COURSE INFORMATION SHEET BIOLOGY 1406 - General Biology
Course
Description | Course Objectives
| Text and Lab Manual | Course
Content and Calendar |Assignments
| Grade Calculation
| Classroom Policies | Semester
Goals |
| Optional Work |
Instructor: Pat G. Taylor Office Hours: MW 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Office: Classroom Bldg., C6 TR 8:15-9:15 a.m..
Phone: 979-830-4202 By Appointment
Email: ptaylor@blinn.edu
Homepage: http://www.blinn.edu/natscience/taylor/
Biology 1406 - General Biology
An in-depth introductory survey of contemporary biology for students majoring in the
biological sciences. Topics emphasized include the chemical basis of life, structure and
function of cells, energy transformation, molecular biology and genetics.
3 class hours and 3 lab hours per week.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Prerequisite: Exemption from or passing score on the reading section of the state test or
satisfactory completion of READ 0306 with a grade of “C” or better.
Core Course: This is a Core Course in the 42-Hour Core of Blinn College. As such, students will develop
proficiency in the appropriate Intellectual Competencies, Exemplary Educational
Objectives, and Perspectives.
www.blinn.edu/corecurriculum
Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes: These learning outcomes and course objectives will include the student demonstrating competence in the following areas:
Lecture Objectives: 1) Differentiate between science and other fields of knowledge and learning. 2) Understand the underlying unity to the diversity of life. 3) Demonstrate knowledge of the role of natural selection in evolutionary change. 4) Explain the major molecular structures basic to life. 5) Display knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of cells. 6) Exhibit an understanding of the processes involved in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. 7) Differentiate among the processes and stages of cellular reproduction. 8) Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms of inheritance. 9) Elaborate on the role of DNA in cellular function and homeostasis. 10) Communicate an understanding of the regulation of gene expression. 11) Evaluate environmental and genetic interactions. 12) Communicate effectively an understanding of the role of genetic engineering and biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, medicine, and society as a whole.
Laboratory Objectives: 1) Demonstrate familiarity with the fundamentals of laboratory safety. 2) Display an understanding of problem solving in science. 3) Using laboratory equipment in a correct manner. 4) Relate biological concepts to laboratory activities.
1. General Course Objectives:
a. Following lecture and laboratory work over appropriately selected material, the student will correctly answer at least 60% of the questions on at least 5 minor exams. Some of these minors will be 25-point "written" minor exams. Others will be 5-point CPS quizzes which will be accumulated for a possible 25 points. You will also take several online quizzes through eCampus.
b. Using material in the library, internet and/or software in the computer lab, the student will
read and/or view selected topics and summarize the significant information in a written form.
c. After appropriate microscopic and "wet" lab experimentation in the laboratory, the student will
correctly answer at least 60% of the questions on 3 timed laboratory practicals.
d. Following lecture, class discussion, and class work over selected topics, the student will
correctly answer at least 60% of the questions on 3 major exams and a comprehensive final exam.
2. Learning Activities:
a. The student should read the assigned chapters in the textbook and lab manual.
b. The student should attend class, be attentive, participate in class discussion, and take
appropriate notes.
c. The student should participate cooperatively with his/her lab partner or group during lab work.
He/she should learn proper usage of the light microscope, balances, and the other laboratory equipment.
d. The student should properly perform lab experiments, make careful observations, gather appropriate
data from the experiments, and draw the proper conclusions.
e. The student should demonstrate computer literacy skills with the proper use of available CD's related
to biology, communication with the instructor by email, completion of internet assignments, and
proper use of eCampus.
3. Supplies:
a. For Lecture: Text- Biology, Selected Chapters (Blue Version), 8th Edition, Raven, Johnson, etc.
Spiral, loose-leaf,etc. for note-taking.
