BIOL1222 BB

Spring 2024
Tuesday/Thursday 2:00-3:15pm
Location: SC101 (McNulty 101)

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. Ashley P. Pettit

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Th 3:15-6:15pm (appointments preferred)

The information, location, format, schedule, procedures, regulations, & examples cited in this course are
subject to revision as the situation may warrant.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the second part of a 2-semester course of introductory biology (required for STEM-related majors).
This course & General Biology Organisms (BIOL 1211) supply the necessary foundation for upper-level courses that
are more specialized in the topics discussed. The emphasis in this course is on the cellular/molecular level rather
than the organismal level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES (a comprehensive list & learning outcomes can be found at end of syllabus)
 Understand the basic chemistry of living organisms.
 Describe the basic structure & functions of the most fundamental unit of life— the cell.
 Review the topics of genetic material & explain the processes of inheritance.
 Compare & contrast forms of cellular life & viruses, & how these forms interact with the human organism.
 Describe cellular signal transduction.
 Survey of several tissue/organ/organ system functions

PREREQUISITE & CO-REQUISITE COURSES

PRE-REQUISITE COURSES: Students must have previously passed General Biology Organisms (BIOL1211) & Pre-
Calculus (MATH1015) with a grade of D or above.

CO-REQUISITE COURSE: For students who have not previously passed BIOL1222, BIOL1223 (General Biology Cell
laboratory) is required to be taken simultaneously.

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REQUIRED TEXT & ACHIEVE ACCESS (ONLINE PUBLISHER PROGRAM)
Title: Life: The Science of Biology, 12th edition
Author: Hillis, et al.
Publisher: MacMillan
Language: English

Access to the online publisher program called Achieve is required (same

program/textbook from General Biology Organisms last semester). Access to Achieve
comes with a digital version of the book for the duration of your purchased access.

Achieve Course ID (for section BB ONLY): 27ztcj

I highly recommend having a paper copy of the text for studying. The SHU bookstore
version of Achieve + Loose-leaf version of the book is indicated with the (LL) in the title.

Special SHU pricing for 2 term access: https://store.macmillanlearning.com/us/storefront/202107750

CLASSROOM POLICIES
 Attend class & be prompt! If you are late or need to leave early, sit close to exits so that you do not disturb others
(Enter/exit at the back of the amphitheater).

 Please do not interrupt the lecture. ALL DEVICES SHOULD BE SWITCHED TO SILENT OR TURNED OFF for
the duration of class time (including computer notifications). Refrain from talking during lectures. If you have
a question or comment, please raise your hand.

 Notetaking is an important skill, & it is highly recommended that you take handwritten notes for more effective
learning. Outlines are made available by the professor as a courtesy to assist students in notetaking - they
are not intended to replace lectures nor is the professor obligated to make outlines nor full slides available.
Outlines may differ than the slides presented & may not contain all slides/material. Sharing/giving of course
materials (e.g. lecture slides, exams, etc.) with anyone outside of this course section, or with any website or
other depository or repository, is prohibited.

 Personal voice/video recording/photography/online recording of lectures is prohibited. The use of cell phones,
laptops, & other electronic devices for anything besides classroom learning is not permitted.

 If a student misses lecture or loses notes for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain notes, updates,
& announcements from a classmate, Canvas, or the textbook. The professor will not reteach lectures nor provide
full slides/fill in slide outlines due to student absence/technical issues/etc.

 Per University Policy: “Faculty may require masks be worn in their classes, clinicals, & labs, & students must
comply.” IF THE INSTRUCTOR DEEMS IT NECESSARY: Masks of appropriate thickness/material, worn over both
nose & mouth, in a correct way, will be required during all course-related meetings. This is an important way to
limit transmission of viruses to others & wearing an appropriate mask correctly may be essential for course
attendance. SHU COVID-related information: https://www.shu.edu/health-services/covid-19-information.cfm#students_positive_test

 If a full class pivot to remote modality occurs for any reason, class will occur online during class time. No hybrid
nor online option is offered when class is held in the regular classroom (in person).

