Introductory Biology I – BIOL 1111

Gordon State College – Fall 2012

The Basics

Dr. Clark Danderson

Office: IC 237

Phone: (678) 359-5855

E-mail: cdanderson@gdn.edu

Office Hours: T 1-5 pm, W 10 am-2 pm

What Can You Expect this Course to Cover?

• Biological molecules• Cell structure and function• Cellular reproduction• Plant and animal energy pathways• Genetic• Evolution

Textbook

Audesirk, T., G. Audesirk, and B. E. Byers. 2011. Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology, 9th Ed. Pearson Education, Inc./Benjamin Cummings, Boston, MA.

BRING TO CLASS AND LAB!

How Should You Contact Me?

• E-mail—probably the best way and I reliably check and answer my e-mail each day

• Phone

• Drop-in during office hours

• Willing to schedule meetings outside of office hours as well

Grading Scheme

3 Lecture Exams + 1 Final = 400 pts

2 Laboratory Exams = 200 pts

Oral Presentation = 50 pts

Quiz On Student Presentations = 50 pts

Total = 700 pts

Grade Scale

A = 90-100%B = 80-89%C = 70-79%D= 60-69%F = ≤59%

Oral Presentation Assignment

• Involves research a topic in a biological field

• Use scholarly journals, books and encyclopedias—NO WIKIPEDIA!—and get to know the Gordon State College Library

• Deliver a 5 min. presentation at the end of the semester.

Oral Presentation Assignment

• Expected to take notes.

• Quiz on the material presented.

My Expectations of You

Attendance/Participation

• Attendance/participation in lecture and lab are required.

• Perfect attendance and no record of tardiness gives you 10 bonus pts on final grade.

• Don’t come late, leave early or come unprepared!

Missed Exams

• Make-up exams only given in case of true, documented emergency.

• If you know you will miss an exam ahead of time, let me know ASAP.

• Make-ups must be taken before the next class meeting.

• No make-up for Final Exam.

ADA Services

• Must get approval and documentation from Student Affairs-Counseling.

• No approval/documentation = no accommodation.

• Student Affairs-Counseling is on 2nd floor of Student Center.

Classroom Conduct/Etiquette

• Attend every class, arriving on time, and staying for full session.

• Treat me and your fellow peers with respect.

• Leave at home any and all devices that beep, squeal, ring, or play your favorite song.

• No laptops allowed—kill some trees and write your notes by hand

Classroom Conduct/Etiquette

• Failure to leave technology at home will result in me calling you out in front of your peers.

• Egregious disrespect will result in your dismissal from class period and 5 pts deducted from your final grade/incident.

• Using unapproved technology during an exam results in a 0 for said exam.

Laboratory Safety

• Need eye protection to enter lab—assume that every lab meeting requires them.

• Safety glasses can be purchased in the Gordon College Bookstore.

• Food and drinks not allowed in the lab.

• We will cover other rules this week in lab.

In conclusion, read over the syllabus and take note of the

assignments and exams. Preparation is the key to success

and is your personal responsibility!

On the index card write…

1) Your name, Gordon e-mail, hometown, major, and year.

2) Give an interesting fact about yourself.3) What biology-related courses have you taken

before? 4) What do you expect to get out of this course?5) What biological topics interest you? Which ones put

you to sleep?6) Feel free to give any concerns/questions you might

have.