BIL 149 is a weekly, one-hour seminar designed to introduce our first year biology majors to the workings of the Department of Biology, the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Miami.

Instructor: Dr. Dana Krempels
Office: Cox Science Building, Room 110B
Office Hours:

• Monday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30pm and 5:00 - 6:00pm
• ...and by appointment

• Monday, 2:30-3:20pm - Section 1G (Cox 166)
  
• Wednesday, 2:30-3:20pm - Section 2G (Cox 166)
  

Course Description:
First year seminar for incoming Biology majors. Facilitation and encouragement of development of critical thinking skills, proficiency in oral and written expression, and an ability to solve problems by integrating knowledge from different disciplines and perspectives in Biology

Course Objectives:
Instructors lead students in exercises designed to help them understand both the administrative and academic aspects of the Biology major. By the end of the course, students should be able to appropriately select courses, know the research interests of Biology Department faculty members so that they can approach them for research opportunities, be experienced in critical thinking, the scientific method, and scientific writing, and have been exposed (via readings and class discussions) to the work of several eminent and globally-respected biologists.

Course Format:
Students will meet for one hour each week for class. Mandatory field trips will be used as teaching tools during the semester. Seminar presentations by research faculty will be an integral part of the course, and will serve to encourage our undergraduates to become involved in research during their time at U.M.

Grades:
Grades are based on class participation and attendance, and assignments (TBA) and a final assessment quiz covering the material we studied in the course sessions.

Be sure to take notes during Faculty Guest lectures, as these will be covered on the quiz along with other items on the syllabus.

Attendance is mandatory. One absence is allowed. Every unexcused absence will result in loss of one half a letter grade. If you miss class, you must notify me within 48 hours of the appropriate reason (medical or other emergency), or the absence will be considered unexcused. Please send such notifications via EMAIL.