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COURSE COMPONENTS & GRADING BREAKDOWN*:
1. Exams (96%)

Four non-cumulative exams, each worth 24% of the final grade, will be administered. Exams may cover any
concept discussed/shown/referred to in class, class activities, items in PowerPoint presentations, book chapter
information, Achieve, recording, &/or information posted on Canvas prior to the exam. Failure to complete Exam
4 will earn a grade of FSA. There is NO CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM FOR BIOL1222.

2. Achieve Assignments (4%)

Assignments will be made available as the material is covered. It is the responsibility of the student to regularly
access Achieve, to keep apprised of due dates & to complete items prior to the class-wide due dates/times.
Assignments are open book/open note & should be completed individually by the student. Assignments cannot
be retaken, reset, nor reopened for any reason. Please note that these assignments are not eligible for
extensions nor makeup for any reason. Once the online window is over the assignment will be graded a zero
(since multiple days will be provided, no exceptions will be made). No points will be granted after the due time.
Assignment start/end times will not be extended due to technical/functional issues nor for any other reason. If
a student is absent from class for any reason (including COVID-related quarantine/isolation), due dates/times
will remain consistent with the class-wide due date/time.

Achieve assignments vary as follows:

 Animation "quizzes"
 Grant points based on correctness of answers/choices.
 May be completed up to 5 attempts prior to the due date/time.
 Note: Entering an activity count as an attempt.
 The highest grade earned will be utilized by the gradebook.
 Remaining "attempts" may not be utilized after the due date/time.

 Activities may be completed in 1 attempt for credit. Entry into the activity counts as an attempt.

 Learning Curve (adaptive activity)

 These assignments will be graded as complete or incomplete only. There is no partial credit.
 Fully completing the Learning Curve by reaching the goal value before the due date/time will earn 100% of
points. Not starting or not fully completing (by not reaching the goal value) before the due date/time will earn 0% of
points.
 Learning curves may be worked on in multiple sessions between the time made available until the due date/time. No
points will be earned after the class-wide due date/time (even if the activity is available to be used as a study tool
beyond the due date/time (at the discretion of the instructor)).

Department of Biological Sciences Grading Scale

Final grades will be assigned as indicated below from the earned points over the course of the semester*:

A: 94 -100 B+: 86-89 C+: 76-79 D+: 66-69

A-: 90-93 B: 83-85 C: 73-75 D: 60-65
B-: 80-82 C-: 70-72 F: 0-59

*It is at the sole discretion of the instructor whether curves or extra credit will be applied to grades. Individual students
will not be given extra points/extra credit/ extra grading opportunities/ extensions that are not made available to the
entire class. Grades in this class are firm/not negotiable.

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SCHEDULE (All dates/topics are tentative) (Exam dates/topics are subject to change)
Week Date Topics Chapter Important dates

1 Jan15-Jan19 Small Molecules & Chemistry of life 2 Classes begin W 1/17

2 Jan22-Jan26 Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids 3 Add/Drop ends-Tu 1/23

3 Jan29-Feb2 Cell structures & Membrane function 5,6

4 Feb5-Feb9 Enzymes, Energy, Metabolism 8
“Enzymes” continued
5 Feb12-Feb16
Exam #1: Th 2/15
6 Feb 19-Feb23 Cellular Energy (Respiration/Fermentation) 9
Photosynthesis 10
7 Feb 26-Mar1
Cell Cycle & Cell Division 11
Mar4-Mar8 Spring Break No class
12 Last day for WD
8 Mar11-Mar15 Inheritance, Genes & Chromosomes
F 3/15
DNA structure & replication 4,13
9 Mar18-Mar22
Exam #2: Th 3/21
Genes: expression, mutation, regulation Easter
10 Mar25-Mar29 14,15,16
Th 3/28- No class (Th 3/28-M 4/1)
11 Apr1-Apr5 “Genes” continued

