All cell phones; pagers or automatic alarm watches should be turned off before entering the classroom in order to prevent disturbing the class.

Upon completion of this class, the student will be able to:

a)      Describe the general classes of macromolecules that comprise the cell and explain the importance of each.

b)      Name the important structures within the cell, describe their functions, and tell which are present in each primary cell type.

c)      Describe the metabolic processes that occur in the cell, including energy sources, important carrier molecules and anabolic and catabolic processes.

d)      Describe the processes of mitosis and meiosis, tell how they differ, and explain the importance of each to the passage of genetic information from one cell generation to the next.

e)      Describe the structure of DNA and explain how that structure is important in its self-replication and in its function.

f)      Tell how the process of transcription and translation are important in the determination of physical characteristics of the cell.

B.  Course Organization

Biology of the Cell is primarily a lecture course presented as three 50-minute lectures per week.  Demonstrations will be used to illustrate particular principles, as applicable.  This class is one in which we are continually building on the material that we have previously covered.  It is suggested that you keep abreast of the material and study some after each class as opposed to trying to “cram” prior to the exams.  During the lecture period, all cell phones; pagers or automatic alarm watches should be turned off before entering the classroom in order to prevent disturbing the class.  It is strongly recommended that students retain and consult their syllabus and read associated text chapters. 

C.  ASU Policies and Regulations

The student has the responsibility to review information regarding their rights and responsibilities in the ASU Student Handbook.   Please refer to the ASU Student Handbook for university policies and regulations, particularly those pertaining to attendance, inclement weather, enforcement of academic integrity (e.g., cheating, plagiarism), and other pertinent information.  Copies of the Student Handbook are available online off of the internet at http://studentconduct.astate.edu/studenthandbook.html,  or by contacting the Office of Student Conduct at Arkansas State University located in the Student Union (Room 2029 Student Union: Telephone No. 870 972- 2834; Internet: http://studentconduct.astate.edu/index.html).   REVIEW AND READ THIS DOCUMENT TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY.   THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT IS A GUIDE TO YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES!  CHEATING AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

D.  Handicap Policy

Any student having a certified handicapping condition should see the instructor and/or Disability Services (Internet: http://disability.astate.edu/; Telephone No. 870 972-3964) about making any necessary course modifications as early in the course as possible.

E.  Examinations (Tentative Dates) 

Day of the week	Date in 2008	Exam Sequence	Points possible
Wednesday	Feb. 13	Exam I	100
Wednesday	March 12	Exam II (Mid-term exam)	100
Friday	April 11	Exam III	100
Monday (Assignment Due)	May 2	Take-Home Assignment	50
Friday: 8:00-10:00 a.m.	May 2	Comprehensive Final Exam	150
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE FROM EXAMS = 500 points

Exams will be handed out at the beginning of class and will be collected at the end of the class period.  Should a student arrive late, he/she will not be given extra time.  Memorizing course information will be insufficient to receive full credit on exams.  A student must know, understand, and be able to apply content presented in this class.  Exam format will consist primarily of multiple choice, although other types of questions (e.g., true or false questions, short answer, fill-in-the blank, essay, definitions of terminology, problem-solving exercises, etc.), may be utilized by the instructor to assess the level of understanding and integration of knowledge on the part of the student. Students need to bring a No. 2 pencil to the exam to use for written responses to questions on exams.  Announced quizzes, unannounced quizzes, and additional assignments may be given during the course of the semester, and these scores integrated into the total possible number of points a student can earn.

Testing conditions: Once an exam has been handed out, students are not allowed to leave the classroom and return.  Please make every effort to come to the classroom prepared for the test.  If it is necessary for you to wear a hat, the bill must be turned so your face is not obscured during the test.  All cell phones; pagers or automatic alarm watches should be turned off before entering the classroom in order to prevent disturbing the class.  All personal items must be stored under your desk so that the exam proctor may use the aisles during the exam.  Writing utensils will not be provided.  Grades will be available as soon as possible.  It is against university policy to post grades at an unsecured site or to give them out over the phone or e-mail and neither will be done.  Be patient, you will get your grades as soon as possible. 

F.  Grading Scale

Letter grades will be determined from the percentage of points earned by the student from the total number of possible points (500 points).

• A = 100 to 90%
• B = 89 to 80%
• C = 79 to 70%
• D = 69 to 60%
• F = Below 60%

G.  Make up Policy

Exams must be taken on the date scheduled.  Make-up exams will be given only for approved documented excuses.   A student must contact the instructor (or departmental secretary - Telephone No. 870 972-3082) no later than the date of the exam and be prepared to have documentation.  Not following this procedure may result in a failing grade on that exam.

H.  Flexibility Clause

Circumstances may arise during the course that  prevent the instructor from fulfilling each and every component of this syllabus;  therefore, the syllabus should be viewed as a guide and is subject to change.  Students will be notified prior to any changes.