National University

Course:	BIO100 - Survey of Bioscience
Last revised:	Date: September 16, 2009    By: Dr. Michael R. Maxwell
Textbook:	For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com
Course Description: A survey course of the basic principles of the life sciences. Examines cellular, organismal, population and community biology based on the unifying concept of evolution.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able to: Describe biologically important molecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids; and understand their function in the cell. Know the differences between, and intracellular components of, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Explain organelle structures and functions, especially of the nucleus, mitochondria, and cytomembrane and understand important intracellular processes such as metabolism, photosynthesis, cell division and protein synthesis. Understand how living things are organized (from cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism). Know the function of various organs in plants and animals. Know how the complementary activity of major body systems result in the maintenance of homeostasis in the body. Appreciate and describe the complementary nature of structure and function in organisms. Explain the basic principles of Mendelian inheritance and appropriate mathematical models. Understand the mechanisms involved in the development of organisms. Know the basic principles of ecology and biogeography, and the interrelationships between populations, communities and ecosystems. They will explain the flow of energy, cycling of energy and biogeochemical cycles. Explain principles of speciation and evolution; contrast the fact of evolution with the descriptive and explanatory theory of natural selection; the biochemical origin of life and the overwhelming evidence of the fossil record; extinctions and the changes during different eras and periods of earth's history; and systematics and phylogeny. Understand the importance of basic DNA technology/genetic engineering in producing biomedical and agricultural products.
Course Requirements: The course is designed to provide students with an overview of modern biology. The unifying theme of evolution will tie together the diversity of topics studied. Students will also understand how the scientific method works, which provides researches with laws and theories through observation, hypotheses and experimentation. Students will understand basic biological principles, including: cellular level of life, inheritance (Mendelian and biochemical), physiology (organismal structure and function), development, evolution, taxonomy and biodiversity, and ecology and behavior.   Course Content: Structure of living organisms and their function (physiology and cell biology). Levels of organization and related functions in plants and animals, including, organ systems, organs, tissues, cells, and subcellular organelles. Structures and related functions of systems in plants and animals, such as reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and digestive. Principles of chemistry underlying the functioning of biological systems (for example, carbon's role in living organisms, water and salt, DNA, and the energetics of photosynthesis).

Recommended Course Grading (expressed as percentages):

A	96-100	B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69
A-	90-95	B	84-86	C	74-76	D	64-66
		B-	80-83	C-	70-73	D-	60-63

Grading Factors:
Each instructor is responsible for identifying several specific grading components and the weight to be assigned to each component. The following are examples only, and are not meant to be all inclusive:

• Weekly quizzes
• Midterm exam(s)
• Homework assignments
• Participation in classroom or chatroom discussions
• Participation in threaded discussions (online only)
• Short papers, term papers, and the like
• Individual and/or group projects (written and possibly oral presentation)
• Case study analysis and discussion
• Field experience report
• Final exam (comprehensive)

Definition of Grades:

Undergraduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement	Significantly exceeds standards
B	Commendable Achievement	Exceeds standards
C	Acceptable Achievement	Meets standards
D	Marginal Achievement	Below standards
F	Failing *

Graduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement
B	Commendable Achievement
C	Marginal Achievement
D	Unsatisfactory *
F	Failing *

* Students receiving this grade in a course that is required for his/her degree program must repeat the course.

I

Incomplete A grade given at the discretion of the instructor when a student who has completed at least two-thirds of the course class sessions and is unable to complete the requirements of the course because of uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances. The student must convey these circumstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an "Incomplete" is warranted, the instructor must convey the conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" to the student in writing. A copy must also be placed on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "Incomplete" is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. An "Incomplete" is not assigned when the only way the student could make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the class when next offered. An "I" that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an "F." No grade points are assigned. The "F" is calculated in the grade point average.

W

Withdrawal Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after beginning the third class session. Students who wish to withdraw must notify their admissions advisor before the beginning of the sixth class session in the case of graduate courses, or before the seventh class session in the case of undergraduate courses. Instructors are not authorized to issue a "W" grade.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.

Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.

Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.

Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:

• Conflicting opinions among members of a class are to be respected and responded to in a professional manner.
• Side conversations or other distracting behaviors are not to be engaged in during lectures, class discussions or presentations
• There are to be no offensive comments, language, or gestures

Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.

The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://www.nu.edu/LIBRARY/ReferenceTools/citations.html

National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:

URL: http://www.nu.edu/library.

Contact the Library:

• RefDesk@nu.edu
• (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
• 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)

Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help

• Recorded class presentations
• Tutorials & Guides (APA/MLA, Peer-Review, and more)