Biology 2091—Principles of Biology II Laboratory

(ACTS BIOL 1014, when combined with BIOL 2083)

Department of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

Spring 2021, Wednesday 1:10-3:00 p.m.

Science Center B7

 

 

Instructor:  Dr. John L. Hunt.  Office:  B-11, Science Center.  Phone:  870-460-1466

E-mail:  huntj@uamont.edu. Web page:  http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/facultyweb/huntj/

Office Hours:  9-10 MWF; 8:30-9:30 TTh; 2-3 TThF, or by appointment.

 

            Prerequisites:  BIOL 2053 and BIOL 2041 (each with a grade of at least C).

 

            Corequisite:  BIOL 2083; Principles of Biology II.

 

            Required texts:  none.

 

            Course Objectives:  Students will participate in exercises and demonstrations on animal and plant diversity, as well as structure, function, and behavior of these organisms.  This lab is designed for biology and other life science majors and minors.

 

            Expected Student Learning Outcomes:  At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic biological ideas, processes, and techniques, including cell structure, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and ecology.  Students should be able to understand and correctly use basic biological terminology.  Students will also be able to define and understand science and the scientific method, and will be able to report results using scientific writing techniques. 

 

           Time Budgeting:  An average student who wishes to achieve a C in the class should expect to spend a minimum of two hours studying outside of class for each hour spent in class.  In addition, students will be expected to complete an out-of-class exercise which will take approximately 3 hours.  Students should expect to spend 10 hours writing the first draft of a written assignment, plus another 5 hours completing revisions.  This totals to 46 hours outside of class over the course of the semester; when combined with 30 hours regularly scheduled in the lab, students can expect to utilize a minimum of 76 hours for this class.  Students who are faster or slower learners, or who wish to achieve a higher grade, should adjust their time budgets accordingly.

 

            Tests and grading:  Grades will be computed as a percentage of approximately 380 points.  Of these, 200 points will come from exams, 60 will come from weekly quizzes, 20 will come from attendance and lab performance, and 100 will come from a written assignment.  Grading will be on the standard 10-point scale (90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, 0-59 = F).  There is no curving of the grade or “extra” credit.  Points will be earned from scheduled examinations, assignments, and quizzes.  Exams and quizzes are closed-book and timed.

 

           Attendance:  Attendance at all lab sessions and exams is mandatory.  You will sign an attendance sheet for each lab.  Because attendance and participation are an important component of the lab experience, unexcused absences will result in the loss of five points from your final average for each lab missed.  Excused absences include illnesses or funerals with documentation provided by the student, or university-sponsored events with written documentation provided by the student.  Please note that a general e-mail is not acceptable as documentation.  Documentation of excused absence must be provided by the next class meeting.  It is important for you to note that you are responsible for material covered in every lab, even if you miss the lab with an excused absence.  It is your responsibility to obtain the material you have missed, and to be prepared to take a quiz when you return to class.  Students who miss an exam with an excused absence will take a make-up exam, which may be an essay type.  Make-up exams will be given at a time and place determined by the instructor.  Quizzes may not be made up.  Students absent from two class meetings will be reported to Academic Alert (see below) unless they have notified the instructor of a justifiable reason for the absences and made plans to make up all materials covered.

 

            COVID-19 Disclaimer:  Because of the current pandemic situation, we must be ready to convert to on-line instruction at any time.  Weekly quizzes may or may not occur after any conversion on-line, and the total number of quizzes, and how many of them will count toward your grade may also be adjusted.  It is the intention of the instructor to be as fair as possible to students in such circumstances, but of course this means it is vitally important that you come to class and take as many quizzes as possible before any potential conversion occurs.  Some students have the idea that academic standards and other policies will be relaxed during the pandemic.  I can assure you that this is not the case in this class.

            During the pandemic, we will observe all social distancing rules.  Students are required to wear proper face coverings, in the proper manner (mouth and nose must be covered).  Students must sit only in indicated desks.

            Because our laboratory will hold only about half of our lab at any one time, we will divide into two lab groups.  Often these groups will not meet at the same time.  In some cases, only one lab group will meet in a given week; in others, one lab group will meet at 1:10 p.m. and the other will meet at 2:10 p.m.  In other cases, we will all meet at 1:10 in a different classroom from our usual lab room.  The instructor will give you advance warning of how this will work, usually by the Monday before lab, in class.

