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                                                                    COURSE SYLLABUS

 

1.         TITLE OF COURSE:      Science of Biology                      

            PREFIX/NUMBER:         BIO 105    CREDIT HOURS: 4.0 (3LEC/1LAB)

 

2.         PREREQUISITES:         REA-090, MAT 060, ENG 060 or the equivalent assessment scores

 

3.         RESOURCES NEEDED:

                        TEXT:               Life by Ricki Lewis, 6th Edition

                                                Biology Laboratory Manual (PCC Science Dept.)

                                                Photo Atlas for General Biology by Strete & Vodopich or Perry & Morton

                        SUPPLIES:       Dissecting Kit, 3 pair latex gloves

 

4.         COURSE GOAL:

            To familiarize students with biological terminology and introduce them to the great diversity of living organisms.

 

            COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Examines the basis of biology in the modern world and surveys the current knowledge and conceptual framework of the discipline.  Explores  biology as a science - a process of gaining new knowledge - as is the impact of biological science on society.  Includes laboratory experiences.  Designed for non-science majors.

 

This course is one of the Statewide Guaranteed Transfer courses. GT-SC1

 

5.         COURSE COMPETENCIES:

            a)         Recognize terminology, specific facts, experimental methodologies, and general concepts related to the nature of cells and tissues, principles of inheritance, evolution and diversity of life, relationship of structure and function, and principles of ecology.

            b)         Apply the concepts learned to interpret new situations.

            c)         Distinguish between principles and purposes of procedures and techniques introduced in the laboratory.

            d)         Inspect the role of research in the biological sciences and become aware of its impact on society.

            e)         Experience the scientific method by examining current and/or classical research.

            f)          Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information.

            g)         Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays.

            h)         Read, analyze, and apply written material to new situations.

             i)          Utilize mathematic principles inherent to scientifc research and analaysis of biological concepts.

 

6.         EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

            Twenty-five percent (25%) of the final grade will be from lab and  Seventy-five percent (75%) will be from lecture.                               

            The lecture grade will be determined as follows:    The lab grade will be determined as follows:

            5 Exams (100 pts. each)            500 pts.            1st Lab Practicum Exam            100 pts.

            1 *Comprehensive Final          100 pts.            2nd Lab Practicum Exam           100 pts.

            1 Media Project                          40 pts.             11 Lab Quizzes (10 pts./lab)       110 pts.

            3 Case Studies                           60 pts.             Practicum I Review Test              20 pts.

                                    TOTAL              700 pts.             Pre-labs/Post-labs(5 pts./lab)      60 pts

                                                                                     Identifying Unknowns (Lab 9)        5 pts.

            Media project topic over previous lecture units.      Lab Participation (5 pt./lab)         50 pts.           

Case Studies over Unit I, II, IV                             Extra Credit Project (Zoo trip)      15 pts.)

                                                                                                           TOTAL              445 pts

            [(lecture % x 3) + (lab %)]/4  = FINAL GRADE

 

GRADE PERCENT                                             LETTER GRADE

            92 - 100 %                                                        A

            82 -  91 %                                                         B

            72 -  81 %                                                         C

            65 -  71 %                                                         D

            64% and below                                                  F                            

            [(lecture % x 3) + (lab %)]/4  = FINAL GRADE

 

GRADE PERCENT                                             LETTER GRADE

            92 - 100 %                                                        A

            82 -  91 %                                                         B

            72 -  81 %                                                         C

            65 -  71 %                                                         D

            64% and below                                                  F                            

             [(lecture % x 3) + (lab %)]/4  = FINAL GRADE

 

COMPREHENSIVE FINAL: 

 

To receive a grade of “C” or above in the course, the student must receive at least a “C” (72%) on the comprehensive exam

Students may retake the comprehensive exam once, only if the students has a 71% or above for the course and does not pass the comprehensive exam with a (72%).  Passing grades on retakes will be limited to (72%) on the comprehensive exam in the grade book.

