Biology N100-H: Honors Contemporary Biology
Web page: http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/N100H
| Winter - Spring 2000 | Section A547 |
| Mon. & Weds. 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | SL210 |
| Professor: Dr. Kathleen A. Marrs | Phone: 278-4551 |
| E-mail: kmarrs@iupui.edu | Office: SL 330 |
Support for the development of this course was provided by the National Science Foundation, Division of Undergraduate Education (NSF-DUE Award 9981111), to Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis.
Text: Biology: Concepts and Applications, 4th edition, Cecie Starr, 2000
I. Course Objectives: The major objective of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts and major themes of biology, the study of life. By the conclusion of this course, you will acquire an understanding of the cell, DNA and genetics, evolution and ecosystems. Discussion of the major concepts of biology (such as cell structure, genes, and population biology) are interwoven with analysis of contemporary issues in biology (such as biotechnology, gene therapy, and human population growth). In addition, Honors N100 is a highly interactive class where a strong emphasis is placed on learning biology by inquiry, studying science from a social as well as a technological standpoint, and exploring the history and nature of science. This course is recommended for students majoring in education or for students of any major interested in developing scientific inquiry skills and scientific literacy.
II. Course Basics: An important part of this
class involves previewing material for lecture. This is one of the
best ways to allow students to develop a general feel for the content and
vocabulary for that week's lectures and helps students to generate questions
that can be answered during class. Several features have been built into
this course that allow students to make preparation before class as easy
as possible, and should help you get into the habit quickly. Previewing
will be expected starting this Friday, for next week's material.
1. Class periods: Two classes are held each week; typically running the full 75 minutes. Lectures will be interspersed with sessions of group or individual work on problems or questions. Attendance in the classroom is expected, as is participation (asking questions, providing comments, completing short assignments).
2. Web Page: The course web page allows students to prepare ahead for class, complete simple exercises, and take practice exams. The internet can be accessed at any of the library computers as well as campus computer labs. If you are not familiar or comfortable with using the internet, please see me and I will help you get started. Try to get into the habit of checking the web page regularly before class, and then allow yourself about an hour with the notes and the textbook to prepare for lecture and do the WarmUp exercises .
- Lecture Notes: Each Friday, partial lecture notes will be posted on the webpage for the coming week's Monday and Wednesday lectures. Specific readings will be indicated, details can be filled in before or during class, and lecture objectives will be included to allow you to check your understanding of the material. Figures inserted into the notes are from the Starr CD-ROM.
- WarmUps: WarmUps are short (10- 15 minute), straightforward pre-lecture assignments that are e-mailed to me before class begins. This allows me to see, before class, where students may be having difficulties and gives me a bit of time to determine how to address any difficulties during class. WarmUps will be posted on the web on the Friday before they are due, and must be sent to me by 9:30 AM before each Wednesday lecture. Because they are pre-lecture assignments, they will not be accepted after 9:30 AM.
- In the News: Often ,we will discuss news articles that relate to topics we are studying in class. Be sure to bring these articles to class with you.
- Help: Prior to each exam, a set of practice exam questions and answers will be found here. This should allow you to identify areas that you still need help in before the exam.
- Experiments: Simple activities or puzzles to get you thinking. They are just for fun, unless you are specifically asked to go here.
3. Textbook and CD-ROM: Your textbook is divided into very concise modules of 1 or 2 pages at most, with short, boldfaced summary statements at the end. Each module stands on its own, yet each module relates the "big picture" of the chapter's topic. Use the glossary at the end of the book frequently! The figures throughout the book are color coded (see p. xxiv in the preface) so that molecules (DNA, protein, etc.) are always shown in the same way. Reading the text pages listed in the lecture notes is expected. Material on the CD-ROM is for your use only (some good computer animations of complex processes, though!)
4. Office hours: Call or e-mail to ask questions or arrange an appointment. I am usually in my office M&W before and after class, T & Th from 9-1, and all day Friday; you are also welcome to drop in.
