BIOL
102 Laboratory in Biology University of
Term
IV 06 Fri 1700-2100 Cp Casey
glaugel@asia.umuc.edu http://www.oocities.org/glaugel
Faculty
Contact Information: Email (several
times a week), and receive msgs at the
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
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!