BI 101 – General Biology
Jessica Friel Phone: 503.316.3202
Email:
Website: http://jfriel.wikispaces.com/BI101
COURSE INFORMATION:Credits: 4
Prerequisites: None / REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:
· Discovering Biology by Sihgh-Cundy et. al. (2012, 5th Edition)
· General Biology (BI101) Lab Packet
· Access to Internet
OFFICE HOUR:
Tuesday 3:30-4:30 in Room 1/304
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES:
General Biology is an introductory biology course that investigates the diversity of life forms on Earth, basic principles of ecology and consequences of ecosystem alteration by human beings with an emphasis on issues relevant to the Pacific Northwest. The general biology course is a laboratory science course designed for students not majoring in biology.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Use a dichotomous key to identify local flora in a field setting.
2. List the characteristics of the domains and kingdoms of living things and diagram their evolutionary relationships.
3. Cite examples that illustrate the impact of human activity on sustaining biodiversity.
4. Explain the composition and growth characteristics that distinguish between populations applying the knowledge to both human and non-human populations.
5. Describe basic ecological principles pertaining to communities using examples drawn from the local region through directed field experience.
6. Relate characteristics and species composition of communities, ecoregions and biomes to physical environment and climate patterns.
7. Diagram and explain the movement of energy and matter in ecosystems.
8. Use examples to show impacts that human activities have on populations, communities, ecosystems and the biosphere.
9. Gather information on organizations that provide opportunities for volunteer environmental activities and describe their participation as a volunteer.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Lectures consist of presentations where I expect students to participate by asking questions, providing answers, and offering comments. Lectures will often include additional elements such as group discussions and activities. Students are expected to be prepared (e.g., read the book, complete the assignments, etc) and to actively participate in lectures.
Labs are based on exercises in the lab packet. Students will work in groups in lab and cooperation is expected. Lab exercises will consist of observation and / or experimental work. Critical thinking skills will be essential and participation in lab activities is mandatory. Preparation for lab includes reading the lab packet and bringing necessary materials (e.g. textbook, lab packet, etc).
EVALUATION:
Your grade will be determined by your overall performance on a series of assessments including laboratory work, class activities, exams, reports, projects, and presentations. These assessments will evaluate your mastery of course content but also your ability to use the scientific method of inquiry and critical thinking skills.
GRADING:
This is a graded course and your grade will be based on the following (tentative) assessments:
Lecture Assignments / Points / Lab Assignments / PointsCourse Assignments / varies / Pre-lab worksheets (8 @ 5 points) / 40
Worksheets (9 @ 10 points each) / 90 / Lab Packets (2 @ 15 points) / 30
Mid-term Exams (2@ 100 points) / 200 / Cascade Trip Participation / 20
Final Exam (cumulative) / 150 / Post-lab worksheets (6 @ 10 points) / 60
Course Project (multiple parts) / 75
The grading scale is a standard, firm scale as follows:
90-100% / A80-89.9% / B
70-79.9% / C
60-69.9% / D
Less than 59.9% / F
ACCESSING YOUR GRADE THROUGHOUT THE TERM:
When you would like to see your grade email me and ask to see your grade report. I will reply within 1 business day with your current scores.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Exams – Exams consist of multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions based on lecture material. Mid-term exams are not cumulative with the exception of certain concepts that will be emphasized throughout the course (e.g., the scientific method). The final exam is cumulative.
Course Assignments – A variety of assignments will be given throughout the course including homework, quizzes, and other projects related to the course. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
Course Project – The course project is a chance for you to explore volunteer opportunities in environmental science. A detailed description of the course project will be provided in class.
Pre-Lab Worksheets: These are important for you to understand what we will be doing in the lab. These are always due before the lab to insure that you have read and understand what we will be doing in the lab. Pre-lab assignments can be found in your lab packets.
Post-Lab Worksheets: These are the documents you will be completing after lab. Post-labs should be attached to the lab sheets. ALL of the lab must be completed to get full points on the Post-Lab.
Lab packets: For field trip labs I will be collecting the lab work you do rather than Post-Labs.
CASCADE FIELD TRIP:
There are two required field trips for this class. The first is during the second lab meeting where we will be going to Charles Metzger Park. The second is a full day trip were we will go from the Salem Campus to the head waters of the Metolius. There are multiple opportunities to go on this trip and you will need to register for one of the trips (there is no addition charge for the trip when you register). Information on the dates and times of the Cascade field trip will be presented in class.
EXPECTATIONS:
Students will be held responsible for all assigned readings and material presented in class. It is expected that students are prepared, on-time, and ready to participate in all class sessions. Furthermore, students should conduct themselves in a respectful manner.
Students should expect the instructor to be available, present material in an organized and effective manner, provide appropriate guidelines and feedback in a timely manner, and to be respectful of students and their needs.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is expected, although points are not allotted for attendance. However, attendance will be monitored and repeated absences are very likely to significantly affect your grade as well as your learning. You are responsible for all material, announcements, and assignments provided in class whether you are present or not.
Withdrawal from the course is considered the responsibility of the student; otherwise the student may receive a failing grade in the course.
If you are unable to attend any lecture or laboratory session because of a legitimate issue (e.g., illness, emergency), contact the instructor as soon as possible (within 24 hours of absence), then provide written documentation for your absence at the next class session. Lecture or lab points may be earned by completing an assignment as specified by the instructor for excused absences only. Make-up assignments for excused absences must be completed within one week of the absence.
PUNCTUALITY:
Punctuality is crucial. Late assignments are generally not accepted with the exception of certain circumstances (e.g., illness, emergency). Late assignments without documentation may be accepted but with a point deduction (-10% per day late). Assignments are due at the beginning of the specified class session (unless otherwise noted) and are considered late thereafter.
