Principles of Biology Biology 1210–20, Spring 2015 [4 credit hour class]
Lecture
Location
Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
University of Utah, Bountiful Campus; room 201: 75 East 200 South, Bountiful, UT 84010
Phone: 801-581-8821
Instructor
Dr. Nicole Lewis-Rogers
Email
contact me through Canvas
Your questions and comments are always welcome. The communication system within Canvas can be
accessed by clicking on the Inbox icon at the top right side of the page.
**To customize how you prefer to receive messages from Biology 1210 Canvas: go to Settings:
**Ways to Contact
Please use professional and respectful etiquette when writing to the instructor and students.
Office Hours
When you need additional assistance we can meet before or after class. Email to make an
appointment
Course Materials
1. Textbook: Campbell Biology Concepts & Connections 8th edition by Reece, Taylor, Simon, Dickey, and Hogan
is available from the University bookstore.
2. Turning Technologies Clicker: In class participation points will be earned using the Turning Technologies
Clicker. Purchase clickers through the University Bookstore.
Directions for registering your clicker can be found on Canvas: in Modules: Clickers: Clicker Registration &
User Information: Clicker Registration Tool
** Bring your clicker and a spare set of 2 AAA batteries to every class**
3. Mastering Biology: In order to get credit for homework in this course you must have an access code for
Mastering Biology. Available at the University Bookstore, you will find the textbook and the access code to
Mastering Biology in a single package. The total cost for the package will be cheaper than buying a used
book and the access code separately.
Course Overview
Principles of Biology introduce the workings of life from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Topics covered
include characteristics of living organisms, scientific methodology, taxonomy, basic cellular chemistry and
energetics, cell structure and function, genetics, molecular biology, evolutionary theory, and diversity. This is a
major’s preparatory course intended for all life and health science students.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Help you make progress along the long road towards becoming an independent agent, a producer of new
insights and solutions
2. Help you learn how to apply the process of science and corresponding skills to biological questions
3. Help you learn how to communicate effectively and collaborate (and survive!) in a group setting
4. Help you identify the complex interplay between society and science
Course Design
Our class meetings will consist of short lectures, class discussions, quizzes, Clicker questions, problem-solving
and activities to be completed individually, in a small group setting, or as a class. Therefore, reading the
textbook and additional assigned readings and attendance are necessary if you wish to do well in this course.
Although facts and vocabulary are important to any discipline, students are asked to go beyond simple
memorization of details and link those facts to concepts, applications (especially to their professional and
personal interests), and problems; to ask meaningful questions; to test well developed hypotheses; to develop
a range of intellectual abilities, including critical thinking, logical argument, appropriate uses of evidence and
interpretation of varied kinds of information; and to communicate their understanding in writing and orally.
You will be a part of a cooperative group that should learn together in class and study together outside of
class. We will uncover a lot of biology, but together we can make our class as active and cooperative as
possible.
You will always be expected to take copious notes during lecture. IMPORTANT: You are expected to read
assigned materials and complete Mastering Biology assignments ahead of the class meeting
scheduled to address those topics. In class we will often discuss only particular sections of a chapter and
build upon the reading (not review it). If you don't read & complete Mastering Biology prior to the class
meeting you shouldn't be surprised if you become lost during the discussions. You are expected to accept
responsibility for your own learning.
Lecture material may get behind or ahead of the written schedule, but exam dates will NOT change. If you
miss class, contact at least 2 class members and ask to copy their notes.
No electronic devices are allowed during class except on rare occasions.
Study Guides
Posted on Canvas within Course Modules you will find a module titled Study Guides: a list of learning
objectives and vocabulary for each chapter in the Concepts & Connections textbook. Lectures and in-class
exercises are designed specifically to address the learning objectives. Exam questions are taken from the
learning objectives, lecture material, in-class exercises, Mastering Biology tutorials, and the reading material.
To gain the most from your study efforts I recommend you (1) read the Learning Objectives before reading the
textbook, (2) read the assigned text material and then immediately answer the Learning Objectives, (3) review
lecture notes frequently and add in-class information to your answers to the Learning Objectives, (4) complete
the Mastering Biology tutorials, and (5) make notes or prepare questions for especially difficult material Before
coming to class. Focus on mastering vocabulary and use the learning objectives to help you organize the new
information in a more meaningful way.