Textbook Website: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/classware/selfstudy.do?isbn=0072965819
b. For Lab: Manual- Reflections in Biology, Volume 1, 4th Edition, Phillips and Winkler
Please bring text and manual to every class meeting.
c. For CPS Capability: You need an RF Keypad and an Access Code or Coupon.
The Blinn Bookstore sells the new keypad for $25.70 or a used keypad for $19.30. If you purchased a new text, it contains a coupon which allows you to activate your keypad online. If you purchased a used book, you will need to purchase a keypad and the access code. The bookstore sells access codes
for $20.00 or you may purchase it online.
Register online at www.einstruction.com
You have options for purchasing the access code:
Option 1: Students pay $35 to use the pad in all classes for lifetime access.
Option 2: Students pay $13 to use the pad in all classes for one term until the student reaches the cap of $39.
Note: In option 2, after 3 terms or $39 the student may use the pad in all classes, thus the student cost is capped at $39
Please complete this process by Monday, Feb. 2 and bring your keypads with
you to EVERY class meeting.
d. Optional Sources: Solenopsis CD- ($5)- Contains helpful programs and images and is highly recommended.
4. Course Content and Calendar: PROPOSED CALENDAR-Spring, 2009 BIOLOGY 1406-General Biology
WEEK DATES LECTURE TOPIC LAB EXERCISE
| 1 | Jan. 21-23 | Orientation and Safety, Chapter 1- Introduction | 1,2-Microscope, Metric |
| 2 | Jan. 26-30 | Chapter 2- Atoms, Bonds, Molecules | Metric, Molecular Models |
| 3 | Feb. 2-6 | Chapter 2-Water, Chapter 3-Organic Molecules | Molecular Model, 3-Water |
| 4 | Feb. 9-13 | Ch. 3-Organic Molecules, Ch. 4,5- Cytology | 4-Organic, 5-Cell |
| 5 | Feb. 16-20 | Ch. 4,5 - Cytology | 5- Cell |
| Feb. 16-20 | MAJOR EXAM #1 and LAB PRACTICAL #1 | ||
| 6 | Feb. 23-27 | Ch. 5-Cell Transport, Ch. 10- Mitosis | 6-Osmosis, 7-Mitosis |
| 7 | March 2-6 | Ch.11-Meiosis, Reproduction,Ch. 6-Metabolism | 7-Meiosis, 8-Enzymes |
| 8 | March 9-13 | Chapter 7-Respiration | 9-Respiration,Fermentation |
| March 16-20 | SPRING BREAK | ||
| 9 | March 23,27 | Ch. 7- Respiration, Ch. 8 -Photosynthesis | |
| March 25 | MAJOR EXAM #2 | ||
| March 30 | LAB PRACTICAL #2 | ||
| 10 |
April 1-3 | Ch.8- Photosynthesis, Ch.12,13- Mendelian Genetics | 10-Photosynthesis |
| 11 | April 6-8, 13 | Ch. 12, 13 - Mendelian Genetics , Ch. 20-Population
Genetics |
11- Genetics Problems |
| 12 | April 13-17 | Ch. 20 - Population Genetics; Ch. 14,15-Molelcular Genetics | 12- Molecular Genetics |
| 13 | April 20 | Ch. 14,15-Molecular Genetics | 11 - Hardy-Weinburg |
| April 22 | LAB PRACTICAL #3 | ||
14 |
April 27 | MAJOR EXAM #3 | |
| April 29-May 1 | DNA Transcription, Translation | ||
15 |
May 4-6 | Chapter 15,16,17-Eukaryotic Genes , Mutations, Gene Expression | |
| FINAL EXAM DATES: | |||
| Biology 1406-01: Thursday, May 7 at 8:00 a.m. | |||
| OR Wednesday, May 13 at 8:00 a.m. | |||
| Biology 1406-02: Thursday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. | |||
| OR Tuesday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. |
The chapters and
dates for the major exams and lab practicals are tentative.
Any changes will
be announced in class.