 

            Class policies.  Please note that some of the labs require dissection.  All students are required to participate in dissections; those students who do not participate will lose points.  The points in this class are not concentrated near the end—you need to do well early in the semester.  The instructor is here to help you.  Please feel free to ask questions at any time.  You are encouraged to seek help outside of regular class hours if you are so inclined, either during office hours or by appointment.  Tutor service is available at Harris Hall—call 870-460-1054 for details. 

            Please do not hold conversations with classmates during lecture.  You may tape lectures if you so desire, but this should not substitute for the taking of detailed class notes.  DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES TO CLASS!  If your cell phone rings during my lecture, I will respond in the only manner available to me—by adjusting your grade.  You may not text during class.  If I see you texting during class, you will be asked to leave.  If this occurs twice, you will be assigned a grade of F for the course.  No electronic devices other than tape recorders are allowed in class—this includes laptops and i-pods.  You may not read outside material, study other classes, or work crossword puzzles during class.  Students will follow all safety instructions provided by the instructor at all times.  Disorderly conduct is any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University Community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.  This type of conduct is prohibited by the Student Conduct Code.  The Code may be found on pages 14-16 of the 2020-2021 UAM Student Handbook (https://www.uamont.edu/life/pdfs/student-handbook.pdf).          

            The last date to drop this course with a W (and for most other courses at UAM) is March 24.  A grade of I will only be given if a student has completed 75% of the work of the course, with a mathematical possibility of obtaining a passing grade, and will be given only for University-approved excuses, with the approval of the Dean of Math and Sciences.    

 

            Academic Alert:  The Academic Alert System is a retention program that puts students in contact with the appropriate campus resources to assist them in meeting their educational goals at UAM.  If you are doing poorly in your academic work, are chronically absent from class, are exhibiting disruptive behavior, or are having difficulty adjusting to campus life, University faculty, staff or a fellow student may report you to the Office of Academic Affairs through the Academic Alert system.  Be aware that the instructor of this class intends to fully utilize the Academic Alert system.

 

            Academic dishonesty:  Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  The Academic Code of the University of Arkansas-Monticello may be found on 14-16 of the 2020-2021 UAM Student Handbook (link listed above).  Please make sure you understand the definitions of cheating and plagiarism as listed there.

Please note that the instructor has wide latitude in taking corrective action in response to cheating; expect the harshest possible response in this class.  In other words, if I catch you cheating even once, I will assign a grade of F for the course.  You will not be allowed to have a cell phone of any sort on your desk during exams.  You will not be allowed to wear an Apple Watch, Pebble, or other watch during exams.  Use of such technology constitutes cheating and will result in assignment of an F for the class.

 

            Students with disabilities:  It is the policy of the University of Arkansas at Monticello to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the commitment of the University to equal educational opportunities.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of the course.  Any student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student Services located in Harris Hall, Room 120, phone 870-460-1026, TDD 870-460-1626, fax 870-460-1926, e-mail:  mwhiting@uamont.edu. 

 

            Tentative course outline:  (NOTE:  Because of the pandemic and the limited space in our lab, the normal course of this lab cannot be followed.  Scheduling of subjects to be covered will be somewhat “on the fly.”  The following dates must be considered preliminary and tentative, and subject to change with little notice. 

 

January 13       No lab. 

January 20       Introduction (both lab groups).

January 27       Bone and muscle tissues, bone identification (one lab group).

February 3       Bone and muscle tissues, bone identification (second lab group).

February 10     Protists (one lab group).

February 17     Protists (second lab group).

February 24     LAB EXAM 1.

March 3           Scientific writing; Animal Behavior (both lab groups).

March 10         Animal diversity I.  (one lab group)

March 17         Animal diversity I.  (second lab group)—Writing Assignment Due

March 24         Embryology (one lab group)

March 31         Embryology (second lab group)

April 7             Dissection of a Vertebrate (one lab group).

April 14           Dissection of a Vertebrate (second lab group).

