Biology

K. Hogan
Email: hogank@evergreen.edu Tel. 360 867 5078
Office: 4163 Seminar. Campus mail: 3127 Seminar.
Tuesday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Room 2207 Lab II, Thursday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Room 1234 Lab II
Office hours: Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. or by appointment.

Books: Life: the Science of Biology. 6th edition. Purves, Sadava, Orians, and Heller, and Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine.

This three-quarter sequence provides an introduction to biology. Evolutionary adaptation by natural selection is the basic concept that unites the various topics discussed in this course. We will discuss topics ranging from molecules (Fall quarter) to global ecology (Spring quarter). We'll have lectures and seminars and a short quiz on Tuesday evenings, and lab, workshops, or outdoor activity on Thursday evenings.

Brief reports by students on Thursdays will bring current issues in biology into the classroom. Be prepared to talk for five minutes (no more) and discuss the topic for five minutes. Prepare an outline for your talk, including at least three sources. This is due when you give your presentation.

All participants in this learning community will abide by the Evergreen Social Contract and Student Code of Conduct, including the provisions regarding academic honesty and plagiarism.

Evaluation criteria: Punctual attendance is expected; classes will start on time. Students are expected to contribute to class discussion and participate actively. Saying "I don't understand . . . , could someone please explain?" is a sign of an active learner and is a good form of participation; keeping silent about what you don't understand is not. Weekly quizzes, in-class work, and a final exam will be indicative of the student's grasp of course content. Excessive absences (more than two) or incomplete work may be cause for loss of credit. On the last day of class, students will turn in a well organized portfolio comprising any class, lab, or reading notes, the outline of their presentation, and all graded quizzes. A faculty evaluation and a self evaluation are required.

Learning objectives: Several levels of learning are expected. These include

* Knowledge - basic definitions, names of structures and processes;
* Skills - the ability to solve problems and apply analytical methods;
* Comprehension - an understanding of relationships, patterns, and processes;
* Synthesis - the ability to apply one's knowledge, skills, and comprehension to unfamiliar examples, and to understand the functional relationships between patterns and processes at different levels of organization (e.g. cells to ecosystems) and time scales.

Students should work to achieve and demonstrate these learning objectives through their quizzes and exams, in-class work, discussions, presentation, and portfolio.