ON SITE LECTURE COURSE SYLLABUS

 See lab syllabus for lab details.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Number:  BIOL 1408

Course Title:  Introduction to Biology I Lecture

Course Description: 

Lecture: Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.

Lab: Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.

Course Credit Hours: 4:

Lecture Hours: 3   

Lab Hours: 3

Corequisite:  BIOL 1408 Laboratory                              

Student Learning Outcomes

State-mandated Outcomes:  Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

Lecture

1.         Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.

2.         Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.

3.         Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

4.         Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.

5.         Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each.

6.         Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

7.         Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

Lab

1. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.  (Teamwork)

2.         Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.  (Critical Thinking Skills)

3.         Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.  (Communication Skills)

4.         Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.

5.         Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.

6.         Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

7.         Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.  (Empirical and Quantitative Skills)

8.         Identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.

9.         Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

10.    Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

Withdrawal Policy:  See the current Collin Registration Guide for the last day to withdraw.

Collin College Academic Policies:  See the current Collin Student Handbook.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Collin College will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ACCESS office, SCC-D140 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD: 972.881.5950) to arrange for appropriate accommodations. See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional information.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
 

Instructor’s Name: Deborah Cardenas

Phone Number: 972-881-5176

Office Number:  I-217 Spring Creek Campus

Office Hours: by appointment           

    Fall and Spring semesters:

Online via Canvas Monday 10-1:30 pm 

Office I-217 at Spring Creek Campus: Tuesday & Thursday 10-11:15 am

    Summer I semester:

Online: Friday 12-4 pm

Email: dcardenas@collin.edu. Once the semester starts, all email communication should be via Canvas.

Class Information:

Section Number: S06, S07, S08

Meeting Times:

Fall: S07 meets TR 11:30-12:45 in A-234; S08 meets TR 1:00-2:15 in A-234

Spring: S06 meets TR 11:30-12:45 in A-234; S07 meets TR 1:00-2:15 in A-234

Meeting Location: SCC A-234

Course Resources: Textbook

Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 9^th., Reece, Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan.

Two options for purchasing your textbook are available. Choose the one that is more appropriate for your needs. You do *not* need to purchase the access code.

• If you are taking only one semester, BIOL 1408, then you need the customized split version. Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, Volume I, Reece, Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan. Split version text for 1408 (chapters 1-16). ISBN:   9781323629604
• If you are planning to take two semesters, BIOL 1408 and 1409, then you should purchase the complete textbook. Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 9^th edition, Reece, Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan. Complete text for 1408 and 1409 (chapters 1-38). ISBN:   9780134641683

Additional Resources

Newspapers, science magazines and science journals. These are accessible online and via Collin Library.

Supplies:  USB flash drive – for your use to store your work.

Internet-ready computer.

Attendance Policy:  Attendance is mandatory. Individual conflicts with this policy are to be discussed with the instructor. Students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw from the course will be assigned a grade of "F".do not officially withdraw from the course will be assigned a grade of "F". Religious Holy Days: please refer to the current Collin Student Handbook.

Method of Evaluation:  At the end of the semester, the laboratory grade you earn will be integrated with the lecture grade to produce the overall course grade.

Lecture grade distribution: 5 tests (85%), 15 homework assignments (15%).

Each test is worth 17 points; 5 tests x 17points = 85 points

Each assignment is worth 1 point; 15 assignments x 1 point = 15 points

Total points = 100.

Additional work (Extra Credit work) will add bonus points to the sum of the lecture grade.

Overall course grade:  Lecture 70%, lab 30%

Grading Scale: A = 90-100; B = 80-89.9; C = 70-79.9; D = 60-69.9; F = below 60

Students have up to seven days, after a grade is posted, to ask any questions concerning the test/assignment. After this time period there will be no discussion.

Description of Tests (85%)

Five tests are administered in class and students will have up to 50 minutes to complete each test. Tests are graded and scores are posted in My Grades of Canvas one week after their due date. To review graded tests, make an appointment to see instructor. Each test must be taken as scheduled. The tests are graded and posted one week after the due date. No late tests will be accepted. Be prepared to take your tests on paper (bring a #2 pencil and Scantron form 882-E). The grade the Scantron machine reads will be final. Be sure you erase any mistakes carefully.

Description of Assignments (15%)

Assignments will be submitted in class. The assignments are graded and returned 2 weeks after the due date. No late work will be accepted. 

Description of Extra Credit

You will be given extra credit opportunities to complete online. The extra credit points will be added to the sum of your lecture grade. Extra Credit work will be graded, posted and returned to you one week after the due date. Extra Credit must be completed by its due date announced in class.  No late assignments will be accepted.

Delivery Method Of Feedback and/or Graded Material:

Tests are graded and scores are posted in My Grades of Canvas one week after the due date. All test questions are weighted equally. Essays are graded and scores posted one week after the due date. You will need to open the graded essay to read comments made on your work.

Standards for Instructor Response and Availability:

Email messages will be replied within a 48 hour period Monday 8 a.m. – Friday  8 a.m. (excluding holidays).

Course Calendar:

The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus if needed.

Fall and Spring Tentative Schedule

Brief description of each major course requirement

Test 1: Chapters 1-3. Multiple choice test with optional essay 1.

