Assignments in Honors Principles of Biology, for Dr. C. R. Nelson, Winter 2012
Kirsten Pierce and C. Riley Nelson, Department of Biology, WIDB 401, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. Contact: .
Version: bio100assignments w2012.doc
We require a variety of assignments using a variety of learning styles to introduce you to the diversity that is the hallmark of modern biology. They involve critical thinking, personal inquiry, writing, collaborative learning, community participation, and basic remembering in both actual and virtual environments. We created them to give you a taste of the variety of tasks scientists do as part of their work, and to help you be informed citizens for life. Please use them to round out your general education experience at Brigham Young University and its mission of life-long learning.
Nature Experience Proposal- In order to help you with your final paper, a written proposal will be submitted for approval. An example of the correct format can be found on the lab website. In-class workshops will be held early in the semester to help further explain the expectations.
Individual Nature Experience and fieldwork- Each student will be required to attend two sessions at the Bean Museum during regular class time. During these lab sessions students will identify aquatic invertebrates using the Freshwater Aquatic Invertebrate Identification Guide. Students will then each write a report based on these data in the format of a Nature Experience (IMRAD, see Nature Experience handout). This assignment will consist of three drafts and a peer review done by each student.
Serendipity writings- Serendipitous points are another opportunity you have to participate in biology-related events outside of class. There are various science seminars and forums held at BYU during the semester. These events should have some connection to biology and what we have discussed in class. Attend at least 3 and respond with a 0.5 page write-up. Only one of the events attended can be a campus devotional. Several could be University Forums. Each paper must contain two parts. The first section should be a short summary of what was talked about and the second should be your thoughts on how it relates to biology or some principle we have been discussing in class. Bring a copy to class and give it to a TA. An example of a serendipity write up can be found on Blackboard under ‘Course Materials’.


MasteringBiology quizzes and exercises- MasteringBiology is an online homework system that is compatible with our Campbell Essential Biology Textbook. This system is designed to help prepare you for lecture. Incorrect answers will not be heavily penalized; however, individual preparation will greatly benefit your understanding for lecture, the assignments, and tests. You should have purchased a media pack bundled with your textbook from the bookstore; this media pack contains the code that you will need in order to gain access to the system. If you did not purchase the media pack it is more expensive to buy singly, you can also purchase the code online at www.masteringbiology.com (this is also where you will go to register). The zip code for BYU is 84602. The course ID is MBNELSON48596.
To register follow the steps below:
Go to www.masteringbiology.com and click New Students under Register.
To register using the Student Access Code inside the MasteringBiology Student Access Kit, select Yes, I have an access code. Click Continue.

–OR– Purchase access online: Select No, I need to purchase access online now. Click Continue, and then follow the on-screen instructions to purchase access using a credit card. The purchase path includes registration, but the process may differ slightly from the steps printed here.

License Agreement and Privacy Policy: Click I Accept to indicate that you have read and agree to the license agreement and privacy policy.
Select the appropriate option under “Do you have a Pearson Education account?” and supply the requested information. Upon completion, the Confirmation & Summary page confirms your registration. This information will also be emailed to you for your records. You can either click Log In Now or return to www.masteringbiology.com later.
The due dates for these assignments are listed in the course schedule, however, these due dates could change. If this is the case students will be notified at the beginning of class.
Virtual Biology Lab writings- VirtualBiology is an additional program under the MasteringBiology umbrella. This program is a Virtual Lab designed to help students conceptualize concepts and principles taught in class. You will be given the Course Access Code to gain access to this course shortly. The course ID is MBNELSON28527.

In order to register you will need to Log in to your MasteringBiology Account. Click on MyCourses, then add another course, enter the course Id, there will be a message that says you do not have access, under that will be a link, click on that link, click yes, I have an access code, enter the access code that we give you. Go through the registration process as before. Once you have registered you will get a confirmation email, and under your MyCourses link will be a drop down menu with both courses that you are enrolled in, this is how you switch back and forth between courses. Sometimes it will take a few minutes for the system to enter you in, sometimes you will need to log out, log back in and start the process over before it comes up. Keep checking and come to the TAs if you are having a difficult time registering.
The due dates for these assignments are listed in the course schedule; however, these due dates could change. If this is the case students will be notified at the beginning of class.


Testing- Please refer to the Examination section on the first page of the syllabus.
Nature Experience- This is your final paper. It is worth a large portion of your grade, and should be well done. There is an additional handout providing information regarding the format and expectation on Blackboard under ‘Course Materials’ in the ‘Nature Experience Resources’ folder. A workshop late in the semester will be held to help further explain the expectations. The TAs are a very valuable resource, take them a copy of your rough draft and they will help you improve your paper and project.