12 Apr8-Apr12 Viruses 14,16,17,24

“Viruses” continued
13 Apr15-Apr19 /23
Exam #3: Th 4/18

14 Apr22-Apr26 Immune System 40

Cell communication 7
15 Apr29-May3
TBD
16 May6 - - Last Day of class: M 5/6
https://www.shu.e
Exam #4- Tu 5/14* du/academics/spri Tuesday 5/14
Finals May8-May14 ng-exam-
(Regular lecture exam, NOT CUMULATIVE) 2:30pm-4:30pm
schedule.cfm

*Note: Students are required to be present on campus & available on the date/time of the registrar-scheduled final
exam session. Exam 4 may not be taken prior to this date.

COMMUNICATION
Dr. Pettit’s preferred method of communication is direct email (from your SHU email address). Messages left /sent
from other locations (Microsoft Teams/Compass/Canvas/etc.) will not be monitored. Responses to direct emails will
occur Monday-Friday during the semester when the university is open/on non-holidays.

Students are expected to check e-mail & Canvas multiple times daily for information. While system failure at the
university level does happen occasionally, individual cases of loss of contact are not excuses for failing to fulfill
course requirements or to follow instructor’s instructions. Students unfamiliar with Canvas should visit the TLTC
website for help or call x2222. If the professor emails a student directly, it is requested that the student respond
within 24 hours, as this communication/request is likely necessary for the student’s successful continuation in the
course. The instructor will not communicate with anyone through email addresses that originate outside the shu.edu
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server concerning the student nor the course due to privacy laws (FERPA), so please communicate using your official
SHU email address.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICE DESK

The first point of contact for any technology-related question or problem is Seton Hall University's Technology
Service Desk. Contact the Technology Service Desk by phone by calling (973) 275-2222 or via e-mail at
[email protected]

The Technology Service Desk is staffed by IT professionals Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 11 p.m. The
Technology Service Desk provides phone support for most University applications, including the Canvas Learning
Management System, Microsoft Windows, & the Microsoft Office suite.

For more tips & technical information, go to Seton Hall's Technology Blog.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
The professor can assist with relevant course material & clarify what is required in this course. Make an appointment
with the professor for a meeting (location/format may vary). Students are expected to review material prior to
meeting & be prepared with specific material-related questions. The instructor will not re-teach lectures nor fill in
missing notes/information due to class absence. Unless arrangements are made in advance, the instructor might
not be able to meet with you spontaneously. #

Academic Resource Center Syllabus Statement

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides free 1:1, drop-in, online, & residence hall tutoring, as well as academic
coaching & weekly workshops on time management, test-taking, reading, & more. Make appointments directly
through Compass, or contact the ARC at 973-761-9108, [email protected], Arts & Sciences room 242.
https://www.shu.edu/academic-resource-center/

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Office/Available meeting hours are subject to change. These sessions may be utilized for scheduled student meetings, to
administer makeup exams/DSS accommodation exams/viewing of exams. Format/location of these hours may vary. The
instructor may limit meeting time with individual students prior to major exams if there are many students needing assistance
or if the instructor determines that a student is abusing office hours. Sessions will be on a first–come/reserved – first-served
basis. The instructor may alter office hours for official university occurrences/ departmental obligations /urgent
matters/emergencies/schedule changes/personal reasons.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
It is the policy & practice of Seton Hall University to promote inclusive learning environments. If you have a
documented disability, you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in compliance with university policy,
the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, &/or the New Jersey Law against
Discrimination. Please note, students are not permitted to negotiate accommodations directly with professors. To
request accommodations or assistance, please self-identify with the Office for Disability Support Services (DSS),
Duffy Hall, Room 67 at the beginning of the semester. For more information or to register for services, contact DSS
at (973) 313-6003 or by e-mail at [email protected]

