Fall Semester 2003 Syllabus

For

Principles of Biology I

Biology 103

Section 01

Call No. 4005

 Credit Hours:                4 Semester hours

 Weekly Contact Hours:            5 contact hours

 Prerequisites:                None

 Required Texts:            Biology, 6^th Edition, by Raven and Johnson

                                    Biology 103 Lab Manual, Colvin & Gilbert

Course Description:      This course consists of lecture material pertaining to the characteristics of living things, organization, hierarchy of organization, cellular anatomy, cellular physiology, cell division, cellular metabolism, cellular photosynthesis, and genetics..

Grading Policy:  4 lecture exams (100 points each)                                 =       400 points

                                               2 lab tests (50 points each)                      =       100 points

                                               Lab Book                                               =       100 points

                                                                                 TOTAL                =       600 POINTS

90% of total points  = A          80% of total points  = B       70% of total points  = C          60% of total points  = DBelow 60% of total points  = F

Student Requirements:

 Lecture examinations are to be taken on schedule.  Make-up exams must be arranged with the instructor and may be will generally be more difficult than tests given on assigned dates. 

 Students will be required to turn in a completed laboratory manual at the end of the semester. 

 Students will be required to complete laboratory practical exams.  There will be no make-ups on laboratory racticals.  All exams must be taken at the scheduled time.

 Students may be assigned parallel readings by the instructor.

 If you receive a grade of “I” (Incomplete) you must contact me early in the next semester to fulfill the course requirements.  After one semester has passed the Incomplete will be changed to the grade of F.

  TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE (BIO 103)

The course outline and the dates are tentative and subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

 Last Day to withdraw for the Fall is December 9.

CLASS/LAB EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

SAFETY RULES FOR LAB

 Experience in observing, handling equipment, experimenting with chemical analysis, and dissecting animals is essential for the training of biology students.  Prospective employers and graduate and professional school admission committees often cite the importance of such experience.  Studies from textbooks, photographs, charts, models, and computer simulations are not adequate substitute for direct laboratory experience with living and preserved animals.

 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING PRESERVED ANIMALS

 The chemicals used to preserve animals and parts of animals can be toxic and dangerous if used improperly or under improper conditions.  Ethanol, isopropanol, formaldehyde, phenol, and ethylene glycol are commonly used preservatives.  The following provides some excellent safety guidelines to follow when handling and dissecting preserved animal specimens.

 Specimens are preserved in alcohol, formaldehyde, and/or Carosafe (contains ethylene glycol).  You should follow these safety tips whenever preserved specimens or chemicals are used:

 1.   Wear safety glasses at all times.

2.   It is recommended that student wears lab coat and gloves. (Student must obtain.)

3.   Work only in a well-ventilated area.

4.   Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in the work area.

5.   In the event of contact, wash skin with soap and water; flush eyes with water.

6.   When working with preserved materials, be careful with sharp objects such as pins, scalpels,

      and the spines and teeth of specimens.

7.   When using a scalpel, cut away from oneself and keep fingers out of the cutting path.

8.   Clean your lab area and dissecting materials thoroughly after use.

9.   Store your microscopes/lab/dissecting materials/animals properly according to instructions.

 Failure to abide by these rules and regulations may result in personal injury, injury to others, and dismissal from class. 

 Formaldehyde should always be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.  The use of goggles lessens eye irritation from formaldehyde vapors.  If direct contact to eyes or skin occurs, wash thoroughly with water.  Smoking should not be allowed.

 Isopropanol is very flammable so avoid sparks open flames, and heat.  Direct contact with isporopanol should be avoided through use of safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats.  Wash thoroughly with water if direct contact to eyes or skin occurs.

 Carosafe is the safest of the three preservatives, but safety glasses should be worn to avoid direct contact with the eyes.  Wash eyes thoroughly with water if contact occurs.