1. UIST Ohrid ‐ COURSE SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY
Spring 2013
GENERAL INFORMATION
Instructor: Bratislav Stankovic, PhD, JD, MSc
Course Title: Introductory Biology
Classroom: FTU 1
Office Hours: Vice‐Rectors’ office, Mon. 1:00‐3:00 p.m.; walk‐in and/or by appointment
Email: bratislav.stankovic@uist.edu.mk
ECTS Credit Hours: Six
Length of Course: Fifteen weeks
Catalog Description: Introduction to cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular
genetics, cell structure, function and processes. Laboratory required. Writing
assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, may be a part of the course.
Prerequisites: None
Materials Needed:
Textbooks: Biology, by Sylvia Mader, 10th edition, McGraw‐Hill Publishers, 2009
An On‐Line Biology Book, by Mike J. Farabee, 2007, available at
http://www.e‐booksdirectory.com/details.php?ebook=1451
Laboratory Manual: Inquiry into Life, by Sylvia Mader, 12th edition, McGraw‐Hill Publishers,
2008
Course Objectives: This course will explore understanding of the concepts on the following
subjects:
 Biology as a Scientific Discipline, Properties of Life and Classification
 The Chemical Basis of Life
 Cell Structure and Function
 Energy Converting Metabolic Pathways
 Principles of Mendelian, Human, and Molecular Genetics
 Biotechnology and its impact on the Society

2. Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, student will be able to:
1. Relate biology with everyday life.
2. Demonstrate the understanding of the scientific theory and identify its various steps
with clear understanding.
3. On a given diagram of a prokaryotic or an eukaryotic cell, identify different parts and
be able to tell its function.
4. Demonstrate the knowledge of the basic concepts of cellular metabolism and energy
converting metabolic pathways.
5. Demonstrate understanding of cell division and its various stages.
6. Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of Mendelian, human, and
molecular genetics.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the biotechnology and its impact on the society.
Method of Instruction:
1. Lectures
2. Laboratory exercises
3. Audio‐visual materials (slide shows, films, videos, etc.)
4. Computer assisted learning (online assignments).
5. Published articles.
6. Course syllabus and other information accessible on Moodle.
7. Discussion
Method of Assessment: The course assessment will be done by utilizing different methods, such
as asking students after some time of lecturing to write what they got out of it, assessing
them by providing concept maps/charts, labeling the diagrams, filling the tables, and / or
fill in the blanks in the given sentences. Students may be asked to complete homework
assignments. Many other strategies can be designed as if and when needed.
Methods of Evaluation
1. Lecture Exams
2. Tests
3. Written Laboratory Reports
4. Homework Assignments and Projects
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3. Grades are determined by a point system. Points are earned in the following ways:
First (mid‐term) exam 40%
Second (end‐term) exam 40%
Tests 15% (additional, bonus tests and assignments are possible)
Lab work, class participation 5%
Total 100% (additional bonus points are possible)
Approximate Grade Scale (%) (grades = percentages)
10 = 90+ %
9 = 80 – 89%
8 = 70‐79%
7 = 60‐69%
6 = 50‐59%
5 = below 50% = failure
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4. CLASS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In order to successfully achieve the objectives of this course and earn a passing grade of 6 or
better, each student should be willing to make a commitment to do the following or understand
the ramifications thereof:
1. Attendance Policy: Instructor shall recommend to the Registrar the withdrawal of a
student for any class which student did not report the first two class sessions, or report
for the first class session and subsequently did not attend the next two sessions, and
failed to notify the instructor of intention to continue. Attendance and punctuality are
expected and are part of the responsibility of the student. Grades are to reflect only the
students’ performance towards meeting the objectives of the course. Good attendance is
related to good performance toward meeting the objectives of the course.
2. Academic Integrity: UIST is committed to the ideals of truth and honesty. In view of this,
students are expected to adhere to high standards of honesty in their academic
endeavor. Plagiarism and cheating of any kind are serious violations of these standards
and will result, minimally, in the grade of “5” (fail) by the instructor.
3. All students entering the classroom are requested to remove all head coverings unless
such coverings are associated with religious beliefs.
4. There is absolutely no eating in the class room.
5. All cellular phones and electronic devices (including laptops, tablets, and the like) that are
not directly related to instruction must be turned off upon entering the classroom.
6. Read the materials and chapter(s) assigned before and after the class meeting.
7. Come prepared to ask questions and discuss the text book reading.
8. Complete laboratory exercises and write‐ups promptly.
9. Complete Moodle assignments when required.
10. Take comprehensive notes on all materials covered in class: lectures, lab notes, movies,
etc.
11. Come to class with an open and curious mind and a strong desire to acquire the
knowledge of an understanding of the principles of biology.
12. The course syllabus and some other information is also available through Moodle.
13. Children are not allowed in the classroom.
14. Students are expected to be familiar with the university policies covered in the student
policy manual issued by UIST.
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