Cellular Biology Bio 1004

Fall 2015 BIOL1224 A. BIAS

General Biology 1224 for Majors

Fall 2015 Syllabus

Instructor: Angie Bias

Phone: 918-693-3429

email:

Fall 2015 BIOL1224 A. BIAS

COURSE: BIO1224

CALL NUMBER: 322 and 323

BIOL_1224_322_12338

BIOL_1224_323_12341

Lecture: Mon and Wed 5:30PM-6:50 Room 8256

Lab: Mon OR Wed 7PM-9:50

Room 8182

DIVISION DEAN: Lyn Kent

Science and Mathematics Division Office:

Phone: 595-7744

Fall 2015 BIOL1224 A. BIAS

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

BIO 1224 - Introduction to Biology for Majors 4 Credits

Introductory biology course for majors with lab. This course includes an in-depth study of fundamental biological concepts, including metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, evolution, and ecology at the subcellular, cellular and organismal levels. It provides the foundation for other advanced courses in the biological sciences.

Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours

BIOLOGY GOALS

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process in the biological world as it is implemented by the Scientific Method. The student will further understand the need for continued biological research in a dynamic environment.

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic life processes, such as cell structure, obtaining and using of energy, and the processes of reproduction, heredity and evolution.

3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the diversity, complexity and inter-relatedness of life.

4. Students in our laboratory classes will demonstrate proficiency in measurement and in using various techniques and equipment (including their strengths and weaknesses) as they apply to solving problems in the biological sciences.

TEXBOOKS, SOFTWARE, AND SUPPLIES

The Campus Bookstore will have textbooks and supplies available.

TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED

1. Understanding Biology by Kenneth Mason (1st ed.).

2. The TCC bookstore has the most economical package with softcover textbook and Connect Plus package.

3. Connect Plus includes LearnSmart, ebook, and student resources, quizzes, etc.

4. If you purchase a used book, you will need to purchase the Connect access.

LABORATORY MANUALREQUIRED

1. Introduction to General Biology Laboratory Manual for Majors, 8th ed. by Phillips et al. ISBN 007804507X / 9780078045073

SUPPLIES REQUIRED: Supplies needed for the course may be purchased at the bookstore:

Ø goggles (safety glasses)

Ø gloves

Ø microscope slides and coverslips

Ø digital camera

Ø color pencils

Required software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
If you do not have Office, you can download it from student resources in Blackboard free.

What is Connect?

Connect is online resource offered through McGraw Hill, the publishers of your textbook. It is an interactive review of concepts, with animations and videos, and review questions. We will use Connect as a supplement to the lecture and Bb course assignments. Online quizzes and homework will usually be found on Connect. You can also access your e-book and student resources through this site. You can also access your E-book and student resourcesthrough Connect.

Click on the Content tab on your Bb panel. Go to your weekly folder, click on the assignment in the folder, it will redirect you to Connect. You will need to register the first time you use Connect.

What is SmartBook and LearnSmart?

SmartBook and LearnSmart are adaptive learning platforms within Connect. They are an excellent way to learn and review important concepts in the textbook. I describe LearnSmart as digital, 21st century, flashcards! LearnSmart is integrated with your textbook reading assignments (SmartBook). Once you access the publisher's website, please look over the introductions and overview of how to use these tools.

How do I register for Connect?How to register in Connect with an access code or buy an access online.

Ø Go to Bb, click on the Content tab, click on the first Connect assignment. It will take you to the course materials, complete the registration. It will ask for the registration code you purchased with your NEW book. If you do not have the code, you will need to purchase an on-line access. Connect Plus is the online ebook with all the assignments. You will need to have access to complete the course. The publisher will allow 2 weeks FREE access to the materials in case you need this time to purchase.

What if I buy a used book?

Students who buy a used textbookmay purchase the Connect access at the bookstore or directly online through the publisher's website. However, if you purchase a used textbook, you will not have access to the E-book and other student resources in Connect. If you later decide you like the E-book option, it will cost additional funds. The custom package at the bookstore is the most economical price!

Please have all supplies and textbooks by the start2nd week of class! McGraw-Hill allows 2 FREE week access to Connect. So, you will be able to read the E-book, take quizzes, etc. until you purchase your textbook and access code!

COMPUTER ACCESS

It is highly recommended that you have regular (daily) computer access, preferably a home computer with broadband Internet access. This course can be completed using public computers at TCC or other public access areas. However, be aware that using public computers may create a hardship. All course requirements remain the same whether your computer access is public or private (home).

TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

You should be comfortable with the following:

· using a word processor (changing font, spell check)

· using email for communication

· sending an email attachment

· navigating the Internet

· downloading appropriate plugins

· using an Internet search engine

TCC BLACKBOARD (Bb) –Course Documents

Students are expected to use the TCC Blackboard site to obtain course information: Syllabus, PowerPoint lectures, Assignments, and Announcements. Check your grades on Bb often.

The course syllabus contains information regarding reading assignments, laboratory session assignments, due dates of assignments, class exam dates, course attendance policies and how you will be evaluated in this course. Be sure check your syllabus often.

You will find the online materials by clicking on the various tabs on the Bb site: Start Here, Announcements, Faculty Profile, Biology Goals, Content, Discussions, and Student Grades.

