BSCI 207 (Organismal Biology)
Dr. Karen Carleton, Dr. Eric Haag, and Dr. Jeff Shultz
Fall Semester, 2013
Section 0101: M-W-F @ 2:00-2:50 pm, HJ Patterson, room 0226
Section 0201: M-W-F @ 11:00-11:50 am, Physics, room 1412
Lecturers
Dr. Karen Carleton (Dept. of Biology)
Office: 2130 Bioscience Research Building
Office Hours (1229 HJP): Tu 11:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Telephone: 301-405-6929
kcarleto@umd.edu
Dr. Eric Haag (Dept. of Biology)
Office: 0256 Biology-Psychology
Office Hours (1229 HJP): W 9:15-10:45 am
Telephone: 301-405-8534
ehaag@umd.edu
Dr. Jeff Shultz (Dept. of Entomology)
Office: 4134 Plant Sciences
Office Hours (1229 HJP): M 3:00-5:00 pm
Telephone: 301-405-7519
jshultz@umd.edu
Graduate Teaching Assistants
Grace Anderson
ganderso@umd.edu
Tutorial sessions: T 2:00 pm-3:30 pm and T 3:30-5:00
Mercedes Burns
mmburns@umd.edu
Tutorial sessions: T 8:00-9:30 am and T 9:30-11:00 am
Grace Capshaw
gcapshaw@umd.edu
Tutorial sessions: W 12:00-1:30 pm, F 9:00-10:30 pm
Daniel Keil
dkeil@umd.edu
Tutorial sessions: Th 2:00-3:30 pm, Th 3:30-5:00 pm
Lectures
Lectures for Section 0201 start promptly at 11:00 and continue until 11:50 while those for
Section 0101 start at 2:00 and go until 2:50. Please arrive a bit early and plan on staying for
the whole lecture. In case of an urgent need to arrive or leave early, please sit at the end of a
row and near a door. Lecture outlines are available for download from ELMS (as .pdf files).
However, some lecture material will not be in the handouts, and that which is will be more
clear after hearing the entire presentation. We thus do not recommend skipping lectures.
It is your responsibility to note any changes in the syllabus or other information announced in
lecture and/or posted on our Canvas discussion area.
Examinations
There will be three midterms (100 pts. each) and one comprehensive final (150 pts.). The
lowest midterm will be dropped. We do not give make-up exams. If you miss a midterm, that
examination will count as the dropped exam. Each midterm exam will be partly multiplemultiple choice and partly short essays. The final exam is entirely composed of multiplemultiple choice questions.
Make-up Examinations: Because of the size of the class and the flexible grading policy,
make-up exams will not generally be offered, even for legitimate excuses such as illness or
family emergencies. If you miss a midterm, that will be your dropped exam. Students with
unusual situations that can be anticipated in advance (e.g. medical school interviews,
university athletic events, etc.) are encouraged to contact the instructors well in advance of
the exam.
Re-grade Requests: For lecture exams, re-grades will be considered only if the original was
written in pen. If you feel you were graded incorrectly on an exam, please do the following:
1. Refer to the answer key (which will be posted the day of the exam) to make sure you
know what the correct answer is.
2. Return the exam to your instructor along with a written explanation of why you feel you
should have received more points, and including reference to the posted answer key.
Important Note: The firm deadline for re-grade requests is ONE WEEK after the graded exam
was made available (regardless of when you actually pick it up). There will be no re-grades
for the final.
Math Bench Modules
Mathematics is interwoven through most of the material in BSCI 207. The Math Bench
modules on the course website are useful tools for being successful in this course. We
STRONGLY urge you to complete these around the time noted in the syllabus. Previous
experience indicates a strong correlation between successful completion of the Math Bench
modules and success in BSCI 207.
Homework problem sets and Tutorials
To increase mastery of the topics encountered in the lectures, there will be ten problem sets
during the semester. These will be graded primarily as pass/fail, but students are encouraged
to scrutinize the key posted to self-evaluate. The content of homework problem sets will be
directly applicable to exam content.
TAs will lead guided group discussions of the homework assignments in H.J. Patterson 1229.
At the start of the term, students may select any tutorial times that work for them, and may
change from week to week. If needed, however, these times may be revised and/or
augmented to prevent overcrowding or wasted time.
Grading Scale
The 400 maximum possible point total for this course derives from the best two of the three
hourly examinations (100 points each = 200 points), 50 points from homework (ten at 5 points
each), and a 150-point comprehensive final examination. The minimum grade for a given
number of points is set as follows:
388-400 A+
373-387 A
360-372 A-
346-359
333-345
320-332
306-319 C+
293-305 C
280-292 C-
266-279
253-265
240-252
0-203
B+
B
BD+
D
DF
The relationship between points and grades is not subject to routine revision (“curving”). That
is, grades reflect an absolute standard of mastery, rather than performance relative to one’s
peers. However, the instructors reserve the right to adjust grades in the class’ favor in light of
the outcomes on particular assessments. Such adjustments may take the form of extra credit
assignments (always for the whole class) or alternative grading schemes for some items. In
any case, changes will be made uniformly for the class as a whole, and cannot be given by
special pleading from individual students.
