Biology 1307-BIOLOGY II

Syllabus, Spring 2008
schedule

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Dr. Jon A. Baskin
Office: Kleberg Engineering 116 -- Telephone: 361 593-3580 -- e-mail: kfjab02 at tamuk.edu
Baskin's home page:  http://users.tamuk.edu/kfjab02/

Office Hours:   9-10:30 MWF, 9:30-11 TTh, or by appointment. University duties, such as committee meetings, may prevent me from being in my office.  If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to me before or after class or phone me at the office for an appointment

Course Description:

BIOLOGY 1307. General Biology II. 3(4-0)
Continuation of a two-semester course in biological concepts; will emphasize organismal diversity and comparative anatomy, reproduction, physiology, ecology, behavior and evolution. Three lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 1107 recommended. Prerequisite: BIOL 1306.

Required Text:  Starr and Taggart.  2006.  Biology:  The Unity and Diversity of Life, Eleventh Edition, Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning.  Tenth edition is O.K. to use.Thanks to the internet, you have a variety of options to consider when it comes to buying a textbook.  Here are a few sources

CD ROM
The CD included with the textbook has the following resources:  Flashcards, Internet Activities, Outline, Tutorial Quiz, and Web Links.  You should take advantage of everything.  Each student is also required to acquire a student transmitter for TurningPoint. It is available through the TAMUK bookstore and may come bundled with a new textbook. The student transmitter may be used in other courses, as well.

Textbook BIOLOGY Website:

Student Resource Page: For Starr and Taggart, 11th edition.  Each chapter contains the following resources:  Flashcards, Internet Activities, Outline, Tutorial Quiz, and Web Links.  You should take advantage of everything.
Student Resource Page: For Starr and Taggart 10th edition

OBJECTIVES:

Biology 1307 is the second of two courses designed to provide a thorough introduction to biology. The goal of the course is for students to learn important facts about the natural world and to understand the significance of these facts within the context of major biological concepts. Specifically, Biology 1307 is an introduction to the systematics, anatomy, and physiology of the plant and animal kingdoms. The course will examine the structure and function of plant and animal organ systems in the framework of the evolution of adaptations. 

The laboratory (1107), although separate from the lecture,  is designed to provide practical experience and reinforcement of the material discussed in the lecture, although lecture and laboratory material usually will not be concurrent.

   Grading:

Grading: Student grade will be determined in the following manner

            Recitation = 18%
            Lecture quizzes/ participation 4%
            Exam 1 = 18%
            Exam 2 = 18%
            Exam 3 = 18%
            Final exam = 24% 

Please keep all of tests and assignments, in case there is a question concerning the assigned grade in the course.  Grades will be awarded as follows:

90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, and less than 60% = F

The last day to drop the course with an automatic grade of Q is April 5. After April 5, you must talk to me before dropping the course. The last day to drop the course with a Q if you have a passing grade is April 30. It is up to you to take care of all the necessary paperwork

Lecture Exams: The THREE mid-semester lecture exams and the FINAL exam will cover notes given in class and pertinent information from the textbook. Some notes will come from sources other than the text. The examinations will consist mainly of multiple choice questions, with additional short answer questions, definitions, and characterizations. The first three exams will be over material covered during the exam period.  The final lecture exam is COMPREHENSIVE, giving you the opportunity to synthesize various topics covered during the semester.

Multiple choice questions will be machine graded. Each student must buy their scantron sheets from the bookstore, one for each exam. Bring a Number 2 pencil and your Texas A&M-Kingsville ID to each examination. The scantron sheet and the examination sheets MUST be turned in together, or else you will be given an incomplete (I) grade for the course and a zero (0) for the examination.

MAKE UP POLICY There will be NO make-ups for missed lecture exams. If you miss one lecture examination, the percent score on the final will be substituted for the missed test.  You will receive a zero for each additional missed exam. In the case of crises and emergencies (that you can document and that are considered a valid excuse by your instructor), talk to me (or phone me) before the exam and more flexible arrangements can be scheduled.  BONUS: If you take all four lecture exams, you may substitute your lowest grade with the final exam (percent) grade, if the final exam grade is better.

    OTHER

There is no policy of required attendance. However, it is unlikely that you will earn an acceptable grade if you do not attend class regularly. Attendance will be considered in the final grade, especially in borderline cases. Attendance alone does not guarantee a passing grade. It is important that you take complete and comprehensive notes of the lecture material. It is also essential that you study regularly. Reading the material in the textbook beforehand will help you better understand the lecture material. Shortly after each lecture you should reread and/or rewrite your notes and read the material in the textbook to make sure that you correctly took the notes and fully understand the material that was covered. At this point, use the online study guide to assess whether you have learned the material. Do not use the study guide only as quick way to cram for the exams. The university offers special workshops for students who need to improve their note taking and study skills.

Study Suggestions for Introductory Biology from other universities.  I expect no less from you.

1. Biology Learning Strategies: Muskingum College
2. University of Georgia Marshall Darley
3. Southern Plains College
4. Cornell Learning Strategies
5. How to Succeed in Biology: University of Miami
6. Chemeketa Community College study skills

Talking or other disruptive behavior during lecture will not be tolerated.

Academic dishonesty includes giving, receiving, or using unauthorized aid on any academic work. This includes a person who has taken a test discussing what was on a test with a person who has not taken the test. Any student guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a grade of F.

Students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Services for Students with Disabilities Office early in the semester so that appropriate arrangements can be made.