If you are late for an exam or quiz, you will have the remainder of the time given to the class for completion. For example, if you are 10 minutes late to a 60 minute exam, you will have the remaining 50 minutes to complete the exam. Tardiness to class will not only affect your personal learning but also the learning of group members. Given an acceptable excuse for their tardiness (e.g., emergency), late individuals may be provided an alternate assignment. Please note that work/traffic/parking/etc. are not acceptable excuses for tardiness.
STUDENT SERVICES:
Students with special needs should contact Disability Services (503.399.5192) for appropriate documentation of necessary accommodations. If you have emergency medical information or need special arrangements, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.
The following is a list of services that are available to students at CCC:
· Computer Labs: Building 1/202; 503.316.3238;
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/computerlabs.html
· Counseling and Financial Aid: Building 1; 503.472.9482
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/gettingstarted/advising.html
· Disability Services: 503.399.5192 http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/disability.html
· Language Center (Salem): Building 3/257; 503.399.5290 http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/international/english/
· Library, Tutoring, Study Skills and Writing help: Building 1/200; 503.316.3238
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/tutoring.html
· Testing Services Building 1/203; 503.316.3240 or 503.316.3284 http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/testing.html
· Student Life Building 1
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/clubs.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT: http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/studyskills/writing/resources/academichonesty/
Learning is built on the fundamental qualities of honesty, fairness, respect and trust. At Chemeketa Community College, academic integrity is a shared endeavor characterized by truth, personal responsibility and high academic standards. Any violation of academic integrity devalues the individual and the community as a whole. Violations of academic honesty include but are not limited to the following: plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication / falsification /alteration, unauthorized submissions, and sabotage / tampering.
Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. Plagiarism consists of taking the words or substance of another work and either copying or paraphrasing without giving credit to the source. Plagiarism is applicable to written, oral, and artistic work. The following examples are only some of the many forms plagiarism may take:
1. Word-for-word copying of work written by someone else.
2. Failure to give proper credit for ideas, statements of facts, or conclusions derived by another.
3. Failure to use quotation marks when quoting directly from another, whether a paragraph, sentence, or phrase.
4. Close and extended paraphrasing of another work without acknowledging the source.
Definition of Cheating
Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means. The following are only some of the many forms cheating may take:
1. Copying another’s work on a test, paper, or project.
2. Using unauthorized materials in an exam or collaborating on work to be turned in for credit where the instructor disallows such collaboration.
3. Taking an exam for another student, purposely allowing another student to copy during a test, or providing coursework for another student to turn in as his or her own effort.
4. Fabricating, falsifying or misrepresenting data or results from experiments, interviews or surveys.
5. Submitting the same work in more than one class for credit without permission from the instructor.
By taking this course, you agree to adhere to the Academic Honesty Guidelines. Infractions, such as cheating or plagiarism, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will be dealt with according to the policies of CCC. Any such infractions will constitute a violation of the college policy and will result in an appropriate consequence (e.g., zero on the assignment, an F for the course, etc.) at the discretion of the instructor and college officials.
Week / Lecture / Reading / Lab / Date / Due1 / Nature of Science & Characteristics of Life / 1 / Dichotomous Keys and Woody Plants / T
10/1 / Course Forms
R
10/3 / Pre-Lab: Dichotomous Keys and Woody Plants
2 / Biological Diversity:
Prokaryotes / 2 / County Park Trip-Metsker Park / T
10/8 / Worksheet 1
R
10/10 / Pre-Lab: County Park Field Trip
Post-Lab: Dichotomous Key
EAP: “Organization List” Worksheet
Friday, Oct 11: Last day to drop with refund
3 / Biological Diversity: Protists, Fungus, and Plants / 3 / No Lab
(field trip compensation) / T
10/15 / Worksheet 2
R
10/17
4 / Biological Diversity: Animals / 4 / Microscopy & Aquatic Life / T
10/22 / Midterm 1
Worksheet 3
R
10/24 / Pre-Lab: Microscopy & Aquatic Life
County Park Field Trip Lab Packet
EAP: Summary of Scheduled Activities
5 / The Biosphere / 21 / Antimicrobial Compounds / T
10/29 / Worksheet 4
R
10/31 / Pre-Lab: Antimicrobial Compounds
Post-Lab: Microscopy & Aquatic Life
6 / Growth of Populations / 22 / World Populations / T
11/5 / Worksheet 5
Cascade Trip Lab Packet
R
11/7 / Pre-Lab: World Populations
Post-Lab: Antimicrobial Compounds
7 / Ecological Communities / 23 / Symbioses / T
11/12 / Midterm 2
Worksheet 6
R
11/14 / Pre-Lab: Symbioses
Post-Lab: World Populations
8 / Ecosystems/Global Change / 24 / Carbon Cycle / T
11/19 / Worksheet 7
R
11/21 / Pre-Lab: Carbon Cycle
Post-Lab: Symbioses
EAP: Individual Journal Assignment
Friday, Nov 22: Last day to drop without grade
9 / No Lab
(field trip compensation) Lab will be open to work on projects / Thanksgiving / T
11/26 / Worksheet 8-Emailed to me by the time of class
R
11/28
10 / Sustainability / 25 / Group Project Presentations / T
12/3 / Worksheet 9
R
12/5 / Post-Lab: Carbon Cycle
Group Project Presentations PPT (sent by email 5pm Wed. 12/4)
Cumulative Final Exam: Tuesday, Dec 10, at the time of class
You can have one half sheet of paper, written on one side for the final only
Schedule subject to change
2