• Biology 100: Introductory Biology Laboratory
  
• Biology 105: Environmental Biology
  
• Biology 201: General Botany
  
• Biology 207: Land Plants and their Environment
  
• Biology 305: Aquatic Plants
  
• Biology 310: Plant Systematics
  
• Biology 325: Biometry
  
• Biology 355: Field Ecology Laboratory
  
• Biology 360: Field Botany
  
• Biology 450: Biology Internship
  
• Biology 465: Plant Anatomy
  
• Biology 490: Special Problems in Biology
  
• Biology 492: Biology Seminar
  
• Interdisciplinary 101: FYRST
  

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY LABORATORY  

SEMESTER:  

LECTURES:  

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  This laboratory activity course is designed to introduce the non-biology major to science as a process. Basic biological concepts and principles are the focal points for the laboratory activities. The scientific process is used throughout the hands on exercises to facilitate the learning experience. Multiple sections of this course are offered in each of the fall and spring semesters. One section is typically offered in each of presession and summer I.>

OUTCOMES:  Upon the successful completion of this course a student should be able to:

• organize, graph, interpret, and make predictions based on data provided by the instructor
• design an experiment in an acceptable manner that will demonstrate an ability to state a scientific problem, form hypotheses, use a control, conduct an adequate and unbiased sample, and use inductive reasoning
• classify a group of organisms or objects and write a dichotomous key which could be used to separate these organisms or objects
• distinguish between cause and effect relationships and teleology
• apply the processes of science in preparing an argument relating to a current environmental problem
• use morphological observations of an organisms adaptations to infer ecological niches
• relate variation in species to the process of natural selection
• explain the complementarity of structure and function by using plant and animal circulatory systems as examples
• apply the concept of homeostasis to both the ecosystem and the individual organism
• understand growth curves
• use contemporary research to explain the interaction of genetics and the environment
• use primary processes to explain energy flow in ecosystems
• identify biologically based problems and formulate a scientifically based position for each

REQUIRED TEXT:  Biology 100 Laboratory Manual by R.J. Medve, F. A. Pugliese, and B. B. Barr.

OFFICE HOURS:  Wednesday and Friday 3:00-4:50 p.m., Thursday 4:00-4:50 p.m., or by appointment. Please note that you are welcome to come and ask questions anytime.

Assessment:

• Quizzes: Questions may deal with material covered during any of the previous laboratory sessions or material that will be covered in today’s exercise. Take-home assignments may also be administered as part of the quiz grade.
• Midterm examination: Questions will be comprehensive.
• Final examination: Questions will be comprehensive.
• NOTE: Assessment format and weighting may vary among instructors.

Laboratory Schedule:

• Laboratory 01: Observations, problem stating, hypothesis formulation
• Laboratory 02: Classification
• Laboratory 03: Presentation of data
• Laboratory 04: Interpreting data and stating conclusions
• Laboratory 05: Introduction to statistics
• Laboratory 06: Inferences
• Laboratory 07: Sampling
• Laboratory 08: Controls
• Laboratory 09: Cause and effect
• Laboratory 10: Inductive-deductive reasoning
• Laboratory 11: Contemporary issues: planning and development
• Laboratory 12: Osmotic relationships
• Laboratory 13: Populations
• Laboratory 14: Natural selection
• NOTE: The order of laboratories may vary from semester to semester.

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

SEMESTER:

LECTURES:

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  This course integrates the introduction to ecological principles and concepts with an examination of the biological basis of contemporary environmental problems. Topics to be covered include, but are not restricted to, anthropogenic effects, ecosystems, nutrient cycling, population growth and regulation, climate, the water cycle, water pollution, the atmosphere, air pollution, resources, waste management, endangered species, fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. This course may be used by non-Biology majors to partially satisfy the science requirement of the Liberal Studies Program.

REQUIRED TEXT:  W. P. Cunningham, M.A. Cunningham and B. Woodworth Saigo, Environmental Science: A Global Concern, 8^th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2005.

OFFICE HOURS:  Please note that you are welcome to come and ask questions anytime.

OUTCOMES:  The primary goal of this course is to promote an awareness and understanding for the biological basis of contemporary ecological problems. Upon the successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• Identify contemporary ecological problems.
• Explain the biological basis for these problems.
• Justify mechanisms for pollution control.
• Interrelate biotic and abiotic factors in major ecosystems.
• Suggest possible applications of positive eugenics.
• Apply the principles of evolution to the human population in urban areas.
• Predict the possible events that would occur to an uncontrolled increase in the human population.
• Describe methods for reducing the rate of human natality.
• List associated environmental problems that result from stress conditions.

NOTE:  Although I do not record absences, it would behoove you to attend all lecture periods. All examinations are comprehensive! Make-up tests may be administered at my discretion if the student has a valid, documented medical excuse and has seriously attempted to inform me prior to the examination period. Your final grade will be the sum of the points accumulated through the aforementioned sources. Remember, you will receive the grade you earn through your efforts or lack there-of, there will be NO grade adjustment. Attendance will not be considered in your final grade. Cheating of any type will result in a grade of 'F'.

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

Miscellaneous Related Links:

• Environmental Database
• Environmental Literacy Council
• NatureServe Database
• Local Pollutors
• Earth's Population

SEMESTER:  

LECTURES:  

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Oral and poster presentations of your research are one of the most important skills to learn as an undergraduate science major. The goal of seminar is for students to learn how to give informative, concise, professional and enthusiastic oral and poster presentations on a research topic. In addition, you will use your library skills to gather information on a particular topic in biology and be able to discern what are the most important aspects to present. Although information you learned in Public Speaking will be useful, there is more to learn about how to present scientific research clearly and concisely. You should be able to use the communication skills you have learned to be able to judge presentations of other scientists. In the first class, information will be provided on how to make oral and poster presentations and a very general theme will be chosen for the student presentations. One section of this course is offered in each of the fall and spring semesters.

Upon the successful completion of this course a student should:

• be able to put together a 30-45 minute oral presentation on a biologically relevant topic
• actively participate in a question and answer period, regarding their presentation
• evaluate presentations outside of class and compare science to non-science presentation styles
• learn not only appropriate presentation style, but should be able to judge the audience for content, etc.
• summarize their oral presentation in poster format to determine whether they can adequately summarize a topic in a limited amount of space

REQUIRED TEXT:  Scientists Musk Speak - bringing presentations to life. D. Eric Walters & Gale Clemenson Walters. Routledge, 2002.

OFFICE HOURS:  Wednesday and Friday 3:00-4:50 p.m., Thursday 4:00-4:50 p.m., or by appointment. Please note that you are welcome to come and ask questions anytime.

COURSE GRADING:

NOTE: Your final grade will be the sum of the points accumulated through the aforementioned sources. Remember, you will receive the grade you earn through your efforts or lack there-of, there will be NO grade adjustment.

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

Miscellaneous Related Links:

SEMESTER: Fall 2009  

LECTURES: MWF period 1, Laboratory pds 7-9 W or F

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  A laboratory and lecture course that emphasizes various aspects of plant biology to evolutionary biology. Upon the successful completion of this course the student should be able to relate those characteristics which differentiate among organisms included in the Kingdoms studied, differentiate among the life cycles of respective organisms, and also define those adaptations which allow the respective organisms to occupy those habitats in which they typically occur. Students should also be capable of reconstructing the floristic past, that is, relate organismal dominance with respective geologic periods. 

REQUIRED TEXT:  None, though you will need to purchase the laboratory manual and lecture cd from the instructor.

OFFICE HOURS:  Monday and Wednesday pds 4 and 6, Friday pd 4, or by appointment. Please note that you are welcome to come and ask questions anytime.

