GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BIOLOGY 1440

PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I

Purpose and content of course: This course is designed to review principles of molecular and cellular biology at an introductory level. The particular focus of this course will be to teach students about the science of biology with an emphasis on the scientific method and quantitative thinking. It will be helpful (although not required) if students have previously completed high school chemistry or UCA Chemistry 1301 (or above). The course is intended for biology (and some health science) majors and serves as a prerequisite for Principles of Biology II (Biology 1441) and all upper division major courses.

Texts:

Reece, J.B. et al. 2014. Campbell Biology, 10th Edition, Benjamin Cummings; Choinski and Karafit. 2016. Biology 1440 Laboratory Manual, Hayden-Mcneil.

Instructor: Dr. John Choinski, Professor of Biology

Lewis Science Center (LSC) 022 or LSC 026 (Research laboratory)

Office hours: 1000-1200p M, W and by appointment.

Phone: 450-5918

E-mail: john.choinski@gmail.com; Internet: http://faculty.uca.edu/johnc/index.htm

Class meetings: 1215-130p T, TH (lecture: LSC 168); 800-1050a W (lab: LSC 140), 200-450p W (lab: LSC 144); 240-520p T (lab: LSC 140) (CRN 12432, 12463, 12464)

Grading: There will be four (4) exams during the semester each worth 100 points. A mandatory comprehensive final exam will be given during finals week also worth 100 points. The lowest semester exam score will be dropped when calculating final grades. The laboratory grade will be determined from a combination of quizzes and reports totaling 200 points. The final grade will be computed based upon the percentage of the possible points achieved. For example, 90-100% or 540-600 points will result in an "A " letter grade.

Assignment of 'WP' grades: For those students who are eligible for a 'WP' or "WF' grade, you will not be assigned a 'WP' unless your grades indicate you would have had a reasonable chance of passing the course at the time you officially drop. Both lecture and lab grades will be compiled to determine your grade.

Makeup exams: MAKEUP EXAMS WILL NOT BE GIVEN . IF YOU MISS AN EXAM FOR ANY REASON, THAT WILL COUNT AS YOUR DROPPED EXAM. IF YOU MISS THE FINAL EXAM, YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED A GRADE OF ZERO. The result of two or more missed exams may be a "WF " grade. Note: You may petition to take a makeup exam under extraordinary circumstances, but you will need to substantiate why you missed (e.g. bring a note from a physician regarding a serious illness, etc.)

Attendance: Lecture attendance is essential to success in this class. Students who regularly attend class get higher grades and learn more biology than students who skip class. Laboratory attendance is mandatory. TWO MISSED LABORATORIES CAN RESULT IN BEING DROPPED FROM THE COURSE.

Academic Integrity & Conduct: Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Incidences of academic dishonesty such as cheating on exams/quizzes or plagiarism on lab reports will be dealt with according to the policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook. Incidences of sexual harassment will be dealt with based upon policies outlined in the student handbook. You are responsible for being familiar with this document. It can be found on the Internet at http://www.uca.edu/divisions/student/handbook/. Students found in violation will be dismissed from the class with a WF and a report filed with the appropriate academic advisor. Students are expected to show respect for the instructor and their fellow students while in class and (other than asking relevant questions) refrain from talking or disrupting the class. Should you be asked to leave the class for any conduct violation, you will be dropped with a WF grade. NOTE: Cell phones must be turned on silent mode and not be visible during lecture or exams. It is not permissible to take photos during the lecture or make a recording of the lecture unless you have a documented relevant disability.

UCA Academic Integrity Policy: The University of Central Arkansas affirms its commitment to academic integrity and expects all members of the university community to accept shared responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. Students in this course are subject to the provisions of the university's Academic Integrity Policy, approved by the Board of Trustees as Board Policy No. 709 on February 10, 2010, and published in the Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on an assignment, a failing grade in the course, or any other course-related sanction the instructor determines to be appropriate. Continued enrollment in this course affirms a student's acceptance of this university policy.

Emergency Procedures Summary: An Emergency Procedures Summary (EPS) for the building in which this class is held will be discussed during the first week of this course. EPS documents for most buildings on campus are available at http://uca.edu/mysafety/bep/. Every student should be familiar with emergency procedures for any campus building in which he/she spends time for classes or other purposes.

Disclaimer: Every attempt will be made to keep within the schedules set by this syllabus, although from time to time changes may be made. The instructor will endeavor to inform the class of these changes as soon as possible.

Disability: UCA adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need accommodation under this Act because of a disability, contact the UCA Office of Disability Services (450-3613) at the beginning of the semester.

Title IX disclosure: If a student discloses an act of sexual harassment, discrimination, assault, or other sexual misconduct to a faculty member (as it relates to “student-on-student” or “employee-on-student”), the faculty member cannot maintain complete confidentiality and is required to report the act and may be required to reveal the names of the parties involved. Any allegations made by a student may or may not trigger an investigation. Each situation differs and the obligation to conduct an investigation will depend on those specific set of circumstances. The determination to conduct an investigation will be made by the Title IX Coordinator. For further information, please visit: https://uca.edu/titleix. *Disclosure of sexual misconduct by a third party who is not a student and/or employee is also required if the misconduct occurs when the third party is a participant in a university-sponsored program, event, or activity.

Advice: Many students, particularly entering freshman, have a hard time with this class. The major source of difficulty is that they postpone studying until the very last minute and avoid seeking help from the professor or the graduate assistants in those areas that they do not understand. This strategy almost always leads to disappointment and the possible retaking of this class at a later date. REMEMBER: KEEP UP WITH THE MATERIAL. READ AND STUDY EVERY WEEK, NOT JUST THE FEW DAYS BEFORE AN EXAM.