Course Syllabus
Biology 1010: Introduction to Human Biology
Spring 2014
This syllabus is, in essence, a contract between me, the instructor, and you, the student.
I have spent a significant amount of time putting it together, and will stick to the information and policies contained within it.
Please spend a significant amount of time reading and understanding it. Thank you!
Instructor Information:
Nicole J. Huber
Office: Osborne B327
Phone: (719) 255-3765
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: M 12:30 – 1:30 PM, Th 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, by appointment, and walk-in. If I am in my
office, I am usually available. If I am not available in person, the best way to contact me is via e-mail.
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology by focusing on humans as biological creatures.
Topics include basic chemistry; cell and tissue structure; human body structure and functioning; human
reproduction and development; human genetics; and human ecology. The primary purpose of this course is to
serve as a preparatory class for the Biology 2010/2020: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II series.
Meeting Times: T/Th 9:25-10:50 AM in Centennial 186; 3 credit hours
Required Materials:
1. Biology of Humans (4E) by J. Goodenough and B. McGuire, Pearson, 2012. Older or newer versions of
the book are fine, too, although the page numbers will be different.
2. Three 100-question scantrons and a #2 pencil with a good eraser for exams
3. An e-mail address on record that you check regularly, and access to online course materials on
Blackboard at http://bb.uccs.edu
Major Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, I hope you will be able to:
 Understand how science both relates to and differs from other academic disciplines
 Use scientific knowledge combined with critical thinking to objectively evaluate current societal
concerns
 Use knowledge of basic chemistry and cell/molecular biology to comprehend the major physiological
processes of the human body
 Use knowledge of genetics to explain patterns of human inheritance and to analyze the relationship
between genetic make-up and physical characteristics
 Describe the basic layout of the human body; identify the location of major organs and list their primary
functions
 Describe the major organ systems of the human body and how each contributes to the maintenance of
homeostasis within the body
 Explain the ways in which common diseases and disorders result from the interruption of normal organ
system functioning
 Explain how humans integrate and coordinate the many functions of the body
 Understand how modern life/technology affects humans – in both positive and negative ways
 Explain the relationships between humans and other organisms; understand and appreciate the profound
impact humans have on life on earth
N.J. Huber: Biology 1010 Syllabus and Schedule, Spring 2014
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Course Requirements
Exams:
There are three exams worth 100 points each. Exams can cover anything presented in class, including material
that is not in your textbook. The exams are not cumulative; each covers the parts of the text indicated on the
accompanying schedule. However, note that there are many recurring themes in science that will appear over
and over again. A lot of material in science is ‘cumulative’ in the sense that most scientific knowledge relies on
prior knowledge. After the first exam, each subsequent exam assumes you have retained knowledge of prior
course content and can apply it to new material.
Use of any electronic devices during exams is strictly prohibited. For specific guidelines about expected
behavior during exams, please refer to the document ‘General Guidelines for Exams’ in the Study Guides
section on Blackboard. Failure to follow proper protocol during exams may have severe consequences.
Make-up exams will be given during finals week. If you miss an exam for a legitimate reason (subject to
instructor approval), you can take it after Exam #3 on Thursday, May 15th.
Quizzes:
There are four quizzes worth 25 points each; three scores count. Quizzes are diagram-oriented and designed to
test your ability to locate and identify different structures within human organ systems. Quizzes are given the
first 10 minutes of class; if you are late, you will miss the quiz. Because you are allowed to drop your lowest
quiz score, no make-up quizzes will be given. If you miss a quiz for any reason, whether it be that you slept
too late or were abducted by aliens on the way to class, the score will be dropped at the end of the semester. If
you miss more than one quiz for any reason, you will get a zero for one of them.
Homework:
There are six homework assignments worth 25 points each. Regular homework is assigned to keep you from
falling behind in your studying, as well as to help you check your understanding of the material. You will
complete and submit these online through Blackboard. Homework assignment deadlines are always on a
Sunday night, before midnight. I am very strict with deadlines. Homework submitted even a minute late is
late. Late homework will be penalized five points per day. Homework over three days late will not be accepted.
It is your responsibility to leave enough time to deal with possible technical difficulties that may arise.
Extra Credit:
I may occasionally grant extra credit opportunities to the entire class, but there is no extra credit other than that.
I do not offer extra credit on an individual basis.
