Salt Lake Community College - Biology Department
BIOL1010 (BS): Introduction to Biology
Spring Semester 2014
Instructor: Mary Jane Keleher PhD.
E-mail: mary.keleher@slcc.edu
Office: SI 341Taylorsville/Redwood Campus
Phone: 801-957-4456
Consultation Hours: MWF 10:00-11:00, TR 1:00-2:00
Required Course Materials:
1) Textbook: Concepts of Biology, by Mader, 2nd edition (custom edition for SLCC).
2) Must have a computer capable of using appropriate course applications (e.g. Canvas) and word-processing
programs (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel).
Course Description: For non-science majors. The study of living organisms from bacteria to plants and animals.
Introduces cell structures and physiology, inheritance, evolution, and classification. Three hours of lecture per
week; additional lab component (BIOL 1015) required. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in RDG 0900 or
equivalent CPT/ACT score.
General Education Statement:
This course fulfills the Biological Sciences requirement for the General Education Program at Salt Lake
Community College. It is designed not only to teach the information and skills required by the discipline, but also
to develop vital workplace skills and to teach strategies and skills that can be used for life-long learning. General
Education courses teach basic skills as well as broaden a student’s knowledge of a wide range of subjects.
Education is much more than the acquisition of facts; it is being able to use information in meaningful ways in
order to enrich one’s life. While the subject of each course is important and useful, we become truly educated
through making connections of such varied information with the different methods of organizing human
experience that are practiced by different disciplines. Therefore, this course, when combined with other General
Education courses, will enable you to develop broader perspectives and deeper understandings of your
community and the world, as well as challenge previously held assumptions about the world and its inhabitants.
ePortfolio Statement:
Each student in General Education courses at SLCC will maintain a General Education ePortfolio. Instructors in
every Gen Ed course will ask you to put at least one assignment from the course into your ePortfolio, and
accompany it with reflective writing. It is a requirement in this class for you to add to your ePortfolio. Your
ePortfolio will allow you to include your educational goals, describe your extracurricular activities, and post your
resume. When you finish your time at SLCC, your ePortfolio will then be a multi-media showcase of your
educational experience. For detailed information including a Student ePortfolio Handbook, video tutorials for
each ePortfolio platform, classes, locations and times of free workshops and other in-person help, visit
www.slcc.edu/gened/eportfolio.
COLLEGE-WIDE LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Core Themes of SLCC’s Mission focuses on Access and Success, Transfer Education, Workforce Education
and Community Engagement. As such, all courses and programs address one or more of the below CollegeWide Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of any program at SLCC, students should:
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Acquire substantive knowledge in the discipline of their choice sufficient for further study, and/or
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demonstrate competencies required by employers to be hired and succeed in the workplace.
Communicate effectively.
Develop quantitative literacies necessary for their chosen field of study.
Think Critically.
Develop the knowledge and skills to be civically engaged, and/or to work with others in a professional
and constructive manner.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
In order to full-fill the goals of the College-wide Learning Outcomes, the following course learning outcomes
have been established for this course. Upon completion of this course a person educated in General Biology
should be able to demonstrate a general understanding of the following essential learning outcomes:
Students will be introduced to and will show mastery in the major unifying themes of biology. These themes
include:
 The domain and process of science, the chemical basis of life, the cell as the basic unit of life, evolution
and the diversity of life, DNA and the continuity of life, and the interrelationships of living organisms.
The concept of organizational levels and emergent properties of life will also be emphasized.
 Students will understand and be able to describe the “atoms to ecosystem” organizational system of
living organisms, namely: atoms → molecules → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → whole
organisms → populations → ecosystems. They will be able to discuss the basic conditions that define
“life”. They will be able to compare the major kingdoms of living organisms. (Unity and Diversity of Life)
 Students will understand the chemical basis for life. This will include both inorganic and organic
molecules. (Biochemistry)
 Students will understand and be able to compare the metabolic processes carried out by living
organisms in the different kingdoms. They will be able to describe the inter-relationships of these
metabolic processes. (Metabolism)
 Students will appreciate the cellular basis of life and be able to compare cellular organization among the
various kingdoms. They will understand the structure and function of cellular components. (Cell
Biology)
 Students will understand the events of the cell cycle and how sexual life cycles and asexual life cycles are
used by various organisms. Students will appreciate the need for both genetic stability and mutability.
(Cell Division and Reproduction)
 Students will be able to describe how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Students will be able to predict resulting offspring from various parental crosses. Students will
appreciate the relationship between chromosomal behavior or genetic transmission. Transmission
(Genetics)
 Students will understand and be able to discuss the chemistry of DNA, including its structure,
replication, and expression. (Molecular Genetics)
 Students will appreciate that the diversity of life existing today has arisen through the process of
evolution. Students will understand and be able to describe forces that increase genetic diversity and
decrease genetic diversity in a population. (Evolutionary Biology/Population Genetics)
 Students will understand and be able to compare the major kingdoms of living organisms. (Diversity of
Life)
GENERAL POLICIES
Syllabus: This syllabus represents an “agreement” between you the student and the instructor. It is designed to
insure course integrity and fairness as well as provide students with a clear understanding of course
expectations. The instructor and students are expected to use the syllabus and schedule as a guide for the
semester. Any deviation from the syllabus or schedule will be discussed and agreed upon by the instructor and
students.
Attendance: Attendance at one of the first two class meetings is MANDATORY! If you do NOT attend at least one
of the first two lectures, YOU RISK BEING DROPPED from the course by the end of the day on January 17.
Attendance is required, and no absences will be excused.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring
accommodations or services under ADA, should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC
determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these accommodations and services for the
college. Please contact the DRC at the Student Center, Suite 244, Redwood Campus, 4600 So. Redwood Rd,
84123. Phone: (801) 957-4659, TTY: 957-4646, Fax: 957- 4947 or by linda.bennett@slcc.edu
Incomplete Grade and Withdraw from Class: A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is the instructor’s option and is not
given except only in the most extenuating of circumstances for which there is verifiable written documentation.
In order to receive an incomplete, nearly all course work must have been completed (e.g. ~75%) with a passing
grade. Last day to withdraw from class with refund is February 3, without refund is March 24. It is the
responsibility of the student to drop/withdraw from this class, not the instructors.
Academic Dishonesty: Absolutely NOT tolerated and includes all forms of cheating and plagiarism as outlined in
the Student Code. Penalty for first offense will be a grade of “0” on the assignment; second offense will be an
“E” for the course.
Electronic Devices: Cell Phones, pagers are to be turned off during class. Computers can be used for notetaking and course-related purposes ONLY but should not be used during class for working on other tasks (e.g.
answer emails, Facebook, other classes etc.). You will be asked to leave if your electronic device disrupts the
class in anyway. Cell phones MUST be turned completely OFF during exams.
Classroom recordings: Students may not record or publish information from the class without written
authorization from the instructor. If used without authorization you have violated Privacy/Intellectual Property
Rights.
Student Code of Conduct: The student is expected to follow the SLCC Student Code of Conduct found at
http://www.slcc.edu/policies/docs/Student_Code_of_Conduct.pdf
Emergency Evacuation Procedures: we will leave the building immediately in case of an emergency. We will
follow school guidelines at: http://www.slcc.edu/emergency-prepare/emergency-procedures.aspx
EVALUATION AND GRADING
1. Attendance (10 points): A vital component in the learning process is class participation. For every
unexcused absence, 1 point will be subtracted from your participation points.
2. Assignments (50 points): Assignments will be given in order to emphasize objectives and theory covered in
the class. Assignments must be completed on due date for full credit. 1 point will be deducted for EVERY DAY
late.
3. Vocabulary (15 points): Most students are not familiar with the vast biological vocabulary. Knowing the
definitions of the key terms in biology will greatly enhance your understanding of the objectives and theory
covered in this course. Furthermore, at least 25% of exams focus on having an understanding of key
terminology associated with the course. Therefore, each student is required to complete one vocabulary
assignment for any of the three midterm exams. Completed vocabulary MUST be turned in ON exam day.
4. Quizzes (30 points – 3 @ 15 points each): Quizzes are designed to emphasize and clarify important topics and
a general comprehension of the material. The lowest quiz score will be dropped. Makeup quizzes will be given
for a limited time (usually 1 day) and only if instructor has been contacted prior to quiz. Two points will be
deducted for each day the quiz is taken late. At the instructor’s discretion some quizzes may be taken early.
