• Biology 102
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• Syllabus
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Biology 102: Human Biology – A Case Study Approach

SAMPLE SYLLABUS

Lecture:

Hitchcock Hall, Room HI 131; TR 10:00-11:18

Recitation:

as per your schedule

Text:

• Required: The Seven Daughters of Eve, 2001, by Bryan Sykes.
• Optional: Life on Earth, 3rd edition, 2003, by Audesirk, Audesirk and Byers; or Explore Life, 2003, by Postlethwait and Hopson.
  Relevant readings in the optional texts will be posted on Carmen.

Prerequisites:

Required: Biology 101 or equivalent (including high school AP biology) or instructor’s permission.

Course Philosophy:

This course will employ the "case study" approach. Rather than concentrating briefly on a number of topics, we will focus on four major areas of biology that raise particularly perplexing policy options. We will accomplish this as a team of faculty researchers and guest speakers who bring international expertise to these areas:

1. DNA, Genes, Chromosomes and GMOs:
   1. DNA, genes, chromosomes and gene expression: Dr. Sayre
   2. Human Genome, Eugenics and Human Cloning; Dr. Sayre
   3. Genetically Modified Foods in Developing Nations; Dr. Richard Sayre, Dr. Dimuth Siritunga, Dr. Allison Snow
2. Evolution:
   1. Introduction, Dr. Richard Sayre
   2. Evolution and Religion, Dr. David Ruppe
3. Human Disease:
   1. Obesity, Dr. Richard Sayre
   2. Bio-terrorism, Mr. Matt Misicka
   3. Nutraceuticals and Cancer, Dr. Gary Stoner
4. Ecology and the Environment:
   1. Invasive Species and the Great Lakes, Mr. Doug Haddix and Mr. Michael Hawthorne, Columbus Dispatch
   2. Toxicology, Dr. Roman Lanno
   3. Global Warming, Dr. Peter Curtis
   4. State of Ohio, Mr. Matt Misicka

Assignments and Grading:

Seven basic types of assignments will be employed throughout the quarter. These assignments will be done individually or collaboratively as described in the Recitation Schedule. Detailed assignment descriptions are located on Carmen. Point values for these assignments will also be described in recitation. Lecture outlines, but not detailed notes, also will be posted on Carmen.

Grades will be based upon the standard OSU grade distribution for A, A−, B+, B, B−, etc.

Important Course Tools:

Carmen: We anticipate that you will check this site regularly for schedule changes, assignment guidelines, and other information. Brief, one page lecture outlines will be posted following each lecture presentation. Your teaching assistant can help you activate your account if you are unfamiliar with this software.

Digital Textbook: Available on Carmen. This digital course packet is intended to provide you with readings that will serve you as a foundation for development of your assignments. It will also help focus your search for additional references throughout the quarter.

The New York Times: Your source for the latest breaking news in science. While you can "get" it online, you have to work hard to stay on top of it; you can also read/photocopy it in many libraries. One way or the other, you must have access to it.

Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing (CSTW): Information will be provided regarding how you may benefit by using this resource during this course.

Collaborative Learning: This is recognized as a highly effective teaching method. Its use for some assignments (above) is required.

Other readings: Additional readings will be handed out and/or posted (including web sites) on the course website.

A Word About Conduct in Large Classes:

This is a large class, but you are not a small part of it! To make our time together as valuable as possible, we all have to work hard at it. The following basic principles may give us some guidelines:

• Every student has the right to learn as well as the responsibility not to deprive others of their right to learn.
• Every student is accountable for his or her actions.

In order for you to get the most out of this class, please consider the following:

1. Attend all scheduled classes and arrive on time. Late arrivals and early departures are very disruptive. If you must be late or need to leave a lecture early, please sit in the balcony.
2. Please do not schedule other engagements during either lecture or recitation. You probably wouldn't like it if we did! We will try to make class as interesting and informative as possible, but we can't learn the material for you.
3. If you have trouble hearing the material presented in lecture because of distractions around you, quietly ask those responsible for the distraction to stop.If the distraction continues, please let us know. It is often impossible to hear such things from our position in the classroom.

Course Rules:

• Academic misconduct:

  Plagiarism is not permitted; the OSU Policy on Academic Misconduct is in effect in this class.

• Collaborative learning rules:

  Unlike some classes, collaborative learning opportunities are not optional here. You are required to work as a group on some projects. You will be asked to evaluate your own contribution to group-prepared projects as well as the contribution of other group members. Dysfunctional groups will be provided assistance in learning how to work together to a reasonable degree.

• Students with Disabilities:

  Please contact Course Coordinator, Matt Misicka (688-3466, misicka.1@osu.edu), as soon as possible after the class starts to help us understand how we can best accommodate your needs. We have a good working relationship with the Office of Disability Services and are confident that all appropriate needs can be accommodated.

• Section Changes:

  All section changes and adds are done at the Center for Life Sciences Education office between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM at 4034 Smith Lab. In order to keep track of ongoing changes in section availability no other course personnel (the instructor, head TA, other TA's) can sign a change form.

• Late Assignment Policy:

  10% will be deducted from the graded assignment for each day, past the due date, that an assignment is late. After five (5) working days, no late assignments will be accepted. Exceptions may be made once with appropriate documentation (note from doctor, employer, clergy, etc.) for an excused absence.

• Grade Inquiries:

  Students will have ten (10) class days to challenge any grade/score presented on Carmen they feel may be incorrect or to inquire about any grades not posted. The posted grade stands as permanent if left unchallenged past the ten class-day period.

Lecture Schedule: