Biology 198, Principles of Biology

Benedictine University, Department of Biological Science

Spring 2010, 3 semester hours

Meeting times: MWF 9-9:50 (A), 10-10:50 (B), 11-11:50 (C), 1:30-2:20 (D)
Instructors: Email Secti Offic Phon Office hours
on e e
Dr. Robin Pals rrylaarsdam@ben A,B BK32 x652 MWF 8-9
Rylaarsdam .edu 0 2 Th 8-11
Dr. Monica Lee mtischler@ben.ed C, D BK33 x653 MW 2:30-
Tischler u 3 6 4:30
T/Th 1:30-
3:30
Required course materials:
Textbook: Biological Science, 3rd edition. Scott Freeman, Pearson/Benjamin
Cummings. 2008.
ISBN: 0132249502 (hardcover edition)
Interwrite Personal Response System (clicker)

Prerequisites:
Except for the commitment and ability to do college-level work, there are no
prerequisites since this is the beginning course in the Biology core for
majors. 'Principles of Biology' is geared toward majors in science (especially
majors within the Biology Department). And although it has a "C" or liberal
arts core designation, it is not recommended for most nonscience majors.

Course Description
The main objective of this course is to introduce key concepts in biology on
which advanced courses will build. The emphasis of the course will be topics
such as cells, transport processes, enzymes, biochemistry, bioenergetics,
and inheritance.

BIOLOGY 198 will be taught in a somewhat different format than you may be used
to. First, we’re using what are hopefully interesting hooks to draw the students into
the science. This change means that we’re not following a linear path through a
textbook! You will use the textbook as an important resource of knowledge
throughout the course, but we’ll use the information as we need it. We will have
frequent short assignments that require application of the material, and finally, you
will have your first introduction to the primary scientific literature as part of these
assignments. These changes in course format do not mean that you’ll be required
to master less information this semester! This course is a course designed for
beginning biology majors, and it will be a challenge for most of you. Regular
(daily!?) studying is needed to succeed. You may feel a little nervous about not
following the text, but remember that you’ll be learning important learning skills by
your experience in BIOL198 – identifying what you need to learn, reading to learn it,
and evaluating yourself for how well you understand the material.
IDEA Objectives:
1. Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends)
2. Learning fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories

Illinois State Board of Education Core standards:

Science: 1A, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 5A, 5G, 9A, 9B. Biology: 1A, 1B, 1E, 2A, 2C,
4A, 6E, 6F.

Learning Objectives: successful students will be able to. . .

1. Draw and recognize the structures and properties of the chemical
compounds that are the basis for cell structure.
2. Articulate a basic understanding of cell structures and functions related to
basic cellular processes.
3. Articulate a basic understanding of the energy requirements of cells and
how these requirements are met by heterotropic and autotropic cells.
4. Analyze a variety of Mendelian inheritance patterns and explain the
experimental basis for Mendel's laws of inheritance.
5. Demonstrate a basic understanding of molecular genetics and molecular
biology and its relationship to Mendelian genetics.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of and an appreciation for the
methodology used in scientific investigation.
7. Identify topics in which they lack knowledge and develop a plan for
acquiring that knowledge from print and/or electronic sources.
8. Interpret data from graphs found in the primary scientific literature.

Academic Honesty Policy

The following statement refers to the University’s Academic Honesty Policy:
The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the
central missions of a university. Benedictine University pursues these
missions in an environment guided by our Roman Catholic tradition
and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore
expected of all members of the University community, including
students, faculty members, administration, and staff. Actions such as
cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, forgery, falsification,
destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation,
are violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable
behavior in the University community. The penalties for such actions
can range from a private verbal warning, all the way to expulsion from
the University. The University’s Academic Honesty Policy is available at
http:/www.ben.edu/AHP and students are expected to read it.
Be advised that you, either in the Academic Honesty Policy statement above
or globally in the syllabus, are responsible for the information in the syllabus.
It is your responsibility to ask for clarification about anything in the syllabus
of which you are unsure. All students are required to read and abide by the
Academic Honesty Statement in the Student Handbook.

In the Biology department, the first infraction of the Academic

Honesty Policy on an assignment/ paper / quiz will result in a zero
for that task. The second infraction will result in an F in the course.
Dishonesty on tests/ exams will result in an F for the course. The
provost will be informed of all violations.

