BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology      University of Maryland University College

Term IV 06    Fri 1700-2100      Cp  Casey                         Gary Laugel, Ph.D.             

      glaugel@asia.umuc.edu                  http://www.oocities.org/glaugel

 

Faculty Contact Information:   Email (several times a week), and receive msgs at the Education Center  

 

Course Materials

· Basic Concepts of Biology, C. Starr, Brooks/Cole Publishing

· Laboratory Manual for Starr/Taggart's Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life and Starr's Biology: Concepts and Applications, J.W. Perry, D. Morton, J.B. Perry, Books-Cole Publishing

Course Description: A laboratory study of the concepts underlying the structure and functioning of living things. Laboratory exercises will emphasize the scientific method and explore topics such as the chemical foundations of living organisms, pH, cell structure and function, metabolism, DNA structure and function, mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, evolution, classification, and population biology and ecosystems.

Course Goals/Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to do the following:

· state the principles of sound experimental design

· form sound scientific questions and answer them using the scientific method

· collect data and conduct experiments in fields of chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, population biology, and ecology

· use quantitative reasoning and critical thinking to solve problems

· interpret quantitative and qualitative information, form reasonable conclusions based upon this information, and communicate these conclusions clearly and effectively

Course Introduction:  This is an introductory laboratory course that illustrates the concepts underlying the organization and interrelationships of living organisms through hands-on activities. We begin with an introduction to the scientific method and its practical application to science as well as everyday questions and problems. Upon this foundation, the molecular and cellular processes common to all living organisms will be studied. We will then investigate the principles of genetic inheritance, evolution, and scientific classification in the context of the importance of DNA to individual living organisms and to species of organisms.  Finally, we'll examine the interdependence of living organisms with each other and the environment, especially with respect to the impact of human populations on the environment and other organisms.

Grading Information and Criteria:  Your course grade will be derived from participation in laboratory exercises, timely and submission of well-written lab reports, and a final exam.

Project Descriptions:

Various laboratory projects are designed to reinforce the basic principles of biology as discussed in BIOL 101. You will be expected to submit lab reports as directed.  If you are not present during a lab you cannot, obviously, compose a report for that lab. Late lab reports will not be accepted; all are due at the beginning of the next lab. For example, the first lab reports, assigned at the first lab, should be handed in at the beginning of the second laboratory session. If a lab includes pages from your lab manual to be filled out, xerox copies of pages are fine, and you may email your reports to me if you wish.  Any way you can get the reports to me on time is OK.

A final exam will include the topics and skills covered in the required readings, and in laboratory activities/discussions.

Grading System:

Your final course grade will be determined as follows:

90 % of your grade is based on laboratory exercises, reports, and discussions.  Eight lab sessions plus approximately 12 lab assignments to be turned in = about 20 possible points for that part of the grade.   If you hand in all of your written assignments in timely fashion, and they are well done, and you attend all of the lab sessions for the full evening, you will receive all of the possible "90%" for this part of the grade.     In addition to that 90%, 10 % of your grade will be based on the Final Exam.  

For final course grades:   A = 90%-100%  B = 80%-89%  C = 70%-79%  D = 60%-69%  

Course Schedule

Week

Topics (numbers refer to exercises from Lab Manual)

1

Scientific method; measurement 1,2

2

Cell Biology, Microscopy, 3,6,7

Diffusion, Osmosis, Membranes

3

Enzymes, Mitosis, Cytokinesis 8,11

4

Meiosis, Heredity 12,13

5

Proteins in inheritance; Hardy-Weinberg 14

6

Plant organization and taxonomy; 9,18,25

Photosynthesis

7

Organ systems in animals; dissection  28

8

Ecosystems, the Biosphere ; Final exam 44

Academic Policies

All University of Maryland University College students should be familiar with the Student Handbook and the UMUC Asia catalog, available via the following web link:    http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ugp.html

Miscellaneous Comments: You are responsible for announcements made in class, which may include changes in the schedule; therefore, please find someone in the class who can help you recover material you miss! Please come prepared to discuss class material.

Plagiarism (presenting others' work as your own) will be dealt with severely, as outlined in the University of Maryland Student Handbook, and can result in a grade of "F" for the assignment or the course. For important information about avoiding plagiarism and appropriately referencing material you wish to cite, Maryland’s Effective Writing Center is available at the following URL:

http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/wc_home.html

Attendance is expected. Please be sure that your work schedule is compatible with (and therefore will not interfere with) your lab attendance, for the full lab time period. Note that missing a lab will automatically mean you will not be able to receive credit for the lab writeup for that lab.   Students who anticipate missing two labs should reconsider enrolling during this Term.

I look forward to an interesting and enlightening experience in this course, and encourage you to do the same!