 

7.         STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

a)         In the event that the school or building is closed during the semester, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their instructor concerning missed exams, labs or lectures.

b)         It is the students’ responsibility to comply with all of the course prerequisites.

c)         Teaching and learning require a team effort. The Science Department expects students to show up for class on time and be prepared for lecture (i.e. you’ve read the assigned chapters and be prepared with questions over the material). We strongly encourage cooperation among students to help each other understand the course material. The Science Faculty greatly appreciates specific feedback on any aspects of the course, both positive and negative.

d)         Respect and common courtesy  to your peers, staff and instructors is expected.

e)         There will be no extra credit (point) projects for individuals.

f)          Submitted assignments must be your own work even though you may have worked on it as a group (in your own words & handwriting).  Plagiarizing other students’ work is cheating and will result in a zero for that assignment.  Repeat offenders will not only lose points for the assignment, they will lose points for participating in the lab/project and are subject to disciplinary actions.

 

8.         LECTURES:

a)         Attendance is required. The lecture material is supplemental to the text. Your exams will cover both lecture and text materials. To reap your investment of time and money, please attend class. In the event that you cannot possibly attend, make arrangements with a classmate to obtained missed lecture notes or watch the appropriate DVDs.

 

9.         EXAM RULES:

a)         With instructor’s approval and appropriate documentation, a make up exam may be given for a missed exam. Failure to take a scheduled examination at the appointed time will result in a 10% reduction in the score of any make-up examination.  A second missed exam will result in an automatic 20% reduction.  Being unprepared is not a legitimate reason!!

If an emergency arises the day of the exam, appropriate documentation such as an ER admit form, police report of the accident/ticket or a doctor's excuse is required and there will be a 10% reduction of exam score. Documentation is only necessary to make up a missed exam. All make-up exams must be taken within 5 days of the original exam date and may be an essay exam.

If you have a prior obligation the day of the exam you must arrange with your instructor to take the exam prior to the scheduled date.

There are no retakes of exams if a student should fail an exam.

b)         Case Studies need to be handed in on the assigned date. Case studies and study guides will be accepted up to one day after the assignment due date for 1/2 credit and will not be accepted after that. Students need to abide by the school's policy on plagiarism.  Remember that plagiarism includes other student's work.  Case studies are to be typed and not to exceed 1 page; include a bibliography on a separate page. 

c)         Cell phones, pagers, and electronic devices with sound are to be turned off, and put away during class times, unless otherwise documented. If you must use your electronic devices, please leave the classroom. This includes text messages (“txting” and “pix”) during any class time.

d)         Cheating on an exam will result in a zero for that exam. No make up exam will be given.

e)         On exam days, students arriving 20 minutes or more late, will not be allowed to take the exam.

 

 


 

10.        LAB RULES:

a)         Participation in lab is mandatory.  Even though you will be working with your lab partners, it is expected that you complete your own work.  Submitted assignments must be your own work (in your own words & handwriting) even though you may have worked on it as a group.  Plagiarizing other students' work is cheating and will result in a zero for that assignment.  Repeat offenders will not only lose points for the assignment, they will lost points for participating in the lab/project and are subject to disciplinary actions.

b)         Taking a practicum at a time other than your scheduled lab time during lab exam week, requires approval by your instructor and will result in a 10% reduction in the score.

c)         Lab practicums use stations which consist of models, microscope slides, or specimens. Specific questions at each station will pertain to the above items. Students move from station to station following the teacher's prescribed procedures. Each lab practicum will consist of approximately 50 short answer questions. There may be 2 or more questions per lab station. Answers must be spelled correctly. Closely missed spelled words may receive partial credit.

d)         Lab quizzes will be given during the first 5 minutes of lab period. If you come to class after the quiz is given you will receive a zero for that quiz. If you come into class while the quiz is being given you may take the remaining questions on the quiz. No make up quizzes will be given.

e)          Cheating on an exam will result in a zero for that exam. No make-up exam will be given.

f)         Lab Participation points will reflect not only your participation but also the cleaning of lab counter tops and sinks. If your work area and sink are not clean, participation points will be deducted.

g)         Pre-labs are due the first 5 minutes of the lab period. After the first 5 minutes of lab 1 point will be deducted for every 5 minutes late.

h)          Protective eye wear (provided by PCC science dept.) is required for all students during dissection.

i)          A new lab manual is required for the course.

j)         Materials for open lab will be limited and held in another classroom during the week of a lab test.

k)          Cell phones, pagers, and electronic devices with sound are to be turned off, and put away during class times, unless otherwise documented. If you must use your electronic devices, please leave the classroom. (This includes text messages (“txting” and “pix”) during any class time.)

