Principles of Biology I

Course Details

Course Number: 3054  Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 100

Days & Times:

TR 11:00-12:20

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. William B. Cook   
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Course Objectives

The successful student will understand the fundamental principles, concepts, and theories of biology.

The successful student will gain factual knowledge necessary to develop as professional in a discipline that is biologically-based.


Course Expectations

In order to succeed in this course, the student will

1) be prepared academically [BIOL 1144 and 1544; CHEM 1143/1 and 1243/1 are prerequisites]

2) demonstrate skill in writing and develop skill in writing scientific reports.

3) demonstrate competence in fundamental math (algebra) skills.


Grading Standards

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89.9%

C = 70-79.9%

D = 60-69.9%

F < 60%


Final Exam12/6/2011  10:30-12:30

Submission Format Policy

Each assignment will include the format required to successfully complete it.  Instructions must be followed carefully in order to receive full credit for each assignment.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Each assignment will include a deadline for its completion.  The completed assignment must be submitted by the deadline in order to receive credit for it


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

It is assumed that the student will attend all scheduled meeting of the class, including laboratory sessions.

Absence from three laboratory session will constitute grounds for an instructor drop from the course.

The student must make use of the Blackboard learning system and complete all assignments delivered by means of it.


Other Policies

Out of courtesy for classmates and the instructor, please

1) don't walk across the front of the classroom after class has begun or before class has ended.

2) don't converse during lectures, videos, examinations or other classroom activities.

At the beginning of each class period, turn off cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices that may make noise, disrupt or distract.

Observe University policies regarding class attendance (do), grounds for an instructor drop, classroom conduct and academic dishonesty (don't).  These policies may be found in the MSU Student Handbook <http://students.mwsu.edu>.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.