Role of readings and textbooks
We will assign reading materials from a variety of sources for many specific lectures. We are
not assigning readings from a textbook, but we encourage you to use a text from an
introductory course (e.g. Campbell’s Biology) as a reference.
Course Web Site: http://www.myelms.umd.edu/
We will be making extensive use of the Enterprise Learning Management System (ELMS) for
this course. Currently, ELMS is running the Canvas system. If you have problems, refer to
the Browser link on the login page, or contact ELMS staff by sending email to
elms@umd.edu. For general computer issues, the OIT Helpdesk for students can be
reached at 301-405-1400.
Using ELMS you will be able to access lecture notes (and add your private annotations to
help you learn) and additional materials discussed in class. Its messaging and discussion
functions will allow you to discuss material in the course with your professors and other
students, other web pages, etc.
ELMS will also enable you to access your grades and keep track of your scores. They will be
available to you (and only you) each time you access the web, from anywhere in the world.
 Keep in mind that only you can see your grades or your annotations to documents.
Your use is password protected and you should NOT give out your password to
anyone.
 Please make sure you log out of Blackboard after you have done your work.
Otherwise, anyone else who comes onto the same computer may be able to see your
work and your grades.

We will provide material on our course site that may not show up in lectures, and
announcements will be placed on the Discussion area.
Hints for Academic Success
We have found that the following suggestions have made a significant difference for many
students:
 Attend ALL lectures.
 Print the lecture outlines and take notes right on these sheets, so you won't have to
worry about spelling and other basic information.
 Re-copy your lecture notes in condensed outline form, ideally by hand rather than
typing. (Note, we really do mean rewrite the notes, not just review them.) This helps to
greatly reinforce your learning and will make a giant difference for comprehension and
in preparation for exams. As you turn your raw notes into tight outlines, you will have
to think about the lecture and check yourself to make sure you understood the
material. If you did not understand the material then you should refer to the text and, if
necessary, get help from your TA or lecturers.
 Keep up with all course work, reading assignments, and updating your notes. It is
almost impossible to perform well on the exams if you have not kept up.
 While we hope to test your higher-level thinking and reasoning in this course, it is also
essential that you learn the basic vocabulary of biology. Therefore, do your best to
memorize the meaning of new terms and to understand concepts as they arise (some
people find flash cards useful for this).
 Consider participating in a study group (which you set up yourself). If you are
successful in teaching this material to someone else (correctly), you have probably
mastered it. Note, however, that while such groups are valuable, they are not a
substitute for individual time spent with the material.
 Being a full-time student is a full-time job (or more). To perform well, you should spend
an average of eight to 12 hours per week outside of class working on BSCI 207
material and assignments. One cannot study for a BSCI 207 exam entirely the night
before the exam.
 Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. To be an effective “squeaky wheel,” see the
various options
Academic Policies
The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic
Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic
integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. Students are responsible
for upholding it.
For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please
visit http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/whatis.html. It is very important for you to be
aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism… Definitions
of these forms of academic dishonesty are:
 CHEATING: intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials,
information or study aids in any academic exercise.
 FABRICATION: intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any
information or citation in an academic exercise.
 FACILITATION: intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to
violate any provision of the Code of Academic Integrity.

PLAGIARISM: intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as
one's own in any academic exercise.
You will be asked to write and sign the University Honor Pledge on all examinations. The
pledge reads as follows: “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any
unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination.”
Religious Observances
In accordance with University Policy, no examination will be held on a major religious holiday;
see www.faculty.umd.edu/teach/religious.html for a list of these holidays. We realize that
not all holidays are listed here. If you need to be absent for a religious observance on a day
when an exam is being held you must inform us in advance and we will work with you to
resolve the problem as best we can.
Accommodating Students with Disabilities
The Disability Support Service (DSS) will work closely with both faculty and students. You
may contact the office at 314-7682. A booklet, Reasonable Accommodations, is also
available to assist you in understanding the options. Students registered with DSS will be
given every accommodation they deserve (as documented via DSS).
Getting help
1. Tutorial sessions, office hours, and GSS sessions: These drop-in sessions are your
easiest, most reliable way to access the instructors. Tutorial sessions are primarily dedicated
for homework discussions, but in weeks where there is no homework they will continue for
general review and discussion of lecture materials. GSS sessions are focused on general
lecture content.