5. Assignments: a. Reading and Study Assignments: Your ongoing assignment and homework for the entire semester is to read and study the chapters listed above prior to class discussion. You then should read, study, comprehend, and learn the information in your class notes. It is very important for you to take comprehensive notes during lecture and to learn the information in these notes before you return to class again. b. Major Exams, Minor Exams, Lab Practicals - See #6 below. c. Internet Assignment: One or more assignments to gather reliable biological information from the internet. These will be explained in class and may be submitted to me via email or hard copy. Point value for these assignments will be added to minor exam grades or daily lab grades.
6. Grade Calculation:
Lecture:
a. Three major exams. Each will cover several chapters and will usually be a
combination of objective and subjective questions.
b. An additional lecture grade is from a series of minor exams. You will be given at least 5 minor exams.
Some of these minors will be 25-point "written" minor exams. Others will be 5-point CPS quizzes which will
be accumulated for a possible 25 points. If you take all of the minors, you may drop the lowest minor exam grade.
Your remaining minors will be averaged for another major grade in lecture.
c. You will take several online quizzes through eCampus.
Lab: a. Three lab practicals. These will cover slides, "wet" lab experiments, and other work performed during lab.
FINAL GRADE CALCULATION: Lecture Average = 55% (12% for each of the 3 major exams, 15% for minors, 5% for online quizzes) Lab Average = 30% Final Exam = 15%
7. Classroom Policies:
a. Civility Statement - Members of the Blinn College community, which includes faculty, staff,
and students, are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all aspects of campus life. Blinn
College holds all members accountable for their actions and words. Therefore, all members should
commit themselves to behave in a manner that recognizes personal respect and demonstrates concern
for the personal dignity, rights, and freedoms of every member of the College community, including respect
for College property and the physical and intellectual property of others.
If a student is asked to leave the classroom because of uncivil behavior, the student
may not return to that class until he or she arranges a conference with the instructor;
it is the student's responsibility to arrange for this conference.
b. Attendance Policy-
The College District believes that class attendance is essential for student success; therefore, students
are required to promptly and regularly attend all their classes. Each class meeting builds the foundation for
subsequent class meetings. Without full participation and regular class attendance, students shall find themselves
at a severe disadvantage for achieving success in college. Class participation shall constitute at least ten percent
of the final course grade. It is the responsibility of each faculty member, in consultation with the division chair,
to determine how participation is achieved in his or her class. Faculty will require students to regularly attend class
and will keep a record of attendance from the first day of class and/or the first day the student’s name appears on
the roster through final examinations. If a student has one week’s worth of unexcusedabsences during the semester,
he/she will be sent an e-mail by the College requiring the student to contact his/her instructor and schedule a conference
immediately to discuss his/her attendance issues. Should the student accumulates two weeks worth of unexcused absences,
he/she will be administratively withdrawn from class.
MWF Class – 3 classes missed = 1 week of absences = 1st email notification
6 classes missed = 2 weeks of absences = 2nd email notification and
Administrative Drop
Class attendance using the RF Keypads, minors, majors, practicals, and quizzes are used to
calculate your grade. When absent, it is your responsibility to get the lecture notes and
assignments and perform any lab work that you missed.
It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a class he/she is no longer
attending. To officially drop a class the student must obtain the class withdrawal form from the
Admissions Office, complete the withdrawal form, secure the required signatures, and return the
completed form to the Admissions Office. Students are not assessed absences when representing
Blinn College. Class days missed due to inclement weather will be made up as appropriate. A
student on scholastic or disciplinary probation should not have any unexcused absences.
c. Tardy policy- Class begins when the instructor closes the door to the lab. You are expected to
be in your seats at that time. Three tardies constitute one absence.
d. Make-Up policy-
Major Exams and Lab Practicals- Only in the case of extremely extenuating circumstances which
can be validated to the instructor's satisfaction or due to a Blinn sponsored activity will a
make-up exam be given. This will generally be a comprehensive exam given the week prior to
final exams.