 

11.        MISSED LABS:

a)         For documented emergencies only, if a student misses a lab, the student may make prior arrangements with the instructor of another lab to attend it. You must make-up the lab during the week of the missed lab.

b)         School policy states a student must attend a minimum of 80% of the class or they may be withdrawn by the instructor.

 

12.        SPECIAL REMARKS:

a)         There are no extra credit (point) projects for individuals.

b)         If after 20% of classes are missed, the student can be dropped from the class.

c)         If a student has not met the course prerequisites, the student should not be in the class.

d)         Students are expected and encouraged to spend two to three hours outside of class for every contact hour in class and in lab. This is essential.

e)         In the event a student receives a failing grade in this course, the student will be required to repeat BOTH the lecture and lab components

f)          College policy prohibits the use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco, in all College buildings and facilities.

g)         Lecture and lab cover the same biological concepts but often from different perspectives.

h)          In the event that a problem occurs between students or students and faculty, the appropriate process for addressing student concerns is as follows

·         First, address concern with course instructor.

·         If your concerns are not rectified, then schedule an appointment with Department Chair.

·         If your concerns are still unresolved then schedule an appointment with the appropriate divisional dean.

 

13.        ADA NOTICE:

Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations for this class.  Please contact the Disability Resources Center at 549-3446  for further information.

 

14.        Academic Integrity:

            The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, Pueblo Community College has adopted a policy of academic conduct as described in the Student Handbook. Violation of academic integrity may be defined to include the following: cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty and personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Sanctions for violating the standards of academic integrity may include warning, probation, suspension, and/or failure of the course or assignment at the discretion of the instructor

 

How to cite references for Case Studies (APA style):  

    Examples of the APA Reference Citations (books, journal articles, internet, etc.):

1.             Book: Author.  (Date of article)  Title of article italicized or underlined. Publisher.
 Example:
      Rawls, J. A. (1971) A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

 

2.             Journal:  Author.  (Date of article). Title of article. Name of Journal (italicized or underlined) vol. and pgs.
                 Example:
                  Borman, W. C., Hanson, M. A., Palmer, S., & White, L. A. (1993). Role of early supervisory experience in 
                  supervisor performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78, 443-450.

3.             Newspaper Article:  Author. Date of Article. Title of Article. (if came from newspaper on internet, add in parenthesis Electronic  version). Newspaper Title. Page(s)
    Examples: 
       Simon, S. (2001, December 2).  Lutherans accused of 'idolatry':  Clergyman's role in post disaster                   
       interfaith services attacked. [Electronic version]. The Washington Post, p. A9. 

       Poirot, C. (1998, March 17). HIV prevention pill goes beyond 'morning after'. The Hartford Courant, pp.  F1, F6.

 

4.             Newspaper article (if the author's name is not available, begin the reference with the headline or title in the author position. )                           
    Example: 
         New exam for doctor of future. (1989, March 15). The New York Times, B-10.

5.             Magazine Article:  Author. (Date of article). Title of article. (if came from newspaper on internet, add in parenthesis -- Electronic version). Magazine Title, Volume, Page(s)
        Example: 
              Posner, M. I. (1993, October 29). Seeing the mind. Science, 262, 673-674.

 

6.             Internet Resources:  Author, I. (year of publication or most recent update). Title of article. Name of periodical (italicized or underline). Date of retrieval on on-line, or available: specify path   (the specific path information should be sufficient for someone else to retrieve the material.)

                Example:
                                Klein, Donald F. (1997). Control group in Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy evaluations.
                                Treatment, I. Retrieved November 16, 1997 from the World Wide Web:    
                                http://www.apa.org/treatment/vol1/97_a1.html

 

7.             Internet or world wide web no author listed: On the World Wide Web, the author's name is not always available. Begin your reference with the title, then follow the same format as above on internet resource

 


 

Media Project Assignment:

Assignment: Locate a newspaper or magazine article relating to a topic or concept covered in the previous lectures. Explain in your own words (do not plagiarize) how the article relates to a specific topic discussed in lecture. DO NOT summarize the article, merely explain how it relates back to what was discussed and what you learned in lecture.


