| Instructor: | Curtis L. Blankespoor |
|---|---|
| Science 207 | |
| 1:30-2:30pm MW or by appointment | |
| (616) 957-6498 | |
| (616) 243-0996 (not after 10:00pm, please) | |
| cblankes@calvin.edu | |
| http://www.calvin.edu/~cblankes |
Lecture Textbook: Ross, F., E. Enger, R. Otto, and R. Kormelink. 1996. Diversity of Life Wm. C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque, IA
Catalog Description: An introduction to the principles and concepts of biology, and the history and philosophy of biological thought for the general college student. Ecology, evolution, gene, and cell concepts are emphasized. Lectures and laboratories. Prerequisites: none, but Mathematics 100 and Physics 110 or equivalents are recommended. This course satisfies the core requirement in biology.
Course Home Page:
http://www.calvin.edu/~cblankes/bio111
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance: Attendance will be critical to your success in this course. Please be prompt and prepared for each class.
Pre-class questions: To encourage you to read your textbook assignment before coming to class, you will be asked to write answers to two short questions related to the lecture topic. Each day a roll of the die will determine if your answers will be collected and graded.
FRIDAYS: In lieu of a formal writing assignment, you will be required to write a position and a response paragraph for each of the "FRIDAYS" class periods (see the course syllabus). Specific instructions for each "FRIDAYS" topic will be given in class. Each paper will be due the following lecture period and will be graded on content, clarity, and grammar.
Laboratory: Laboratory exercises related to recent class lectures or discussions will be conducted every week. Unless otherwise instructed, a short laboratory report will be due at the end of each lab. Please see me if you miss a lab for any reason.
BIOAwareness Day projects: In an effort to increase biology awareness and appreciation on campus, you will be asked to design and present an independent project that connects some aspect(s) of biology with everyday life. Examples of projects will be given in class. You must work in pairs and your project will be graded on its biological literacy value, uniqueness, and presentation quality.
Late work: All assignments should be handed in at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Unless special arrangements are made in advance, no credit will be given for late work. In fairness to students who complete their work on time, this policy will be strictly enforced.
Exams: Three unit prelims and a comprehensive final will be used to evaluate your progress. Although you must take every exam, the lowest score of your 3 unit prelims will be dropped. For this reason, make-up exams will not be given and only verified medical or personal emergencies will warrant special arrangements. If possible, please notify me of such an emergency at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled exam.
Grades:
| Pre-class questions | ?? | @ | ?? pts. | = | 100 pts. | (14.3 %) |
| FRIDAYS paragraphs | 10 of 12 | @ | 10 pts. | = | 100 pts. | (14.3 %) |
| Lab Reports | 10 | @ | 10 pts. | = | 100 pts. | (14.3 %) |
| Prelims | 2 of 3 | @ | 100 pts. | = | 200 pts. | (28.6 %) |
| BIOAwareness Day project | = | 100 pts. | (14.3 %) | |||
| Final (comprehensive) | = | 100 pts. | (14.3 %) | |||
TOTAL |
= |
700 pts. |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A CONTRACT
| If your total points are: | I will guarantee you at least a(n): | ||||
| 630 or more | (90% +) | A | (A- or A) | ||
| 560 to 629 | (80% +) | B | (B-, B, or B+) | ||
| 490 to 559 | (70% +) | C | (C-, C, or C+) | ||
| 420 to 489 | (60% +) | D | (D-, D, or D+) | ||
Signature  |
A RECOMMENDATION
The material in this course is best learned by regular, consistent
study (an hour or so each day) which includes reading the textbook
assignments, reviewing lecture notes, participating in class discussions,
and asking questions when things are unclear. It has been my
experience that this is the most effective way of mastering the
subject material. It also eliminates much of the frustration
associated with cramming for an exam.
A COMMENT
If I can help you, please let me know. I will make every effort
to assist you in any way I can. I look forward to working
with you and getting to know you.