Biology 105- Facts of Life Spring 2017

Syllabus, Course Information and Policies

LOCATION/TIME: Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:00-12:20, Science Building

Lecture Hall (SCI-LH)
INSTRUCTOR: Jessica Ardis
jessica.ardis@rutgers.edu
Office hour: Thursday 12.30- 1.30 PM, Science Building,
B-5B

COURSE CODE: 50:120:105: 01

TEXT: Biology for a Changing World 2nd ed. Shuster, Vigna, Tontonoz and
Sinha.
W.H. Freeman and Company 2014
Additional readings as listed in syllabus.
SAKAI SITE
The course Sakai site will contain announcements related to lecture as well
as copies of course documents, including the syllabus and links to assigned
additional readings. Lecture slides will be uploaded after the days lecture.

GRADES AND EXAMS

1. There will be three in-class exams during the semester (see Course
Schedule for dates). You will have the entire class period to complete
the exam. The lowest exam of these three will be dropped. There will
be no make-up exams. If you miss an exam for any reason, then that
will be the exam you drop.
2. The final exam (May 9, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM) will be comprehensive.
3. Six quizzes will be given throughout the semester. They will cover the
previous two lectures. Quizzes are ten points each. You will have ten
minutes to complete the quiz. Quizzes will be given at the beginning
of the class period. If you arrive after the quiz is over you will not be
permitted to take the quiz and will receive a zero for that quiz. There
are no make-up quizzes. If you miss class, you will receive a zero for
that days quiz. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
4. Point breakdown:
Exams 200 points (3 exams, lowest will be dropped)
Quizzes 50 points (6 quizzes, lowest will be dropped)
Final exam 100 points
Total possible points: 350
There will be no extra credit for any reason.

Course letter grades will be assigned by assessing each students

total score relative to the best total score attained by any student
 during the semester. Your score will be calculated as percentage of
the best total score and given a letter grade as follows:
90% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
< 60% F

COURSE SCHEDULE
LECTURE ATTENDANCE
It is expected that you will attend all lectures. There is no substitute for in-
class learning. Exam questions will be based on the lectures rather than
the textbook. If you observe a religious holiday which interferes with a
scheduled class session, please let me know the first week of class.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is of the utmost importance in this class and at this
university. Please familiarize yourself with the Rutgers University Code of
Academic Integrity, which can be found here:
https://slwordpress.rutgers.edu/academicintegrity/wp-
content/uploads/sites/41/2014/11/AI_Policy_2013.pdf
Students who plagiarize, cheat, or otherwise violate this code will be
reported to the Office of Student Conduct and may receive a failing grade,
academic probation, or even expulsion.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
1. You may use a tablet or computer to take notes, although research
shows students retain information with more success if they take
hand-written notes. Do not use your device for social media, online
shopping, reading news, etc. It is a distraction to those sitting behind
you and it is a waste of valuable class time.
2. Cellphones must be turned off during class. No texting or phone calls.
3. Do not eat food during lecture.
4. Do not talk to your neighbors during class. If you have something to
contribute to the discussion, please raise your hand and share with
everyone.
5. There is no participation grade. However, if you are at the cusp
between two letter grades, I may take your behavior and engagement
level into consideration when assigning final grades.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

1. It is essential that you attend every lecture. Exam and quiz questions
will be derived primarily from lectures. While the readings are
obligatory, they are intended to enhance, not substitute for, the
lectures. You cannot expect to be successful in the course by skipping
 lecture and simply doing the readings.
2. Make an effort to do the assigned reading before class.
3. Take every exam and quiz seriously. Do NOT opt to skip an exam or
quiz because you know one will be dropped. This is a dangerous
strategy that tends to backfire.
4. Create time to review your notes, if possible, the same day, or at the
very least, the same week. Do not wait until right before the exams to
study. Because we are covering a vast array of topics, it is best to
study the material while it is still fresh.
5. Ask questions during class. If you are confused about something,
there is a very good chance that someone else is as well. If you are
not comfortable asking your question in lecture, come to office hours.
6. Form a small weekly study group (3-4 students). Review the material
prior to the study group meeting. Ask each other questions and
practice explaining concepts to each other. There is no better way to
master the material than to teach it to someone else.
7. Use active studying methods. Do the relevant practice questions at
the end of each chapter. Write your own practice questions and
answer them without looking at your notes.
8. Seek help if you need it. Take advantage of the Rutgers Camden
Learning Center (http://learn.camden.rutgers.edu/)