I. Introductory material:

   Name: Arndt F. Laemmerzahl
   office: DK 3035
   phone: 993-4040
   e-mail: alaemmer@gmu.edu

   Office hours: T/R 14:00 - 16:00 and any time you can find me (if I have time)

Biology 104 web page:

       http://mason.gmu.edu/~alaemmer/bio104/main.html

Stuff you need:

       Campbell, Reece, Mitchell & Taylor: Biology: Concepts and Connections, 7th ed.

               (The 6th, 5th or 4th edition will do fine, and earlier ones are probably okay).

       Luther. 2011: Introductory Biology for Non-majors Laboratory Manual Biology 104. Hayden-
              McNeil Publishing, Inc., Plymouth MI.

       I-clickers will not be used.

Grading:

       Three lecture exams. There are no make-up opportunities for the exams. We drop the lowest one.

               - each exam is worth 100 points and will be multiple choice. You will need a scantron (form 882-
               E). Since we drop the lowest exam, the exams count for 200 points.

               - scantrons will not be returned, but you are free to come look at yours at any time.

               - You may keep the exams (Monday/Wednesday classes will get their exams back the Monday
               following the exam). I will post your exam scores on a password protected web page within 24
               hours (you can opt out, if you wish). You will be given a random number during the first exam
               with which you can look up your exam scores.

               - each exam will take place at the beginning of lecture. You'll have 50 minutes before I start
               lecturing again.

       Final exam is worth 120 points. It is cumulative. Same format as a regular exam.

       Three unannounced quizzes. Each is worth 10 points, we drop the lowest one (so quizzes are 20 points).

               - these are designed to be easy, BUT, you need to be in class in order to take a quiz.

               - no make up opportunity for any quizzes.

       Lab is worth 160 points.

               - read through the laboratory information carefully. Some highlights:

                      - dissections are required for Biology 103 / 104.

                      - three or more unexcused absences => 0 in lab.

                      - no food/drink in labs, covered shoes & clothes.

       Anyway, the total is 500 points, and your grade will be assigned out of 500 points (see
       syllabus). (90 - 100 = A, 80 - 89 = B, etc.; 450 pts. = 90%, 400 pts. = 80%, etc.)

Other stuff:

       Canceled class - any exams, etc. will take place the class following.

       Honor code - don't cheat, or I'll report you to the honor committee (they can expel you).

Old exams:

       There are old exams posted on the web page. I recommend “taking” the exam to see how you're doing
       before looking at the answers. You'll have a better idea of how well you're prepared.

Some general comments:

       Attendance: I post notes:

               Causes some problems - many folks think they do not need to attend class, just read the notes.

                      - people do much better when they attend class.

                      - notes are there to help you. You can listen to me instead of madly writing everything
                      down.

                             - this helps students who are trying to learn.

                      - if I notice attendance problems, I will add “extra” material which will NOT be posted.
                      This will be worth about 10% (it will cost you roughly one grade if you don't have it).


If you're having problems, please:

       See me to talk about them.

       Please! DON'T wait until the final exam (or after!) to do something about them. That will be too late to
       help you.

       Any time you have questions, please ask

      Any questions??
      (Questions are encouraged!!!).