Course Syllabus

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BIOL 1020 Biology and Society Lecture

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course instructor: Lisa Bird

• Email: lisah@uidaho.edu
• Phone: 208 885 6185
• Office Hours: MW 8:30 - 9:20 am in-person, room LSS 164A, or zoom meeting by appointment only.

Course Description

Study of ecology, evolution, cells, heredity, and human body processes with a focus on connecting to issues in society. Not open to majors or for minor credit in the department of Biological Sciences for University of Idaho students.

There has never been a better day to start learning biology. Being a living thing, you interact with the natural world each day. BIOL 1020 takes the most important content of biology organizing it into five core areas: Ecology; Cells; Genetics; Evolution; and Animal Systems. Students will start with the big picture by studying ecological systems. Students will then dive into the smallest unit of life, the cell, and explore cellular structures, functions and processes. In the third unit, students will study DNA, inheritance patterns and how genetics impacts their lives. In the fourth unit, students will explore the evolutionary processes that shape the living world. The final unit describes the interface between form and function in our own human bodies. Through these five units, it is my hope that you will make important connections between biology and how it applies to your own life.

University and State Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply foundational knowledge and models within biology to analyze and/or predict phenomena.
2. Apply scientific reasoning to critically evaluate assertations, claims and experiments.
3. Interpret and communicate scientific information via written, spoken, and/or visual representations.
4. Describe the relevance of specific scientific principles to the human experience and connect concepts to students’ lives.

Biology 1020 is a part of the University of Idaho General Education curriculum that emphasizes a multi-year, broad liberal education. This course will discuss environmental issues, genetics, evolution and human health topics that will be integrated into other courses you take here.

Required Materials

Concepts of Biology, Updated 2021 Accessible online at OpenStax.  OR

Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, 6^th ed., 2019. Simon, Dickey & Reece

Course Rules and Requirements

View the Course Outline

1. Course information can be found on the class site on Canvas. You will be prompted to enter your username and password (same as your email account) to access course materials.
2. Lecture notes with study sheets will be posted as guides.
3. All quizzes and exams will be held on Canvas throughout the semester.
4. Eight quizzes and five unit exams will consist of a combination of matching and multiple-choice questions. Five Extension Activities will consist of written answers or drawings.
5. All quizzes, extension activities and exams will be open note so having these study sheets completed will help you do well on the assessments of the class.
6. Quizzes will be 10 questions and have a time limit of 15 minutes. Exams will be 45 questions and have a time limit of 60 minutes.
7. All quizzes, extension activities and exams must be completed in one sitting with one attempt!
8. Readings are assigned in the unit tables by chapter in the Concepts and Campbell books.
9. I have also filmed videos of the lectures that can be viewed directly on Canvas or by using my YouTube playlist. There are also extra help videos from outside sources. These videos are meant to help students complete the study sheets and look back over information on their own time.

Grade Information 

• 5 Lecture Exams (90 pts each) = 450 pts
• 5 Unit Extension Activities (10 pts each) = 50 pts
• 8 Quizzes (10 pts each) = 80 pts
• 5 Study Sheet Submission = 20 pts (3 worth extra credit) 

600 total points possible

Letter grades are awarded based on the University of Idaho grade scale: 

• A 90 - 100%
• B 80 - 89.9%
• C 70 - 79.9%
• D 60 - 69.9%
• F 0 - 59.9%

Grades will be updated frequently on the "Grades" section of Canvas. 

Course Policies

Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR):

The University of Idaho is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please contact the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from CDAR is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class, will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Phone is 208-885-6307 and e-mail is cdar@uidaho.edu.  Visit the CDAR website for a complete list of services and current business hours.

Academic Dishonesty:

Acts of cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Your exams, extension activities and quizzes must be your own work. According to university policy cheating or plagiarism can result in you failing this class. The UI Student Handbook outlines the expected code of conduct for students at the University of Idaho. Article II addresses academic honesty of students.