Do not assume you will remember concepts because they appear easy or obvious; several weeks later when
you are preparing for an exam they may not seem so easy or obvious. Therefore, review vocabulary and your
notes frequently. It is encouraged and highly recommended that you study with other students.
Course Policies
Students are expected to behave ethically and responsibly as scholars, and to behave reasonably in the
classroom. All of your work must be your own, unless you are specifically requested to work in groups and
submit a single group assignment. In all your work, you must cite the sources of the ideas you present, and
use your own words in writing. I encourage you to talk to me about any problems that you have with the way
your work is evaluated.
Cheating: If two or more students turn in identical responses to an assignment the final grade for the
assignment will be divided equally among all parties involved. For example, if two students turn in identical
responses to an assignment worth 5 points, and the assignment is awarded 3 points, then each student earns
1.5 out of 5 points.
Of course, there must be no collaboration during examinations. If a student is caught cheating on an exam,
they will receive a failing grade and the matter will be turned over to the appropriate student disciplinary
committee. Submitting a quiz for another student and/or using another student's Turning Point Clicker are also
considered cheating. Taking out a cell phone during an exam is considered cheating, your exam will be
confiscated, and you will receive a 0.
2 For a detailed description of the university policy on cheating, please see the University of Utah Student Code:
http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8-10.html.
Attendance: If you plan to miss a class, it is your responsibility to inform your group members (if you are
involved in a group project) of your absence. Excused absences are those related to death in the family,
personal illness requiring physician’s care, etc. all of which need to be validated by official documentation
within 7 days of the absence. Be sure to talk to 2 or more of your classmates to see what you missed and to
borrow their notes. http://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/attend.php
If you know in advance that you will miss an exam, please contact me at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule
taking the exam at the Student Testing Center.
Late Assignments: See individual assignment types, listed below, for details.
Course Web Page: Lecture outlines, lecture slides, additional reading material, homework assignments,
Mastering Biology, and announcements will be posted on Canvas. To access Canvas go to the ‘My.Utah.edu’
portal on U web page, log in and select Academics from upper left, then click on Bio1210. Call the Help Desk
581-4000 or Media Services 581-6494 for help logging in. If you need assistance using Canvas visit
http://www.tacc.utah.edu/ or view instructional videos at http://vimeo.com/27499561.
Food & Drink: There is no eating in class, but you may drink water (no soda or coffee allowed) from a
covered container.
Cell Phones, Computers and Other Electronic Devices: No electronic devices are to be used during class.
Plagiarism: “is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and
the representation of them as one's own original work, as by not crediting the author” (Dictionary.com). If a
student is caught plagiarizing another’s work, they will receive a failing grade for that assignment and the
matter will be turned over to the appropriate student disciplinary committee. If you have questions, please
review University of Utah Policy 6-400: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (“Student Code”), Section
I. B. 2.:
3 Course Schedule: This schedule is for planning purposes and is subject to change. Review syllabus online periodically to ensure you are up-­‐to-­‐date. MB: Mastering Biology homework due by 11:59 p.m. Week Date 1 2 3 4 Syllabus & Introduction The Process of Science M 1/19 T 1/20 Biology: Exploring Life W 1/21 Th 1/22 M 1/26 T 1/27 W 2/25 Essential Chemical Basis of Life Molecules of Life: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins Molecules of Life: Nucleic Acids A Tour of the Cell A Tour of the Cell The Working Cell: Membrane & Transport The Working Cell: Energy & Enzymes Midterm Exam 1 [Ch1-­‐5] Cellular Respiration Photosynthesis Photosynthesis Cellular Reproduction: Mitosis & Cancer Th 2/26 Cellular Reproduction: Meiosis M 3/2 T 3/3 W 3/4 Th 3/5 M 3/9 T 3/10 W 3/11 Midterm Exam 2 [Ch6-­‐8, 34, 37] Patterns of Inheritance Patterns of Inheritance M 2/2 T 2/3 W 2/4 Th 2/5 5 M 2/9 T 2/10 W 2/11 Th 2/12 6 7 8 9 Topic T 1/13 Th 1/15 Th 1/29 M 2/16 T 2/17 W 2/18 Th 2/19 M 2/23 T 2/24 Reading Assignment (read for this date) Notes Ch 1 pp 9-­‐11 Article: “The Nature of Science and the Scientific Method” on Canvas: Module: Week 1 MB Introduction & Ch1 Jan 19 register your clicker Ch 1 & “Biological Syllabus & Student Info Complexity and Form due in class extra Integrative Levels of credit point Organization” on Canvas **Jan 20 Bring Clicker** Jan 21 last day to drop class Ch 2 Ch 3 MB Ch2 MB Ch3 Ch 3 Ch 4 pp 50-­‐58 Ch 4 pp 58-­‐71 Ch 5 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7, 34, 37 Ch 7, 34, 37 Ch 8 [8.1-­‐8.10] MB Ch5 Ch 8 [8.11-­‐8.22] Ch11 pg. 213: X inactivation Ch 9 pp.152-­‐166 Ch 9 pp.166-­‐179 MB Ch8 Meiosis MB Ch4 Exam REVIEW at 4:30 p.m. MB Ch6 MB Ch7 MB Ch34, 37 MB Ch8 Mitosis & Cancer Exam REVIEW at 4:30 p.m. MB Ch9 part 1 Mar. 6 last day to withdraw MB Ch9 part 2 MB Ch10 part 1 4 Patterns of Inheritance DNA Structure & Replication March 15-­‐22 Spring Break Th 3/12 10 11 M 3/23 T 3/24 DNA Transcription & Translation Ch 10 W 3/25 DNA Mutations, Viruses, Bacteria & Antibiotic Resistance Gene Regulation Gene Regulation, Cloning, Cancer Midterm Exam 3 [Ch9-­‐11] DNA Technology How Populations Evolve How Populations Evolve The Origins of Species The Origins of Species Tracing Evolutionary History Ch15 & Review for final Comprehensive Final Exam Th 3/26 12 M 3/30 T 3/31 W 4/1 Th 4/2 13 14 15 16 17 Ch 9 Ch10 pp.181-­‐193 M 4/6 T 4/7 W 4/8 Th 4/9 M 4/13 T 4/14 Th 4/15 M 4/20 T 4/21 Th 4/22 T 4/28 T 5/5 Ch 10 Ch 11 pp. 208-­‐218 Ch 11 pp. 219-­‐229 Ch 23.15 p. 481 Ch 27.10 p. 548 Bring a calculator Ch 12 Ch 13 Ch 13 Ch 14 Ch 14 Ch 14 & 15 Bring a calculator MB Ch 10 part 2 Videos links: Wk11: Watch Before 3/26 MB Ch11 Exam REVIEW at 4:30 p.m. MB Ch12 MB Ch13 MB Ch14 Exam REVIEW at 5:00 p.m. Final Exam 6-­‐9 p.m. MB: Mastering Biology homework due by 11:59 p.m. Grading Policy
Assessment Type
Quizzes
Clicker questions
In-class activities
Homework
Mastering Biology
Midterm Exam 1
Midterm Exam 2
Midterm Exam 3
Final Exam
Percent of Total Grade
10%
10%
10%
11%
12%
9%
11%
13%
14%
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DE
Percent of Test Value
93 - 100%
90 - 92%
87 - 89%
83 - 86%
80 - 82%
77 - 79%
73 - 76%
70 - 72%
67 - 69%
63 - 66%
60 - 62%
0 - 59%
A. In-Class Assignments
30% of final grade
Quizzes
In class quizzes will cover the reading material and will be given randomly during the semester at the beginning of
class. Each student will take the quiz individually. Then students will form groups of 3-4 students and groups will
have approximately 5 minutes to discuss their answers and retake the quiz. If the group score is higher than any
of the individual student scores in that group, then each student will obtain the group score. If the group score is
the same as any individual student score or is lower, then each student will obtain the score they earned on the
5 individual quiz. There are no make-ups or alternatives for earning points offered through in-class quizzes. The
single lowest quiz score will be dropped.
Clicker Questions
Everyone is expected to be in class and prepared to contribute to class discussions. Turning Technologies
Clickers will be used daily to provide feedback on student understanding, polls, and engagement activities.
Clickers must be brought to class beginning Tuesday, January 20. Using another student’s clicker or two clickers
in class is considered cheating.