Minor Exams- There are no make-ups on minor exams.
e. Academic Dishonesty Policy - The consequences for academic dishonesty will be followed
according to college policy as stated in the Blinn College Student Handbook and the Bulletin.
f. Disability Services - Blinn College is dedicated to providing the least restrictive learning
environment for all students. Therefore, support services for students with disabilities are
provided on an individual basis, upon request. Students with documented disabilities may seek
support from Blinn College's Office of Disability Services. Students are encouraged to contact
this office as early as possible to initiate services. To make an appointment or to receive more
information about services for all campuses requests should be made through:
The Office of Disability Services (ODS)
Room 104, Administration Building
Brenham, Texas 77833
(979) 830-4157
http://www.blinn.edu/disability.htm
g. Additional policies-
(1) Electronic Device Policy:
All the functions of all personal electronic devices designed
for communication and/or entertainment (cell phones, pagers, beepers, iPods, and
similar devices) must be turned off and kept out of sight in all Blinn College
classrooms and associated laboratories. Any noncompliance with this policy will be
addressed in accordance with the Blinn College civility policy. Any student violating
this policy shall be subject to discipline, including suspension.
(2) No food or drinks are permitted in the classroom or lab.
(3) MSDS Sheets-Material Safety Data Sheets are in C7. Online go to http://www.fishersci.ca/
Click on "Customer Support" and then "Search Material Safety Data Sheets."
8. Open Lab - C7 - Please log-in and use this lab for make-up lab work and computer usage.
9. Semester Goals for Students:
a. The student will demonstrate proper usage of scientific terminology in written and spoken language.
b. The student will demonstrate improved laboratory skills in microscopy, use of lab equipment, and analyses of
lab experiments.
c. The student will list and explain at least six general principles in biology.
d. The student will explain and utilize the scientific method and the scientific approach to problem-solving.
e. The student will discuss biological issues related to man and today's world.
10. Optional Work:
a. You may locate recent information in the library on any biology topic we discuss. You must use
a source which has been published within the last 2 years. You should read and summarize the
information in your own words. The summary should be at least 1 page. This must be turned
into the instructor within 1 week of the class discussion of that particular topic. Be sure to cite
the reference for the information. After reading your summary, the instructor will ask a few
questions about the information in your summary. According to your written summary and your
responses to the questions, you may earn from 0 to 3 points to be added to a minor exam grade.
You may do this for each minor exam you are given. You may use any sources.
The following lists some possible sources in our library:
Encyclopedia of Human Biology
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
General Science Index SIRS Series-Life Science, Medical Science, Physical Science, Population, Habitat, Health
The Great Scientists
b. The computer in THIS lab has these programs available. Some are on CD-ROM's:
The Cell Protein Synthesis
Mitosis Chemistry of Life Cell Respiration
Glycolysis/Respiration Solenopsis Cell Structure/Function
You may also use these programs as a way to receive "bonus" points on your
minor exams. After we have discussed one of the preceding topics during class,
view the appropriate program. As you are viewing the program, write down and explain
10 new items of information from it. Turn your list in to me within 1 week of our class discussion.
I will ask you a few questions concerning the 10 items and perhaps about other parts of the
program. Depending upon your written items and your responses to my questions, you will
earn from 0 to 3 points to be added to a minor exam grade
c. Finally, you may do an Internet search of any biology topic we discuss. Print the information, write the appropriate "addresses" and, in your own words, write 10 new items of information dealing with the topic. Turn all of this into me within 1 week of our class discussion. After discussing the information with me, you may earn up to 3 additional points on a minor exam.
You may do the optional library work, the computer programs, OR Internet search (d. and e. above) on each minor you take. However, you can use only 1 of these options for each minor. Therefore, you can increase each minor exam grade by a maximum of 3 points.
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