Introduction to Biological Principles:  BIOL 160-001, Fall 2005  

M,W,F1 11:30-12:30pm, Lappin 307        

Professor: Dr. David Peyton, 327E Lappin Hall           E-mail: d.peyton@morehead-st.edu

            Phone: 783-2947                                         Office hours: MTW 8-10am

Lecture text: Raven, P.H. and Johnson, G.B. (2005) Biology. 7th edition.  McGraw-Hill, Boston, MA.

Course goal: The primary goal of this course is to establish a foundation in biological principles and prepare students for BIOL 171.  Emphasis is placed on molecular, cellular, and biochemical aspects of biology.  

Specific objectives:  Upon completion of this course, students will ...

1. understand the principles which govern the lives of biological organisms.  Students will be able to think and reason analytically in order to evaluate these concepts.  These principles include understanding:

a. the basic chemistry of biological molecules.

b. the metabolic processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

c. the structure of the cell and the functions of cellular components.

d. the processes by which molecules move between cells and within cells.

e. the basic principles of inheritance and molecular genetics.

f. basic evolutionary concepts.

2. have developed the vocabulary necessary to comprehend biological discussions and to communicate accurately and effectively.

3. understand and have begun to use the critical thinking skills that are used by scientists and to see their application in everyday life.

Assessments:  The final grade for this class will be based on a percentage of 550 total points.  The points will be distributed as follows:

            Quizzes/Class assignments            Best 15 out of 17 @ 10 pts. each       150 points        Exams                                                            4 @ 100 pts. each                               400 points

Grading scale:  A = 90-100%    B = 80-89%    C = 70-79%    D = 69-60%    E < 60%

Attendance:  Attendance is required to take unannounced quizzes and participate in lecture discussions and activities.  There is no make up for quizzes or in-class assignments.  Make up for exams will be given only to students who have a university excuse (signed note from physician, written evidence of death in the family, signed note from university sponsor for athletic or other university activities).  The instructor will provide make up exams for these individuals only if arranged within 24 hours of the exam date.  Prior notice is preferred.

Class policies:  There are two courtesy rules that this class will strictly observe:  no cell phones and no late arrivals after class starts.  Penalties:  Cell phones:  -10pts for each ring and you will be asked to leave; Late to class:  -10pts.  Class will start on time according to the clock in the classroom.  Don’t be surprised if the door is locked after class starts.  Taking notes on a laptop computer is not permitted in this course.

Diversity issues: This course addresses the diversity of biological organisms.  Human diversity is addressed in the context of inheritance and disease.

Disability statement: Any student who feels that he/she needs an accommodation for any kind of disability should make an appointment with me as soon as possible in order to discuss this issue.

Kentucky's New Teacher's Standards: Biology 160 will offer a constructive, flexible learning environment in which students will gain content knowledge in the area of Biology. Students will be encouraged to participate as active learners through question and answer sessions at the beginning of each class meeting and questioning throughout the lecture.  A writing assignment will be used to strengthen communication skills.  Higher order thinking skills will be necessary for success on written exams.  Students will be required to use technology and online reference materials for homework assignments.  The effectiveness of instruction and learning will be assessed through student exams, quizzes, homework assignments, student questionnaires, and student interactions. 

Writing component:  The writing component of this course will be integrated into quizzes, class assignments and exams.

Dates and Topics to be Covered {Chapter Number:Textbook Pages}

Aug 22       Syllabus & class policies; introduction {1:1-7}

Aug 24       Molecules - atomic structure, types of bonds {2:19-27}

Aug 26       Molecules - water, pH {2:27-33}

Aug 29       Biomolecules - monomers & polymers, carbohydrates, lipids {3:35-37,52-59}

Aug 31       Biomolecules – lipids, diets {3:35-37,52-59}

Sep 5         Labor Day

Sep 7         Biomolecules - proteins, nucleic acids {3:39-51}

Sep 9         Cell structure - {5:79-103}

Sep 12       Cell structure – finish and review for exam 1

Sep 14       EXAM 1

Sep 19       Membranes – structure, passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis {6:105-117}

Sep 21       Membranes - active transport, bulk transport {6:118-123}

Sep 23       Membranes

Sep 26       Energy & metabolism - oxidation-reduction, thermodynamics, free energy {8:143-147}

Sep 28       Energy & metabolism - activation energy, enzymes, ATP {8:148-158}

Oct 3         Cellular respiration - using ATP, ATP synthesis, glycolysis {9:159-167}

Oct 5         Cellular respiration - pyruvate oxidation, Kreb's cycle, electron transport {9:168-175}

Oct 7         Cellular respiration - chemiosmosis, regulation of respiration, fermentation {9:175-182}

Oct 10        Finish respiration and review for exam 2

Oct 12        EXAM 2

Oct 17        Photosynthesis - overview, nature of light and pigments, photosystems {10:185-195}

Oct 19        Photosynthesis - noncyclic and cyclic photophosphorylation, Calvin cycle {10:196-201}

Oct 21        Photosynthesis - photorespiration, integration with aerobic respiration {10:202-204}

Oct 24        Cell division - binary fission, cell cycle, mitosis {11:207-216}

Oct 26        Cell division - mitosis, cytokinesis, cell cycle control {11:217-224, 20:416-421}

Oct 31        Cell division - modes of reproduction, meiosis {12:227-238}

Nov 2         Heredity - independent assortment and chromosomes {13:241-256}

Nov 4         Heredity - human genetics {13:259-264}

Nov 7         DNA - determination of structure {14:279-287}

Nov 9         EXAM 3

Nov 14       DNA - DNA replication {14:288-295}

Nov 16       Gene expression - "Central Dogma", transcription {15:301-309}

Nov 18       Gene expression - genetic code, translation {15:310-312}

Nov 21       Gene expression - splicing, prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes {15:313-316}

Nov 23       Thanksgiving Break

Nov 28       Finish gene expression and review

Nov 30       Evolution - Darwin and his theory(1:8-14}

Dec 5         Evolution and Population Genetics (21:433-452}

Dec 7         Population genetics - genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg principle {21:433-452}

Dec 9         Review for final exam

Monday, December 12^th:           FINAL EXAM at 10:15am