Main topics in Biology 240 include:

• Phylogenetic Inference
• Principles of Evolution
• Diversity of Life
• Principles of Ecology

Types of lab exercises

• Look-see demonstrations
• Analyses and Calculations
• Group discussions
• Field trips

Clickers:

During lecture we will use clicker technology to interact with the class. At unspecified times we will present short quizzes based on recent topics. Student must respond using their personal clickers/transponders. All responses will be automatically recorded for grading. Each student must own a RF Clicker and be responsible for taking it to class each lecture. Be sure that your clicker is operational at all times. If you do not participate in the clicker quizzes, you may fail the course due to non-participation.

Textbooks and course materials (available at the SFSU Bookstore):

• Campbell, Reece, and Mitchell, BIOLOGY, 8th edition, Benjamin Cummings
• Biology 240 Lab Reader, SFSU Biology Faculty
• A photographic atlas for the biology laboratory, Van de Graaff & Crawley, Morton Publishing Company
• Interwrite PRS Radio Frequency (RF) clicker.

Grading:

We will not grade on a curve. A final point total comprising 90% of the possible points will earn at least an A-, 80% at least a B-, 70% at least a C-, and 60% at least a D-. The instructors will set the cutoffs for plus and minus grades at their discretion. Your course grade will be based on 1000 possible points: 600 points from lecture and 400 points from laboratory, itemized as follows:
Lecture Exam I* — 100 pts.
Lecture Exam II* — 100 pts.
Lecture Final** — 250 pts.
Laboratory Exams — 300 pts.
Laboratory Quizzes and Assignments — 100 pts.
Clicker Quizzes*** — 100 pts.
iLearn Quizzes*** — 50 pts.
Course Total — 1000 pts.

*You must take exams in pen, not pencil — else you will not be able to have your exam regraded.

**You must earn a passing grade on the written final exam to receive a passing grade in this course.

***If you do not participate in the clicker and iLearn quizzes, you may not pass the course due to non-participation.

There will be no makeup exams. Do not schedule other activities or appointments at exam times.

College of Science and Engineering Withdrawal Policy:

In order to drop or withdraw from a Biology course the following information and procedures, which reflect the policies of the Department, must be followed:

DROPPING DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS
During the first four weeks of instruction, dropping a course(s) is permitted without academic penalty. No symbol is recorded on the student's permanent record. Students are responsible for making changes to their official academic schedule. If you decide not to attend a class you enrolled in, you must drop that class through GATOR REG during access hours. If you added a class during the first two weeks and then decide to drop, you must drop through GATOR REG during access hours. As a courtesy, you are expected to notify the instructor of your intent to drop the class.

WITHDRAWING AFTER THE FIRST TWO WEEKS
After the first four weeks of instruction, withdrawal from a course is not permitted except for serious and compelling reasons. The "W" grade carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used as units attempted in calculating grade point average or progress points. The expectation of being dropped for nonattendance is not a sufficient reason for withdrawal.

19 November — Last Day to Withdraw w/o Documents. Withdrawal from a course(s) is permissible only for serious and compelling reasons. If the withdrawal is approved, the student will receive a “W” grade.

PROCEDURE: Requests for withdrawal are to be reviewed by the Instructor and Department Chair. Students must submit their unofficial transcripts along with their petitions.

After 19 November — Withdrawals are normally not permitted during this period except in cases of verified accident or serious illness where the cause of withdrawal is due to circumstances clearly beyond the student's control and where the assignment of an incomplete is not practical. Ordinarily, withdrawals in this category involves a total withdrawal from the University.

PROCEDURE: All requests during this period must be reviewed by the Instructor, Department Chair, and Associate Dean. Students must submit their unofficial transcripts and appropriate documentations along with their petitions.