Dr. Joseph Dallon, Jr.
Office: G-324. Hours [By appointment]: M, R 10:40 - 2:00, W 2:00 -
4:30
Phone: (201) 684-7730, Secretary's extension: 7748
SBIO 10101 DMS BIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Developmental modern science is designed to develop within the student an appreciation for biological science and the scientific method. The course covers the history of biology as a science discipline and establishes evolution as a critical unifying theme. The major systems of plants and animals are shown and examples of how living organisms adapt to to their environment is explored. Emphasis is on research methodology and its applications.
GOALS OF THE COURSE
| 1 | To instill in the student an appreciation for science, the process of
scientific thought, and the responsibilities that scientists have to the world community. |
| 2 | To develop a sense of history of biological thought |
| 3 | To understand fundamental biological principles such as evolution, cell
structure and function, and the generation of important systems in plants and animals,
including, but not limited to reproductive, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, and
digestive. |
| 4 | To understand the important relationships between organisms and their environment. In part, this will be illustrated through selected hands-on exercises using examples from the plant kingdom that are applicable to other life forms. |
COURSE OUTLINE
PERSPECTIVES AND CONCEPTS IN BIOLOGY
Introduction
Biological organization in the plant and animal kingdoms
Mendelian patterns of inheritance
Chromosomal theory of inheritance
Molecular basis of inheritance
Genetic engineering
CELLULAR BASIS OF LIFE
Cell structure and functions
Cell membranes
Osmosis and diffusion
PLANT SYSTEMS: FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS
The plant body: cells and tissues of roots, stems, leaves, and specialized structures
Photosynthesis and respiration
Mineral nutrition
Sexual and asexual reproduction
Plant growth and development
Non-vascular plants: forms and functions
ANIMAL SYSTEMS: FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS
Cell systems and homeostasis
Integrated systems [nervous, endocrine, digestive, circulatory, etc]
Animal reproduction
ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
The biosphere
Human evolution
Population ecology
Community interactions
Human behavior
FINAL EXAMINATION [Cumulative]
Text: Biology-Concepts and applications, Cecie Starr, 3'rd edit., Wadsworth Pub. Co., NYC
GRADING POLICY
| Grades will be determined as follows: | |
| Three quizzes [lowest grade discarded] | 25% |
| Mid-term exam | 25% |
| Term paper & presentation | 25% |
| Final exam | 25% |
| Grading criteria for paper | Grading criteria for presentation |
| Interest | Interest |
| Content | Content |
| Organization | Organization |
| Illustrations | Illustrations |
| Apparent effort | Apparent effort |
| Literature citations | Command of subject matter |
| Note: | |
| 1 | A schedule for submission of papers and for presentations will be given by the instructor. Papers are due at the time the presentation is made. |
| 2 | Papers are not accepted beyond the scheduled due date |
| 3 | Presentations are not accommodated beyond the scheduled date |
| 4 | Make-up quizzes nor exams are given |
| 5 | Letter grades are awarded on the following basis: |
| A | 93 & above | C+ | 74-76 |
| A- | 89-92 | C | 70-73 |
| B+ | 85-88 | C- | 67-69 |
| B | 80-84 | D+ | 65-67 |
| Below 63 results in an F | D | 60-64 |
TENTATIVE LECTURE-DISCUSSION OUTLINE
| Week 1 | Introduction: Course objectives and
requirements. Universal biological phenomena Characteristics of living organisms. Suggested reading: Chapter 1 |
| Week 2 | Organization of the plant and animal kingdoms. Suggested reading: Chapters 15 & 16 |
| Week 3 | Cell structure and functions. Suggested
reading: Chapter 3 Interactive exercise: Part I: Effects of environmental influence on genetic expression. This, hands-on exercise, performed in the greenhouse, will demonstrate the basis for the application of the scientific methods. Emphasis is on experimental design and implementation, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of experimental results. [Refer to the handout for details] |
| Week 4 | Chemical basis of life. Suggested reading:
Chapter 2 Quiz I |
| Week 5 | Energy and metabolism. Suggested reading:
Chapters 4 - 6 Interactive exercise - Part II: Hormones and behavior. Emphasis is on the effects of hormones on genetic expression. {Refer to handout for details] |
| Week 6 | Cell replication: mitosis and meiosis. Suggested reading: Chapters 7 & 8 |
| Week 7 | Principles of inheritance. Suggested
reading: Chapters 9 & 10 Mid-term exam |
| Week 8 | Molecular basis of inheritance. Suggested
reading: Chapters 11 - 13 Interactive exercise - Part III: Nutrition and development. In a hydroponics environment, the effects of essential nutrients on plant growth and development will be observed in Chrysanthemum cultivars |
| Week 9 | Plants: Forms and functions Morphology and anatomy. Suggested reading: Chapter 22 Quiz II |
| Week 10 | Plant nutrition Aspects of plant growth and development. Suggested reading: Chapters 23 & 24 |
| Week 11 | Plant reproduction. Suggested reading: Chapters 23 & 24 |
| Week 12 | Animals: Forms and functions Hormonal regulation of growth and development: Reproduction Suggested reading: Chapters 25, 28, 30, 33, 34 Quiz III |
| Week 13 | Animals: Forms and functions Evolution and ecology. Suggested reading: Chapters 35-40 |
| Week 14 | Animals: Forms and functions Human behavior. Suggested reading: Chapters 35-40 |
| Week 15 | Final exam |
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