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Course
Policies ·
Format |
Biology 211 Introduction to Cell Biology and Genetics Course Format The course consists of a lecture and a
laboratory component. The lecture will
introduce core topics in cell biology and genetics. The laboratory component of the course
will introduce core techniques used to study life at the cellular and
molecular level. Each week students
will conduct a structured laboratory experiment. Handouts for the experiments can be
obtained from the website. Students
should printout and review the handouts before attending each lab
session. There will be a brief written
quiz at the beginning of each laboratory period covering the laboratory
handouts. Strategies for Success Grades
of A or B reflect mastery of the subject matter and should be the goal of
every student. Earning these high
grades requires a serious effort and an effective strategy. The following practices have proven to be
effective for students in previous semesters.
I recommend that serious students adopt all of these strategies. 1.
Read the textbook before coming to class. The syllabus lists reading assignments for
each week. Review the assigned
chapters and take a few notes on the important points. When you finish a chapter, check the
chapter summary to see if you and the authors agree on what was important. Note: the textbook is not a novel; do not
read it as if it were. 2.
Never miss a lecture. There is
no automatic penalty for missing a lecture.
However, attending lecture is the single most important thing you can
do to prepare for exams. Note: the
exams are based on the lecture topics. 3.
Complete the assigned study questions
Every week questions will be assigned which complement the
lectures. These are the same types of
questions that will be on the exams.
If you are unsure of how to answer questions then check the student
study guide, ask a fellow student, or come by my office. 4.
Form a study group. Get
together with a few other students and meet two or three times a week. Compare class notes to make sure you didn’t
miss any important information.
Discuss the laboratory reports.
Work through the most challenging of the questions and problems
assigned in class. You will learn more
by explaining a solution to a classmate than by solving a dozen similar
problems on your own. Participation in
study groups may be the most important practice distinguishing the A/B
students from the C/D students. 5.
Complete and hand-in all laboratory assignments. Students typically earn higher scores on
these exercises than on the exams.
Don’t miss this opportunity to increase your grade in the course. 6.
If you have difficulties in the course, whether it is a confusing
lecture, a grade lower than you expected, or uncertain course expectations,
then make an appointment to see me. I
would be pleased to help you at a time convenient for you. If you don’t tell me about the problem, I
can’t help you. |