Course Syllabus/Fall 2013

120:101 General Biology

INSTRUCTORS:

Douglas W. Morrison

EMAIL:

dmorrison@andromeda.rutgers.edu

OFFICE/OFFICE
HOURS:

Boyden 407
Appointments by email

COURSE
WEBSITE:

Blackboard

COURSE
LOCATION(S):

Lecture in Boyden 100,

Discussion in Boyden 223,
Laboratory in Boyden 220.

MEETING TIME(S): FALL, LECTURES MW 10-11:20

OR TTH 11:30-12:50, PLUS DISCUSSION

AND LAB.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
General Biology 101 and 102 are recommended for students who do NOT intend to become biology majors. General
Biology 101 investigates concepts and applications in the anatomy, physiology, and ecology of humans, animals and plants.
General Biology102 does the same for cells, genetics and evolution. The course integrates lectures, self-paced labs
(experiments and dissections), and small group discussions to investigate major topics in biology. Lectures and discussions
are replete with "hot topics" in biology selected for their relevance to humans -- everything from designer babies and stem
cell research to forensic DNA and the biological history of humans.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

REQUIRED TEXT:
nd

Biology: Concepts & Investigations by M. Hoefnagels (2 edition, beetle on the cover)

Lab Guide for Biology 101 by Douglas W. Morrison (bat on the cover)

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SCHEDULE AND COURSE OUTLINE: Topics are listed by week; lectures meet twice every week, discussion and labs alternate
every two weeks. Due dates for all topics and assignments will be regularly updated on the course Blackboard site.

WEEK

LECTURE

DISCUSSION

LABORATORY

Week 1

Overview/Excretory System

Intro - odd and even discussions

No labs this week

Week 2

Respiratory/Circulatory System

Designer Babies odd disc only

1-EVEN: Digestive & Excretory Systems

Week 3

Nervous System/Senses

Designer Babies even disc only

1-ODD: Digestive & Excretory Systems

Week 4

Reproduction/ Embryonic Develop

Stem Cell Research odd only

2-even: Respiratory/Circulatory Systems

Week 5

Review/ LECTURE EXAM 1

Stem Cell Research even only

2-odd: Respiratory/Circulatory Systems

Week 6

Immune System

AIDS Research odd disc only

3-even: Embryonic Development

Week 7

Plant Anatomy & Function

AIDS Research even disc only

3-odd: Embryonic Development

Week 8

Plant Reproduction/Development

LAB MIDTERM EXAM

LAB MIDTERM EXAM

Week 9

Plant Diversity

Genetically Modified Foods - odd

4-ODD: Plant Diversity

Week 10

Fungi/ LECTURE EXAM 2

Genetically Modified Foods - even

4-EVEN: Plant Diversity

Week 11

Animal Diversity

Global Warming EVEN only

4-odd: Animal Diversity

Week 12

Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break

Week 13

Population Ecology

Global Warming ODD only

4-even: Animal Diversity

Week 14

Communities & Ecosystems

LAB FINAL EXAM

LAB FINAL EXAM

Week 15

Biodiversity

No discussion meeting

No labs this week

DATE OF FINAL EXAM: Friday, December 13, 2013, 11:45 AM

GRADING POLICY:
Your final letter grade will be determined by your total points out of 500:
A = 450, B+ = 425, B = 400, C+ = 375, C = 350 and D = 300 points.
Lecture exams (3 @ 100 points each)

Laboratory written exams (2 @ 50 points each)

Laboratory oral exams (5 @ 10 points each)

Point Values

Discussion section (5 @ 10 points each)

TOTAL

Point Values
500

ATTENDANCE, MAKE-UP, AND LATENESS POLICY:

Attendance in discussion and laboratory is mandatory. An ungraded sign-in is also circulated in every lecture.
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Grading: Each of the 3 lecture exams consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on lecture and textbook readings for
that third of the course. Two 1-hour laboratory exams cover all objectives in the laboratory manual and the current topics
discussed in your discussion section. In addition, a brief oral exam (called a "TA-OK") is given whenever you decide you
have completed each of the 5 self-paced labs. Your discussion points are based on your participation in class plus a 1-page
reaction to the background readings submitted before class.
Makeup Exams: Students who can document a legitimate reason for missing an exam can take the makeup exam
scheduled 10 days later. If you have a course or a job that conflicts with the two Friday 2:30 PM lecture exam times, submit
a written conflict form signed by your employer/professor. Your options are taking an earlier exam (at 1 PM that day) or
a makeup exam (10 days later).

Academic Dishonesty: The course has a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating.
Instances of dishonesty will be punished by a zero on the assignment and consultation with the Academic Integrity Officers
to determine if further action is required. If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism or cheating, please
ask your instructors or refer to the academic integrity websites for Rutgers and NJIT:

http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/academic-integrity-at-rutgers
http://studentconduct.rutgers.edu/
http://www.njit.edu/academics/integrity.php

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