Introduction
This course is designed as an introduction to biology. Content includes chemical and physical properties of life, cellular structure and function, energy flow, reproduction and genetics, form and function of simple through complex organisms (including humans), and ecology. In addition to content, educational goals for students include the following: increasing expertise in how to learn, how to adapt to new situations, how to work in groups, how to present ideas/reasoning in writing and orally, how to apply methods from math in analysis of problem situations, and how to make educated judgments about issues. Laboratory exercises are incorporated into each of the topics covered. There will be only one grade reported for the semester which represents both the lecture and lab portions combined.

General Objectives
Recognize and apply some of the ‘language’ of biology
Differentiate between observation and inference
Apply scientific method for problem solving
Relate structure to function
Describe major evolutionary ideas
Identify major groups of plants and animals
Comprehend biological processes in animals and humans
Increase awareness of the complex interactions in ecological systems
Develop an inquiring attitude with respect to biology and the sciences

Textbook
Biology, 6th ed., Campbell, Neil A.
You will be provided a textbook. It will not be necessary for you to purchase one.
A fine of $10 will be assessed for loss or damage to the CD located inside the back cover.

Attendance
You will be required to meet the attendance policies of BHS. You will be held fully accountable for all work missed due to absence, regardless of reason. If you are scheduled to be absent from class for a school related activity or otherwise know in advance that you will be absent, you must make arrangements in advance to make up what will be missed. Failure to do so could result in receiving a zero for assignments missed. Remember, it is your responsibility, not your instructor’s, to make arrangements to make up any and all work missed

Grading

Tests 70%
Daily/Quiz 30%

BHS grade = CTC grade
90 to 100 = A
80 to 89 = B
70 to 79 = C
60 to 69 = D
0 to 59 = F

Central Texas College credit is awarded upon completion of each semester. You will
receive one grade for both the lecture and lab sections for a total of four hours
credit each semester.
There will be no extra credit offered in this course.
All work must be completed and turned in on time. No late work will be accepted.
*All students enrolled in a class designated as "Dual Credit" will take a final exam each semester.*

Homework
Assigned: Homework will occasionally be assigned. Its purpose will be for reinforcement of the material already covered in class as well as an aid in the studying process. It is expected that all outside of class assignments will be completed and turned in on time – no late work will be accepted.
Unassigned: It is expected that each student will take the responsibility of reading ahead in the textbook and engage, on their own initiative, in beneficial study time. This will be essential for success in this class.

Study Time
Your ultimate success in this or any other course depends upon your level of commitment to study and preparation. It will be assumed by the instructor that you have previously read the appropriate textbook chapter or lab prior to your arrival to class. This will help by opening the door to where you are headed. It will also be assumed that you spend time after class, before the next meeting, in reviewing material previously covered. This will help by allowing you to reflect on where you have been.
This preparation is essential for you to gain a better grasp of the material in a timely manner. Time spent in study and preparation along the way helps to ensure that you more effectively learn the material. It also saves time and wasted effort in ‘cramming’ at the last minute. Generally, the more comfortable you are with the material prior to taking an exam, the more relaxed you will be and the better you will perform.