An email containing official written DSS documentation specifically regarding this semester/class must be received
by the instructor prior to any accommodation being made. New/altered accommodations are not retroactive for any
reason. Exam accommodations must be received 2 weeks prior to exams to be utilized. All grades earned prior to
the date of the instructor receiving & acknowledging the official documentation will stand (this also includes all
submitted work or any work/activities in which the due date has passed).
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SUPPORT RESOURCES
Understandably, some students may feel overwhelmed with college life &/or their responsibilities & circumstances.
Seton Hall University has Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) which provides free year-round counseling,
crisis intervention, consultation, & referral services to the SHU community: https://www.shu.edu/counseling-
psychological-services/During regular office hours (M-F 9am – 5pm), their phone number is 973-761-9500. They
also welcome walk-ins at Mooney Hall, second floor, room 27. Visits to their office are meant to help students,
however the CAPS program does not issue course/exam accommodations, nor official notes for absences.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Instructor/dean-approved withdrawal must occur before the date indicated in the academic calendar
(https://www.shu.edu/academics/academic-calendar.cfm ) . If you are thinking about withdrawing from the course,
please discuss with the instructor no later than the week prior to the last date of withdrawal indicated in the
Academic Calendar.

INCOMPLETE GRADE FOR THE COURSE

An INCOMPLETE grade for the course is given only when a student cannot complete the requirements of the course
because of serious & unexpected reasons (i.e. not able to attend the last exam because of serious illness). To request
an ‘Incomplete’ grade, the student must contact the instructor BEFORE the last exam.
https://www.shu.edu/registrar/incompletes.cfm

PROPER CONDUCT
Appropriate etiquette & respectful conduct by students should be maintained in lectures, labs, office meetings, &
help sessions as well as outside of these sessions. This proper conduct should be maintained in student
correspondence via email, phone, or in person.

As part of proper conduct, students should not engage in grade grubbing (this practice is not acceptable in this
course). Grades are not negotiable- they are earned, not given. The professor reserves the right to decide if full
class grade adjustments are appropriate (curves on exams based on overall class performance, level of
exam/assignment difficulty, etc.). Individuals will not be granted extra points/grading opportunities that are not
extended to the entire class (this includes items such as extra credit, additional assignments, etc.).

The grades adjustments that are internal to the course may be implemented at discretion of the instructor (as above).
However, grades are not adjusted for reasons that are external to the course. A few examples of student reasons
external to the course:

‘I need ___ minimum grade to remain in my academic program.’

‘I need ___ minimum grade to maintain my scholarship.’
‘I need ___ minimum grade to be on Dean’s list / have straight A’s.’
‘I need ___ minimum grade to graduate / graduate on time.’
‘I got an A in this course at another school, but it wasn’t accepted as transfer credits.’
‘I cannot afford to retake this course.’
‘I had to work/babysit, so I couldn’t study as much as I needed to.’
‘My parents will not support my education if I achieve less than ___.’

Requests to be bumped up due to ‘being so close’ are not appropriate & will not be granted.

Seton Hall University promotes inclusive learning environments. This class will be conducted in an environment that
is open, welcoming, & safe to all students. The instructor is willing & committed to providing an atmosphere of
support & affirmation for all people. Do not display disrespectful behavior toward any individual based upon age,

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ability, race/color/ethnicity, religious/spiritual, political affiliation, socioeconomic, immigration, martial,
military/veteran status, gender identity/expressions, sexual/affectional orientations, relationship status, &/or
anything that is likely to be perceived as disrespectful to someone's background, culture, or identity. Unprofessional,
derogatory, &/or offensive behavior may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include removal from
the classroom, the assigning of an "F" letter grade for the class, &/or removal from the course.

