COURSE SYLLABUS BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I (4)

Transcription

1 COURSE SYLLABUS BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I (4) COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the biological sciences with an emphasis on basic concepts of the building blocks of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Functions of cellular organelles, including protein synthesis, genetics, cellular respiration, and cell reproduction will be emphasized. Viruses will be discussed. The Kingdoms Monera, Protista, and Fungi will be surveyed phylogenetically; Animalia and Plantae will be introduced. Science will be explained and practiced. PREREQUISITES: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores. Three lecture, two laboratory hours per week. (Same as RODP BIOL 1010). PREREQUISITE: An acceptable placement score, DSPR 0800, or DSR 088; an acceptable placement score, DPSW 0800, or DSE 087 REQUIRED TEXTS: 1. Essentials of Biology 1 st edition, Hoefnagels 2. Laboratory Manual For the Biological Sciences, VSCC Biology Faculty (printable from the VSCC BIOL webpage OTHER MATERIALS: RECOMMENDED: Photo Atlas for Biology, Perry and Morton MATH & SCIENCE DIVISION OFFICE: Warf Building Room GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: By successfully completing this course, you will be able to exhibit knowledge of scientific information and the thought processes involved in the scientific method of inquiry. OTHER GOALS: The course will seek continual development in communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

2 Course Syllabus: BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I 2 COURSE OUTCOMES 1. Explain why a knowledge of general biology is important to everyone. 2. Explain the nature of science and practice science in the laboratory. Apply scientific problem solving methods to daily problems. 3. Describe the characteristics of living organisms. 4. Explain the basic concepts of chemistry, especially organic chemistry. 5. Explain the mechanisms by which ions and molecules move across cell membranes. 6. Discuss how the invention of microscopes was essential to the development of the cell. 7. Describe cell division in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 8. Discuss the history of evolutionary thought, especially Darwin and Wallace s theory of evolution by natural selection. Describe the mechanisms for evolution as well as evidences for the theory. 9. Describe the contributions of Carolus Linnaeus to the field of taxonomy. 10. Survey the kingdoms of organisms identifying the major subgroups and representative members and provide information on their characteristics and life cycles. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GRADING: There will be several lecture examinations as determined by your instructor and a noncomprehensive final examination each of equal value. In general, each examination will cover material discussed in lecture and the assigned material in the textbook beginning where the previous exam material stopped. The final examination will be given during the scheduled final examination period as published. (School policy mandates that final examinations will NOT be given early or late.) Subjective factors may affect your grade in borderline situations. Be on time. Be alert and participatory during lecture and lab. Be polite and respectful of yourself, your peers, your surroundings, and your professors.

3 Course Syllabus: BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I 3 A series of announced quizzes may be given as determined by your instructor. If given, the lowest quiz grade of the semester will be dropped and the average of the quiz grades will count as an additional lecture examination. The grade for this course will be determined as follows: 70% - Lecture examinations, final examination, and quiz average 30% - Laboratory grade as determined by your lab instructor EXAMPLE: 84 lect. average x.70 = lab average x.30 = 22.8 Final Average = 81.6= B The grades, grading scale, and symbols for this course are as follows: A = B = C = D = F = Below 60 I = Incomplete - to be given at the discretion of the instructor when, for reasons acceptable to the instructor, the student has been unable to complete a minor portion of the coursework. The student must contact the instructor prior to the assignment of final grades and make arrangements to complete the coursework. The work must be completed three weeks prior to the end of the next semester or the grade will automatically become an F. N = Audit - no credit W = Withdrawn from course. ATTENDANCE: Leniency should not be expected in borderline situations where attendance has been poor. Roll will be taken, and your attendance recorded. Regarding attendance, two things should be noted: 1) Students who fail to attend class on a regular basis seriously impair their ability to succeed in any course. 2) The Volunteer State Community College Catalog provides that instructors have the option of requesting that the Vice President of Academic Affairs withdraw a student from the course in which (s)he is demonstrating poor attendance. Your input in the classroom situation is of value to the instructor, yourself, and the other students.

