Bio 211 Course Syllabus

BIO 211 COURSE SYLLABUS

ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL 2014

INSTRUCTOR: KEVIN CULHANE, M.S.

Fall Calendar 2014

Sept. 29 – First day of class

Nov. 11 – Veterans Day – no school

Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving – no school, no office hours

Dec. 10 – last day of class (final exam)

Instructor: Kevin CulhaneOffice:HEC 301-G

Contacts: Phone (541) 245-7621e-mail:

Office Hours room HEC 301-G (or where posted) RVC campus:

Mon: 5:30 - 6:30 pmWed: 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Thurs: 11:00 a.m. - noon

Students who are having trouble with this course, should please seek assistance before it becomes too late. I encourage you to come to my office and talk with me. I can help you with the material; give study tips, encouragement, or whatever else it takes to lead you on the right track to success in general biology.

Prerequisites: MTH 60, RD 30; CHEM 104 is highly recommended

Course Description: The majors’ biology sequence (BI 211, 212, 213) presents a basic understanding of biological processes including molecular, cellular, animal and plant life, populations, evolution, and ecosystems.

Objectives: Having successfully completed Bio 211 the student will be able to:

List the attributes of life and outline the scientific method.
Draw and label typical plant and animal cells and describe the function of each organelle.
Discuss the structure of enzymes and factors that influence their catalytic function.
Explain the basic processes involved in cellular communication.
Compare and contrast the steps of cellular respiration and explain the importance of each.
Describe protein structure and the process of protein synthesis.
Describe the structure, function, and replication of DNA.
Explain the steps and processes involved in mitosis and meiosis.
Complete basic genetic problems.
Demonstrate future employment skills by being on time, handing in assignments when due, and coming to class prepared to work with the appropriate tools.
Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with other students and staff.
Develop a problem solving approach to problems in biology.

Required Materials:

- Text: Biology Campbell & Reece. 9th edition, 2011

- Lab manual: Biology Lab Manual Custom Version for RCC McGraw-Hill 2008

- Safety Goggles & Gloves: students are responsible for purchasing and using

approved safety goggles meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989/2003 with polycarbonate

lens and indirect venting (optional fog-free lens). The bookstore and welding supply

stores carry these. Safety gloves should be nitrile (latex free) for lab wear.

-RCC approved “iClicker”: students are responsible for purchasing and using

approved clickers for lecture questions. The bookstore carries these.

Items to Leave at Home; Cell phones, noisy pagers, game devices, beeping watches, pets, kids, etc. Any electronic devices that are deemed a distraction by other students or the professor will be put away for the class period. If you have emergency cell phone situations, please see me and I will assist you.

Objectives will be met through the following methods of evaluation:

Lecture exams that require the synthesis of material, analysis of data, and conclusions to be drawn, weekly quizzes, and class participation. Exams and quizzes can only be made up with prior consent of the instructor. Make-up exams will be allowed only if they are arranged prior to the in-class exam, and are entirely composed of essay questions.

Lecture: There will be three exams each worth 100 points. The material on these exams is not cumulative, but previously learned material may be needed to answer current exam questions.

Lab: There will be one lab practicum exam during the term worth 100 points. Lab attendance is required since lab sessions cannot be made up. Lab write-ups are due at the beginning of lab each week. The student is free to leave when the lab has been completed and stamped, and the work station has been properly cleaned. As this is a lab science course, at least 70% of the labs must be accomplished with a “C” grade or better in order to get a passing grade for the course. For example, if you had an 80% in the class, but only turned in 50% of the lab reports, you would still receive a failing grade for the course. The lab practicum CANNOTbe made up.

Reading Guides: There will be a take-home reading guide given each week during the first day of lecture. Reading guides cover reading material for the next week. Also, weekly pre-lab quizzes are given at the beginning of each lab to insure that students review, pre-read labs and show up on time. No make-ups or late quizzes.

Clicker questions: will appear in lecture periodically as a pop quiz. Students are encouraged to discuss the question and possible answers with their peers. If absent, clicker questions CANNOTbe made up as they are part of the lecture format. Students that forget their iClickers will not be able to make up the points missed.

Course Grading Scale and Points:

Lecture exams300 points90.0 % - 100.0 % = A Lab exam 100 points 80.0% - 89.9 % = B Lab Exercises 120 points 70.0% - 79.9 % = C Clicker questions 50 points 60.0% - 69.9 % = D Reading guides 100 points 00.0% - 59.9 % = F Lab Quizzes 30 points

Total points possible700 points

Attendance and Drop Policy:

Introductory biology, while a fascinating subject, is a difficult course. Students who attend classes only periodically will have a very difficult time succeeding in this class. Students must sign the attendance sheet each day of class to document their presence. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the attendance sheet is signed. Students who have perfect attendance will be given 10 extra credit points on the final grade. Excused absences that do not affect the extra credit are verified and include: jury duty, citizenship, funeral or medical emergencies (not normal illness, such as a cold or flu unless verified by a doctor’s note or receipt).

