BIOLOGY 1110:  General Biology – FALL 2007

Prerequisites:          None

Lectures:                MW 11:00-12:20/ Warf 205

                              TR    8:00-9:20 / Warf 203

Text:                       Biology; 8th Edition by:  Mader W. C. Brown, 2004.  Text is REQUIRED; additional reading may be assigned.  Biology 101-102 Columbia State Community College, Thomson Learning Custom Publishing, 2004.

Instructor:               Kim Santee

Office No.:             Warf 228

Office Phone:          931-540-2693

Email:                     ksantee@columbiastate.edu

Webpage:               www.ksantee.columbiastate.edu

OFFICE HOURS:  Warf 228 /Also available other times by appt. and via email.        

     I.     COURSE DESCRIPTION:

            Biology 101 is designed to acquaint the student with the methods of science and the structure and function of living cells and living organisms.  A brief, general study of chemistry as it relates to the structure and function of the living cell is also included.  No prerequisites are required.  The course will be taught primarily by the lecture method, supplemented with audio-visual materials.

   II.     GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:

            During this course you should:

            1.    Understanding the methods by which scientists investigate natural phenomena and develop facts and theories.

            2.    Become familiar with the role of chemicals in the structure and function of living organisms.

            3.    Develop an appreciation for and understanding of the structural and functional complexity of the living cell.

            4.    Become aware of the structure and function of living organisms.

            5.    The evaluation of these objectives is discussed in Section V.

  III.     STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

            1.    Students are expected to attend each lecture and laboratory session on time.  

            2.    The student is responsible for the completion of all assignments.  Securing class notes and handouts for days absent will be the responsibility of the student.

            3.    The last day to drop this course is  November 8, 2007

            4.    Appointments may be scheduled with your instructor if outside help is necessary.

            5.    The responsibility for making arrangements to make-up a missed exam belongs to the student.  A grade of zero will be given for that portion of the semester’s work for which no test was taken.  All make-up exams will be constructed as to include material from the entire semester’s work.

            6.    Students must not demonstrate excessive tardiness to class.  If necessary, points will be deducted if students are consistently tardy.  No points will be deducted for the first two offenses.  Subsequent tardiness will result in a 10-point deduction for each occurrence.

  IV.     GRADING:

            Evaluation of your fulfillment of the course objectives and your final grade will be determined as follows:

1.       There will be three regular tests during the semester worth 13 % each for a total of 39 % of your grade.

2.       There will be a cumulative final exam worth 25% of grade.  This exam will cover material from the entire semester. 

3.       The Lab will make up 30% of your grade.  Lab grades will be discussed during your lab session.

4.       The other 6 % of your grade will be composed of participation (including attendance), quizzes, and any other graded assignments as the instructor feels is appropriate.

            Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

                              90 % and above = A

                                     80% - 89%  = B

                                      70% - 79% = C

                                      60% - 69% = D

                                  Below 60%    = F

            Grades will not be sent to students via e-mail or given out over the telephone because of legal concerns.  Grades are not mailed to students.  You must access grades through Self-Service (www.columbiastate.edu) five working days after grades are required in Admissions. 

V.       ATTENDANCE POLICY AND CONDUCT:

            1.    Students are expected to be present and to be on time for each class session.  Unexcused absences will not be permitted to make up work.

            2.    Verification of excused absences must be presented the first day you return to class and are only pertinent to exams.

            3.    You are tardy if you arrive for class after the instructor has closed the classroom door or has begun lecture.

            4.    Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

            5.    Academic integrity is expected.  (See the current catalog.)

            6.    The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted in class.

            7.    No eating or drinking is permitted in the classroom.

            8.    Electronic devices, particularly cell phones, should not be audible and NOT interrupt class.  Special permission to use small tape recorders must be given by the instructor.   Computers should be used responsibly. Failure to comply with this policy may result in your dismissal from this course. The instructor reserves the right to prohibit electrical devices at any time as she see deems necessary.

  VI.     COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

            Grades will be determined as listed under grading. Extra credit work is not available.

            The student is expected to complete all tests and out of class assignments.

VII.     LABORATORY TOPICS:

    Introduction to lab

    Metric System

    Scientific Method

    The Microscope

    Identification of Organic Molecules

    Cell Structure

    Osmosis & Diffusion

    Enzymes 

    Cellular Respiration

    Photosynthesis

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with Counseling/Disability Services (931-540-2572) for possible assistance with accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially provide appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of the disability.  Students requesting special accommodations are (strongly) encouraged to contact Counseling/Disability Services at the beginning of the semester.

EMERGENCIES

            In the event of an emergency all students are to follow the directions of the instructor.  There are emergency procedures posted in each classroom and lab.

THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER

The Academic Success Center offers tutoring free of charge for all students enrolled at Columbia State Community College.  Assistance is available for all writing assignments, for most math courses, and some science courses, as well as for specific courses as the need arises.  Tutors are available at all five campuses, and online tutoring using, Smarthinking.com, is offered as well.  The Academic Success Center is located on the main campus in Warf 237 and the Franklin campus next to the library.  For more information or to schedule appointments, call 931-540-1302 at the main campus and 615-790-5671 at the Franklin campus.  Walk-in visits are welcome, but to ensure prompt service, students should schedule an appointment.

Please visit our web page  www.academicsupport.columbiastate.edu for any information regarding staff, hours, tutoring, etc.

Preliminary Schedule: