M, W. F, 10:00-10:50 am: SC 104                 Room 106

Laboratory: SC 112                                        Office Hours: Posted SC106

Course Description:  An introduction to major concepts of the biological sciences and methods of scientific inquiry.  This course satisfies the natural science requirement for graduation and serves as a prerequisite for all other biology courses. Laboratory. (4 s.h.)

Required Text:
Biology
8^th Edition
Raven, Johnson, Losos, Mason and Singer
  

Course Objectives: This course will introduce the student to the general nature of scientific thought and fundamental principles, theories and terminology of the science of the biology.  Additional detailed chapter learning outcomes are provided throughout the course. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will

 1.)    Integrate course lecture, web based resources and laboratory techniques in order to demonstrate the ability to analyze experimental observations and demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the scientific method discussed in lecture and utilized in the laboratory sections of this course.

 2.)    Gain factual knowledge and understanding of the various classes of macromolecules and biological chemistry.

 3.)  Understand the classifications and terminology associated with cellular structure and function. (Prokaryotic versus Eukaryotic).

 4.) Understand cellular structure and function as it relates to functional genomics (basic genetics) and the theory of evolution, natural selection and adaptation.  Apply these fundamental theories to diversity throughout the biological kingdoms.

 5.) Become proficient in the use of a standard compound microscope and the basic technique of dissection.

1. Students who experience the Liberal Arts Core will develop a mindset that reflects on truth, beauty, goodness, and the Christian faith and will engage the world constructively.
2. Students who experience the Liberal Arts Core will have knowledge of the liberal arts tradition and will use their liberal arts background to address contemporary and future issues effectively.
3. Students who experience the Liberal Arts Core will gain appreciation for the liberal arts and will understand the rewards of being educated in the humanities, sciences and the arts.

Course Policies

Students are expected to attend all lecture and laboratory sessions.

Please refer to USF attendance policy in the USF student Handbook (www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/attendancepolicy.htm).  If a student is absent, the student is responsible for all material covered during the absence.  It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor regarding any work assigned during the absence.  Very few reasons are acceptable for missing an examination.  Please notify the instructor at least one week prior to missing an examination in order to schedule make-up examinations. Make-up exams will only be scheduled with an excuse that is deemed valid by Dr. Tille.  In case of an emergency absence the student must notify Dr. Tille within 24 hours of the scheduled test time and provide evidence (i.e. a note from the doctor or nurse) of the emergency.

Missed laboratory classes and practical exams cannot be made up.

There will be two Laboratory practical exams, one mid-term and one final covering the laboratory exercises completed during that section of the course. 

Academic Misconduct: Please refer to USF Misconduct Policy in the USF student Handbook (www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/misconduct.htm).  Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course.  All written assignments must be written in the student’s own words.  Directly copying answers from a text, another student, or any other source constitutes plagiarism.  A student found to have violated this policy, will receive a “0” on the assignment or an F, fail.  If another violation occurs, the student will receive an F in the course.

Students found cheating on an exam will receive a “0” on the exam.  If a second incident occurs, the student will receive an F in the course.

 This is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy and will be strictly enforced.

Grading: (percentage of total points/points possible)

90        and      above               =           A

80                    89                    =           B

70                    79                    =           C

60                    69                    =           D

59        or         less                  =           F

Plus and minus grades will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor.

 Total                                                                                                100%       

Student Assessment: The student’s evaluation of the course objectives will be based on the following criteria.

1.)    There will be four lecture examinations. Three section exams, each of which will have equal weight.  One final comprehensive exam, which will cover the entire course material including lecture and laboratory exercises.   The exams will be secured exams. Anyone removing a secured exam from the classroom without instructor permission, will receive a "0" failing grade on the exam. It is policy of the Natural Science Department, that you must recieve a passing grade on the final course exam in order to pass the course.

2.)    Classroom/Laboratory Exercises/Practical Exams: These exercises will provide the students the opportunity to become familiar with the use of a compound microscope and basic dissection of various examples from different biological taxa (groups).  Laboratories are required. Completion of laboratory exercises during scheduled laboratory periods are mandatory.  Students absent, will recieve no points for completion of the laboratory exercise. There will be two laboratory practical exams, one mid-term and one final covering the laboratory exercises completed during that section of the course.  Each will consist of photographs for identification. The photographs are representative of the microscope slides and organisms examined during laboratory sessions. In addition there will be a written short answer, essay, problem solving section on each exam. In addition, there are experiments and laboratory like exercises scheduled during lecture periods. These are also not optional and cannot be made up. If you are absent during one of these exercises, you will simply recieve a zero grade for that assignment.

3.)    Chapter/Topic Quizzes will be scheduled throughout the course. These quizzes are for the student’s benefit and will assist both the instructor and the student to identify problem areas and/or concerns in order to assist the student with successful completion of the course.  These will be scheduled on-line through out the course and must be completed as scheduled. NO late assignments will be accepted.