Most students are wonderful to interact with during the semester. Unfortunately, history has shown that not every
student is a good-natured, responsible, conscientious person who exhibits proper conduct. Due to this, the
instructor reserves the capacity to eject a student(s) from the classroom/any meeting/lab/ office hours for any
reason. This can occur if the instructor believes a student exhibits (or will exhibit) behavior or intentions that are:
detrimental/disruptive to the learning environment; upsetting to/ offensive/ disrespectful towards the instructor,
TA, or other students; or possibly compromising the integrity of the course or compromising the
health/wellness/safety of other individuals in the classroom. Ejection may be for a session (lecture, recitation, or
meeting), for multiple sessions, or for the entire course. For such cases, makeup of work or exams missed is
precluded. Individuals not enrolled in the course will also be ejected (Please ask the professor ahead if it is
acceptable for non- enrolled individuals to “sit in” on a class- this is both respectful & necessary for comfort/safety
of everyone in class).

GRADE QUESTIONS
Students may question the grade of items for genuine clarification & understanding, or if they honestly believe they
have identified a possible error in grading (evaluated on a case-by-case basis). This may take place until the next
class exam date; once the next exam is administered in the course, grades for items (exams, homework, etc.) may
not be questioned. An appointment must be made & occur prior to the following exam for this discussion.
Appointments to discuss the last exam will not occur until the following semester. (Choices marked on scantron
forms for multiple choice formatted questions will count as the final answer (or lack thereof if left blank)-writing on
the exam pages themselves will not be accepted as a response/answer for any reason.)

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
 Check their university email account daily.
 Use Seton Hall email address when communicating with the instructor.
 Promptly email the instructor when having any difficulty relating to the course
 Attend all class sessions & arrive for class on time.
 Turn off/silence all electronic devices before entering the classroom.
 Refrain from talking during lectures.
 Conduct a level of decorum & respect when interacting with instructor & peers.
 Review the course information located on the Canvas page.
 Review & follow the course calendar.
 Check due dates/complete/submit assignments before the corresponding due dates/deadlines.
 Keep track of their own progress in completion of course assessments.
 Take the Syllabus Agreement to electronically acknowledge the details of this document.
 Seek help from campus services if you need it. There are many academic support systems in place:
http://blogs.shu.edu/studenttoolkit/academic-resource-center/

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EXAM REGULATIONS & POLICIES
Exam Makeups
If you cannot take an exam for an instructor-approved, officially documented reason, you must make arrangements
with Dr. Pettit for a make-up PRIOR to the exam. Make-up exams are reserved for unanticipated/emergency
situations only. Scheduling anything around/on the date of an exam is not considered a valid reason for missing one
& such situations will not be granted make-up exams (i.e. travel plans, etc.). All makeup exams start with a 10%-point
deduction.

The following policy applies:

 If you miss the exam for a documented reason (doctor’s note, etc.) & notify Dr. Pettit via email the
o SAME day of the exam (or before), arrangements can be made for a make-up for 90% of grade.
o Day after the exam, arrangements can be made for a make-up for 50% of grade.
 If you fail to notify the professor 48 hours after the original exam start time, no make-up will be given, & the
grade assigned for the exam will be 0.
 Make-up exams may be verbal or essay at the discretion of the instructor.
 Scheduled make-up exams dates/times will be determined by the instructor.
 Official written documentation must be provided to the instructor within 72 hours of the missed exam to be
eligible for a makeup exam- otherwise a make-up exam is forfeit.
 One makeup exam is permitted per student per semester (assuming the above guidelines are followed).

Note: The instructor reserves the right not to give makeup exams.

Exam absences due to illness/health-related reasons require a doctor’s note indicating that a student too ill/unable
to take an exam specifically on the date of the exam (in the written portion of the documentation) for potential
for a make-up exam. Exam absences may additionally require confirmation in the form of an email from the Dean of
Student’s office. Failure to provide the required documentation to the instructor will result in no make-up being
granted. It is the instructor’s prerogative whether to accept or reject any documentation provided.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact the professor regarding missed exams, as stated above. Students who
provide false, misleading, or deceptive information (verbal, written, e-mail, phone call, or otherwise), such as false
medical documents will be subject to a grade of zero on assignments, zero on exams, or deductions of points from
their course grade, depending on the circumstances of the infraction (See the Academic Integrity Policy section
below). Scheduling appointments or other occurrences during course exam dates/times are not legitimate excuses
to miss exams or evaluations.

 No exam retakes are permitted (no exceptions).

 If a student attends any scheduled exam (in any situation), the grade earned on that exam will stand (unless there
is an academic misconduct-related issue or other issue determined by the instructor).

Last Exam/Finals session

Students may not miss their last exam nor the finals session in this course & must be available on the scheduled
date/time of the final exam session. Exams will NOT be rescheduled due to a student planning
travel/appointments/being away/etc. when any class/exam/finals session are regularly scheduled. If a student
believes their final exam schedule is erroneous, or there is a legitimate concern regarding the final session, they
must consult instructor well-in-advance, & not later than one week before the last exam or finals session is
scheduled. Such missed exam consultations are for true emergencies.

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They are not to be invoked for items such as the following:
‘I had __ [number] of other final exams on the day.’
‘I overslept.’
‘I was confused as to my schedule / exam location / exam procedure.’
‘I have an airline/train/bus ticket to leave for home at the end of the semester.’
Such cases as listed above (& potentially others) are not valid excuses for missing ANY exam or the finals session.

Exam Regulations
Exams have specific instructions, procedures, & regulations that need to be followed. Such instructions/regulations
will be explained here, additional instructions may occur on Canvas, via email or in class prior to exams. Absence
from such class explanations &/or failure to read emailed/posted information or those posted on Canvas does not
preclude student responsibility towards such regulations. Minimum point penalties starting at 20% or exam
forfeiture may apply for failure to follow exam instructions, procedures, &/or regulations at the discretion of the
instructor.

Regulations include, but are not limited to: no additional papers/notes/books, no cell phone out at any time
for any reason; no electronics of any kind (including but not limited to: headphones, earbuds, calculators,
watches/smartwatches pendants, jewelry, or other); no talking; no exiting the room during exam for any
reason except confirmed emergencies; no restroom use; no water breaks; no water or drink bottles or
food/drink containers of any kind; no stepping out for fresh air, cigarette, or to take medications; no extra
time; no sunglasses, no hats, nor coverings that obstruct view of your face (except for a regular mask
covering nose/mouth). Frequently or habitually looking away from the exam will lead to significant point
penalties or be graded as a zero for academic misconduct. (Looking upwards if one needs to think is
suggested). Removing or repeated readjustment of masks/looking down at a mask will be evaluated.

Students taking exams must provide either their SHU student ID card or driver’s license as proof of
identification. Only registered students may take exams. All items, beyond writing implement(s), must be
placed at the front of the classroom prior to exams starting (no exceptions). Final choices for student
responses to exam questions are required to be marked in the locations as directed (i.e. multiple-choice
responses counting toward one’s grade will only be accepted from clearly marked choices on scantron forms
(anything written on the exam paper itself (notes, circles, doodles, etc.) are not accepted as official answers
at any time for any reason). Any scantron answer that cannot be read by the scantron machine or has multiple
answers marked/no answers marked will automatically be graded as zero.

Violation of any exam regulation stated prior to the exam can result in a grade of zero, or exam forfeiture, &/or
academic misconduct letters to the dean.

Failure to follow any exam regulations or procedures (written above, appearing in email or stated verbally by
instructor) may result in deduction of points from exam grade &/or forfeiture of the examination. For any such case,
makeup of work or exams missed is precluded.

If you have a medical condition or disability that precludes you from following the exam rules as stated above & as
given by instructor or TA, you need contact the instructor well in advance so possible accommodations may be
made for you (documentation will be required). DSS accommodations need to be submitted to instructor 2 weeks
before the exam or earlier.

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Note: Once a student has taken an exam, they are no longer eligible for an NSA grade. Unexcused absence from
an exam counts as a ‘zero’ grade for that exam (no exceptions). Failure to take the last exam will earn an FSA for
the course. If exams are administered online (due to university policy/pivot of instruction due to COVID), additional
mandatory remote online exam policies will be used that are considered an extension of this syllabus. The remote
online policy will be provided on Canvas should online exams become necessary. Enrolled students are expected to
abide by all course policies.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Student-initiated group study sessions or partner-studying is beneficial for learning. However, each student is
expected to produce their own work throughout the course. Students must demonstrate the capacity to work
independently. Answers to questions/tests, & other assignments must be each student’s own work & effort.
Academic dishonesty /cheating will be taken very seriously, & any infraction or attempted infraction may result in
deduction of points, a zero for that assignment / test, a failing course grade, or expulsion from the course entirely.

Use of any type of artificial intelligence (AI) is prohibited in this course. Student answers, writings, verbal
expressions, ideas, etc., must be generated by the students themselves. Students are strongly discouraged from
using AI as a study aid — it is reported that AI sometimes generates false answers, statements, &
information. Students need to be competent in fundamental principles, analysis, synthesis, expression of
information, & converting information into knowledge. Use of AI will deter the learning process which seeks to
develop those important skills/ integration of concepts in this course. Use or suspected use of AI for all or any part
of an assignment/ report/ homework/ simulation/ activity/ quiz/ exam/ etc. (regardless of extent of AI use)
constitutes an ‘offense’ under the Department of Biological Sciences Policy on Academic Dishonesty & will be
processed following that policy.

Academic dishonesty also includes attempts to provide false, partially false, or fraudulent information regarding
documentation of absences, requests for makeup exams, or any other proceedings related to this course. Such
behavior may also be grounds for ejection from the course. Student actions or inactions that are— or appear to be—
hindering of (or antagonistic toward) course procedures, course goals, the learning process, or the instructor’s
efforts in any way, may result in penalties such as grade deductions &/or ejection &/or suspension from the course
or classroom. For such cases, makeup of work or exams missed is precluded.

Department of Biological Sciences Policy on Academic Dishonesty (updated 1/2021)

I. Statement: The Department of Biological Sciences does not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty. Infractions
will be appropriately penalized; students should understand that suspension or expulsion from a course, from
multiple courses, or from the University is a possible result. Material missed or course points lost because of
suspension or expulsion will not be compensated. This policy will apply to each course offered by the department
& be included in the course syllabus. This policy does not replace, but rather is in addition to, the Student Code of
Conduct.

II. Definitions: “Academic Dishonesty” shall be understood to encompass at least the following (Note: in the
following definitions, “assessment” includes any quiz, test, exam, assignment, homework, presentation, or
evaluation):
Cheating — includes but is not limited to:
i) Use (or attempted use or suspected use) of any unauthorized assistance for/during
assessments; unauthorized assistance may include, but is not limited to, another person,
another source (e.g. device, notes, or other object), physical or virtual communication, or
circumstance.
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 ii) Use (or attempted use or suspected use) of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor
for carrying out assessments.

Assessment Rules Violation – Each course (or assessment) may have additional specific rules to be followed.
Students are required to follow all assessment rules completely. If a student cannot follow an assessment
rule, the student must notify course instructor well in advance so appropriate adjustments (approved by
course instructor) might be made. Students who do not completely follow all assessment rules are in
violation of an assessment rule(s). Full or partial point penalties for noncompliance or suspected
noncompliance of rules & policies, as determined by the instructor &/or discussed in the syllabus of the
course, will stand.