Academic dishonesty includes submitting homework for another student,

submitting another student’s homework as your own, using a “clicker” to
represent someone who is absent from class (either in addition to, or instead
of your own “clicker”, attending class for another student or having another
student attend class in your place. This is not an exhaustive list of
academically dishonest actions.

Note that an instance of Academic Dishonesty may disqualify you from

receiving a favorable recommendation from the Heath Sciences
Recommendation Committee later in your academic career. This committee
writes recommendation letters for students applying to professional schools
in health care – medical, dental, pharmacy, etc.

You are responsible for the information in this syllabus and you may ask for
clarification if you are unsure of any detail or policy. This syllabus is subject
to revision as necessary by either or both of the course instructors.

Grading policies

Points Letter Point

Activity
available grade range
In-class Quizzes
(best 4 scores 100 A 500-450
from 5)
350
Tests
(100, 100, B 449-400
(2 + final)
150)
Homework 25 C 339-350

Clickers 25 D 349-300

Total 500 F 299 or less

All tests in BIOL198 are cumulative, that is, students are

responsible for ALL the information covered to that point in the
semester. This foundational course covers topics that are essential for
understanding all future coursework, so students will be held accountable for
long-term learning of the material, not simply short-term recall.

No extra credit assignments will be offered. The activities listed in the table
above are the only ways for you to earn points in BIOL198 this semester.

Homework assignments –Late homework is not accepted. “Late” is defined

as any time after the instructor asks for submission during the class period.

There are 5 scheduled quizzes for the semester. Each will take ~20-30
minutes of class time, and will begin at the start of the class period. The
remainder of the class period will be used for other activities (lecture,
discussion, etc.). The lowest quiz score will be dropped.

The Blackboard course site will have online quizzes available for most days
where a reading assignment is listed in the syllabus. These quizzes are not
required, but may be helpful study aids for students. The Blackboard course
site will also post questions for each day that will be very helpful as students
study for the quizzes and tests. The instructors HIGHLY recommend that
students answer the questions as they prepare for class each day, and
review/improve their answers after each class.

Attendance Policy:
Attendance at lectures is expected; attendance at all exams is required.
Attendance will be taken using clickers, and it is in the student’s best
interest to attend class. Please refer to the academic honesty section to
review policies for misusing clickers. Each student will be allowed 6 absences
from class. Excessive absences (more than 6) will result in the reduction of
that student’s final, cumulative grade by one letter grade. Students having
difficulty meeting the attendance requirement should speak to their
instructor as soon as the problem arises. Absence at exams will result in a
grade of zero for that exam unless arrangements are made with the
instructor at least one day prior to the day of the exam.

Technology Requirements:
This class will make use of “clicker” technology, and you must supply your
own clicker. You must use the same clicker for the entire semester, and you
must register it with the instructor. It is expected that you bring the clicker to
each class, and it will be used to take attendance in addition to counting
towards your grade.

Email communication with the instructors is encouraged. All email

communication must be through students’ ben.edu account. The instructors
feel no obligation to answer emails coming from yahoo.com, gmail, etc. –
and are not responsible for emails coming from off-campus sites that do not
arrive promptly or at all in the instructors’ inboxes. The instructors will not
email students at addresses other than ben.edu accounts. If you don’t want
to check that account, then set the account to forward all emails to your
preferred account – but know that you must still email FROM the ben.edu
account – hitting “reply” will not work in that situation.

Important information will be periodically posted on the Blackboard/WebCT

course site. Students are responsible to check this site regularly (before each
lecture) to access posted readings, announcements, handouts for lecture,
etc. Review questions for the test are posted on this site. Paper
copies will not be distributed in class. The course site will NOT be used
to post official grades for the course, although instructors may (or may not)
choose to post test/quiz scores to communicate with students. Thus, your
score on the online gradebook is almost certainly NOT your to-the-minute
score for the semester.

Cell Phones and Calculators:

Please turn off your cell phones (don’t just silence the ringer) before coming
to class. Text messaging during class is rude and disruptive. Please do not do
this. Any student using electronic devices to communicate with others during
class time may be asked to leave the classroom.

Laptops are not allowed in BIOL198. Please choose another medium to take
your notes.

No electronic communication devices are allowed during test periods. Any

student seen with an electronic communication device on their person
(inside a backpack or purse is OK) during a test period may receive a zero on
that test. During test periods, all communication devices stored inside
backpacks or purses must be turned off. Students who violate this policy will
receive a zero on that test, and if there is evidence that the communication
devices are being used for cheating (recording the test material,
communicating between students, etc.), the academic honesty policy
guidelines will be immediately enforced.

