Biology 100
Principles of Biology
(Call #1049)
Department of Biology Dr. McMillan
Instructor: Dr. Amy McMillan (SC268)
Office phone: 878-3756
Email: mcmillam@buffalostate.edu
Website: http://faculty.buffalostate.edu/mcmillam/
Office hours: Monday,
Wednesday
Textbook: Benjamin Cummings Special Topics in Biology Series: Biological Terrorism (Goodwin and Phillis), Biology of Cancer (Phillis and Goodwin), Stem Cells and Cloning (Prentice), Understanding the Human Genome Project (Palladino)
Prentice Hall’s Exploring Biology Series: Alzheimer’s Disease (Knowles), Genetic Testimony (Spencer), Mad Cows and Cannibals (Spencer)
Course Description: BIO100 is a course designed for non-biology majors and covers the basic principles of biology. In this special freshman section we will cover some of these principles while focusing on recent issues in biology. The main focus of this class will be cell biology and genetics and we will be talking about cloning, cancer and other diseases, the human genome project, and forensics, among other topics.
Course Goals: My primary goal is to give you enough background in some aspects of biology that you can read newspaper reports and watch newscasts of the latest scientific advancements and have some basic understanding of what is being discussed. I also hope that you will have the tools to be able to learn more if you want to!
Course Requirements: Your grade in BIO100 will be based on
exams, writing assignments, and in class discussions.
Exams: There will be 2 hour-long examinations and a final exam, each worth 100 pts. The final is not comprehensive. You must take the final exam when it is scheduled.
Writing assignments: There will be 7 writing assignments due during the semester. Assignments will be given in class and will either be in-class work or outside of class work. Each assignment is worth 5 points and only 5 assignments count toward your grade (you can miss 2).
In class discussions: There will be 6 in class discussions; 5 count toward your grade. These will be based recent news about the topics we are covering in class. Discussions are worth 5 points each and based on your participation in class.
The point breakdown is:
2 hour-long exams and final: 300 points 85.7% of grade
In-class discussions: 25 points 7.15%
Written assignments: 25 points
7.15%
Total possible points: 350 points 100%
Final grades will be given as follows:
Points Grade
315-350 A
280-314 B
245-279 C
210-244 D
<210 E
Attendance: Students
are expected to be in class. The single most important thing you can do
to improve your grade in this class is to attend! Many of the writing assignments and all of
the discussions are in-class assignments and you will receive a zero if you are
not in class.
Academic Misconduct: All students at Buffalo State College are
expected to display honesty and integrity in completing course
requirements. “Academic misconduct”
refers to plagiarism or cheating on examinations or assignments, and is
inconsistent with the aims and goals of
Classroom Disruption: Please be considerate of others during lecture! Showing up late, leaving early, packing up your notebook before I have ended lecture, having your cell phone ring, and chatting with persons next to you during lecture are actions that are distracting to me and to other students. Please show appropriate behavior and respect during class by refraining from these activities.
Procedures Regarding Disruptive Individuals: Disruptive behavior by students in my class will not be tolerated. Whenever I deem a student to be acting in a disruptive or threatening manner, I will exercise my right to ask that individual to leave the classroom. If refused, I will exercise my right to notify University Police. The responding officer will determine whether an arrest should be made or whether a referral to medical or counseling staff is appropriate. If a student is perceived as a danger to himself/herself or others, the dean of students, Phillip Santa Maria, may propose an interim suspension until a hearing is held. Any student removed from class will have the right to a hearing.
Students Requiring Special Accommodations: Any student who requires accommodations to complete the requirements and expectations of this course because of a disability is invited to make his or her needs known to me and/or to Marianne Savino, coordinator of services for students with disabilities, South Wing 120D, ext. 4500.
Biology 100 - Principles
of Biology - Spring 2005
Lecture and Exam Schedule*
*exam dates will not change,
lecture schedule is tentative
Week Lectures Corresponding
1 Jan. 24- 28 Cells Stem Cells and Cloning
2 Jan. 31-Feb. 4 Cloning
3 Feb.
7-11 DNA Understanding the Human
4 Feb.
14-18 Genes Genome Project
5 Feb.
21 NO CLASS -President’s
Day
Feb. 23 Finish DNA and Genes
Feb. 25 EXAM I
6 Feb. 28- Mar. 4 Inheritance Supplement
7 Mar. 7-11 Gene Expression Biology of Cancer
8 Mar. 14-18 Cancer
9 Mar. 21-25 Finish Gene Expression and Cancer
Mar. 25 EXAM II
10 Mar. 28-Apr. 1 NO CLASS - Spring
Break
11 Apr. 4-8 Disease Biology Alzheimer’s Disease
12 Apr.11-15 Prions Mad Cows and Cannibals
13 Apr. 18-22 Bioterrorism Biological Terrorism
14 Apr. 25-29 Genetic Applications Genetic Testimony
15 May 2-4 Finish topics
May 6 NO
CLASS - STUDY DAY
CEP – Critique and Evaluation Period
NOT Comprehensive Final Exam
TUESDAY, May 10, 2005 from 9:40 pm to 11:30 pm in SC 220