Register your clicker by MONDAY January 19 by 10 p.m.: To receive in-class participation credit you need
to register your Turning Technologies Clicker. The link to register your clicker is located on Canvas, Module
page, Clicker Registration. The device ID# is located on the back of the clicker and will contain a combination
of 6 letters and numbers. The capital letter O is never used. However, the number zero is used.
How to use the clicker: You won’t be able to use the clicker when it is out of the receiver’s range. The
receiver is connected to the instructor’s laptop in class.
When in class, check to make sure the channel is set to 41. You will see 41 in the upper left corner. If you see
a different channel number, press the channel button, use the keypad to set it to 41, and then press the silver
button which functions as the “Enter” key.
How will I know if my answer was submitted? You will see the number you chose and a smiley face. If
you see a series of black circles at the bottom of the screen, the clicker is processing the information. If you do
not see anything on the screen, you need to change the batteries. **It is your responsibility to have an extra
set of 2 AAA batteries with you at all times.**
What if I want to change my answer? You can change your answer as many times as you want until the
polling timer is up. Only the last submission will be recorded.
I was in class, but I didn’t get clicker points. If you fail to submit an answer BEFORE the polling timer is
up, then you will not receive points for that question.
Clicker grading: One point for participation and 1/5 point will be awarded for each correct answer. Points
awarded for correct answers are counted as Extra Credit. There are no make-ups or alternatives for earning
points offered through the use of clickers.
In-Class Activities
In-class activities are due in-class the day they are assigned. Late assignments will only be accepted from
students who provide official documentation for missing that class meeting. Official documents must be provided
within 7 days of the missed class.
B. Mastering Biology and Homework
Mastering Biology
12% of final grade
There are 17 Mastering Biology assignments www.masteringbiology.com. Each Mastering Biology (MB)
assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. for the date specified. The assignments are open book and are not timed. Each
time you answer a question incorrectly you loose 1/3 of a point. You can submit another answer until there are no
points available for that question. Therefore, it is in your best interest to take your time. Although you can submit
multiple answers for each question, you only have one chance to submit the assignment. Late assignments lose
10% of the total points possible each day.
Adaptive Follow-Up Assignments: After completing the Mastering Biology assignment there are a set of Adaptive
Follow-up questions (estimated time to complete is 15 minutes) that have been selected specifically for you based
on your performance on the original Mastering Biology assignment. For more information, view Adaptive FollowUp assignments (for targeted practice) under the Help menu. You have up to 2 days to complete the Adaptive
Follow-up assignment following each Mastering Biology due date.
6 Mastering Biology (MB) presents many useful tutorials that are meant to supplement lectures and class
discussions. Lectures and in-class activities are designed assuming that you have completed the MB
assignment. The material covered in MB may not be explicitly covered in class and will likely appear on exams.
Statistically only about 20% of students like MB in the first weeks of the course. This is not surprising; students
have to do more work because MB is tutoring them. The combination of unfamiliar, difficult material, and a new
way of working can initially make them unsure of themselves.
However, according to studies of courses that use Mastering Biology:
• The figure rises to over 90% student approval by the last weeks
• Student grades rise by about 27%
For course material, student grades rise by 5–7 points—a full grade.
Grading Policy for Mastering Biology
Number of answer attempts per question is: 6
You gain credit for:
• Correctly answering a question in a Part
• Correctly answering a question in a Hint
• Not opening a Hint (2% bonus)
You lose credit for:
• Exhausting all attempts or giving up on a question in a Part
• Incorrectly answering a question in a Part or Hint
Late submissions: reduce the score for any item completed late by 10% for each day late. The score is reduced for the whole
item even if some parts are finished on time.
Hints are helpful clues or simpler questions that guide you to the answer. Hints are not available for all questions.
There is no penalty for leaving questions in Hints unanswered.
Grading of Incorrect Answers before the last attempt:
•
•
You lose 100%/(# of options - 1) credit per incorrect answer on multiple-choice and true/false questions.
You lose 3% credit per incorrect answer on questions that are not multiple-choice or true/false.
Homework Assignments 11% of final grade
Often in-class projects will be completed at home and submitted for grading. The homework assignments will
require you to apply principles that you learn in class and from the readings. Homework assignments generally
are due the following class meeting. Late assignments, those received the week of the due date [for example, if
an assignment is due Thursday you have until Sunday to submit it via Canvas email] lose 50% of the total points
earned; beyond this date no credit can be earned.
