BIOL 1406 GENERAL BIOLOGY I
Instructor:
Mr. David R. Etheredge
Office:
Science Building S- 142
Office
Telephone: 894-9611 ext. 2319
E-mail:
dethered@spc.cc.tx.us
Course Description: This course focuses on fundamental principles of living
organisms including the chemistry of life, cell and molecular biology, genetics
and evolution. This is the first semester of an integrated course for majors in
biological sciences and related studies, including the medical disciplines.
Course Implementation:
PREREQUISITE:
None
CREDIT:
Four semester hours
Course Objectives:
A.
To introduce basic biological principles through an integrated approach.
B.
To investigate the cellular processes of living organisms with an emphasis on
biological
chemistry
applications.
C.
To investigate the unifying themes and key concepts of the different types of
organisms.
D.
To acquaint the student with the anatomy, function, genetics and evolution of
different
types of organisms.
E.
To instill an appreciation of the variety and diversity of major organism
groups.
G.
To allow laboratory investigation of topics covered.
Attendance Policy: Punctual and regular class and lab attendance is
required of all students, Students are responsible for all class work covered
during absences from class, even in cases in which they are able to satisfy the
instructor that the absence was unavoidable. Excessive tardiness will not be
tolerated. When unavoidable situations such as illness, weather, an official
college trip, or a death in the family causes absences, the instructor may
permit the student to make up class work missed. In such cases it is the
student's to complete the work missed within one week of their return to class.
Whenever absences or tardiness become
excessive and, in the instructor's opinion, minimum course objectives cannot be
met, the student will be withdrawn from the course. Any student with 6
absences and an average below 60, will be withdrawn from the class. In
addition, an instructor is required to initiate a student's
administrative withdrawal when the student has missed every class during a
fourteen consecutive calendar day period (4 class meetings) excluding
holidays. Each class meeting consist of lecture period and a lab period,
consequently being absent from one class meeting will count as 2 absences.
Should a student , for any reason, delay in reporting to
a class after his/her official enrollment, absences will be attributed to the
student from the first meeting of the class. A student who does not attend a
class by the 12th day of class will automatically be deleted from
the class.
Examination Policy: Four major exams will be given during the semester. The
exams will be announced in advance and will be divided between lab and lecture
material. Each exam is worth 100 points.
If it is known in advance that an absence will occur on
an exam date, and the instructor is notified ahead of time, it may be
possible, under special circumstances, to take the exam at an alternate time.
Otherwise the missed exam will count as a zero when computing the semester
average, Due to the complexity and time involved in setting up lab exams with
microscopes and specimens involved, this policy is rigidly adhered to. DO NOT
MISS EXAMS!!!
Grading Policy:
Final semester average of
90 or above
= A
Final semester average of 80-89
= B
Final semester average of 70-79
= C
Final semester average of 60-69
= D
Final semester average below 60
= F
THERE
IS NO CURVING OF GRADES
Study Aids: Peer Tutors may be available for
one-on-one tutoring sessions that are free of charge, Contact the
instructor or the Counseling Center for more information.
Special Needs: Any student with disabilities or special needs should
identify themselves the first week of class.
I will do everything in my power to accommodate any special needs.
The student is responsible for providing the necessary documentation from
the SPC Special Services office.
Students
with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric or
learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should
notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate
arrangements may be made, In accordance with federal law, a student requesting
accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to
the Special Services Coordinator. For more information, call or visit the
Special Services Office in the Student Services Building, 894-9611 ext.
2529, 2530.
Academic
Integrity: It is
the aim of the faculty of South Plains College to foster a spirit of complete
honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of any student to present
as his own any work, which he has not honestly performed is regarded by the
faculty and administration as a most serious offense and renders the offender
liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. Dishonesty (cheating) of
any kind on examinations and quizzes on written assignments, illegal possession
of examinations, the use of unauthorized notes during an examination or quiz,
obtaining information during an exam from the textbook or From the exam. paper
of another student, assisting others to cheat, alteration of grade records,
illegal entry or unauthorized presence in an office are examples of cheating.
Complete honesty is required of the student in the presentation of any
and all phases of course work as his own.
Dismissal Policy: A high standard of conduct is expected of all students.
it is assumed that obedience to the law, respect for properly constituted
authority, personal honor, integrity, and common sense will guide the actions
of each member of this class. Any student who fails to perform to expected
standards will be asked to withdraw from the class.
Absolutely no Cellular Phones or Pagers in class.
If you have one with you, make sure it is turned off !!! If it
“rings” or “buzzes” during class your instructor will become very, very
irritated, and that is not a good thing! If
it “rings” or “buzzes” during a Major Exam the student will get a zero
for that exam.
Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are data sheets detailing with any potential hazards
which may be incurred while utilizing various chemicals in the laboratory. The
MSDS notebook is located in room 146 of the science building. All students are
encouraged to read about the chemicals used in the lab in the MSDS notebook.
Please ask the instructor if you need assistance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To help insure a great semester and successful completion of this
course:
Attend
class and be on time.
Be
an active part of the class, pay attention.
Take
a good set of notes.
Read
the assignments
If
you have questions, ASK ME! Please!
Find
(make) time to study, schedule your time wisely
Study
as much as possible, and then study some more!
Have Fun!!