Instructions for Media Assignment

ü       Paper: Use standard size (8 ½ x 11 in.) white bond paper.   

ü       Type Paper:  Use Times New Roman standard size 12 font, explaining how the article relates to a specific topic you are learning in Bio 105 lecture (do not summarize the article, just discuss how it relates to a topic you learned in lec.)

ü        Double-Spacing:  Use double-spaces after every line in the title or headings. 

ü        Margins: Use margins of 1 inch at the top, bottom, right and left side

 

Please Check-off list below to ensure you are turning in all pages for Media Assignment:
Please check boxes before turning in your media project:
What needs to be turned in?:
           Pages of Assignment: Arrange the pages as follows before turning in assignment:
           This Assignment Page. Place name, course and date on table below
           Title Page: Name, Course, Name of Assignment, Instructor Name, Date
           Typed assignment consisting of 1-2 pages with one inch margins (top, bottom & sides) double spaced, Roman Times 12 font
           Reference citing source (See handout in syllabus on how to cite for case studies & media project)
           Copy of article or actual article 

 

Name: _____________________

COurse: __________________

Date: _____________________

 

SCORE POINTS

15

 10

5

1

0

Student Score

Source:

Citing of Source
(see examples below)

 

 

Correctly cited source of article, title and author

 

Incorrectly cited source of article, title and author

 

 

0         5

Accuracy:

Indicates relationship of clipping to appropriate topic or unit in course

Student clearly shows describes

relationship between article & lecture topics, with specific and insightful examples

Student indicates relationship between article & lecture topics but with less clarity, with less specific and insightful examples

Student makes vague connection between article and specific lecture topic.

Article clipping is related to course topic but student does not indicated in the report

There is no relationship between the clipping and the course topic.

 

 

0  1   5  10  15   

Mechanics: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation

 

Contains 0-3 errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling

Contains 4-6 errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling

Contains
7-9 errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling

Contains many (>9) errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling

 

 

 

0    1     5    10   

Format:

Title page, 1-2 pages of Roman Times 12 Font, 1” Margins Double Spaced

 

 

Student correctly follows assignment format

 

Incorrectly followed assignment format

 

 

 

0        5

Copy of article

 

 

Student attached copy of article

 

Student did not attach copy of article

 

0       5

                                                                        TOTAL STUDENT SCORE (max 40 points) = _________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT FOR CRITICAL THINKING (15 POINTS/CASE STUDY)
Assignment:
Case Studies are due to be handed in one week after the exam.  Students need to abide by the school’s policy on plagiarism.  Remember that plagiarism includes other student’s work as well as copying resources. Case studies are to be typed and not exceed 2 pages.    Include a bibliography which properly cites all sources used.  Copies of all source materials must accompany the case study.  Case studies will be accepted up to one class period after the assigned date for ½ credit and will not be accepted after that. The points received will be assigned as follows:  

CASE STUDY GRADiNG RUBRIC

 

Criteria

15

 10

5

1 -2

0

Student Score

Source:

Citing of Source

 

 

 

Correctly cited sources

Incorrectly cited sources

0        1

Attached copy  resources:

 

 

 

Attached copy of all resources

Did not attach copy of all resources

 

0     1    2

Highlighted resources

 

 

 

Resource info. used is highlighted

Resource info. used not highlighted

 

0       1

Format:

Typed 1-2 pages of Roman Times 12 Font

 

 

Correctly follows assignment format

 

Incorrectly followed assignment format

 

0        1

Quality, Quantity & Discussion

Answers show thought critically and deeply. Information is clear and concise to the case study.

The quality, quantity and discussion of case study shows student has thought critically and deeply. All information given; information is clear and concise to the case study.

The quality, quantity, and discussion of case study shows student uses sound reasoning. Information is clear and concise to the case study; however one item or detail is missing.