Plagiarism — stealing &/or passing off the ideas or words of another individual as one’s own; using without
crediting the original source. It includes: (1) copying of text/research/assignments; (2) using someone else’s
papers/research/assignments without permission & citation; (3) representing as one’s own work what is
really the work of another person which includes, but is not limited to, citing a source while keeping the
words or word order too similar, paraphrasing, appropriating ideas, & collusion. This type of academic
dishonesty falls into several categories that include, but are not limited to, character-preserving, syntax-
preserving, semantic-preserving, idea-preserving plagiarism & ghostwriting (Foltýnek, Meuschke, Gipp
(2019-10-16). "Academic Plagiarism Detection: A Systematic Literature Review". ACM Computing
Surveys. 52 (6): 1–42).

Faculty/Exam proctors may take immediate action upon reasonable suspicion of academic dishonesty. Such action
may include (but is not limited to): addressing a student during an assessment; moving a student(s) during
assessment; ending a student’s assessment prematurely; suspending a student from one or more assessments;
suspending a student from the course. Initial &/or subsequent actions may include any of the above &/or penalties
as given below in section III.

The above applies to student’s behavior (attempted behavior or suspected behavior). Suspected behavior /
suspected cheating would include behavior that inspires reasonable suspicion in the observer (e.g. faculty or
proctor) that academic dishonesty is occurring, has occurred, or will occur. Reasonable suspicion is to be based on
facts & rational inferences from those facts, or from a combination of facts even if the individual facts themselves
do not constitute an offense (Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968)).

III. Penalties:
1. First offense --- Written warning will be issued to the student by the instructor with a copy to the
Departmental Chair & to the Dean, & the student will receive zero for the grade associated with the specific
assessment (test or assignment).
2. Second offense --- The offending student will automatically fail the course. Additional disciplinary action
including suspension or dismissal may be taken.
3. If the Departmental Chair finds that a student who has declared a major in biology or is a graduate student
in the Department of Biological Sciences has been found to have committed acts of academic dishonesty in
other departments, each incident will be considered an offense & subject to the above penalties.
All department or instructor actions resulting from suspected violations of this policy will be taken in accordance
with the students’ due process rights as outlined in the Student’s Handbook (Student Code of Conduct). Nothing in

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this policy statement shall be construed to preclude the department from taking appropriate disciplinary action
against forms of academic dishonesty not stipulated here.

COURSE OBJECTIVES (EXPANDED)

Goal: Understand the Principles & Concepts of Biological Sciences & Cognate Disciplines

Objectives: Understand structures, functions, & classifications of organisms with emphasis at molecular & cellular
levels

Suggested Learning Outcomes Include:

1) Understand the study of life at the level of organisms & their place in the biosphere.
1.1. Identify the differences in functionality of different organisms.
a. Prokaryotes
b. Eukaryotes
c. Viruses

2. Understand the study of life at the molecular & cellular levels.

2.1. Define & describe subatomic particles, atoms, & molecules
2.2. Define functional groups & describe their characteristics.
2.3. Define & identify the basic families of biologically important molecules:
a. Water
b. Acids/Bases
c. Organic vs. Inorganic molecules
d. Carbohydrates
e. Lipids
f. Proteins
g. Nucleic acids
2.4. Define what is the most fundamental unit of life, & the structure & function of cell components:
a. Plasma membrane
b. Cytoplasmic components
c. Organelles
2.5. Define the [former] central dogma of biology & explain how DNA relates to RNA, & RNA relates to protein
production.
2.6. Explain the differences between prokaryotes & eukaryotes.
2.7. Explain the cell cycle & how it relates to cancer.
2.8. Identify genetic material & explain processes of inheritance.
2.9. Describe the anatomy, physiology, & life cycles of bacteria, viruses, virions, prions, & describe how they
interact with the human organism.
2.10. Describe the process of signal transduction & identify exemplary molecules involved.
2.11. Define tissue, organ, & organ system & describe the structure & function of various types from molecular
to organ system levels.
2.12.Describe hormone signaling & immune system functions at cellular & molecular levels.
2.13. Identify & describe several techniques of biotechnology, & how they are used to promote human &
environmental health.

If you have any questions pertaining to the syllabus or course, please contact Dr. Pettit!

Have a wonderful semester!

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