Biological Concepts Laboratory (Cell Metab Gen)
Syllabus -

Course Description and Specific Goals: Biology 121 is an introductory laboratory that emphasizes the experimental aspects of cellular organization and processes, metabolism, DNA structure and replication, and Mendelian and population genetics. Since lab investigations illustrate, complement, and supplement material presented in Biology 120 lecture, this lab course should be taken concurrently with the lecture. Emphasis in this lab course is on learning- by-doing.

The goals of the course are to help students:

• Develop a conceptual framework for modern biology.
• Develop an appreciation of scientific inquiry and the importance of developing and using controls in an experimental system.
• Learn how to gather data, interpret data, and to draw conclusions based on data.

Preparation for Lab: You must read the lab manual before coming to class each week. Reading the lab beforehand will allow you to spend your time in lab focusing on the results of the experiments instead of trying to figure out how to do the experiments. Reading the manual before lab will also be necessary for the weekly quiz (see below). In addition, there are “Prelab” exercises you are expected to go through prior to each lab at http://bioweb.wku.edu/courses/biol121/prelabs.htm. Be sure to print your PreLab results each week and turn them in to your instructor. The PreLab receipts are not submitted to your instructor online.

Laboratory manuals can be purchased at the College Heights Bookstore or University Text Book and Supply on Old Morgantown Road.

GRADING:

Lab Attendance:(20pts) Laboratory attendance is mandatory.  You will not be allowed to take the quiz and leave.  If you leave before the laboratory has been completed, you will loose attendance points. Perfect attendance will be awarded 20 points.  One un-excused absence will result in a deduction of 5 points, a second absence will result in an additional deduction of 10 points, a third absence will leave you with 0 attendance points.  If you miss your regularly scheduled lab with an excused absence, you may arrange with your instructor to attend one of the other lab sections. If permission is granted, fill out an alternative lab form and turn in to the instructor whose lab you attend.  The lab materials are only available for one week so the lab must be made up during the week in which you could not attend our regular meeting.

Pre-lab/Post-lab assignments (100pts): There will be a total of 11 assignments (a combination of Pre-Lab and Post-Lab assignments as determined by your instructor) this term.  Each correctly completed assignment will be worth 10pts.  Your lowest score will be dropped.

Weekly Quizzes (80 pts): There will be a short, 10-point quiz in the first 10 minutes of each lab (with the exception of the first lab, the day of the midterm, and the day of the final).

Exams (100pts X 2): there will be two exams covering the laboratory material from the first and second halves of the semester.  Each exam will be worth a total of 100 points.  The exams will consist of a 20pt practical plus an 80pt written portion.  Make-up examinations will be given at the discretion of the instructor, usually only in the case of serious illness or death in the family.

Service learning (20pts) Service-learning is a teaching method that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities. Your instructor will discuss the service learning objectives for this laboratory and prepare you for the activities to be held during the week of exercise 8. (Service Learning Project - Cancer)

Total Possible Pts:  420

Final grades are based on a percentage of the total points. A = 90-100%   B = 80-89.9%   C = 70-79.9%   D = 60-69.9%    F = < 60%

Alternative Lab Times:

Tentative Lab Schedule:

*Students working with hazardous reagents are required to wear
ANSI Z87.1-1989 high impact eye protection (Lab Goggles).

Academic Integrity: It is expected that each student will do his/her own work at all times. Cheating/academic dishonesty in any form (plagiarism, altering exams, crib sheets etc.) will not be tolerated. Make certain that you have read and understand this institution’s policy on academic misconduct.

Additional Rules:
-No food, drink, tobacco products, or chewing gum will be allowed in the laboratory.
-Students working with hazardous stains and reagents are required to wear
ANSI Z87.1-1989 high impact eye protection.
.-There will be no use of cell phones or pagers in the laboratory.
- Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in the laboratory.

STUDENT DISABILITIES SERVICES:  In compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in Downing University Center, A-200.   The phone number is 270 745 5004.  Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.

THE LEARNING CENTER: The Learning Center (DUC A330) provides free supplemental education programs for all currently enrolled WKU students. TLC offers CRLA Certified, one-on-one tutoring in over 100 general education subjects by appointment or walk in and a hosts a branch of the English Department's Writing Center. TLC is a also a quiet study area, with side rooms designated for peer to peer tutoring, and offers a thirty two machine computer lab. Additionally, TLC has two satellite locations, one each in Douglas Keen Hall and in Pearce Ford Tower that provide computer and print service, tutoring, and quiet study areas. For more information, or to schedule a tutoring appointment, please call TLC at (270) 745 - 6254 or log on to our website at www.wku.edu/tlc. Hours TLC at DUC: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm; Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm; Sunday 4:00pm - 9:00pm TLC at Keen/PFT: Sunday - Thursday 6:00pm - 11:00pm

11/22/2009 11:37:24 AM

Bioweb