REQUIRED TEXT: Becker, W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J., and Hardin, J. 2000.

The World of the Cell (4^th edit)

Dr. Katherine T. Schmeidler                                                                                      Office: A 227
Phone: ext. 5493 = (949) 451-5493                                                  email: kschmeidler@ivc.cc.ca.us

please note that our newsgroup is up & running if you wish to participate

Cellular biology is a rapidly growing field which ties together, and relates to, virtually every aspect of biology. A cell is the fundamental unit of life; we understand life in all its diversity through understanding the fundamentals of cellular biology which ties all life forms together. We begin to understand cells by understanding their parts, so we will study cell structure and the individual functions and chemistry of sub-cellular structures. In many organisms, and in the environment, cells and organisms interact, so we will study the basis for cell-cell communication, how cells react to changes in their environment and how cells can alter their environment. Cells derive from pre-existing cells; we will study cell cycle and basic concepts of genetics and information flow. These aspects of cellular biology are not discrete, they affect each other and all together comprise the field of Cellular Biology. Furthermore, all of these fields are changing and expanding rapidly. Therefore we will discuss the basics of cellular biology, with emphasis on understanding concepts and developing the ability to apply this knowledge to current problems and other fields, for example human health, environmental biology, agriculture, and other topics that may arise.

This course will have three midterm exams and a final, quizzes (announced and/or unannounced), occasional homework, and a written report & oral presentation related to current research in cellular biology (described separately). The exams will include problems, short answer and multiple-choice questions, and open-ended essays. Each exam will be based primarily on the unit(s) covered since the last exam. However, the nature of this class, and the disciplines we cover, is hierarchical and interdependent. Thus, to some extent, every exam is also cumulative.

The (tentative) class schedule includes suggested reading for each week. This reading assignment is not exclusive, but is intended as a guide ONLY. Relevant material may be found throughout the text, and some outside reading may also be assigned. Students are responsible for material included in assigned reading and all topics covered in class. Failure to complete any assignment (or arranged substitute assignment) will result in a failing grade for the course.

GRADING SYSTEM:
3 midterm exams @ 100 pts each 300 homework assignments 70
comprehensive final exam @ 150 pts 150 term paper and oral report 100
8 quizzes @ 10 pts each (choose best 8) 80 Total = 700

Final letter grades are tentatively assigned:

>90% = A; 80-89% = B; 66-79% = C; 55-65% = D; <55% = F

If you miss a lecture exam, a make-up exam will be arranged, probably during final exam week. Be warned, this exam may be more difficult than the class exam. You may only make up one exam!

NOTE: all papers including exams will be returned to student if possible. IVC regulations state that paperwork will be held for 3 months after the end of a semester. After that period, all uncollected work will be discarded. Please note that it is your responsibility to retain all of your records. No reconsideration of any grade is possible without evidence, and it is the student's responsibility to demonstrate the basis of any grade change. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO RECOVER THESE MATERIALS!!

ACADEMIC HONESTY: IVC Regulations and guidelines regarding academic honesty will be followed and enforced. Cheating or plagiarism may result in an F on the assignment involved, the entire course, or, in even more serious cases, College disciplinary action may be taken. If you have any questions or confusion about what is considered honest (and what is not) be sure to clarify these definitions right away! There are no "second chances".