April 21           LAB EXAM 2—Final Draft of Writing Assignment Due

 

 

Class Website:  http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/facultyweb/huntj/Principles.htm  

Dr. Hunt’s Website:  http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/facultyweb/huntj/

Textbook Website:  www.masteringbiology.com

UAM Home Page:  http://www.uamont.edu/

UAM Bookstore:  http://www.bkstr.com/uamontstore/home

Study Tips:  http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/facultyweb/huntj/Study%20tips.htm

 

Dr. Hunt’s Phone Number:  870-460-1466

Special Student Services:  870-460-1026

General Education Tutorial Lab:  870-460-1454

Math Tutorial Lab:  870-460-1016

TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION

 

Blackboard Assistance:

Contact the Office of Instructional Technology during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (870) 460-1063.

Help Link: http://www.uamont.edu/blackboard

 

Email Assistance:

Contact the Office of Information Technology (IT) during regular business hours, Monday-

Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (870) 460-1036. The IT website also provides answers to frequently asked questions.

Website: http://www.uamont.edu/pages/resources/information-technology/it-for-students/

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

 

Academic Alert System:

UAM is committed to your academic success. To help, UAM has developed an academic alert system to connect you with campus resources when needed. Faculty and staff members contribute directly to the academic alert system by submitting concerns about students who are exhibiting behaviors that will make it difficult for them to succeed. If an alert is submitted for you, you will receive an email or call from a professional academic advisor. Please respond to the contact you receive. If you have any questions about the academic alert system, you may call the Office of Academic Advising at (870) 460-1633.

 

Career Services:

Student Success Center, Suite 201, (870) 460-1454.

Career Counseling is available to each student to assist and prepare for academic and career success, help make sound career decisions based on an evaluation of their goals, interests, abilities, and values, and to research possible career choices. Students can also research pre- and post-graduate career opportunities.

 

Counseling Services:

Student Success Center, Room 204D, (870) 460-1554.

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning. Mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance. Counseling services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on campus via the UAM Counseling Services website at http://www.uamont.edu/pages/student-affairs/counseling/

 

The Center for Writing and Communication:

Taylor Library, Room 203, (870) 460-1378

The Center for Writing and Communication (CWC) is a free service to UAM students and is designed to assist writers of any level or major, on assignments from all disciplines and genres, and at all stages of the writing process. Website: http://www.uamont.edu/pages/school-of-arts-humanities/writing-center/

 

 

Library Services:

The computer section in the Library is open during regular Library hours. Go to the Taylor

Library website for hours of operation:  http://www.uamont.edu/pages/library/  

 

Student Special Services:

Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student Special Services. 

Monticello Campus

Location: Student Success Center, Room 201F

Telephone: (870) 460-1226 / TDD: (870) 460-1626 Fax: (870) 460-1926

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3600, Monticello, AR 71656

Email: whitingm@uamont.edu

 

Tutoring Center:

Student Success Center, Suite 203, (870) 460-1454

All students have access to free tutoring services. Drop-ins are welcomed or students can make an appointment. Tutoring Schedules are available to pick up. Night tutoring is available Monday-Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 

Math Tutorial Lab:

Math and Science Center, (870) 460-1016

Free one-on-one tutoring is available for any mathematics class. Help with ALEKS, WebAssign, and MyMathLab is available.  Math tutoring is located in the A-Wing of the Science Center.

 

University Behavior Intervention Team:

The Behavior Intervention Team’s (UBIT) purpose is to promote a safe and productive learning, living, and working environment by addressing the needs of students, faculty, and staff.  If you or a classmate are in need of help, please submit a concern at https://publicdocs.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofArkansasMonticello&layout_id=10 or call (870) 460-1110 or (870) 460-1554 during regular business hours.

In case of emergency or after office hours please call 911.

IMPORTANT POLICIES

 

Student Handbook:

Each student is responsible for reading the student handbook including the rules and policies regarding conduct codes and academic dishonesty.  The Student Handbook is located at the following link: http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/pdfs/student%20handbook.pdf

 

University Policy on Concealed Weapons:

Possession, discharge, or other use of any weapon is prohibited on the grounds or in the buildings of any campus, division, unit or other area controlled by the University of Arkansas System, except that a handgun may be possessed by an individual who has a concealed handgun permit and has completed enhanced certification training in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-322(g).