AI with Prior Permission

As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—may be used in this course only with prior instructor permission. Email a description of your AI request to your instructor (see contact above) prior to completing your assignment. 
Unless permission is explicitly granted, all assignments must be completed independently and without assistance from automated tools.  

If permission is given, students must (1) cite any AI-generated material using a clear attribution and appropriate citation format (e.g., MLA, APA, etc.) and (2) include a brief (2–3 sentence) note explaining how the tool was used, including the prompt or settings. Unauthorized or undisclosed use of AI tools will be considered a violation of academic integrity under the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct and may affect your grade.

This practice helps you reflect on your learning process and ensures transparency in your academic work. If you're unsure how to document or cite AI use, please reach out or visit the University of Idaho Writing Center for support.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse) and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial. U of I recognizes that it is our academic responsibility to build relationships with the indigenous people to ensure integrity of tribal voices.

PROFESSIONALISM

This course is difficult, and I expect that you will want to work with a group on assignments. I encourage this, in fact. However, copying from another student or any online source/answer manual is plagiarism and is not allowed. Cheating and plagiarism will earn you an F in this course and, potentially, a visit to the dean of students. See Dean of Student's Student Code of Conduct for more information.

Remember: You’re paying to learn, not just get grades.

LEARNING CIVILITY

In any environment in which people gather to learn, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. To this end, it is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning.

Should you feel our classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to meet with your instructor during office hours to discuss your concern.  Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885-6757), the U of I Counseling & Testing Center’s confidential services (208-885-6716), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).

DISABILITY ACCESS AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

University of Idaho is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please contact Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from CDAR is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Phone is 208-885-6307 and e-mail is cdar@uidaho.edu.  For a complete listing of services and current business hours visit https://www.uidaho.edu/student-resources/disability-accessibility-resources.

VANDAL FOOD PANTRY

The Vandal Food Pantry is a free resource stocked weekly with food, grocery bags, and various hygiene items. Its eight locations across campus are accessible during building hours and open to all. Please take what you need.

GREEN DOT SAFETY PROGRAM

What's Your Green Dot? It's up to all of us to make a safer campus. Vandal Green Dot is a program that helps students learn about the power of the bystander, how to recognize potentially risky situations, and realistic ways to intervene. Together we can bring down the number of people being hurt by interpersonal violence on our campus. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something! Learn more and get involved by visiting UI's Green Dot Safety Program or emailing greendot@uidaho.edu.

FIREARMS

The University of Idaho bans firearms from its property with only limited exceptions. One exception applies to persons who hold a valid Idaho enhanced concealed carry license, provided those firearms remain concealed at all times. If an enhanced concealed carry license holder's firearm is displayed, other than in necessary self-defense, it is a violation of University policy. Please contact local law enforcement (call 911) to report firearms on University property. University of Idaho leadership remains committed to maintaining a safe work, living and learning environment on campus. We will not tolerate any threatening use of firearms or any other weapons. While authorized license holders may have familiarity and be at ease carrying a loaded firearm, we ask that they be aware that many people are not familiar with handguns and are uncomfortable in their presence.

OTHER HELP AND RESOURCES

STUDENT RESOURCES

The University of Idaho provides student support to ensure a successful learning experience.

• Student Resources
• SI-PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)
  SI-PASS provides regularly scheduled, peer-led study sessions for difficult courses.

LIBRARY HELP

The U of I Library website has many databases that will help you find relevant and reliable books, articles, images, and more. Don't hesitate to contact a librarian for research assistance.

• U of I Library
• Help - Reference Services
• Help for Distance Ed Students

TECHNOLOGY HELP

The U of I Student Technology Center provides many technology related services to students.

• Tech Support Email: support@uidaho.edu
• Tech Support

WRITING SUPPORT

The U of I Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers and other members of the campus community.

• Writing Center Email: writingcenter@uidaho.edu
• Writing Center

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