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: Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology by Simon, Reece, and Dickey, 3rd Edition
Access to My Labs Plus (should be included with text, but can purchase separately)
Biology Laboratory Manual (PCC Science Dept.)
Photo Atlas for General Biology by Strete & Vodopich or Perry & Morton
SUPPLIES: Dissecting Kit, 3 pair latex gloves, i clicker
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 as a science 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. This course includes laboratory experiences and is transferable.
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 scientific research and analysis 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.
2 Case Studies 80 pts. 11 Lab Quizzes (10 pts./lab) 110 pts.
TOTAL 680 pts. Practicum I Review Test 20 pts.
Pre-labs/Post-labs(5 pts./lab) 60 pts
Identifying Unknowns (Lab 9) 5 pts.
Lab Participation (5 pt./lab) 50 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
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 72% 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 receive a zero for that lab/project and will be subject to disciplinary actions.
g) 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.
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 are to be turned in electronically to the assignment Dropbox in Desire 2 Learn by the assigned date. Case studies will be accepted up to one day late for ½ 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 2 pages; 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 exam times, unless otherwise documented. If a cell phone is taken out or looked at during an exam, the exam will be taken up immediately and a zero will be given.
d) Cheating on an exam will result in a zero for that exam and will be subject to disciplinary actions. 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 receive a zero for that lab/project and will be subject to disciplinary action.
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 practicum will result in a zero for that practicum. No make-up practicum 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 lab 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) If after 20% of classes are missed, the student can be dropped from the class. For hybrid students, attendance for lecture will be taken by a weekly e-mail through Blackboard Vista. In these e-mails, the student will report where they are in watching DVDs and doing worksheets. The student may be withdrawn from the course for missing a combination of six or more weekly e-mails and labs.
b) If a student has not met the course prerequisites, the student should not be in the class.
c) 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.
d) 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
e) College policy prohibits the use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco, in all College buildings and facilities.
f) Lecture and lab cover the same biological concepts but often from different perspectives.
g) Use of Electronics in the ClassroomComputers and other electronic devices may be used in the classroom only for academic purposes as directed by the instructor. Texting and/or accessing personal e-mail and social networking sites such as Facebook are not allowed. All cell phones must be turned off during class. If a student uses an unapproved electronic device during a test or class activity, the student will receive no credit for the activity or test, may be asked to leave the classroom, and/or may fail the course for cheating.
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.
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Professionalism Rubric |
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Criteria |
Excellent |
Good |
Weak |
Unacceptable |
|
Attendance |
Student is present every class meeting and does not leave early. |
Student has missed two classes and/or left early. |
Student has missed 3-4 classes or left early more than once. |
Student misses class continually or leaves early frequently. |
|
Punctuality |
Arrives to class on time; turns in assignments on due date. |
Arrives late once or misses one assignment deadline. |
Arrives late twice or missed 2 deadlines. |
Is continually late to class; misses deadlines frequently. |
|
Attitude |
Communicates with a positive attitude; never displays rudeness. |
Almost always communicates with a positive attitude showing courtesy towards others. |
Occasionally communicates negatively bordering on rudeness. |
Often communicates with a negative attitude without regard for others' points of view. |
|
Commitment |
Demonstrates eagerness for the information presented as well as for the learning process. |
Usually demonstrates an eagerness for the information presented as well as for the learning process. |
Is indifferent to or uninvolved in the course information and the learning process. |
Expresses negativity towards information presented for courses or for the learning process. |
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Classroom Interaction |
Politely accepts feedback and uses it constructively. Remains on task and follows the class rules. |
Is usually open to positive feedback and follows class policies. Occasionally gets off-task. |
Is sometimes unwilling to accept feedback, follow directions, or remain on task. |
Is resistant to positive feedback, directions, or class policies. Is frequently off-task. |
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Modified from CSU Monterey Bay-1 Oct. 2009 |
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
Selecting References:
· Only use reputable sources.
· If there is no author, do not use it.
· Internet sources should be from .edu, .gov, or .org. Do not use .coms
· Do not use Wikipedia or other wiki sites
How to cite references for Case Studies
Book: Author. (Date of publication) Title of article italicized or underlined. Publisher.pgs Example:
Rawls, J. A. (1971) A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard UniversityPress. 65-67
Periodical: 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.
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.
Magazine Article: Author. (Date of article). Title of article. (if came from newspaper on internet, add in parenthesis Electronic version). Magazine Title, Volume, pgs.
Example: Posner, M. I. (1993, October 29). Seeing the mind. Science, 262, 673-674.
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
In-text Citations
(author, date, pgs) page number may be left off if not applicable
CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT FOR CRITICAL THINKING (40 POINTS/CASE STUDY)
Assignment: 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:
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CASE STUDY GRADiNG RUBRIC
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Criteria |
15 |
10 |
5 |
4 -1 |
0 |
Student Score |
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Source:
Citing of Source in Bibliography |
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|
|
Correctly cited sources |
Incorrectly cited sources |
0 4 |
|
In-text Citations: |
|
|
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Correctly cited sources in text |
Incorrectly cited sources in text |
0 4 |
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Format:
Typed 1-2 pages of Roman Times 12 Font |
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|
Correctly follows assignment format |
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Incorrectly followed assignment format |
0 2 |
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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. |
The quality, quantity, and discussion of case study use some reasoning. Information is clear and concise to the case study, however two items or details are missing. |
The quality, quantity and discussion of case study lacks sound reasoning. Information is given, but two or more items or details are missing; information is somewhat confusing |
No response to case study |
0 2 10 20 |
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Mechanics:
Spelling,
Grammar, Punctuation |
|
|
Contains 0 -3 errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling |
Contains 4-8 errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling |
Contains many (>9) errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling. |
0 4 10 |
TOTAL STUDENT SCORE (max 40 points) = _____________