COURSE GRADING:

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

Lecture Sequence

Classification
Introduction to the Fungi
The Slime Molds
Chydridioprotista
Ooprotista
Zygomycota
Eumycota
Ascomycetes
Deuteromycetes
Basidiomycetes
Mycophycophyta
Introduction to the Algae
Cyanobacteria
Rhodophyta
Euglenaprotista
Dinoprotista
Bacillarioprotista
Chryoprotista
Phaeprotista
Chloroprotista
Plantae
Bryophyteas
Introduction to the Tracheophytes
Phylogeny of Vascular Plants
Phyniophytes
Psilophyta
Lycophyta
Equisetophyta
Pterdophyta
Progymnospermophyta
Introduction to Spermatophytes
Pteridospermophyta
Cycadophyta
Ginkgophyta
Coniferophyta
Cycadeoideophyta
Gnetophyta
Magnoliophyta

Laboratory Schedule

Dichotomous keys
The Microscope
Fungi I
Fungi II
Fungi III
Algae I
Algae II
Bryophytes & Tracheophytes
Tracheophytes II
Tracheophytes III
Tracheophytes IV
Micro- & Megasporogenesis
Fruits
Classification I
Classification II

Miscellaneous Related Links:

SEMESTER:  Spring 2009

LECTURES:  Tuesday and Thursday, period 4 in SPT 301

LABORATORY:  Thursday, periods 7-9 in BSB 203

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  The lectures, directed at both environmental science majors and biology majors, provide a thorough introduction to statistical techniques and experimental design as applied to either environmental or biological problems. Descriptive methods, tests of significance, linear regression, correlation analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, a posteriori tests, and non-parametric two sample and multiple sample techniques are included. Emphasis is placed on the selection and interpretation of tests, rather than theory. The laboratory component of the course provides a thorough introduction to the use of computers in statistics. We will devote considerable attention to the use of the statistical package SAS for data analysis.

OUTCOMES:  Upon completion of this course a student should: (1) understand the meaning of and be able to calculate the mean, confidence intervals for the mean, standard deviation, standard error, product moment correlation coefficients, slope of the least-squares regression line, Chi-square, etc.; (2) understand hypothesis testing and be able to construct a null and an alternate hypothesis; (3) understand the meaning of statistical significance as it relates to a probability statement, and be able to correctly reject or fail to reject test hypotheses; (4) understand the normal distribution, the student's distribution, the binomial distribution, the Poisson distribution, the Chi-square distribution, and the F distribution; (5) know when and how to use each of the above distributions for testing hypotheses; (6) be able to test the difference between correlated and uncorrelated sample means using a t-test for two means and analysis of variance for several means; (7) understand the meaning of and be able to test homogeneity of variances; (8) understand how to probe for significant differences between individual means after a significant ANOVA; (9) understand simple ANOVA designs (i.e. randomized, blocked, nested, Latin square, factorial); (10) be able to express the relationship between two variables by correlation analysis; (11) be able to analyze the dependence of one variable upon another by regression; (12) understand the concepts of multiple correlation and regression; (13) understand the concept of covariate analysis; (14) be able to test for goodness of fit of data to various genetic or other a priori models by Chi-square analysis; (15) be able to construct contingency tables to test for association between variables; (16) understand the necessity for and use of non-parametric tests and should be familiar with one or more appropriate non-parametric tests for differences between samples, correlation, and analysis of variance; (17) have a basic understanding of the necessity to include statistical planning in research design; (18) be able to read articles in the primary literature and critique experimental design, use of statistical procedures, and interpretation of results; (19) be versed in the use of PC SAS.

REQUIRED TEXT:  None.

OFFICE HOURS:  TR pds 2,3, W pd 4 or by appointment. Please note that you are welcome to come and ask questions anytime outside my office hours should you be able to find me.

COURSE GRADING:

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

ABSENCE POLICY:Although I do not record absences, it would behoove you to attend all lecture and laboratory periods. In cases of minor or short-term illnesses each student is responsible for making up any missed class work. Make-up tests may be administered at my discretion if the student has a valid, documented medical excuse and has seriously attempted to inform me prior to the examination period. If a student will be out of school for more than one week for medical reasons the student should notify The Office of Academic Affairs (Ext. 2001). Information on the University's Absence Policy and Class Attendance Policy may be found in the Green and White Student Handbook.

