BIO 201

Course description:
The purpose of this course is to give you an overview of biological concepts and to gain an appreciation of the importance that biology plays in our lives and will continue to play in the foreseeable future. I view this course as the LAST course you will have in biology rather than the first course. Clearly, there is a lot of material to cover in a short period of time. My purpose in class is to present to you the most important material upon which to base your foundation in biology. The lectures will follow the book closely, however, additional material will be frequently added in order to help clarify a topic and improve your understanding.

General Instructional Objectives:
By the end of this course students will:
1. Appreciate the role of biology in everyday life.
2. Know about the cell and the function of its different parts.
3. Know the basic concepts of metabolism and photosynthesis.
4. Understand the principles of genetics.
5. Know about the diversity of life on earth.
6. Demonstrate laboratory skills.

Specific Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
1. Describe the relevance and importance of different biological processes to our daily life.
2. Name the different parts of the cell and describe their function.
3. Describe the different metabolic and photosynthetic processes.
4. Describe the molecular characteristics of nucleic acids and describe how nucleic aids and protein synthesis are     interrelated.
5. Solve genetics problems.
6. Identify different living organisms and understand their major characteristics.
7. Use the microscope.
8. Run simple experiments and interpret the data.

Resources Available:
Textbook: Raven, Johnson, Losos, and Singer. (2004) Biology, 7th edition. McGraw-Hill.
Web CT: The course is available on Web CT

Course Policy:
In order to do well in this course, it is imperative that you keep up with reading the chapters and attend lectures. It will not be possible to read all the material the night before the exam.

1. Class attendance
Class attendance is highly recommended. While no attendance will be taken during the general lecture, because of the size of the class, class attendance will be taken during recitation sessions. Absence of a student does not excuse him/her from the responsibility for the work done, or for any announcements made during his/her absence. Students who miss classes excessively are subject to be dropped from the course (AUB Catalogue).

2. Questions during general lectures
While questions are always encouraged, the size of this class makes answering, and possibly, asking questions difficult. Therefore, if you have a question, please write it on a piece of paper and submit it to me at the conclusion of the lecture, or via E-mail ( chtarraf@aub.edu.lb). The questions will be answered during the recitation sessions. Also, you are welcome to meet with me to ask questions during my office hours.

3. Recitation sessions
Your recitation group will meet once a week. The major purpose of the recitation sessions is to answer questions that might be raised during general lectures, clarify and reinforce subject matter dealt with in lectures and in the text. Attend recitation and participate fully in this class by asking questions and participating in class discussions because this will be included in your overall course evaluation.

4. Class rules
The first rule is TURN OFF YOUR MOBILE PHONES before getting into the classroom. If you must receive an emergency call, you must use a vibration alert and you must leave the class to take the call and not return. Second, I expect students to attend classes and be PUNCTUAL (Punctuality is a measure of civility). I will begin class at 8:00 am sharp! I expect students to be in their seats ready to work. I will end class at 8:50 am. PLEASE do not be rustling books and papers before that time. Arriving late and leaving early is disruptive to the class and interrupts my train of thought. I expect students to be respectful. Tuition affords one the opportunity for an education, not the right to be disruptive. A serious problem in large lecture halls is the background noise caused by students talking during the lecture. This behavior is immature and inconsiderate. Serious measures will be taken against students who persist with such disruptive behavior.

6. Exam rules and regulations
You are required to take all the exams on the scheduled day and time. Failure to sit for an exam will result in a grade of '0' (ZERO) for that exam. NO MAKE UP EXAMS will be given. An alternative arrangement could be made; however, the nature for such arrangement is at the discretion of the instructor. A written explanation/reason must be provided within one week of the scheduled exam to allow for such an arrangement.

Mobile phones should be turned off during the exam. They are not to be seen in front of you (you can keep them in your bags or pockets) and cannot be used as calculators.

7. Academic integrity
I will not tolerate any kind of dishonesty during exams or reports (honesty in your academic work will develop into professional integrity). Cheating and plagiarism are violations of the university's academic regulations and is subject to disciplinary action. For more information on the Student Code of Conduct refer to the following AUB website ( http://pnp.aub.edu.lb/general/conductcode/).

Tentative Lecture Schedule