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of evolutionary theory and natural selection
8. Demonstrate knowledge and general understanding of the history (and biologists) involved in classic experiments
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Attendance: Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) are provided for the intellectual growth and
development of the students. The interaction with instructors and other students is an important element of the
learning process, and a high correlation exists between class attendance and course grades. Therefore, to attain
maximum success, students should attend all classes, be on time, and attend all scheduled course activities. The
instructor will take roll during class using the iclicker2 system. For each day present a student earns 1 participation
point. Any student that fails to bring their iclicker2 to class or fails to answer at least one question during the lecture will
be counted absent. Please note that students are responsible for getting handouts and notes from D2L or classmates
for any absences.
Exams: Make-up examinations will not be given. Any student who misses an examination should notify the instructor
by e-mail prior to the next regularly scheduled class. Absences from a lecture exam will result in a grade of 0 for that
exam. Either the lowest regular exam score or the iclicker2 participation points will be dropped at the end of the
semester. Subsequent missed exams will not be dropped and the student will normally receive a ZERO for the other
missed exam. The final exam will be comprehensive and will not be dropped or used to replace other exams. The final
exam cannot be taken at any other day and time than that designated by the ABAC final exam schedule for the
current semester.
Withdrawal: A student may withdraw from the course up to the midpoint of the semester and receive a grade of W.
After midterm, students may withdraw only with permission of the Academic Dean and may receive a grade of WF. A
student withdrawing from the lecture must also withdraw from the co-requisite lab. Students that stop attending class
without officially withdrawing will still receive a grade for the course.
Academic Conduct Code: Academic integrity is the responsibility of all ABAC faculty and students. Academic dishonesty
and irregularities include, but are not limited to, giving or receiving of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any
academic assignment; taking or attempting to take, stealing, or otherwise obtaining in an unauthorized manner any
material pertaining to the education process; selling, giving, lending, or otherwise furnishing to any person any
questions and/or answers to any examination known to be scheduled at any subsequent date; fabricating, forging, or
falsifying lab or clinical results; plagiarism in any form related to themes, essays, term papers, tests, and other
assignments. Academic dishonesty and irregularities will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment and may be subject to
disciplinary procedures as outlined in the student handbook. Please check with your course instructor if you have any
questions about the conduct code. (http://www.abac.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Student-Handbook.pdf)
Accommodation of Disabilities If there is a student in this class who has documented specific needs because of learning
disabilities or any other disability; please contact the course instructor immediately to discuss accommodations. If
students have paperwork to take exams in the Student Development Center, the student must make all of their exam
appointments at the beginning of the semester and at the same time they would regularly attend class.
Student Evaluations:
Grades will be determined as a percentage of the maximum number of points for the entire course and based on the
grading scale as outlined below.
Point distribution:
5 Regular Exams (100pts each; lowest/missed exam dropped)
400 points
1 Cumulative Final Exam
150 points
iclicker2/and online quizzes
100 points
Total Points
650 points
Grading Scale:
A 100-90% (≥582pts)
B 89-80% (≥517pts)
C 79-70% (≥452pts)
D 69-60% (≥387pts)
F 59-0% (≤386pts)
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In the event that a student’s final class percentage is close to the next highest grade category, the instructor may
consider lecture attendance, lecture preparation and participation and/or submission of assignments in determining
the final class grade. A student’s final letter grade will only be elevated if their final class percentage is within one point
of the next highest grade category.
Extra Credit:
There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester and will be available to the entire class.
Exam Policies: Students enrolled in classes in the School of Science and Mathematics are expected to demonstrate an
understanding of the subject matter. Exam questions will require synthesis, analysis, application and memorization and
may be multiple choice, short answer and true/false. Programmable calculators, cell phones, PDAs or other electronic
communication devices are not permitted to be on or in view of the student during exams. If a student is observed by
the instructor to have a cell phone or electronic device at their desk during the exam the student will automatically
receive a grade of ZERO for that exam. Also ball caps or other hats may not be worn on exam days.
Statement of Classroom Civility: “An Abraham Baldwin College student is expected to show proper respect for order,
morality, and the rights of others. Conduct which is normally reprehensible or which is of a disorderly nature and in
violation of written policy shall subject the student to disciplinary action.” Cell phones, pagers, and all other electronic
communication devices should be turned off and out of sight during class. Please notify the instructor in advance (at
the start of class) if an emergency exists where you need your phone. Disruptive behavior will result in students being
asked to leave the classroom for the day.
Tentative Lecture Schedule
Day/Date
Lecture Topic:
Reading
W 1/08
F 1/10
M 1/13
W 1/15
F 1/17
M 1/20
W 1/22
Roll Call, Syllabus and Study Strategies
Scientific Method
Introduction to the Study of life
Introduction and Evolution
Chemical Context of Life
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Chemical Context of Life/Water
F 1/24
Water
N/A
Ch1
Chapter 1
Chapter 1/22
Chapter 2
N/A
Chapter 2/3
Quiz on D2L
iclickers due
Chapter 3
M 1/27
Exam I
1, 22, 2, and 3
W 1/29
F 1/31
M 2/03
W 2/05
F 2/07
M 2/10
Carbon and Life
Carbohydrates and Lipids
Proteins and Nucleic Acids
Metabolism
Metabolism
Enzymes
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
W 2/12
Exam II
4, 5 and 8
F 2/14
M 2/17
W 2/19
F 2/21
Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration/Photosynthesis
M 2/24
Photosynthesis
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Chapter 9/10
Quiz on D2L
Chapter 10
3
W 2/26
F 2/28
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
M 3/03
The Cell (midterm)
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Quiz on D2L
Chapter 6
W 3/05
Exam III
9 and 10
F 3/07
M 3/10
W 3/12
F 3/14
M 3/17-F 3/21
M 3/24
W 3/26
F 3/28
M 3/31
The Cell
Membrane Structure and Function
Membrane Structure and Function
Cell Cycle and Mitosis
Spring Break!!!
Cell Cycle and Mitosis
Meiosis
Meiosis
Mendelian Genetics
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Chapter 12
N/A
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
W 4/02
Exam IV
6, 7, 12, and 13
F 4/04
M 4/07
W 4/09
F 4/11
Mendelian Genetics
Chromosomal Inheritance
Chromosomal Inheritance
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
M 4/14
W 4/16
F 4/18
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Transcription
Transcription
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Genetics D2L
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
M 4/21
Exam V
14-16
W 4/23
F 4/25
M 4/28
W 4/30
Translation
Translation
DNA Technology
DNA Technology
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chapter 20
Chapter 20
F 5/02
M 5/05
Final Exam (9am) 8am-10am
Final Exam (10am) 10:15am-12:15pm
Cumulative
Cumulative
*The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the schedule and/or syllabus at any time. The lecture topics
will be covered in the order listed above and exams will be given on dates specified; however, the instructor may modify
the pace at which the material is covered; add or delete material; and/or modify the content covered on each exam.
Students are expected to read relevant textbook chapters and/or assigned material prior to each class period. If the
campus is closed due to inclement weather or class is officially canceled by the instructor, plan on the missed
activities occurring on the next scheduled class day.
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