Course Materials Objectives General Information

Grading Policy University Policies Class Syllabus

FALL 2012

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BI SC 004 (GN) Human Body: Form and Function (3) A general survey of structure and function--from conception, through growth and reproduction, to death. Students who have passed BIOL 129 and 141 may not schedule this course.

Course Materials

Textbook: Human Biology, Michael D. Johnson, 2010
ISBN: 0-321-57020-0

Objectives

• Review basic chemical and cellular/molecular concepts that are needed to understand human physiology, such as: the structure of atoms; H₂O's polar nature; organic macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and their monomers; cell/organelle structure and function; and, DNA, RNA, and gene expression.

• Understand how the human body is constructed from organic macromolecules to cells, cells to tissues, tissues to organs, and organs to organ systems.

• Explain the fundamental physiology of each of the major organ systems in the human body.

• Appreciate the complexity and beauty of the human body. It is hoped that you leave this course with a firm grasp of how your own body functions to carry-out "life-sustaining" processes. This knowledge can be applied to your daily living and the decisions you make about your overall health and well-being throughout your life-time.

• Allow you to review and think about the research studies that are being carried out today to devise medical treatments for some of our society’s most prevalent diseases.

• Highlight recent discoveries in medicine and discuss ethical, social, political, and economic controversies raised by science, e.g., stem cells.

• Foster technology both in and out of the classroom to generate student engagement and active learning.

• Apply biological principles to practical human concerns, such as AIDS, in vitro fertilization, cloning, biotechnology, cancer, diet, exercise, smoking, and aging.

General Information

• Attend Every Lecture. Student participation in classroom activities is viewed as essential to the learning process. Thus, it is expected that you will not miss a class except for the most serious of circumstances. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each lecture. An unexplained absence will result in lowering your most recent test grade by 25 points. However, it is stressed that if you are late for class or miss class because of dangerous weather conditions, your safety is more important. Always drive safely.

• Book Chapter and Online Assignments. Textbook readings and online assignments should be completed before each class to aid in your comprehension of, and engagement in, the classroom experience. Assigned chapter and online content is meant to aid in your comprehension of the lecture material and over content knowledge and retention.

• On-line Assessments. These will be given throughout the semester at the beginning of designated class meetings. These formative assessments will assess your understanding and confirm your completion of assigned online material.

• Work Hard! You are expected to work hard, but it is also realized that you may have difficulty learning or understanding the material. If so, then ask questions. You may ask questions in class, or if you prefer, you can make arrangements to go over the material during my office hours. Don't be intimidated or afraid; I am on your side and stand ready to work with you.

• Participate in a Study Group. It is strongly recommended that you participate in a study group of some type, and that you use the group to assess your comprehension of the course material.

Academic Expectations and Classroom Decorum

Grading Policy

The semester exams will cover material presented in class, assigned textbook content, and assigned online material. Each exam will consist of multiple choice, fill-ins, short answers, and an essay. The final exam will assess your comprehensive knowledge of the entire semester's material.

Please note the exam schedule. All of the exams will be used to assess your performance in this course; none will be dropped. Only those individuals with legitimate and verifiable excuses will be allowed to schedule a make-up exam. If you cannot take the exam at the scheduled time, you need to contact me as soon as possible.

Legitimate excuses are the following:

• Illness, with a doctor's excuse and receipt

• University-sponsored event (including religious holidays recognized by the University)

• A death in the family with documentation

• Three or more exams in one day during Finals Week

Final grades will be determined by a percentage scale based upon the total number of points (775) available.

Penn State University letter grade equivalents:

95-100	A
90-94	A-
87-89	B+
84-86	B
80-83	B-
75-79	C+
70-74	C
60-69	D
0-59	F

University Policies

• Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner.

Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. Consistent with this expectation, the University's Code of Conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.

Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.

Penn State University Academic Policy 49-20

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citation, prior possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students.

For further guidance on matching punishment with infractions, see "Sanctioning Guidelines for Academic Integrity Violations"

• Disability Access Statement

Note to students with disabilities: Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in this course, contact Disability Services located in 211 Saucon at 610-285-5124. For further information regarding the Office of Disability Services, please visit their web site at www.equity.psu.edu/ods/ . Instructors should be notified as early in the semester as possible regarding the need for reasonable academic adjustments.

• Affirmative Action

Pennsylvania State University is committed to a policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by Commonwealth or Federal authorities. Penn State does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries to the Affirmative Action Office.

CLASS SYLLABUS

Finals Week December 17th - 21st

Final Exam Date & Time To Be Announced