You will not need a calculator in this course, and you will not be allowed to
have one available during the tests. You are expected to be able to do simple
arithmetic problems, including problems using scientific notation, without the
aid of a calculator. If you might possibly need a calculator for a test (long
division, for example), the entire class will be supplied with calculators for
that day.

Disability Support:
If you have a documented learning, psychological or physical disability, you
may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations or services. To
request accommodations or services, contact Tina Sonderby in the Student
Success Center, 012 Krasa Student Center, extension 6512. All students are
expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The University will not
waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Obligations:

A student whose religious obligation conflicts with a course requirement may
request an academic accommodation from the instructor. Students must
make such requests in writing by the end of the first week of the class.
Upon receiving such a request, the instructor will offer reasonable
accommodations whenever feasible, and communicate this to the student.
However, the course requirements listed in the syllabus remain in effect if
accommodations cannot be offered.

The deadline to withdraw from BIOL198 is Sunday, April 18, 2010.

Failure to withdraw from the course will result in a student being assigned a
letter grade (A-F). If you’re not attending at take tests anymore, the grade
will be an F. Withdrawing from BIOL198 will result in a “W” notation on your
transcript.
 Course Schedule: (subject to change)
Da Date Topic and Assignments Text Chapter(s)
y
W 1/20 Introduction
F 1/22 Unit 1: Influenza and drug
resistance
Introduction, In class assignment
collected
M 1/25 Viruses, cells, cell types 35.1-35.2; 7.1
W 1/27 How do antibiotics work? 2.1-2.2
Homework assignment due
F 1/29 Protein and enzyme structure 3.1, 3.3, 3.4
M 2/1 Protein and enzyme function 2.3, 3.5
W 2/3 Quiz
Taking tests in college
F 2/5 No class.
M 2/8 Nucleic acids and central dogma 4.1-4.3;
Homework assignment due 15.1-15.3
W 2/10 Transcription 16.1-16.2
F 2/12 Translation 16.3-16.5
M 2/15 Variation and selection: antibiotic 24.1-24.5
resistance
W 2/17 Reading Graphs MMWR reports
Homework assignment due
F 2/19 Quiz
Homework assignment due
M 2/22 Tying it all together: Preparedness
policies
Homework assignment due
W 2/24 Review for exam
F 2/26 Test #1
M 3/1 Unit 2: Biofuels and Global
Warming
Introduction, Homework assignment
due
W 3/3 Lipids and membranes 6.1-6.2
F 3/5 No class.
Spring break
M 3/15 Membranes and passive transport 6.3
processes
W 3/17 Active transport processes 6.4
F 3/19 Redox reactions and electron 9.1-9.2
transport Homework assignment due
M 3/22 Electron transport and chemiosmosis 9.6
W 3/24 Photosynthesis and capturing light 10.1-0.3
energy
F 3/26 Photosynthesis continued 10.3-10.4
M 3/29 Carbon sequestration and global
warming Homework assignment due
W 3/31 Test #2
F 4/2 Good Friday
M 4/5 Easter Monday
W 4/7 Unit 3: Cancer Biology 13.1-13.2
Introduction to Mendelian genetics
F 4/9 Mendelian genetics and pedigree 13.3, 13.6
analysis
Homework assignment due
M 4/12 Pedigree analysis, X-linked 13.4, 13.6
inheritance
Homework assignment due
W 4/14 Cell biology and cancer 11.4
DNA structure and replication 4.2
Homework assignment due 14.3
F 4/16 Quiz 14.1-14.4
DNA replication, molecular biology
history
M 4/19 DNA repair and mutations 14.5, 15.2, 16.6
W 4/21 Cell cycle and mitosis 11.1-11.3; 11.4
F 4/23 Meiosis 12.1-12.2
M 4/26 Quiz
W 4/28 Thermodynamics, redox reactions, 9.1-9.3, 5.1-5.3
carbohydrates
F 4/30 Respiration and mitochondria 9.4-9.6
M 5/3 Fermentation and catabolism, 9.7-9.8
Warburg hypothesis
W 5/5 Quiz Cao et al., (1995) J.
Angiogenesis, Homework assignment Exp. Med.,
due 182:2069-77.
F 5/7 Review and summary
Homework assignment due
??? ??? Final exam: TBA