Grading Criteria:
Exams
Quizzes (4 quizzes, 3 count)
Homework assignments
A
AB+
93% +
90-92.99%
87-89.99%
B
BC+
3 @ 100 points each
3 @ 25 points each
6 @ 25 points each
= 300 points
= 75 points
= 150 points
Total points possible
= 525 points
83-86.99%
80-82.99%
77-79.99%
C
CD+
N.J. Huber: Biology 1010 Syllabus and Schedule, Spring 2014
73-76.99%
70-72.99%
67-69.99%
D
DF
63-66.99%
60-62.99%
below 60%
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Miscellaneous Information and Policies
Reviewing Exams:
I do not return exams to you; however, I strongly encourage you to come by my office to go over your exams.
During this time, you may take notes by hand, but no electronic devices are allowed. This includes laptops
and cell phones. It is best to come in as soon as possible after the exam, before the next exam. Understanding
your mistakes will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future, as well as improve your thought
processes and understanding of the material. Being a proficient test-taker is an essential skill in science courses.
Fortunately, test-taking, just like any other skill, can be improved with practice and effort.
Academic Integrity:
I strongly encourage you to choose the honest route when it comes to your education. I do not tolerate
cheating, and will make sure there are severe consequences for any students I catch in an act of academic
dishonesty. If you choose the dishonest route, not only are you depriving yourself of the valuable
education you are paying for and participating in voluntarily, but you are also putting your academic
career and future in jeopardy. You are much better off putting your energy into studying and learning
the material than trying to figure out ways to pass exams or complete homework assignments without
having to learn anything!
You are responsible for knowing the university’s honor code, as well as other academic procedures, which are
outlined on page 23 of the course catalog.
Dropping or Withdrawing:
You are responsible for following and understanding the university’s policies regarding deadlines and
conditions for adding, dropping, and withdrawing. The last day to withdraw from the course without a
serious and compelling, extraordinary, documentable circumstance is Friday, April 4th. I will not sign
drop slips after that.
Disruptive Students:
Disruptive students in the academic setting hinder the educational environment. Disruptive student conduct is
prohibited by Regent Laws and the CU-Colorado Springs Students’ Rights and Responsibilities: Standards of
Conduct, and will be reported to the Dean of Students. For more information about the Standards of Conduct,
see the Dean of Students web site at http://www.uccs.edu/doc/student-conduct/student-classroom-behaviorpolicy.html.
Military Students:
If you are a military student with the potential of being called to military service and/or training during the
course of the semester, please contact me no later than the first week of class for discussion. For more
information, please see http://www.uccs.edu/~military/.
Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to register with Disability Services and provide them with documentation of your disability. They
will work with you to determine what accommodations are appropriate for your situation. To avoid any delay,
you should contact Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive
and disability accommodations cannot be provided until a Faculty Letter has been given to me.
Note that if you receive test-taking accommodations, you must fill out the required paperwork for each
exam and turn it in to me at least one week before the exam if you want to ensure that your
accommodations are met. Please contact Disability Services for more information about receiving
accommodations at Main Hall room 105, 719-255-3354 or [email protected].
N.J. Huber: Biology 1010 Syllabus and Schedule, Spring 2014
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Instructor and Student Responsibilities
We each hold responsibilities to each other. I will try my hardest to do each of the following:
 Come to class prepared
 Respect your time by starting class on time and finishing on time
 Teach you the course material to the best of my ability
 Grade your work in a timely manner, evaluate your work as objectively and fairly as I can, and provide
you with feedback as to why you received the grade that you did
 Communicate with you respectfully and professionally; in class – I will answer all of your questions
and address your concerns to the best of my ability; out of class – I will respond to e-mails in a timely
manner
 Hold you to high standards and attempt to give you the knowledge and skills that will allow you to be
successful in a highly demanding, highly competitive, but very rewarding field
 Respect the fact that your education is a big investment; I take my job seriously and will try to help
you to get the most out of this class and your educational experience in general.
In return, I ask that you try your hardest to do each of the following:
 Come to class prepared
 Arrive on time and give your full attention to the class until the end
 Contribute to a positive learning environment and refrain from behavior that hinders my ability to teach
effectively and your peers’ right to learn (examples: talking throughout class, letting your cell phone
ring, texting, playing video games on your computer, reading novels, sleeping, snoring, etc.)
 Recognize that attending class is your choice. If you have better things to do than come to class, don’t
come.