Student Responsibilities:

It is each student's responsibility to be aware of all college procedures, such as how to add, drop, or withdraw from a class, and the available student services. For more information, refer to your Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, and the Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibility Statement.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE COLLEGE POLICY AND ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TAKES ALL INCIDENTS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SERIOUSLY AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY: THIS INCLUDES A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE OR EXPULSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

Students With Disabilities:

Students who believe they may need academic accommodations for a disability such as those related to vision, hearing, orthopedics, learning, psychological functioning, and/or other medical conditions should make an appointment with the Rogue Community College Disability Services office.Officially confirmed disabilities will be accommodated. Campus location and telephone # is:

Riverside Campus Room B-9
Phone: 541-245-7537

Studying Skills:

Biology is a challenging and involved field of study that requires a considerable effort on the part of the student. Students should commit a portion of each day for reviewing lecture and reading notes. Nothing can take the place of good study habits; the following is a list of helpful hints:

Read the text before the material is covered in class.

When reading new material, note a question mark alongside sections that you do not understand. If the lecture does not clear it up, ASK QUESTIONS!

Write down new or difficult words on 3x5 cards. Put definitions or concepts on the back. Carry and use these to quiz yourself.

Carefully study diagrams and illustrations.

While reading, use markers to highlight key ideas.

Summarize what you have read. After finishing a paragraph restate the main ideas in your own words.

Form study groups with your classmates and friends.

Take good notes! Compare notes during study sessions.

Review material on a daily basis: flash cards, reading, notes, and review questions. DO NOT CRAM FOR EXAMS!

Answer the review questions at the end of the chapter.

Build a mental image or model of what is discussed or read

Employ mnemonic devices to remember material.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANNOUNCED CHANGES

IN THE FOLLOWING COURSE SYLLABUS.

I reserve the right to alter the grade total + 10%, to change the assignments to deal with situations or emergencies as needed, or to alter the suggested test or lab schedule to create a more productive learning program for student success.

Bio 211Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics & Readings – Kevin Culhane:

WeekDateChapterTopic/Exam

19/291Intro/Themes in a Study of Life

10/12Chemical Context of Life

210/62Chemical Context of Life

10/83Water & the Fitness of Environment

310/134C & Molecular Diversity of Life

10/155StructFunct of Large Bio Molecules

Take Home Exam #1: Chapters 1 – 5 due Mon 10/20 at 1:00 pm No Late Exams!

410/206A Tour of the Cell

10/227Membrane Structure & Function

510/278Metabolism

10/299Cell Respiration: Harvesting Chem E.

611/39Cell Respiration: Harvesting Chem E.

11/511Cell communication

711/1011Cell communication

11/12Exam #2: Chapters 6 – 9, & 11

811/1712The Cell Cycle: Mitosis

11/1913Meiosis & Sexual Life Cycles

911/2414Mendel & the Gene Idea

11/2615Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

1012/116Molecular Basis of Inheritance

12/317From Gene to Protein: Protein Synthesis

1112/820Biotechnology (if time allows)

12/10Exam #3: Chapters 12 – 17, & 20

Tentative Schedule of Laboratory Topics for Bio 211 – Instructor: Kevin Culhane

WeekDateLab Exercise Lab order

19/29Safety, Metric Measurement & Scientific Method 1

Microscopy: Handout

210/6(Quiz #1)Atoms and Molecules 2

Also: Structure of Organic Molecules – for homework due Oct 20 in lab

310/13(Quiz #2)Microscopy Handout revisited

The Cell: Structure and Function 3

410/20(Quiz #3)Diffusion and Osmosis 4

*Structure of Organic Molecules lab due today (no late labs accepted)

510/27(Quiz #4)Enzymes – Handout 5

611/3(Quiz #5)Cellular Respiration 6

711/10(Quiz #6) Mitosis and Meiosis 7 & 8

811/17Gel electrophoresis – Handout (practice pipetting & set up

restrictiondigests)

DNA & RNA: Structure and Function 9

911/24Gel electrophoresis:(load & run gels ) 10

Genetics Problems - Take home lab due Mon 12/1

1012/1finish Gel electrophoresis:(analyze gels )

Human Variation (NO Quiz) 11

Genetics Problemsdue (no late labs!) 12

1112/8Lab ExamLab Practicum 100 points

Students are responsible for announced changes in the lab syllabus

Lab Grades

Lab Quizzes (5 points each)= 30 points Lab Practicum (100 points each) = 100 points Lab exercises (10 points each) = 120 points Total lab Points Possible = 250 points

Lab Due Dates

Lab assignments will be due at the beginning of the next week's lab. Labs must be stamped BEFORE you leave the lab; unstamped labs will not be accepted. Labs must have a stamp for credit.