You will be able to communicate with your instructor and colleagues via TCC email and Discussion Boards.

LABORATORY SESSION: The laboratory session will reinforce concepts and principles learned in the lecture section of the course. Students will become familiar with the broad range of methods and technologies/instrumentation used in modern biology research. Several fieldtrips are scheduled and are part of the laboratory experience. The laboratory session will meet once a week for 3 hours. Missing a laboratory session constitutes a zero. Attendance to laboratory sessions is mandatory. Lab sessions cannot be made up!

ATTENDANCE POLICY. Attendance and participation are required in both lecture and laboratory sessions. Only in extenuating circumstances, such as family crisis, illness, birth, etc., will makeup examinations be provided and late assignments be accepted. Advise your instructor in advance of an absence as a result of such matters. Missed examinations and assignments cannot be made up unless justification for being absent is provided before the assignment is due. If a student is permitted to makeup an assignment, the assignment must be completed within one week of the due date, or the student receives a zero on the assignment. In addition, any makeup examinations will not receive curve or extra credit points! All makeup examinations will be taken at the Lab Testing Center (Building 4).

Lecture and laboratory attendance and participation are essential! Attendance follows TCC policies. The instructor may automatically withdraw (AW) a student from the course as a result of excessive absences (2 or more absences) from lecture (or online participation), and/or laboratory sessions. Please do not make a habit of coming to laboratory sessions late. Attendance (regular participation in the online classroom) is essential for maintaining the best learning environment. Learning occurs in relationship not only between student and course materials, but, just as importantly, peer to peer, professor to student, and student to professor.

DISCUSSION BOARD: Discussion Board is restricted to academic discussion of this course (majors biology) only. Please click on Discussions link in Bb to read general information and how posts will be graded. If a student exhibits inappropriate online communication, the student will be excluded from participation in the Discussion Board. Also, any and all inappropriate behavior will be documented and reported to the Dean of Student Services.

SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be notified of any changes to the syllabus. Changes will be posted on Bb, announced in class and/or the laboratory session. It is the student’s responsibility to check Bb.

GRADES AND GRADING RUBRICS

It is important to keep up with your grades. Please check Connect and/or BB regularly for your posted grades. Click on the Student Grades tab in Bb or the Reports tab in Connect to view your progress and grades.

Response time: Except for weekends, I will normally respond to email and to questions posted in the Blackboard Discussion Board area within 48 hours.Unless otherwise indicated, written assignments will be graded within 10 days of their submission to Blackboard SafeAssign or the current learning platform (e.g., Mastering).

Please note: You have seven days from the posted Bb date to contest a grade. You may email me or call discuss your grade.

Due dates are strictly adhered. You will receive “0” points for assignments and exams not turned in by the due date deadline

Grade Rubrics: A rubric, or grade sheet will be used to grade your laboratory reports and semester project. The rubric will provide expectations, criteria, and point values.

EVALUATION

Check your grades on Bb often!

Your grade will be determined as follows:

5 Class Exams = 500 points

Final Presentation = 100 points

13 Lab/Lab Quizzes = 260 points

Lab Report = 50 points

Extra Credit

Total points in biology may range from 900-1050 points. Your grade will be calculated as a percentage of the total points earned.

Your grade will be calculated as a percentage of the total points for the course.

To calculate your percent score and grade, divide the total points you earned divided by total points for the course, multiply times 100 (or move decimal point to the right two places).

For example (SAMPLE numbers only):

Your total points earned = 1500

Total number of points for the course = 1800

Calculate % = (1500/1800) X 100 = 83%

Your grade for the course = B

A. Quizzes and Exam Makeup Policy

Only in extenuating circumstances, such as family crisis, illness, birth, etc., will makeup examinations be provided and late assignments be accepted.Advise your instructor in advance. You may be required to provide the instructor withdoctor or hospital verification.

Due dates are strictly adhered. You will receive “0” points for assignments and exams not turned in by the due date deadline.

Missed examinations cannot be made up unless justification for missing theexam is provided before theexam is due. If a student is permitted to makeup an exam, the exam must be completed within one week of the due date, or the student receives a zero on the exam. In addition, any makeup examinations will not receive curve or extra credit points!

All makeup examinations will be taken at the Math Lab Testing Center at the TCC Southeast Campus (Building 8).

B. Late Assignment Makeup Policy

No late assignments are accepted.

Assignments cannot be made up unless justification for missing the assignment is provided before the assignment is due. If a student is permitted to makeup an assignment, the assignment must be completed within one week of the due date, or the student receives a zero on the assignment.

Due dates are strictly adhered. You will receive “0” points for assignments and exams not turned in by the due date deadline.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

A complete list of student support services can be found in the Resources section of the Blackboard course site. This includes information about college services, free tutoring services, software support, and online tutorials related to course concepts.

COURSE WITHDRAWAL

The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for deadlines. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.

COMMUNICATIONS:

ü Required email address: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex: ).

All communications to you about TCC and course assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.

ü Email: I will communicate using the TCC email address only. Emails received during the week (M-F) will be answered within 48 hours. Emails received Saturday and/or Sunday will be answered on Monday.

Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu). You can sign up to receive TCC Alerts!

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of any electronic device is at the discretion of the instructor.