TTH 06:30PM 08:10PM INST 112,
Instructor: Peter Chen	Office hours: before/after class
Email:	Web: http://bio3400.nicerweb.com/
Course Description:	Schedule
BIOLOGY 3400 Genetics, 4 semester hours This course includes both molecular and organismal genetics. The structure and functions of nucleic acids; gene action and regulation; and the principles of genetic engineering and cloning are covered as well as the inheritance of autosomal and sex-linked traits, gene interactions, eucaryote and bacterial genetics; and polygenic inheritance. The interactions of the field of genetics and society including ethical issues will also be addressed. Prerequisites: MTH1100 (College Algebra), BIO1210 (Biology of Cells).

Required Textbook:

•	William S. Klug, Michael R. Cummings, and Charlotte A. Spencer. Concepts of Genetics, Eighth Edition. San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2005.

Lectures:
The instruction time for each class is 85 minutes, with 15 minutes of break time, for a total of 100 minutes. Attendance in lectures is critical to success in this course. Attendance in lecture is worth 2 points for each class; points may be deducted for tardiness, leaving early, or for being disruptive in class.

Grading:
There will be 5 tests, each worth 200 points. The lowest score of the 5 tests is weighted at 50%; so the total possible points from the tests are 900. Tests are not cumulative. Makeup tests must be taken by the next scheduled class; otherwise a score of 0 will be recorded for that test. There will be 9 quizzes worth 10 points each, with the lowest score of the 9 dropped. The quizzes are unannounced. No makeups are available for quizzes. Other assignments will include a team presentation.
 

Assignment Points 5 tests, 200 pts each 900 9 quizzes, 10 pts each 80 Team presentation 70 Attendance (25 classes) 50 Total 1100

Grade Points A (90%) 990 B (80%) 880 C (70%) 770 D (60%) 660 F (<60%) <660

 
Grades and Tests:
The class web site will provide access to your grades. You will need to setup a password access your grade and also take tests online. I will try to grade tests and quizzes as soon as possible, so we can review them before moving to the next topic. You are encouraged to do the end of chapter problems on your own; they can be helpful in preparing for tests. I will also provide some review questions to check your understaning of major concepts, though test questions will be broader in scope, so do not rely on these review questions as your major preparation for tests. If you miss a test, you need to make it up before the next class period.

Taking Notes:
Outlines for each class are posted on the web. You may use these as an aid in taking notes, or you may choose to take notes on your own paper. In either case, you are encouraged to take notes; achievement in class is strongly correlated with note taking!

Homework and Assignments:
You have homework assignment for every class: read the assigned material before coming to class, and bring your textbook to class. There is also a team project that should be written and presented in class. All assignments should be typed and include at least 2 references, unless otherwise specified, using either APA or MLA citation style. The textbook does not count as a reference. Assignments should be submitted electronically for your record; use the class upload tool to submit your assignment.

Extra credit: Quizzes and tests may contain extra credit questions; these may cover topics in the textbook not specifically addressed in class, or topics raised during discussions in class, so pay attention to class discussions and participate! A total of 20 additional extra credit points can be earned as follows. You can earn up to 10 points by writing a one-page report on a genetics-related news and giving a brief presentation during class. Other biology-related items may also earn extra credits, at my discretion.

Withdrawal Policy:
The deadline to withdraw with an automatic "W" is Saturday, 11/15. Withdrawal after that date will require my approval, and only under extreme circumstances. However, I will not grant a request to withdraw if you are getting a failing grade at that time.

Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Cheating on quizzes and tests or plagiarism on written assignments will result in a grade of 0 and possible F for the course. Refer to the Aurora University Code Of Academic Integrity for a full description of this school Policy Statement; the Statement can also be found in the A-Book.

Questions:
If you have any questions about this class, or about your career here at Aurora University and beyond, please feel free to contact me by telephone, email, or in-person. If you need to see me at times other than before or after class, please make arrangements with me.

Conclusion:
Congratulations, you have finished reading the Syllabus for Biology 3400. Read the assignments and notes as carefully as you have read this, and you will do well!