C. Exams
47% of final grade
There are three midterm exams and a comprehensive final. Exams are cumulative covering all material from the
beginning of the semester. Exams will be given in class. Exams may consist of multiple choice, matching, short
and long answer, drawing and diagrams. If you are late, then you will have less time to complete the exam; allow
more than enough time on exam days to ensure you will arrive in class on time.
The first midterm exam is worth 9% of your final grade and each successive exam is worth increasingly more
points – up to 14%. This gradation in points is to give you a break on the first exam (as the exam format may be
new to you) but also to help you keep engaged as the cumulative final is worth 14% of your final grade.
You must not leave the room during an exam without permission. You must turn off cell phones and remove
headwear during exams. Taking out a cell phone during an exam is considered cheating, your exam will be
confiscated, and you will receive a grade of 0 for that exam.
Exam reviews will be held at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the exam in our classroom. The reviews are informal and
7 will address student questions.
Make-up exams: ABSOLUTELY no makeup exams will be given unless circumstances are extremely
serious and you have official documentation. Taking an exam early can be prearranged with two weeks notice.
Re-Grade Policy: Students with questions regarding grading of an exam question must complete a copy
of the Re-grade Submission Form (located on Canvas) and submit it with your original exam within 7 days of
taking the exam. Exams that were completed in pencil are not eligible for re-grades of specific questions.
University of Utah Policies: The University of Utah drop and withdrawal dates are on the class schedule. Also
see http://registrar.utah.edu/academic-calendars/fall2013.php
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: The University of Utah seeks to provide equal
access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the
class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building,
581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All
information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for
Disability Services. (www.hr.utah.edu/oeo/ada/guide/faculty/)
Wellness Statement: Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression,
cross-cultural differences, etc., can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive at the University of
Utah. For helpful resources contact the Center for Student Wellness - www.wellness.utah.edu; 801-581-7776.
Discrimination and Harassment policies: There is a zero tolerance for any Discriminatory or Harassing
behavior. Please see http://www.usu.edu/studentservices/pdf/StudentCode.pdf
Code of Student’s Rights and Responsibility: http://www.regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-400.html
Tips for Success in Learning Biology
“I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” Colman Cox
1) Attend all class meetings – Often new material is presented in class only.
• Read the Learning Objectives before class.
• Read the textbook for comprehension before class.
• Complete Mastering Biology assignment before class.
• Memorize vocabulary before class.
2) Take thorough notes• Bring the Learning Objectives to class to help you organize your in class note taking.
• Print slides and rewrite your lecture notes while reviewing the textbook.
• Keep your notes and handouts in order.
• Create flash cards for mastering vocabulary and concepts. Learning biological terms is like
learning a new language; keep a vocabulary list and look up definitions promptly.
• Record the lecture if you are not a good note taker or need to miss class.
3) Study habits that are effectiveScience classes…For each hour spent in lecture expect to study 2-3 hours outside of class.
This means studying around 8+ hours each week in addition to attending class.
•
•
Learning Objectives
Exam questions are derived from the Learning Objectives. Answer the Learning Objectives by
writing the answers, drawing concept maps, diagrams, or create flash cards.
Vary how long, where, and how you study
Study often and for shorter periods of time
Choose different locations to study (library one day, your home or café the next, for
example)
Vary the type of material you study during the same study session (read, make and review
8 flash cards, draw concept maps or diagrams)
Read How to Study Biology & Succeed and Forget What You Know About Good Study
Habits by Benedict Carey. Both are available on Canvas: Week 1: Additional Required
reading.
•
Challenge yourself to answer the questions at the end of each chapter
•
Take your time viewing all of the tutorials available in Mastering Biology
4) Create a study group. Many students learn best in interactive contexts, so create informal study groups
outside of class. The best way to learn material is by explaining/teaching it to others.
WEB sites for further exploration:
http://biology-pages.info
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.accessexcellence.org
http://earthtrends.wri.org
http://tolweb.org/tree/phylogeny.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/
Great online biology text
National Center for Biotechnology Information
The National Health Museum
World Resources Institute, Earth Trends
Tree of Life: good, up-to-date information
PBS Evolution
9