University of Scranton

SYLLABUS

BIOLOGY 100 – MODERN CONCEPTS OF BIOLOGY

FALL 2003

Instructor: Dr. Robert Waldeck

Office: Loyola 106

Email: waldeckr2@uofs.edu

Phone: 570-941-4324

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday: 10-11 AM, Thursday: 1-2 PM or by Appointment

Course Text

Sylvia S. Mader. Human Biology, 7^th ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2002

Basic Information:

This course will explore the practical impact that biological concepts have on our lives. Some of the topics we ask will regard family health matters, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or neurological impairments. What questions should you ask? We will also focus on a few issues with wider implication. This course will provide a framework for making informed ethical decisions as a future decision maker and citizen of the world regarding pertinent biological issues.

Course Objectives:

Following this course the student should have a working knowledge of terminology, classifications, methods and trends in the biological sciences as well as a grasp of the fundamental principles and theories underlying biology. The scientific process of how this knowledge was gained and formulated should be clear. While memorization of facts will be needed, the student should begin to apply the course material to better understand social issues and to improve decision-making in regards to these matters.

Grading Policy:

Lecture Exams: (3 x 100) 300 points

Final Exam 125 points

Discussion Topic:

Oral report: 50 points

Written summary: 25 points

Assignments (in class and out of class) 100 points

Total 600 points

The lecture and final exam will be in multiple choice, matching, fill-in, and short essay format.

There will be no make-up exams. If an exam is missed and you have a written excuse, the grade for that exam will not be counted in calculating the final grade. I f you miss an exam and do not give an official written excuse you will receive a 0 for that exam and this grade will be calculated into your final grade.

Grading Scale:

( A ) 100-95, (A-) 94-90, B+ (89-87), B (86-83), B- (82-80), C+ (79-76), C (75-73),

C- (72-70), D+ ( 69-66), D (65-60), F 59 or less.

Tips for Succeeding in Class

1. Check the Blackboard course site for note outlines and figures to be discussed in class.
2. Attend class on time. I will not always take attendance, but will notice excessive absence. Exam material will be mostly from class work so it is to your advantage to be there.
3. Take good notes. If you have questions, please see me.
4. Keep up with the text reading so that the material is familiar sounding to you.
5. Ask questions- in class and in your dorm. Participation is greatly welcomed and rewarded.
6. Please see me if you have questions!

Academic code of honestly:

I expect you to be familiar and follow the University policy.

See: HTTP://ACADEMIC.UOFS.EDU/ORGANIZATION/USENATE/CODEOFHONOR.HTM.

Discussion Topics:

Everyone will be required to participate in a discussion of an issue. I will hand out the assignments by the second week of class for each student. Some of the topics are case studies and will involve both investigating background information to tell the class the basics as well as ethical questions to discuss. Other topics will need more investigation into the scientific issues involved. Generally topics will be assigned a group and then the group should decide who will cover the different aspects of the overall issue or countering a point of view of another in the group.

Before each talk, hand in a 1 – 2 page (double spaced) summary of your specific talk, with at least two references listed. Each should be prepared to talk at least 10 min and have questions for the class to keep them involved.

All in the class should participate by asking questions.

Lecture Schedule & Reading Assignments*

Date	Topic	Assignment
August 27	A. Introduction Scientific Method	1-13
29	B. Maintenance of the Body: Digestive System What do we eat? Cellular Metabolism Process of Digestion	26-34 54-57 81-107
September 3
5	Cardiovascular system	125-144
10
12	Immune system	145-164
17	Respiration	165-186
19	EXAM 1
24	C. Reproduction Reproduction	317-337
26	Reproduction
October 1	Development & Aging	363-384
3	Development & Aging
8	D. Genetics Chromosomal Inheritance	385-402
10	Chromosomal Inheritance
15	Fall Break
17	DNA & Biotechnology	421-442
22	Exam 2
24	F. Cancer Cancer	443-459
29	Cancer
31	E. Movement Muscular system	225-244
November 5	Muscular system
7	F. Integration & Coordination Nervous System	245-270
12	Nervous System
14	Nervous System

November 19	Exam 3
21	Senses	271-291
26	Endocrine system	293-309
28	Thanksgiving Break
December 3	G. Evolution Evolution	461-474
5
Final week	Final as scheduled.

*Schedule may change throughout the year.