EXAMINATION POLICY

There will be NO opportunity to make up missed lab exams. If a student finds that it will be unavoidable to miss a lab exam, they should contact the instructor prior to the scheduled exam if at all possible. Lab exams will NOT be taken with your lab partner; you will be tested on your individual lab skills and knowledge base.

STATEMENT ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Lab work may include a collaborative discussion of lab results, but students should write down their conclusions independently from their lab partners. Written conclusions that are identical will be considered plagiarized: zero points for the first offense, and more severe repercussions for further plagiarism.

I reserve the right to adjust the syllabus and the grade scale + 10 % for the benefit of the class.

STATEMENT ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE COLLEGE POLICY AND ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE TAKES ALL INCIDENTS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SERIOUSLY AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY: THIS INCLUDES A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE OR EXPULSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

Classroom Behavior: Expectation for classroom behavior are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, available in the catalog, schedule, and online. Students may not engage in any activity which the instructor deems disruptive or counterproductive to the goals of the class. Instructors have the right to remove students from class for not following the Code of Conduct or other specified classroom rules.

Student Evaluations: Students enrolled in all credit (and some non-credit) courses will receive an RCC email around the 8th week of each term to complete online evaluations on each course they are enrolled in. Full instructions for accessing and completing the evaluations will be in the reminder email. These evaluations are anonymous and will not be released to the teachers until after the term is over. Early grade release will be available to students who have completed their evaluations.

Human Rights’ Statement: All students and employees will be able to work and learn in an environment free of discrimination and harassment; including sexual harassment. All complaints about behavior that may violate this Human Rights Policy shall be promptly investigated.

Electronic Devices: During exams and follow up review of exams, no electronic devices will be permitted, except for scientific calculators (cannot be part of a smart phone).

Exams:Graded lecture exams and/or lab practica will be held by the instructor up to two weeks into the next term, and will be available for the student to peruse under supervision. Following that time, old exams will be shredded.

TUTORING:

Tutoring Centers provide free tutoring service if you are registered in credit courses at Rogue Community College. The primary areas of tutoring are math, writing and science; however, tutors are prepared to cover most subjects.

For more information, visit .

Free on-line tutoring is available to RCC students.

Go to and select Quick Links at the top, then click on “On-line Tutoring”.

Medford Testing Center: RVC G building Room 109
Monday8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Tuesday8:30 am – 7:30 pm

Wednesday8:30 am – 7:30 pm

Thursday8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Friday8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Days and hours are subject to change. Picture ID is required to test and be aware that testing ends 15 minutes before closing time.

The tutoring and testing centers will be CLOSED on these dates:

Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day

(closes 5 pm Nov 26) Nov 27 & 28 Thanksgiving

Dec. 12 thru Jan. 4 Winter break

Intended Outcomes / Selected ILO Indicator / Assessment Methods
1. Students will be responsible members of the class. / COM 3. Collaborate effectively to achieve course/learning goals. / Assessment rubric for COM3 will be used to measure student progress toward mastery of COM3.
2. Students will be self-confident in their relationships with instructors and other students.
3. Students will arrive on time to class and use class time wisely.
4. Students will work in a laboratory setting in groups allowing for mutual support and success.
5. Students will analyze and communicate quantitative and qualitative results of laboratory exercises.
6. Students will be confident and comfortable in class to ask relevant questions.
7. Students will organize research data as well as data they collect themselves.
8. Students will understand the implications of their actions on the ecological systems of the Earth.
9. Students will solve problems using a combination of experience, new knowledge, and available resources.
10. Students will use mathematical tools to develop relationships between data sets.
11. Students will work safely in lab.

Tentative Schedule of Laboratory Topics for Bio 211 – Instructor: Russ Namitz

WeekDateLab Exercise Lab order

110/1Safety, Metric Measurement & Scientific Method 1

Microscopy: Handout

210/8(Quiz #1)Atoms and Molecules 2

Also: Structure of Organic Molecules – for homework due Oct 22 in lab

310/15(Quiz #2)Microscopy Handout revisited

The Cell: Structure and Function 3

410/22(Quiz #3)Diffusion and Osmosis 4

*Structure of Organic Molecules lab due today (no late labs accepted)

510/29(Quiz #4)Enzymes – Handout 5

611/5(Quiz #5)Cellular Respiration 6

711/12(Quiz #6) Mitosis and Meiosis 7 & 8

811/19Gel electrophoresis – Handout (practice pipetting & set up

restriction digests)