Contemporary Topics in Biology

Bio 1:

Catherine Genevieve Barretto-Lagunzad Faculty, Institute of Biology

Course Info
Course Number: Biology 1 Course Title: Contemporary Issues in Biology School: Institute of Biology, College of Science University of the Philippines Diliman Semester: 2nd Semester School Year: 2012 13 Number of Units: 3 units Instructor: Catherine Genevieve BarrettoLagunzad

Course Description
Biology 1 Contemporary Topics in Biology is a 3-unit course designed to provide nonbiology majors the basic knowledge needed in understanding and appreciating the nature of life sciences. The ultimate goal of the course is to provide students the necessary information, skills and tools that can help them make informed judgment about contemporary issues and concerns related to biology.

Course Outline
I.

Exploring Life
The Concept of Life Manifestations of Life Life Structure, Function and Control Methods in the Study of Biology

IV.

Evolution
Species Concept Mechanisms and Evidences Evolutionary Theories Evolution of Sex

II.

Reproduction

Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Sex and Diversity of Life Reproductive Health Assisted Reproductive Technology

V.

Ecology
Ecosystem Concepts Environmental Issues and Concerns

III.

Genetics
Laws and Patterns of Inheritance Molecular Genetics Modern Biotechnology

VI.

Other Current Topics

Student Group Reports

Suggested Reading

Starr C, R Taggart, C Evers and L Starr. 2012. BIOLOGY: The Unity and Diversity of Life, 12th Edition. Thomson Brooks/Cole USA.

Course Requirements
Lectures & Discussions Quizzes , Seatwork, Homework Group Report 4 Long Exams Special Term Project Class Participation

Course Requirements
REQUIREMENTS 2 Long exams Quizzes Assignments, Seatwork, Class Participation & Attendance Group Report TOTAL
90 100 85 89 80 84 75 79 70 74 65 69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 INC Incomplete

200 100 50

50 400
1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5 2.75 3 4 5.0 Needs Completion

Classroom Policies
1. You will be seated in class according to a seat plan which will be followed for the whole semester. Bring 2 (1X1) ID pictures. 2. The Course syllabus is a guide to be used accordingly during the semester. It includes the outline of topics to be covered in each meeting. Please read the discussion on the topics in your textbook before coming to class. 3. All extra material for reproduction (hard copies of lectures, additional reading material, etc.) will be given to the class beadle. 4. ALL COMMUNICATION DEVICES must be in silent mode and CAN NOT BE USED during class. Laptops and other electronic devices will NOT be allowed in the classroom except during reporting. 5. No more than 6 missed meetings equivalent to nine hours. There is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Attendance will be checked in the first 15 minutes at the beginning of the class. It is the students obligation to inform the beadle that he/she was at most 15 minutes late; otherwise the attendance record will reflect an absence. Tardiness of more than 15 minutes will be considered an absence.

Classroom Policies
7. Take careful note of deadlines for submission of course requirements.

8. Audio-recording and videotaping of lectures are not allowed. These constitute a grave misconduct of invasion of privacy 9. Quizzes may cover topics previously or currently taken or those to be discussed for the day. There will be no make up for missed quizzes. Automatic zero grade for missed quizzes. 10. Class participation includes attendance and active participation in class discussions. 11. The classroom is a place of learning. Whatever your reason for being here, it is expected that you behave consistently with the purpose of academic achievement.

Index Cards Please!

On a 3 x 5 inch index card:
(FRONT SIDE) Name (in full, PRINTED SURNAME FIRST): Nickname Yr. and Course: Contact No: Email address: 1x1 picture
(do not glue!)

Birthday : Natural Science subjects taken:

Index Cards Please!

(REVERSE SIDE) The topic I would like to be taken up in class is

Consultation Hours
Wednesdays & Fridays 1:00 pm 2:30 pm (cgblagunzad@yahoo.com)

Or by appointment 09178740293

What to do

Group Report
Grading criteria:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Group yourselves, with 5 members to a group Choose a topic to report on You may modify your topic to a related one, with my consent. Submit an outline of your report You may be flexible with the format of your oral presentation as long as it falls within

Content 25% Organization 25% Mastery 25% Visual Aids/Effective communication/ 25% Audience Impact -----------------Grade from classmates Grade from instructor

Group Report Evaluation

Evaluator: Topic of the Report Date: Grading criteria:

EXCELLENT POOR

VG

GOOD

FAIR

Content 54 3 2 1 Organization 5 4 3 2 1 Mastery 54 3 2 1 Visual Aids 54 3 2 1 Audience Impact and Effective communication

On a sheet of paper: Group Number of Evaluators and List of the Group members present: Group Number of Reporters: Title of the Report: Date:
EXCELLENT POOR

VG

GOOD

FAIR

Content 5 4 3 2 1 Organization 5 4 3 2 1 Mastery 5 4 3 2 1 Visual Aids 5 4 3 2 1 Audience Impact and Effective communication COMMENTS: ________________________________________________________________ Name Total score Reporter 1 _____________________ _________ Reporter 2 _____________________ _________ Reporter 3 _____________________ _________ Reporter 4 _____________________ _________ Reporter 5 _____________________ _________