Course Descriptions

Prerequisites

None; however, we strongly recommend that the student be at the English 355:100 and Math 640:026 level or higher.

Course Description

The goal of Prep for GB is to prepare you for the General Biology sequence and any other science courses you may take.  Along with reviewing biological topics, Prep for GB is specifically designed to help you develop better ways of dealing with science courses and will spend significant time reviewing the cognitive psychology that underlies productive learning strategies.  Topics such as time management, how to use text books, how to deal with lectures, how to adequately prepare for exams, and metacognition are reviewed.  We require conscientious participation, as the course is highly interactive, both in lecture and in lab.  Activities are designed to help you develop techniques, not just to help you learn biology concepts.  By the end of the semester, we believe you will feel more confident about your subsequent science courses.

If you plan to major in the life sciences, you must take General Biology 119:115, 116, and 117.  This class does not replace any of these courses. 

Course Syllabus

Fall 2021 Syllabus

Course LMS

Canvas 

Course Satisfies SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goals

1. Natural Sciences: Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical or biological sciences. 
2. Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence, arguments, and theory in scientific analysis.
3. Natural Sciences: Identify and critically assess ethical and societal issues in science.

Course Satisfies Department Learning Goals

 I. To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides students with a foundation to further their education and career in the areas of life science or health science.  Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge (ex. identify, define, explain...) of the concepts, practices and principles that comprise the biological sciences.

II. To develop data analysis and statistical reasoning skills that prepares students for a society increasing reliant on the use of data and information. Students will be able to interpret/evaluate patterns in data presented in tables, figures, and graphs as well as be able to organize, summarize and present data.

III. To develop the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method to empower students with the ability to generate and refine knowledge. Students will be able to evaluate and apply the practice of science.

IV. To develop critical thinking and problems solving skills appropriate to prepare students to evaluate, synthesize and generate knowledge that provides them with a competitive advantage to adapt to an evolving, global, and knowledge based society.  Students will be able to demonstrate application of higher order thinking (ex. classify, diagnosis, evaluate, synthesize, hypothesize...).  Students will develop an understanding of not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Lecture (60% of grade):

Exam 1 = 10%

Exam 2 = 10%

Exam 3 = 13%

Final Exam = 18%

Lecture Practice Questions & Homework = 9%

Laboratory (40% of grade):

Deportment = 10%

Lab Work & Activities = 20%

Final Practical = 10%

The final grade will be based on the following scale: A -90% and above; B+ - 88/89%; B - 80-87%; C+ - 78/79%; C - 70-77%; D - 60-69%; F - 59% or below. Students whose final average is 60% or above must also have earned at least a 60% on one exam and have earned at least 55% of the available laboratory points. If these conditions are not met, the student will receive an F even though their average is 60% or above. Students with more than two (2) unexcused absences from laboratory will automatically fail the course.

Attendance to both lecture and lab is mandatory.

Course Materials

Text: Biology 2e, 2018 openstax  – an open source textbook available at:  https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e

ISBN:

PRINT BOOK ISBN-10 1-947172-51-4
PRINT BOOK ISBN-13 978-1-947172-51-7
PDF VERSION ISBN-10 1-947172-52-2
PDF VERSION ISBN-13 978-1-947172-52-4

Also required:

ResponseCard LCD clicker is NOT NEEDED for Fall 2020 during remote instruction. 

A ResponseCard RF LCD clicker (ISBN: 9781934931400) for use in lecture and laboratory.  The more sophisticated ResponseCard Clickers (XR, NXT) are also appropriate, but not required. The basic RF clicker is sufficient.

Laboratory Manual: provided as part of lab fee.

Course Closed?

You should continue to check WebReg to see if a spot has opened.  If you are not registered by the start of classes, go to the first class anyway.  Further information about registration will be given at that time.

Faculty

Dr. Gregg Transue
Busch Campus
214 ARC
phone: 848-445-2594
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.