Biology 120.3 (C51) North Battleford
2011W T1
Welcome to Biology 120 – The Nature of Life
This course is designed to introduce the student to the vast and exciting field of
biology, with a focus on events that are not normally visible to the naked eye. It
covers topics in cell biology, genetics and evolution.
Biology 121 is the sister course and focuses on biological diversity, evolution,
adaptations of organisms to specific environments, and the factors influencing
changes in biodiversity over time and space.
Recommended textbooks
Biology by Brooker, Widmaier, Graham and Stiling. (McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2010).
Although not essential, it is very helpful for learning the course material. You do not
need to bring it to the lecture and copies are available from the Natural Science
Library.
Students need to purchase the Laboratory Manual for Biology 120 (2011 Edition).
This is essential for the course and must be brought to every lab session. These are
available from the University Bookstore and cost $25.
Evaluation
A midterm exam will be held on Saturday October 15, 2011. Students must bring
their current University of Saskatchewan student cards, a pencil and eraser. No
electronic devices are allowed.
In the event of a student absence from the mid-term exam due to a medical
emergency, death in the family or other exceptional circumstance, it is necessary for
the student to provide documentary evidence (e.g. medical certificate, death notice
etc.) explaining the absence. This will assist in determining if a deferred midterm
can be offered. To avoid a zero grade you must inform the instructor within 3 days
of the missed exam.
A final exam will be held in December 2011 and is arranged by the registrar. .
Please note that the final day of scheduled exams is December 22nd, 2011.
Accommodation will NOT be made for students making travel arrangements prior
to this date. If a student is absent for a legitimate reason, he/she may apply for a
Deferred Final Exam within THREE (3) WORKING DAYS of the missed exam. All
applications are made to the Dean’s Office of the College in which the student is
registered.
A laboratory final exam will be held on December 2, 2011. There are other
laboratory assignments and quizzes that are outlined in the lab manual.
Grades
The final mark is calculated as follows:
Midterm Exam
15% 50 minutes – 50 multiple choice
Final Exam
45% 3 hours - 100 multiple choice - 30% on
previously tested material, 70% on new
material
Lab assignments & quizzes
20%
Lab Exam
20%
Total
100%
The first laboratory is on Friday September 23, 2011.
Academic Honesty
It is your responsibility to uphold the highest standard of integrity and honesty with
respect to all of your academic work. It is in your best interest to be aware of the
implications of engaging in academic dishonesty. For details:
http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/honesty/index.php.
Contacts
Dr. Douglas H. Smith
Biology Building RM 150
Tel: 966-4415
Email: dh.smith@usask.ca
I will be happy to answer any questions you have during lecture breaks or following
the lecture. You can also contact me by email if you have any questions.
Lecture Schedule for Biology 120.3 (Fall 2011)
Instructor: Dr. Douglas Smith
Lectures are held on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. in the lecture theatre at the NWRC.
Date
Lecture Topic
Week 1 (Sept. 10)
Introduction & Biomolecules.
Week 2 (Sept. 17)
Biomolecules & Cell Biology.
Week 3 (Sept. 24)
Cell Organelles.
Week 4 (Oct. 1)
Cell Organelles.
Week 5 (Oct. 8)
Membranes and Membrane Transport.
Week 6 (Oct. 15)
Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis.
Mid-term Exam.
Week 7 (Oct. 22)
Genetics.
Week 8 (Oct. 29)
Genetics.
Week 9 (Nov. 5)
Molecular Biology.
Week 10 (Nov. 12)
Biotechnology.
Week 11 (Nov. 19)
Bioenergetics.
Week 12 (Nov. 26)
Bioenergetics & Review lecture.
December (Date TBA)
Final exam.
Laboratory Schedule for Biology 120.3 (Fall 2011)
Date
Lab Topic
Week 1 (Sept. 9)
No Lab
Week 2 (Sept. 16)
No Lab
Week 3 (Sept. 23)
Introduction, Microscopy and Cells
Week 4 (Sept. 30)
Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function
Week 5 (Oct. 7)
Osmosis and Cell Division
Week 6 (Oct. 14)
No Lab
Week 7 (Oct. 21)
Sexual Life Cycles and Meiosis
Week 8 (Oct. 28)
Introduction to Genetics
Week 9 (Nov. 4)
Human Genetics and Gene Linkage
Week 10 (Nov. 11 )
No Lab
Week 11 (Nov. 18)
Biotechnology: Techniques and Applications
Week 12 (Nov. 25)
Review Lab
Week 13 (Dec. 2)
Final Lab Exam
Labs begin on SEPTEMBER 23, 2011. Students are expected to attend (and be on
time for) all scheduled labs, lab reviews and final lab exams.