Biology 201

1. Biology 201 Dr. Charles Cunningham (August 19 – October 07) Room 216 Castetter Hall (Dept. of Biology) Tel: 277-5578 E-mail: ccunnin@unm.edu Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 11:00-12:00 Dr. Bruce Hofkin (October 14 – December 11) Room 69, Castetter Hall (Dept. of Biology) Tel: 277-3598 E-mail: brunoh@unm.edu Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 11:00-12:00

2. Who should take this course? This course is the first of a four-semester series of introductory courses for Biology minors & majors (Biology 201, 202, 203 and 204) as well as…... Health Science students Physiotherapy students Biomedical Science students Medical Professional students Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science students should consider BIOL 123/124. If you are in doubt speak to one of the Biology advisors.

3. Discussion sections Students in Biology 201 MUST be enrolled in BOTH the lecture AND a 201L discussion section If you are NOT in a discussion section please contact Cara Lea Council (ccouncil@unm.edu) Do NOT change your discussion section

4. Prerequisites CHEM 121 must have been taken and passed with a grade ‘C’ or better Students transferring into UNM must have passed an equivalent course at their previous college Students who do not meet this requirement will be dropped

5. Reading & Lectures The course text book is “Biological Science” by Scott Freeman (5th Edition) This textbook will be suitable for Bio 201-204 Every 1 – 2 weeks I will post suggested reading from the book on http://biology.unm.edu/ccouncil/ Lectures do not explicitly follow the content or chronology of the book.

6. Mastering Biology MB is a useful learning tool that you can buy with the text book. It is NOT compulsory to purchase MB I will generate questions on the MB website that should help you understand the course material better and prepare for exams. The MB code for this course is MBCUNNINGHAM48183

7. Cheating • Use the Internet to help clarify concepts covered in class BUT always double check your sources. Wikipedia is fallible. • Plagiarism is the worst sin. Always express things in your own words

8. Sample questions I will put sample exam papers on the website in the week prior to each of my exams http://biology.unm.edu/ccouncil/ These will be similar to the type of question you will get in the exam. Answers will also be posted These are ONLY to give you experience at answering the type of questions you will meet in the exam

9. Homework problems Each week I will put homework problems on the website http://biology.unm.edu/ccouncil/ These problems should be handed in to your TA at the following lab class. The answer to these problems will contribute to the points earned within the discussion section Discussion sections contribute 25% of your total score Homework = 10 points x 10 weeks = 100 points Discussion = 5 points x 14 weeks = 70 points Science presentation = 10 points Total = 180 points x 25/100 = % contributing to final grade ..and finally

10. Examinations The lecture grade is determined by the total points scored on two of three midterm exams (50 points each) and the final exam (50 points) The lowest grade scored in the first three exams will be dropped; however, the fourth exam is mandatory Students failing to take the final exam will be assumed to have dropped out of the course

11. Exam times & venues Exams 1, 2 & 3 will take place in Anthropology 163 during normal class hours. Exam 4 will take place on December 12th between 12:30 and 2.30 pm in a venue to be announced. ALL STUDENTS WILL TAKE EXAM 4 AT THE SAME TIME. ..and

12. Grading The combined score from the three counting exams will be worth 75% of your final grade The remaining 25% will be made up by your score in the discussion section Your final grade for the course will be based on the following scale: A: 90 – 100%; B: 80 – 89%; C: 70 – 79%; D: 60 – 69%; F: 0 – 59%. Plus grades (ie A+)will be given at the top of these ranges but the ranges are not likely to change. I do not give minus grades (ie A-) ..and

13. Make-up exams Make-up examinations will only be given in the event of a documented medical or family emergency OR if the student is representing the University in some capacity such as sports. Students who believe that they will not be able to take an exam at the scheduled time for any reason should discuss the situation with the instructor as soon asthey become aware of the conflict. If you wait until after the exam to raise the issue, you may not be permitted to make up the exam.

14. ..and finally Do not hesitate to visit or e-mail me. I am here to help Make an appointment if necessary. AND If I write it on the board or use a slide to highlight a point ………it IS important.

15. The Scientific Method "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.” Oxford English Dictionary

16. Observational bias Theodoe Géricault painting of ‘ The Epsom Derby, 1821’

17. Observational bias Eadweard Muybridge, 1878

18. “Yet is was from those who had recovered from the disease that the sick and the dying found most compassion. These knew what it was from experience and had now no fear for themselves; for the same man was never attacked twice - never at least fatally.And such persons not only received the congratulations of others, but themselves also, in the elation of the moment, half entertained the vain hope that they were for the future safe from any disease whatsoever.” Thucydides The History of the Peloponnesian War 431 to 404 B.C.E

19. Pseudoscience

20. Key Steps in the Scientific Method • Observe, define and measure the subject of enquiry • Hypothesis – develop a hypothetical explanation for your observations and measurements • Prediction • Experiment

21. The Scientific Method is Iterative • Define a question • Gather information and resources (observe) • Form an explanatory hypothesis • Perform an experiment and collect data, testing the hypothesis • Analyze the data • Interpret the data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypothesis • Publish results • Retest (frequently done by other scientists)