CHEATING and PLAGIARISM:Academic dishonesty is considered a major violation against the University's Code of Conduct and an offense against the University. Cheating of any type will result in the assignment of a failing grade for the course. Information on the University's Cheating and Plagiarism Policy may be found in the Green and White Student Handbook.

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

Miscellaneous Related Links:

• Biometry ListServer
• The Biostatistical Center
• National Center for Education Statistics
• Phylogeny Programs
• Questions & Answers
• SAS Institute Inc.

SEMESTER:  

LECTURES:  

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  The FYRST Seminar provides students with an opportunity to become integrated into the University's Community of learners by exploring the purpose and value of higher education, participating in the teaching/learning process, addressing academic and social transition issues, utilizing campus programs, services, and technology, and developing academic skills and learning strategies during the student's first semester at Slippery Rock University.

OUTCOMES:  The essential goal of the FYRST Seminar is to maximize the student's potential to achieve academic success and to adjust responsibly to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by collegiate life. The following goals are representative of the course: (1)to promote a positive adjustment and assimilation into the University; (2) to help students learn to balance their freedom with a sense of responsibility; (3) to help students learn and develop a set of adaptive study, coping, critical thinking, problem solving, and survival skills; (4) to help students make friends and develop a support group; (5) to improve student attitudes towards the teaching/learning process and towards faculty who are responsible for providing this process; (6)to help students learn how to understand professor=s teaching and presentation styles; (7)to improve relations between faculty, advisors, and students; (8) to involve students in the total life of the University; (9) to teach students about SRU ; (10) to reduce student anxiety about written and oral communication, enhance reading comprehension, and provide supplemental practice in applying the knowledge students gain in other first-year courses; (11) to provide students about health and welfare issues; (12) to have students use resources such as the library, Career Services, Tutoring Center, and Writing Center; (13) to help students develop personal goals for careers and academic majors and to master processes/means of achieving these goals; (14) to provide students additional training, practice, experience, and knowledge in the following skill areas: decision making, goal setting, planning, time management, and group/teamwork; (15) to increase student commitment to the major

REQUIRED TEXT:  None.

OFFICE HOURS:  Wednesday and Friday 3:00-4:50 p.m., Thursday 4:00-4:50 p.m. or by appointment. Please note that you are welcome to come and ask questions anytime outside my office hours should you be able to find me.

COURSE GRADING:

Your grade will be based upon your journal/writing assignments/presentations (70%) and class participation/attendance (30%).

Your final grade will be the sum of the points accumulated through the afore-listed sources. You will receive the grade you earn through your efforts, there will be NO grade adjustment. Attendance will not be considered in your final grade.

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

ABSENCE POLICY:Although I do not record absences, it would behoove you to attend all lecture and laboratory periods. In cases of minor or short-term illnesses each student is responsible for making up any missed class work. Make-up tests may be administered at my discretion if the student has a valid, documented medical excuse and has seriously attempted to inform me prior to the examination period. If a student will be out of school for more than one week for medical reasons the student should notify The Office of Academic Affairs (Ext. 2001). Information on the University's Absence Policy and Class Attendance Policy may be found in the Green and White Student Handbook.

CHEATING and PLAGIARISM:Academic dishonesty is considered a major violation against the University's Code of Conduct and an offense against the University. Cheating of any type will result in the assignment of a failing grade for the course. Information on the University's Cheating and Plagiarism Policy may be found in the Green and White Student Handbook.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

The following is a tentative listing of topics, but these may change as we proceed through the semester based on student needs and wants: (1) introduction to the course and issues you may wish to discuss; (2) introduction of the class (ice breakers); (3) oral presentation (two weeks at University); (4) concerns, advisors, appropriate behavior (what have you seen to date that blows you away); (5) Liberal Studies; (6) Learning/teaching styles/time management; (7) test taking, note taking, text book comprehension; (8) career exploration; (9) DARS, advising, registration; (10) healthy relationships; (11) Bio majors options - field studies, international programs, research, internships; (12) making the most out of being a biology major; (13) preparing for finals; (14) oral presentation (my first semester).