III. Grading and Other Course Information:
1. Course points: Your grade will be based on a total of 500 points:
Exams 1 - 4: 100 points each x 4 =400 points
Warm-Up exercises 1-14: 6 points each x 14 = 84 points
Attendance and participation: 16 points = 16 points
Any extra credit earned: Up to 12 points Total: = 500 points
2. Lecture Exams: There will be 4 exams, 100 points each, with a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay. A short help session will be given in class before exams. Exams may cover material from the text that was not covered in lecture. Please bring a #2 pencil to exams. Exam 4 is not cumulative and will be given on Wednesday, May 3th, from 10:30 - 12:30. You are expected to take exams on scheduled dates; however, in the event of illness, family emergency, or work-related travel, notify me as soon as possible. One make-up exam will be scheduled after the final exam (you may not use this to replace a previous exam score, but only to make up an excused absence on a previous exam date).3. WarmUps: usually consist of 3 questions and are worth 6 points each if handed in on time with 'reasonable' answers given. It is OK to answer "I don't know" if you are truly stumped. To help me understand things that are confusing for you, provide a sentence or 2 about what seems the most confusing.
4. Extra Credit: Six "2-minute quizzes" will be given at various times over the semester. These may not be announced and will be worth 2 points extra credit, for a total possible of 12 extra credit points.
5. Academic dishonesty: Cheating or helping another student to cheat is a serious offense. University procedures for handling academic dishonesty will be followed. Please consult your student handbook.
6. Withdrawls or Incompletes: Jan 18 - course deleted from record - no signature required. March 3 - automatic W with advisor's signature required. March 31 - W or F with advisor's and instructor's signature required. Incomplete grades are only given if student has completed 3/4 of the course work and has a passing grade.
7. Grading Scale:
A = 90 - 100% = 450 - 500 points B+ = 87 - 89 % = 435 - 449 points B = 80 - 86 % = 400 - 434 points C+ = 77 - 79 % = 385 - 399 points C = 70 - 76 % = 350 - 384 points D+ = 67 - 69 % = 335 - 349 points D = 60 - 66 % = 300 - 334 points F = 59% or less = 299 points or less
IV. N100-H Course Outline - check web page before lecture for detailed readings
Click here for a sample set of Warm-Up questions and responses
Click here for the set of all Warm-Up questions and responses
V. This course addresses the IUPUI Principles of Undergraduate Learning
1) Core Communication and Quantitative Skills: Students in N100 -H are asked to (a) to express ideas and facts to others effectively in writing, (b) to comprehend, interpret, and analyze texts, (c) to communicate orally in one-on-one and group settings, (d) to solve problems that are quantitative in nature, and (e) to make efficient use of information resources and technology for personal and professional needs.
2) Critical Thinking: Students in N100 -H are asked to (a) to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions, (b) to synthesize information in order to arrive at reasoned conclusions, (c) to evaluate the logic, validity, and relevance of data, (d) to solve challenging problems, and (e) to use knowledge and understanding in order to generate and explore new questions.
3) Integration and Application of Knowledge: Students in N100 -H are asked to apply knowledge (a) to enhance their personal lives, (b) to meet professional standards and competencies, and (c) to further the goals of society.
4) Intellectual Depth, Breadth, and Adaptiveness: Students in N100 -H are required to (a) demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of at least one field of study; (b) compare and contrast approaches to knowledge in different disciplines; (c) modify the approach to an issue or problem based on the contexts and requirements of particular situations.
5) Understanding Society and Culture: Students in N100-H will develop the ability (a) to compare and contrast the range of diversity and universality in human history, societies, and ways of life; (b) to analyze and understand the interconnectedness of global and local concerns; and (c) to operate with civility in a complex social world.
6) Values and Ethics: Students in N100 -H are asked to make judgments with respect to individual conduct, citizenship, and aesthetics demonstrated by the ability (a) to make informed and principled choices regarding conflicting situations in their personal and public lives and to foresee the consequences of these choices; and (b) to recognize the importance of aesthetics in their personal lives and to society.