Southern Miss Gulf Coast | College of Science and Technology | Biological Sciences | Biology I Lab Syllabus

BSC 110 Biology I LAB Syllabus Fall 2006
Robert Turnbull, Instructor
Office: 131-A
Office Hours: Mondays 4-6:00pm,
Wednesday 1-2:30pm,
Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm
PHONE: 228.214.3332
E-mail: Robert.Turnbull@usm.edu or roroule@charter.net

Time: Monday 6:00-9:15 pm
Room: SSC 131-B
Text: Principles of Biological Science Laboratory Manual 4th Edition, Edited by Aimee T. Lee

Wednesday, October 4th is the last day to drop class without academic penalty.

Learning outcomes: BSC 110 and BSC 110L are part of the General Education Curriculum (GEC) of the University. As a consequence, the course will fulfill the following GEC Student Learning outcomes:
Students will demonstrate the ability to develop and focus on one topic in speaking and writing assignments and present ideas in an organized, logical, and coherent form.
Students will demonstrate the ability to use Standard English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage.
Students will have a good understanding of the scientific method.
Students will be able to interpret scientific data and reach a plausible conclusion.
Students will have a good understanding of the techniques used in science.
Students will demonstrate a basic awareness of current issues and concerns.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic biological principles, functions, structures and processes.

Grades: There will be 2 examinations. Each will be a practical exam and will count 100 points. In addition, as a course within the general education curriculum, students will fulfill the writing requirement by using data collected during lab to write a laboratory report (see schedule). They will follow the guidelines outlined in their lab manuals. Reports will count 50 points each and are due by the following lab. Total points = 300

A – 90%- 100% 270-300 points
B – 80% - 89% 240-269 points
C – 70% - 79% 210-239 points
D – 60% - 69% 180-209 points
F < 60% below 180 points

Accommodation for students with special needs: If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with disabilities act (ADA) and requires accommodations, she/he should contact the office for disability accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies. Address: The University of Southern Mississippi on the Gulf Coast Office of Disability Accommodations 730 East Beach Boulevard Long Beach, MS 39560. Voice Telephone or TTY: (228) 214-3232 or (601)226-6035, Fax: (601)266-6035. Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay Service at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY) or email Suzy Herbert at Suzanne.herbert@usm.edu.

Academic integrity: Each student in this course is expected to abide by the University of Southern Mississippi Student Handbook. Students are expected to abide by the Code of Student Conduct. Comparison of answers, copying from others or any type of collaboration is not permitted during the examinations because they violate the code and may result in University disciplinary actions: probation, suspension, or expulsion, or all three. You will be requested not to wear any type of hat or caps, and jackets. The instructor reserves the right to request you to show that you have not hidden notes that may distract you or make you fail to abide to Code of Student Conduct. See USM Student Handbook page 75 at http://www.usm.edu/pubs/studenthandbook/

Make Up Exams: Make up exams will only be given to students who miss an exam due to extenuating circumstances including, but not limited to, serious illness or death in the family. Missing an exam due to non medical reasons must be approved for by the Instructor prior to the absence. The Instructor must be contacted regarding makeup exams within one week of the absence (or before the absence for non medical reasons). Documentation of the extenuating circumstances (doctor’s excuse, for example) must be provided to the instructor before makeup exam will be given. Exams must be made up within one week of returning to class at a time mutually agreeable to student and Instructor. Failure to comply with these policies will result in a zero for the missed exam.

Attendance: Attendance is required.

Extra Credit: I do not give extra credit; don’t ask. If you have extra time for extra credit, spend it studying.

Lab Safety:
Do no eat, drink or smoke in the laboratory.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before leaving the laboratory.
When heating a test tube, point the mouth of the tube away from yourself and other people.
Always wear shoes in the lab.
Keep extra books etc in designated place to keep work area uncluttered.
If you have long hair, tie it back when in the lab.
Read labels carefully before removing substances from a container.
Discard used chemicals and materials into appropriately labeled containers.
Avoid contact with embalming fluids.
Wear rubber or disposable gloves when working with preserved specimens.
Wear eyeglasses or safety glasses to protect your eyes.

BSC 110 LAB Fall 2006