Policies and Requirements
Fall 2004

Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM-12:15 PM
410 Biology Building


Instructor  Dr. Harriett Smith-Somerville Office Location: 417 Biology
    Office Hours: Tuesday, 3-4:30 PM or by appointment
    Email: hsmithso@ua.edu 
    Telephone: (205) 348-1830

Prerequisite: BSC 300 or permission of the instructor

Course Descrpition

In depth examination of the structure, function and relationships of cell organelles and the cytoskeleton

Course Goals

To provide students with the foundation necessary to read and comprehend the current literature in cell biology and to relate this information to the fields of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be acquainted with current information, theories and controversial issues in cell biology. Specific learning objectives are

Attendance Policy

Attendance will not be monitored officially, but students are expected to attend class.

Textbook

A good current cell biology text is recommended for reference. The recommended text is Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th Edition, Alberts et al., Garland Science.

The textbook is not required but is recommended for reference.  If you have a recent cell biology textbook, you may use that book in place of the recommended text.

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and slides will be posted in WebCT at least 1 hour before class.

Exams

There will be 2 exams, each worth 50% of the final grade.  The final exam is not comprehensive.

Each exam will consist of discussion questions.  Be prepared to discuss the structure, functions and interactions of organelles, and to trace cellular pathways.

Makeup Exams

The makeup exam for the midterm will be arranged on an individual basis.  The makeup exam for the final will be given at the scheduled time.

Grading:

Grading will be according to University policy.

BSC 495: The following grade scale will be used.
A+
99-100
B+
88-89
C+
78-79
D+
68-69
F
<60
A
92-98
B
82-87
C
72-77
D
62-67
A-
90-91
B-
80-81
C-
70-71
D-
60-61

BSC 595: The following grade scale will be used.

A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
<60

Disability

If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a disability but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 348-4285 or visit 133 B Martha Parham East to register for services.

Academic Misconduct

All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information, misrepresentations, and abetting of any of the above. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event that academic misconduct occurs. Students should refer to the Student Affairs Handbook, which can be obtained in The Office of Student Life and Services in the Ferguson Center.

BSC 595 Discussion Session

Location: To be announced
Meeting Day(s): Alternate Weeks. See calendar for actual meeting days.
Meeting Time: To be determined

Discussion Content

Discussions will include controversial issues in cell biology, approaches to investigation of a question, techniques, and/or interpretation of results. Recent papers and reviews will provide the basis for most discussions. A selected topic will be assigned at each meetingfor the next discussion.

Attendance and Participation Policy

Attendance and participation in discussions are required and will be recorded.