The University of Texas at Austin BIO 301L Molecules to Organisms Spring 2017 Course Syllabus Unique 48060-48075 TTh 9:30AM 11:00AM GAR 0.102 Unique 48080-48095 TTh 11:00AM 12:30PM PAI 3.02 Instructor: Dr. John Batterton Phone: 471-3956 Office: PAI 1.48F e-mail: batterton@austin.utexas.edu Hours: Wednesday 11:00-2:00 and by appointment TTh. Teaching assistants: Caitlin Friesen for 48060-48075 Office: PAT 316 Phone: 475-7318 Hours: MW 11:00 - noon and by appointment Email: caitlin.friesen@utexas.edu Isaac Miller-Crews for 48080-48095 Office: PAT 317 Phone: 475-7318 Hours: Monday 10:00-1:00 and by appointment Email: imillercrews@utexas.edu Course Description: Biology 301L is designed for non-science majors. It introduces the structure and function of organisms from the molecular to the cellular level. It integrates themes common to cell and molecular biology, genetics, development, and physiology of organisms. Course Goal: Upon completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of fundamental processes of living cells. Course Objectives: These include learning the phases of the scientific method, relating structures and functions of molecules and cells, learning cellular processes of respiration, photosynthesis and cell division, understanding the mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, natural selection and biodiversity. Prerequisite: Reading and writing proficiency Text (optional): What is Life? A Guide to Biology. Jay Phelan. 3 rd or more recent edition. Canvas: Announcements, documents and assignments will be posted on Canvas. Attendance: Regular attendance during scheduled lecture hours is expected. Attendance at weekly discussion sections is recommended but optional. You may attend any section at any time. Teaching assistants will conduct the discussion sections and are prepared
to help you with any questions about the course topics. These sessions will help reinforce and clarify course content. Attending will help you get to know your classmates and form informal study groups. Discussion sections meetings day/time/place: 48060 W 8:00AM 9:00AM GDC 4.302 48065 W 9:00AM 10:00AM GDC 5.304 48070 T 11:00AM 12:00PM GDC 6.02 48075 T 12:30PM 1:30PM RLM 6.112 48080 F 8:00AM - 9:00AM WEL 3.266 48085 F 9:00AM 10:00AM WEL 3.266 48090 Th 2:00PM - 3:00PM SAC 5.102 48095 Th 12:30PM - 1:30PM JES A217A Tests: Four tests will be given, plus a mandatory comprehensive final exam. Test dates are noted on the topic calendar. A Very Important Note: Test dates will not be changed to accommodate anyone s travel itinerary. Semester grade components and percentage weight: Four tests, each worth 20% of semester grade (80%) + Final exam, also worth 20% = 100% Make-ups: A make-up will only be allowed for a test missed for valid reasons, e.g., death in family, illness certified by a physician, jury duty, etc. Documentation will be required. Failure to take a test or a quiz because of oversleeping, or thinking it was on a different day or at a different place or time is NOT EXCUSABLE. Re-grade: A re-grade request must be submitted with the test within seven days from the date the grade is posted. Tests done in pencil will not be eligible for a re-grade. Quizzes: Seven (7) short quizzes will be given in lectures during the semester (dates listed). The average of the 6 best quiz scores will be substituted for a lower test grade at the end of the semester. The quiz grade average can only help your semester grade; it will not hurt it. The quiz grade average will not be substituted for the final exam grade. Grade Determination: Semester Grade Scale* 90-100 = A 80-89.99 = B 2
70-79.99 = C 60-69.99 = D <60 = F * Note: A numerical semester grade will not be bumped or rounded up. Plagiarism and Academic dishonesty: Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the very real possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Evidence of plagiarism and/or cheating on assignments penalties: First offence can result in not less than a 50% grade reduction on the assignment and a warning. Second offence will result in a 100% grade reduction ( zero ) AND referral to the Dean of Students Office. Consequences can be particularly far-reaching, such as the creation of a disciplinary record that may very well impact future opportunities. Specific information concerning the definition of and consequences of academic dishonesty can be found at: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/scholdis.php Personal Responsibility: You are expected to take personal responsibility for your performance and the grade you earn in this class. This includes, but is not limited to, understanding material presented in lecture, reference materials, and posted announcements. Most importantly, this involves seeking help from the instructor, your TA, or your peers when you need it. We are more than willing to help you, but it is up to you to seek our help. Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 512-471-6259, http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/ Important dates per the UT Academic Calendar include: Last day of official add/drop period: January 20. Last day to drop a course for a possible refund: February 1. Last day to drop with the dean s approval: April 3. Last class day: May 5 [Reference: See General Information, Chapter 4, for details] LECTURE CALENDAR: Here are the approximate dates that selected topics will be covered in class. Any changes will be posted on Canvas 3
Date Lecture Topics (tentative) Referenced in Phelan text 1/17, 19 Course overview Biology concepts/themes Science as a process Chapter 1 1/24, 1/26 quiz 1 Chemical foundations: atoms, ions, bonds & molecules Carbon compounds in cells: Carbohydrates Chapter 2-1 2-7 Chapter 2-8 2-11 1/31, 2/2 Carbon compounds in cells: Lipids, fats Chapter 2-12 2-14 2/7 Test1 2/9 quiz 2 Carbon compounds in cells: Proteins Carbon compounds in cells: Nucleic acids 2/14, 16 Membranes: structure & functions Sub-cellular structures - organelles Chapter 2-15 2-18 Chapter 2-19 2-21 Chapter 3-1 3-11 Chapter 3-13 3-21 2/21, 2/23 quiz 3 Organelles continued 2/28 3/2 Test 2 3/7, 3/9 quiz 4 Energy transitions and flow Metabolism & enzymes Capturing/storing energy: Photosynthesis Releasing/using energy: Respiration Chapter 4-1 4-4 Chapter 4-5 4-11 Chapter 4-12 4-17 3/13-17 SPRING BREAK WEEK 3/21, 23 Cell cycle and mitosis Chapter 6-6 6-9 3/28, 3/30 quiz 5 4/4 4/6 Test 3 4/11, 4/13 quiz 6 Cell cycle continued : meiosis DNA structure and function Gene regulation DNA and forensics Biotechnology and GMO Chapter 6-10 6-18 Chapter 5-1 5-4 Chapter 5-5 5-9 Chapter 5-17 5-19 Chapter 5-10 5-16 4/18, 20 Fundamental genetics I Fundamental genetics II Chapter 7-1 7-8 Chapter 7-9 7-16 4/25, 4/27 quiz 7 Evolution and natural selection Chapter 8-6 8-16 4
5/2 Macroevolution and bio-diversity Chapter 10-10 10-17 5/4 Test 4 Final exam For 9:30AM class (48060-48075) May 16, Tue. 9AM-12 noon For 11:00AM class (48080-48095) May 10, Wed. 7-10PM 5