4 Course Syllabus: BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I 4 ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS: Examinations will be given only at the times scheduled by the instructor (unless a student is specifically excused by the appropriate Vice President). Absence from a lecture examination will result in a grade of zero which will not be dropped or replaced unless the student has made prior arrangements with the instructor or proper documentation is provided in case of an emergency or sickness. Any make-up exam will be given at a time determined by the instructor. NOTE: Official absences from the college (absences excused by the appropriate Vice President) are not subject to these policies and will be handled individually. Under these circumstances (official absences) arrangements MUST be made in advance. SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR. INCLEMENT WEATHER/HOLIDAY POLICY: If VSCC is officially open, any Biology lecture class or laboratory section will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due, and any scheduled quizzes or exams will be given. Any missed work will be subject to the make-up policy as outlined in this course syllabus. If VSCC is officially closed, all lecture assignments will be due and any exams will be given at the next regular class meeting. Laboratory sections missed due to the closing of the school will be skipped. You will not be held responsible for the missed laboratory. Any laboratory quiz or exam will be given during the next regularly scheduled laboratory. Skip the laboratory exercise missed and be prepared for the next laboratory in sequence unless directed otherwise by your instructor. MISCELLANEOUS: No smoking, dipping, chewing, eating, children, or visitors in class please. A Note For Those Few Who Need It: Unnecessary disturbances of class (lab or lecture) will result in a deduction of points from your final grade at the discretion of your instructor. In addition, the biology faculty expects from each student unwavering integrity and honesty. "Borrowing" information from another source will result in a zero for that quiz or examination; a repeated incident will result in a grade of F for the course. According to the college catalog, conduct of an unacceptable nature (i.e., cheating) may be reason for dismissal from the college. LECTURE TEXTBOOK READING ASSIGNMENTS Essentials of Biology, 1st Ed., Hoefnagels LECTURE TOPIC TEXTBOOK REFERENCE Scientific Study of Life Chapter 1 Chemistry of Life Chapter 2 Cells Chapter 3 Energy of life Chapter 4 Photosynthesis Chapter 5

5 Course Syllabus: BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I 5 How cells release Energy Chapter 6 DNA Structure and Gene Function Chapter 7 DNA Replication and Cell Division Chapter 8 Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis Chapter 9 Patterns of Inheritance Chapter 10 DNA Technology Chapter 11 Forces Of Evolutionary Change Chapter 12 Evidence of Evolution Chapter 13 Speciation and Extinction Chapter 14 Evolution and Diversity of Microbial Life Chapter 15

6 Course Syllabus: BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I 6 BIOL 1010 Laboratory DESCRIPTION: The laboratory component of this course provides for practical hands-on involvement in science and scientific inquiry. The laboratory program is designed to reinforce the lecture material; the laboratories closely parallel the lecture material. Exercises will be performed by individuals or small groups of students. The instructor will provide an explanation of the work to be performed and be present during the laboratory period to guide and assist students. The laboratory exercises are contained in an on-line laboratory manual authored by the VSCC Biology Department Faculty. Some laboratory programs will be supplemented by video and/or field experiences. The students will receive instruction and supervision in the use of scientific tools appropriate to introductory biology. The scientific method of problem solving will be practiced in the laboratory. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: All policies and procedures not described below are contained in the lecture section and will apply to the laboratory. GRADING: The laboratory grade will count 30% of the course grade. It will be calculated by averaging the three major lab exams. If lab quizzes are given, the average of the quizzes will count as a major lab exam and the lab grade would then be computed by adding the three major lab tests and the quiz average and then dividing by 4. ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS OR QUIZZES: Absence from a laboratory has two consequences. The instructor will record a zero for any missed quiz, and the student will not benefit from assistance in mastering the material presented in the lab. There will be no make-up session provided for the laboratory. Laboratory examinations will be given only at the time scheduled by the laboratory instructor and may not be made up. NOTE #1: Prohibited items in lab and lecture include any electronic or other noise- or light-emitting device that can distract or disturb its owners or others, such as beepers, cell phones, palm pilots, laptop computers, games, and the like. Cellular telephones are not to be used during class for any purpose, including making or receiving calls, photographs, or text messaging, or playing games. Students may not wear headphones or ear buds in class. The instructor may exclude from the class any student who is creating a disturbance. The student is responsible for any missed material and class assignments made during his/her absence. The student is encouraged to refer to the Volunteer State Community College Catalog and the Volunteer State Community College Student Handbook, which contain information pertinent to this course. NOTE #2: It is the student's responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services to receive accommodations and services in accordance with The Americans With Disabilities Act. (ADA) Only those students with appropriate documentation will receive services. For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services at or visit the office which is located on the ground floor of the Wood Campus Center on the main campus or the appropriate office on Livingston campus. NOTE #3: VSCC, a Tennessee Board of Regents Institution, is an equal opportunity institution and ensures equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation or status as a qualified veteran with a disability or veteran of the Vietnam era.

7 Course Syllabus: BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology I 7 LABORATORY SCHEDULE LAB # TOPIC ONLINE LAB EXERCISES 1 How Scientists Work the Scientific Method Exercise 1 2 Organic Molecules Exercise 2 3 Movement of Molecules across the Cell Membrane Exercise 3 4 Use of the Microscope Exercises 4 5 LABORATORY EXAMINATION I (COVERS LABS 1,2,3,4) 6 Mitosis Exercise 5 7 Genetics Exercises 6 8 Evolution, Time, and the Fossil Record Exercises 7 9 Taxonomy Exercise 8 10 LABORATORY EXAMINATION II (COVERS LABS 6,7,8,9) 11 Photosynthesis Exercise 9 12 Monera and Protozoans Exercise Algae and Fungi Exercise LABORATORY EXAMINATION III (COVERS LABS 11,12,13)