| Instructor: Peter Chen | Office hours: HSC 1235 before/after class |
| Mailbox: HSC 1235 | Phone: 630-942-8332 before/after class |
Email: 
Skype: bio1100 |
Web: http://biolo1100.nicerweb.com/ |
Course Description: Section 032. | |
| Survey of Biology: 4 credits (3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours) This biology course promotes scientific literacy for non-science majors and interested students. Organisms are studied from their behavioral, ecological, hereditary and evolutionary perspectives. An inquiry-based approach to understanding biological processes is emphasized. Students explore the relevance of biology to contemporary issues in human society. Prerequisites: MATH-0481 (or college equivalent) with a C or better, or a qualifying score on the mathematics placement test or a qualifying A.C.T. math score. Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. | |
Required Textbooks:
| • | Jay Phelan. What is Life? A Guide to Biology 3rd edition, 2015. You have several options of buying the book with or without Launchpad: at the bookstore or online. |
| • | Barbara Anderson. Survey of Biology 1100 Laboratory Guide 7.4 Edition, 2016. |
Lectures and Labs:
You can earn 4 points per lecture by being attentive;
4 points are deducted for each absence. Points may also be deducted for tardiness, leaving early, or inattention.
Lab data sheets are assessed for participation, up to 4 points each.
There is no makeup for missed labs, but you can fill in the data sheets as best as you can before the next lab exam for partial credit,
otherwise 6 points are deducted for missed labs.
Grading:
There will be 4
tests, 100 points each.
The lowest score of the 4 tests is weighted at 50% at my discretion;
the total possible points from tests are usually 350.
Makeup tests must be taken by the next lecture class; otherwise a score of 0 will be recorded.
A total of 10 quizzes is planned. The quizzes are 10 points each; the lowest score of the 10 is dropped.
There will be 2 lab exams, 82 points each.
There is no makeup for quizzes, lab exams, or for the final lecture test.
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Blackboard will not be used for any purpose in this course. The class web site will contain lecture and lab outlines; you should setup a login to access online tests and your grades here. Tests are closed-book. I will try to grade tests as soon as possible, so we can review them before moving on. If you miss a test, you need to make it up before the next lecture session.
Study Aids:
Study aids include brief study guides, flash cards, and self quizzes.
Assignments:
Your assignment for every lecture is to read the scheduled chapters ahead of time.
You are also encouraged to review the major topics as outlined in the study guide and do the self quiz questions
to check your understanding. Some (but not all) test questions may be related to these self quizzes.
Etiquette and Attire:
Electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, and music equipment, should be turned off or silenced.
Proper footwear should be worn on field trips.
Long pants (or socks) and hiking shoes are advised to avoid having insects crawl up your legs.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit reading will be provided;
you can earn up to 4 extra credit points by writing a one-page report on an article and giving an in-class
presentation, up to a total of 20 points.
In addition, you may teach part of a lecture, using my notes, for 4 points per class, up to a total of 20 points.
Extra credits and all makeups must be completed by start of class on Monday, 12/05.
Withdrawal Policy:
The deadline to withdraw from class is Saturday, 11/12.
After that date, students may file a Petition for Late Withdrawal through the Registration Office.
Petitions for Late Withdrawal will be granted for extenuating circumstances only,
including student illness, family emergencies, call to active duty, or other extenuating circumstances.
The student will be required to provide appropriate documentation for requests for Late Withdrawal.
Prior to withdrawing from this class, students are encouraged to speak with the instructor.
Incomplete Policy:
An Incomplete grade may be given at my discretion only for emergency situations.
A "Contract for Incomplete Grade" will indicate the work required and a deadline date.
A grade of F will be given if the requirements are not satisfied by the deadline.
Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:
All books, notes, and electronic devices should be removed from your table when taking quizzes and tests.
Cheating or plagiarism will result in a score of 0. See CHEN policies on
Academic Honesty
http://www.chen.org/student_life/student_services/pdf/academic_honesty.pdf and
Code of Student Conduct
http://www.chen.org/news-events/pdfs/14_conduct.pdf.
Questions:
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this class, or about your career here at College of Wildlife Photography and beyond.