Test 2 :Chapters 4-5, 11. Multiple choice test with optional essay 2.

Test 3: Chapters 6-7, Multiple choice test with optional essay 3.

Test 4 :Chapters 8-9. Multiple choice test with optional essay 4.

Test 5: Chapters 10,12. Multiple choice test.

Assignments: work submitted in class.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

College Repeat Policy:

See Repeating Courses in Registration Guide https://www.collin.edu/academics/class_schedule.html

Course Drop Limit Provisions:

Students who enroll as an entering freshman or a first-time college student in undergraduate courses at any Texas public community college, technical institute, health sciences institution, or any public university offering undergraduate courses must comply with the legislation of TEC51.907. TEC51.907 states that students who enroll for the first time during the fall 2007 semester or any subsequent semester are subject to the course drop limit of six course drops. This includes any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution. Collin College will not begin to count dropped courses until the fall 2009 semester. For more information go to http://www.collin.edu/gettingstarted/register/withdrawal.html .

Course Delivery Method: On campus

Access Canvas through your CougarWeb account. Follow login instructions. You will be able to access the site on the first day of class. If you do not have your personal CougarWeb login information, you can contact student technical support by email, cougarweb@collin.edu or by phone at 972-377-1777. If you do not know how to access the Canvas course, click on this link for a tutorial: https://collin.instructure.com/courses/506067.

Communication with the Instructor:

Students should contact the instructor using dcardenas@collin.edu unless instructed otherwise .

Campus Security:

In case of emergency, contact Campus Police at 972.578.5555.

Academic Policies: 

Every member of the Collin College community is expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Collin College may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts, or omissions related to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission of one’s own work material that is not one’s own. Scholastic dishonesty may involve, but is not limited to, one or more of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion, use of annotated texts or teacher’s editions, use of information about exams posted on the Internet or electronic medium, and/or falsifying academic records. While specific examples are listed below, this is not an exhaustive list and scholastic dishonesty may encompass other conduct, including any conduct through electronic or computerized means:  

Plagiarism is the use of an author’s words or ideas as if they were ones own without giving credit to the source, including, but not limited to, failure to acknowledge a direct quotation.  

Cheating is the willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an examination; collaborating with another student during an examination without authority; using, buying, selling, soliciting, stealing, or otherwise obtaining course assignments and/or examination questions in advance, copying computer or Internet files, using someone else’s work for assignments as if it were one’s own; or any other dishonest means of attempting to fulfill the requirements of a course.  

Collusion is intentionally or unintentionally aiding or attempting to aid another in an act of scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, failing to secure academic work; providing a paper or project to another student; providing an inappropriate level of assistance; communicating answers to a classmate about an examination or any other course assignment; removing tests or answer sheets from a test site, and allowing a classmate to copy answers.  

See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional information.

Student Conduct: 

The college expects students to conduct themselves in class in such a way as to not interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Students are to speak and act in a respectful manner toward their fellow students and the professor. Cell phones should be silenced and stowed during every class. Laptops, tablets and other electronic devices should be used to view class content only. Those who participate in inappropriate behavior such as, excessive talking, cell phone or pager use, verbal altercations, or blatantly disregarding instructor’s directions will be asked to leave the class. Continuance of such behavior will result in permanent removal.

Academic Ethics Penalty:

In cases where an incident report has been filed for alleged violation of scholastic dishonesty, faculty are requested to delay posting a grade, for the academic work in question, until the Dean of Student's Office renders an administrative decision of the case. Students found responsible for scholastic dishonesty offenses will receive an authorized disciplinary penalty from the Dean of Students Office. The student will also receive an academic penalty. The professor will determine the appropriate academic penalty which will include but not limited to receiving a zero for the work in question and an F in the course.

Lateral Transfer Policy:

Lateral transfers will not be granted after the 4th week of class or after the first lecture exam, whichever comes first. Exceptions to this are for documented changes in work schedule or family emergencies. If a student does transfer to another section, all previous grades will accompany the student. However, the new instructor can require the student to retake any exam or quiz. For questions concerning this policy, contact the Biology Department.

Service Learning: Contact your instructor if you have an interest in Service Learning.

Copyright: Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection.

Use of Third Party Links

Course links: This course includes distance learning components which may contain links to web sites operated and maintained by other public or private entities. While Collin College instructors provide link information to these sites, the College assumes no responsibility for the privacy practices or the content of such web sites. It is recommended that users consider the individual privacy policy statements of each web site they visit.

Strategies of Behavioral Intervention (SOBI) team is an interdisciplinary, college-wide team whose mission is to provide support for students, faculty, and staff, and to facilitate a positive and effective learning environment. In order to accomplish this, the SOBI team has designed a process for assisting students who may display various levels of concerning behavior (e.g., strange or unusual behavior; changes in dress, personal hygiene, or physical appearance; threats of harm to self or others; etc.). Any behavior that becomes a concern to you or that negatively affects your ability to succeed as a student at Collin College may be referred to SOBI.

https://www.collin.edu/studentresources/SOBI/

If you have difficulties:

First contact your instructor. If you are unable to resolve the prob­lem, contact the divisional secretary on your campus.