Biology 162 is intended for biology majors and premedical students. The course thoroughly examines the structure and function of plants and animals in addition to introducing students to the mechanisms of evolution and biological diversity, plant and animal morphology and physiology. We will explore the major trends underlying the variation in organ systems structure/function and their integration and coordination along lineage's of evolving plants and animals. The areas covered in this course will help prepare you for subsequent upper division biology courses.

Required Textbook

Campbell & Reese. 2005. Biology, 7th ed., Benjamin Cummings Publishing Co., CA.
Students are responsible for all assigned readings in the textbook and for all material covered in lectures, which may not be addressed in the textbook. You are expected to complete the assigned readings before the topics are discussed in lecture. In addition to text material there may be material placed on reserve in the library, which you are responsible to read. The content of all material mentioned will be used to construct test questions.

Determination of Course Grade

There will be four examinations given during the semester. Each of the four exams will account for 100 points (4x100 = 400). The final exam, which is cumulative, is worth a total of 200 points. In addition to exams, at least 10 quizzes will be administered during the semester. These may or may not be announced and will account for a total of 100 points toward your final lecture grade. A total of 700 points can be attained for the lecture portion of your grade and this will account for 60% of your final grade. The additional 40% will be determined by points awarded as a result of the laboratory portion of the course. The plus (+)/minus(-) grading system will be used to determine your final grade. Any alteration in this syllabus will be announced during class.

Science Standards

This course meets all or a portion of the following specific program guidelines of the Pennsylvania Department of Education Science Standards for Biology mandated for state teacher certification: 1A) basic principles of science 1B) molecular and cellular biology and the chemical basis of life including 1C) classical and molecular genetics and the evolution and diversity of life, 1D) structure, function and development of organisms 1F) technological and commercial issues and applications of biological systems and 1G) implications of scientific and technological developments on ethical questions relating to biology.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is required. University policy permits a maximum of six absences from lectures. Students who miss more than six classes will have their final grade lowered by at least one letter grade. An attendance sheet will be circulated for each class during the semester. It is your responsibility to make sure that you sign this sheet as evidence that you attended class. Failure to do so may result in a lowering of your grade.

Missed Examinations

Missed examinations are normally not given except for circumstances enumerated in the "Missed Examination Policy" of the student handbook. For missed exams and quizzes, a make-up will only be given for extenuating circumstances that are documented by the Assistant Provost. There will be no make-up quizzes given during the semester. It is expected that more than 10 quizzes will be administered during the semester. The lowest of the quiz scores will be canceled for students who have taken an excess of ten quizzes.

Science Division Seminars

You are strongly encouraged to attend all Science Division seminars during the semester. Seminars will enhance your overall exposure to topics related to biology as well as other topics and will provide you with a sense of how scientific research is conducted. A list of speakers and their associated topics will be provided to you in the near future. In addition, notices announcing presentations will be placed outside of the main Science Office on the 3rd floor of Kirkbride.

Academic Fraud/Integrity

The Science Division strictly enforces the University's policy on cheating and other forms of academic fraud. The student handbook contains a detailed section on the definitions and consequences of academic fraud (refer to the Student Handbook).

Academic Grievance

If a student has a grievance concerning a class in which he/she is enrolled, he/she will first try to resolve the problem with the instructor of the class. If it is impossible to resolve the matter at this level then the grievance must be placed in writing. Then the student should inquire at the office of the dean responsible for the course in question for the proper appeal procedure if the student's grievance is not resolved to the student's satisfaction after appeal to the instructor.