2. ELMS Discussion Board: This allows you to post questions to any of the instructors, and
can be done anonymously if you are more comfortable.
3. Review sessions: before each exam, the TAs and course faculty typically offer review
sessions. These are most beneficial after the bulk of preparation has been done (they are
not long enough to re-teach entire lectures, nor is that a good use of the time).
4. Appointments by arrangement: The dedicated and knowledgeable teaching assistants in
the course are typically more flexible in their schedules than the faculty instructors. We
therefore encourage you to make requests for unscheduled meetings of the TAs first. If you
need additional help, however, please don’t hesitate to contact the faculty instructors.
LECTURE AND EVALUATION SCHEDULE
Lecture
Date
Who
Units
Topic
Evaluation
Readings &
MathBench
1
W 9/4
All
Introduction - what is 207
2
F 9/6
KC
a.
Tree thinking
3
M 9/9
KC
b.
Information, codes, and trees
4
W 9/11
KC
c.
Early life and RNA worlds
5
F 9/13
KC
d. Thermodynamics
1. Principles
HW1: trees
Baum et al 2005
Woese et al 1990
HW2:
energetics
6
M 9/16
KC
e. Electron transport chains I
(mitochondria, prokaryotic variants)
7
W 9/18
KC
8
F 9/20
JS
f.
Electron transport chains II
(photosynthesis & variants)
3. Multi-
a.
Scaling: size matters
HW3:allometry
cellularity
9
M 9/23
JS
MB: 3/4 Scaling
Law
b.
The origin of cellular societies and
multicellular organisms
10
W 9/25
JS
c.
Endosymbiosis: the deep history of
eukaryotes and multicellularity
11
F 9/27
JS
d.
Limits of diffusion
HW4: Ficke’s
MB: Diffusion
Laws
12
M 9/30
JS
13
W 10/2
EH
14
F 10/4
EH
Exam
M 10/7
15
W 10/9
EH
16
F 10/11
EH
2. Sex
e.
Implications of scaling
a.
Costs & benefits of sex
b.
Sex and life history
EXAM 1 (100 pts.) -Lectures 1-12
4. Devel-
c.
Diversity case study: fungi
a.
Principles of development
opment
E
HW5:
development
17
M 10/14
EH
b.
Plant development
18
W 10/16
EH
c.
Animal development (embryonic)
19
F 10/18
EH
d.
Animal development (larvae &
metamorphosis)
20
M 10/21
EH
21
W 10/23
EH
5. Transport
e.
Integrative lecture: Evo-devo
a.
Plant nutrient assimilation and
transpiration
22
F 10/25
EH
b.
Sugar transport in plants (phloem)
HW6: Boyle’s
Law
23
M 10/28
EH
c.
24
W 10/30
EH
d.
Gas exchange & circulatory system in
animals
Digestion & nutrient assimilation in
animals
25
F 11/1
EH
e.
Osmoregulation & waste excretion
MB: Osmosis
Exam
M 11/4
na
26
W 11/6
KC
EXAM 2 (100 pts.) -Lectures 13-24
6. Neurons
a.
E
Neurons and action potential
MB: Nernst
potential
27
F 11/8
KC
b.
28
M 11/11
KC
c.
Nervous systems
29
W 11/13
KC
d.
Evolution of the human brain
30
F 11/15
KC
a.
Intro (inputs, mechanisms of sensation)
31
M 11/18
KC
b.
Hearing
32
W 11/20
KC
c.
Vision
33
F 11/22
JS
a.
Properties of biomaterials
7. Senses
8. Bio-
Interneuron signaling and the synapse
HW7: Nernst
HW8: sensation
mechanics
Exam
M 11/25
na
EXAM 3 (100 pts.) -Lectures 25-32
34
W 11/27
JS
visual perception games
F 11/29
THANKSGIVING BREAK (No Class)
E
HW9: musculoskeletal
35
M 12/2
JS
b.
Support and skeletons
36
W 12/4
JS
c.
Molecular basis of motility
37
F 12/6
JS
d.
Muscle architecture and levers
HW10:
locomotion
38
M 12/9
JS
e.
Terrestrial locomotion
39
W 12/11
JS
e.
Fluid locomotion I
40
F 12/13
JS
f.
Fluid locomotion II
Final
12/19 1:30-3:30p
exam
12/18 8-10a
FINAL EXAM (150 pts)
MWF 2-2:50
sect 0101
MWF 11-11:50
sect 0201
Abbreviations:
E, Examination
HW, Homework
MB, MathBench module
EH, Eric Haag
JS, Jeff Shulz,
KC, Karen Carleton
M, Monday
W, Wednesday
a, a.m.
p, p.m.
F, Friday
S, Saturday