Syllabus from Fall 2007 course follows.



The Facts

Meeting Times: Check the registrar's schedule for dates, times and instructors.

Prerequisites: None...but you MUST register for both lecture AND lab to get credit for this course!

Required Texts: Freeman's 3rd edition of Biological Science, and a lab manual (available in the GAC Bookstore).

Offered: each fall.



Course Description

We will survey general principles common to all life. Biology is a multidisciplinary science that requires understanding of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. With this background we will explore biological disciplines in four sections:

  • The Structure of Life. A review of macromolecules, metabolism, cell structure
  • Cellular Metabolism. How cells harvest and transfer energy for growth
  • A Survey of Genetics. Mendelian and molecular genetics in eukaryotes.
  • Species in Space and Time. The evolution, interactions and conservation of species.

Course Goals

  • To supply science majors with the tools to master biological principles and obtain the background knowledge necessary for further study.
  • To understand that biology is a dynamic discipline in which knowledge integrates across seemingly disparate fields.
  • To develop an approach to the study of biology that will facilitate success in future courses of any science.


Isn’t this course just like High School AP Bio?

Ummmmm…………………no.

This course is a survey of biology as a discipline, and as such we will cover a large volume of material. Please note that while your memorization load will be heavy, you should also practice applying and critically evaluating the concepts that we are covering. For each section, you will be given 2-5 concepts that synthesize the material. Every chapter you read will have something to do with at least one of these concepts. So in addition to the memorization, I expect you to apply these encompassing themes to the material in a way that demonstrates critical thinking and analysis. If you are unsure how, come and talk to me!

A tutor for this course is normally available in the Biology library (NHS 224) and the Diversity Center (student union) during the semester. Hours are posted outside the library door. Receiving help from a tutor is a sign of forethought and maturity...the person is there to help you understand important concepts presented in the course. First-year students frequently make the mistake of waiting until just before an exam to study or seek help. Others make the mistake of waiting until they receive a poor exam score. Meet with them early, and let them help you decide if you’ll need their help.


Assignments:

Three exams worth approximately 50-60 points each.

Six pop-quizzes taken at the beginning of lecture. Worth 4 points each; the quiz with the lowest score will be dropped from your total

A semicumulative final exam worth 85 points

A variety of homeworks, due at start of lab, totalling 40 points.

This scale is subject to change!




For questions, contact Dr. Carlin at jcarlin@gac.edu.


Selective permeability allows impulse transmission








DNA fragments, like blood type genes, are heritable and subject to recombination








Enzymes can be powered by ionic imbalances








The morula, an early stage of development