5. ePortfolio Signature Assignment - Issue Paper (25 points). Each student is required to write a two-page
(double-spaced) essay that will be due at various times throughout the semester. The purpose of the
assignment is to evaluate and explain a controversial issue/topic. A brief explanation of each “side” of the issue
is required. See below for specific essay format.
6. Midterm Exams (300 points – 3 @ 100 points each): Interim exams will primarily follow an objective format
combining multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions. Figures, diagrams, and short essays from the
assigned readings may also be incorporated into the exams. Make-up exams are at the instructor’s discretion
and will be given for a limited time after the scheduled exam. Two percentage points will be deducted for each
day a make-up exam is taken late.
7. Comprehensive Final Exam (100 points). The final exam is given during the final exam period at the time
scheduled by the college. The final exam will have a similar format as the midterm exams and will cover all
material since the beginning of the semester. If you cannot take the final exam at your scheduled time, see the
instructor BEFORE the end of the regular classes to arrange another time.
8. Introduction to Biology Lab (130 points). Laboratory investigations in biology will count for 20% of your final
grade.
Extra Credit Options: 1. Completion of one extra vocabulary (10 pts). 2. Current news articles (max. 5 - 2 pts
each). These include different current news items (internet, newspaper, magazine etc.). News articles must be
turned in within 2 weeks of lecture topic. 3. Viewing of documentary’s or other videos announced by the
instructor (max. 2, 5 pts. each).
Tentative Grading Scale:
A - 660 - 607 (92%)
B - 566 - 547 (83%)
C - 507 - 488 (74%)
D - 434 - 409 (62%)
A - 605 - 587 (89%)
B - 546 - 528 (80%)
C - 487 - 462 (70%)
D - 408 - 376 (57%)
B+ - 586 - 567 (86%)
C+ - 527 - 508 (77%)
D+ - 461 - 435 (66%)
E - 375 or fewer pts (<57%)
NOTE: Use the above grading scale as a guideline during the semester. The final grading scale will be
determined after the final exam. Past experience has shown that the final grading scale will be very close to this
one.
Week
Week 1 (Jan 7-11)
BIOLOGY 1010 TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Lecture Topic
Reading Assignment
Introduction
Ch 1
Week 2 (Jan 14-18)
The Chemical Basis of Life
Ch 2
Week 3 (Jan 21-25)
Biochemical Cycles
Global Warming
Pgs 756-760
Pgs 770-771
Week 4 (Jan 28–Feb 1)
Chemistry of Life: Organic Compounds
Organization of the Cell
Membrane Structure and Function
Ch 3
Ch 4
Pgs 79-85
Week 5 (Feb 4-8)
The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
MIDTERM EXAM 1
Pgs 126-136
Week 6 (Feb 11-15)
Metabolism and Energy
Energy Flow in Life Systems
Pgs 72-78
Pgs 754-756
Week 7 (Feb 18-22)
Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food
How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy
Ch 7
Ch 6
Week 8 (Feb 25-29)
The Sexual Life Cycle
Pgs 136-148
Week 9 (Mar 3-7)
Patterns of Inheritance
Molecular Biology of the Gene
Gene Regulation/Cloning
Ch 9
Ch 10
Pgs 208-219
Week 10 (Mar10-14)
MIDTERM EXAM 2
Week 11 (Mar 17-21)
Spring Break – No Classes
Week 12 (Mar 24-28)
History and Evidence for Organic Evolution
Principle of Evolution and Natural Selection
The Origin of Life
Ch 13 (1st half)
Ch 13 (2nd half)
Pgs 314-321
Week 13 (Mar 31-Apr 4)
Theory of Evolution and Speciation
Ch 14
Week 14 (Apr 7-11)
Viruses
Prokaryotes and Protists
Pgs 200-203
Ch 16
Week 15 (Apr 14-18)
Plants and Fungi
Animals
Ch 17
Ch 18
Week 16 (Apr 21-24)
MIDTERM EXAM 3
Week 17 (Apr 28-May 1)
FINAL EXAM