 Respect deadlines and get your work done on time, but accept the penalties outlined in this syllabus if
you do not
 Look over your evaluated work and read my comments when it is returned; inquire in a timely manner if
you have questions about how your work was evaluated
 Take responsibility for your own education; understand that ultimately, the quality of your education
will depend on what you choose to make of it. I want to help you to succeed, but I cannot read minds. If
you don’t understand something, are generally confused, or have any concerns and/or questions about
any facet of the class, it is your responsibility to come talk to me, e-mail me, or do whatever you need to
do until you are satisfied.
N.J. Huber: Biology 1010 Syllabus and Schedule, Spring 2014
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Human Biology
Tentative Schedule: Spring 2014
Note: The schedule is subject to change depending on uncontrollable variables and class needs. However,
barring any major catastrophic events, exam dates are set in stone. If the university cancels class due to
weather or other circumstances on a scheduled test day, the test will occur during the next class meeting.
Date
Lecture Topics
January
21 T
Course introduction and information
Introduction to human biology
23 R
Scientific method
Basic chemistry
28 T
Basic chemistry, cont.
30 R
Cells
February
4
T
Cells, cont.
5
W Census date: Last day to drop the course without instructor signature
6
R
Chromosomes and cell division
9
Su Homework #1 due before midnight (25 pts.)
11 T
Genetics and human inheritance
13 R
Genetics and human inheritance, cont.
18 T
Stem cells
Cancer
20 R
Body organization and homeostasis
23 Su Homework #2 due before midnight (25 pts.)
25 T
EXAM #1 (100 pts.)
Chapters 1-4, 19, 19a, 20, and 21a
27 R
Skeletal system
March
4
T
Muscular system
6
R
Quiz #1: bones and muscles (25 pts.)
Neurons
11 T
Nervous system
13 R
Sensory systems
Note that we are only covering general senses, vision, and hearing.
16 Su Homework #3 due before midnight (25 pts.)
18 T
Quiz #2: eye and ear (25 pts.)
Drugs and the mind
20 R
Endocrine system
25 T
Spring Break: no class!
27 R
April
1
T
Body defense mechanisms
3
R
Infectious disease
4
F
Last day to withdraw from the course without special permission
6
Su Homework #4 due before midnight (25 pts.)
8
T
EXAM #2 (100 pts.)
Chapters 5-9, 8a, 10, 13 and 13a
N.J. Huber: Biology 1010 Syllabus and Schedule, Spring 2014
Text Reading
none
Ch. 1, pp. 1-11
Ch. 2, pp. 14-23
Ch. 2, pp. 23-34
Ch. 3, pp. 46-52
Ch. 3, pp. 53-64
Ch. 19, pp. 393-407
Ch. 20, pp. 417-423
Ch. 20, pp. 424-431
Ch. 19a, pp. 410-416
Ch. 21a, pp. 455-468
Ch. 4, pp. 68-85
Ch. 5, pp. 88-100
Ch. 6, pp. 103-113
Ch. 7, pp. 116-126
Ch. 8, pp. 129-141
Ch. 9, pp. 152-166
Ch. 8a, pp. 144-151
Ch. 10, pp. 173-189
Ch. 13, pp. 239-255
Ch. 13a, pp. 258-266
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Human Biology
Tentative Schedule: Spring 2014
April
10 R
15 T
17
R
22
24
27
29
May
1
6
T
R
Su
T
8
13
15
R
Su
R
R
T
Blood
Cardiovascular system
Note that we are not covering the lymphatic system.
Quiz #3: heart and blood vessels (25 pts.)
Respiratory system
Digestive system
Urinary system
Homework #5 due before midnight (25 pts.)
Reproductive systems
Ch. 11, pp. 199-211
Ch. 12, pp. 214-226
Development throughout life
Quiz #4: reproductive systems (25 pts.)
Ecology, the environment, and us
Human population, limited resources, and pollution
Homework #6 due before midnight (25 pts.)
EXAM #3 (100 pts.)
8:00-9:15 AM
Chapters 11. 12, 14-18, 23, and 24
Ch. 18, pp. 362-380
Ch. 23, pp. 491-505
Ch. 14, pp. 267-281
Ch. 15, pp. 285-298
Ch. 16, pp. 312-329
Ch. 17, pp. 332-349
Ch. 24, pp. 508-521
Note that this is a different time than class usually meets. Make-up exams will be given
from 9:15-10:30.
Have a great summer!
N.J. Huber: Biology 1010 Syllabus and Schedule, Spring 2014
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