Summer 2013 M. DeGear
General Biology 1224 for Majors
Summer 2013 Syllabus
Instructor: Adjunct Professor Michelle DeGear
Cell: (918) 633-2256
email: michelle.degear@tulsacc.edu
COURSE: BIO1224
CALL NUMBER: 30323
Lecture: M and W 6:30 pm – 9:20 pm in Room 8240
Section 323
Lab: T and R 6:30 pm – 9:20 pm in Room 8182
DIVISION DEAN: Lyn Kent
Science and Mathematics Division Office:
Phone: (918) 595-7744
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
BIO 1224 - Introduction to Biology for Majors 4 Credits
Introductory biology course for majors with lab. This course includes an in-depth study of
fundamental biological concepts, including metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, evolution, and
ecology at the subcellular, cellular and organismal levels. It provides the foundation for other
advanced courses in the biological sciences.
Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours
BIOLOGY GOALS
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process in the biological world
as it is implemented by the Scientific Method. The student will further understand the need for
continued biological research in a dynamic environment.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic life processes, such as cell
structure, obtaining and using of energy, and the processes of reproduction, heredity and
evolution.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the diversity, complexity and inter-relatedness of life.
4. Students in our laboratory classes will demonstrate proficiency in measurement and in using
various techniques and equipment (including their strengths and weaknesses) as they apply to
solving problems in the biological sciences.
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Summer 2013 M. DeGear
TEXBOOKS, SOFTWARE, AND SUPPLIES
The Campus Bookstore will have textbooks and supplies available.
TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED
Choose one of the course textbook options available.
1.
The custom book Biology, 9th ed. by Raven has all the chapters and the E-book is
included. The cover of the custom textbook is different than the hardcopy book.
Connect is required for homework and assignments..
ISBN 0077905261
2.
Students who buy a used textbook can purchase the Connect access at the
bookstore.
3.
How to register in Connect with an access code or buy access online.
http://mpss.mhhe.com/student_connect_resources.php
What is Connect?
Connect: Connect is an online resource offered through McGraw Hill, the publishers of your
textbook. We will use Connect as a supplement to the lecture. Online quizzes and homework
will usually be found on Connect. You can also access your e-book through this site. The
Connect website URL for this course is posted on blackboard.
Go to this site and click the “register now” button to gain access to the course information.
LABORATORY MANUAL REQUIRED
1. Introduction to General Biology Laboratory Manual for Majors, 7th ed. by Phillips et al.
ISBN 0078042232
2. The Guide to Writing w/MS Office 2007 has not been updated to 2010. (optional
– it contains very useful information)
SUPPLIES REQUIRED: Supplies needed for the course may be purchased at the bookstore:
 Goggles (safety glasses), gloves, microscope slides and coverslips, color pencils.
Required software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
If you do not have Office, you can download it from Blackboard free.
-- Go to the Organization tab
-- Search for: software
-- Enroll in the organization
-- Follow the on-screen instructions
COMPUTER ACCESS
It is highly recommended that you have regular (daily) computer access, preferably a
home computer with broadband Internet access. This course can be completed using
public computers at TCC or other public access areas. However, be aware that using
public computers may create a hardship. All course requirements remain the same
whether your computer access is public or private (home).
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Summer 2013 M. DeGear
TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
You should be comfortable with the following:
 using a word processor (changing font, spell check)
 using email for communication
 sending an email attachment
 navigating the Internet
 downloading appropriate plugins
 using an Internet search engine
TCC BLACKBOARD (Bb) –Course Documents
Students are expected to use the TCC Blackboard site to obtain course information: Syllabus,
PowerPoint lectures, Assignments, and Announcements. Check your grades on Bb often.
The course syllabus contains information regarding reading assignments, laboratory
session assignments, due dates of assignments, class exam dates, course attendance
policies and how you will be evaluated in this course. Be sure check your syllabus often.
You will find the online materials by clicking on the various tabs on the Bb site: Start Here,
Announcements, Faculty Profile, Course Goals, Content, Discussions, My Grades, Web
Resources, On-line Lab Questions, Quizzes and Exams.
You will be able to communicate with your instructor and colleagues via TCC email and
by phone.
LABORATORY SESSION: The laboratory session will reinforce concepts and principles
learned in the lecture section of the course. Students will become familiar with the broad range
of methods and technologies/instrumentation used in modern biology research. Several
fieldtrips are scheduled and are part of the laboratory experience. The laboratory session will
meet once a week for 3 hours. Missing a laboratory session constitutes a zero.
Attendance to laboratory sessions is mandatory. Lab sessions cannot be made up!
ATTENDANCE POLICY. Attendance and participation are required in both lecture and
laboratory sessions. Only in extenuating circumstances, such as family crisis, illness, birth, etc.,
will makeup examinations be provided and late assignments be accepted. Advise your
instructor in advance of an absence as a result of such matters. Missed examinations and
assignments cannot be made up unless justification for being absent is provided before
the assignment is due. If a student is permitted to makeup an assignment, the
assignment must be completed within one week of the due date, or the student receives
a zero on the assignment. In addition, any makeup examinations will not receive curve or
extra credit points! All makeup examinations will be taken at the Math Lab Testing Center
(Building 8).
Lecture and laboratory attendance and participation are essential! Attendance follows TCC
policies. The instructor may automatically withdraw (AW) a student from the course as a result
of excessive absences (2 or more absences) from lecture (or online participation), and/or
laboratory sessions. Please do not make a habit of coming to laboratory sessions late.
Attendance (regular participation in the online classroom) is essential for maintaining the best
learning environment. Learning occurs in relationship not only between student and course
materials, but, just as importantly, peer to peer, professor to student, and student to professor.
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Summer 2013 M. DeGear
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students
will be notified of any changes to the syllabus. Changes will be posted on Bb, announced in
class and/or the laboratory session. It is the student’s responsibility to check Bb.
EVALUATION
Your grade will be determined as follows:
3 Class Exams = 300 points
Final =100 points
Laboratory Assignments and Field trips =140-150 points
Connect Assignments and Quizzes = 70 points
Class participation/attendance: 50 points
Extra credit opportunities - TBA =15 points
90%-100% = A
80%-89% = B
70%-79% = C
60%-69% = D
Total points range from 650-700. Your grade will be calculated as a percentage of the
total points.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
A complete list of student support services can be found in the Resources section of the
Blackboard course site. This includes information about college services, free tutoring services,
software support, and online tutorials related to course concepts.
TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE
Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance with the Governor’s
Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-1523 which prohibits
smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor workplace, and all
vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and instrumentalities. This
Order includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not limited to, all
grounds, buildings, facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community College’s policy includes a
tobacco free environment on all campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit or
non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police is responsible for ensuring compliance with the
Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations of the policy may be addressed through issuance
of campus or state citations.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL
The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. Check
the TCC Academic Calendar for the deadline that applies to the course(s). Begin the process
with a discussion with the faculty member assigned to the course. Contact the Advisement
Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from
Credit to Audit. Withdrawal and/or change to an audit from a course after the drop/add period
can alter the financial aid award for the current and future semesters. Students may receive an
outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC. Students who stop
participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may
have financial aid consequences for the student.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Required email address: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address
(ex: jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course
assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email
to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course. You access
MyTCC at https://portal.tulsacc.edu
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Summer 2013 M. DeGear
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu). You can sign up to
receive TCC Alerts!
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our
graduates gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their
higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education
goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological
Proficiency.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions,
beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange
of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of
any electronic device is at the discretion of the instructor.
ADA POLICY: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa
Community College to create inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying
students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the Education Access
Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing
students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of
others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct
is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa
Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action
to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to,
the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic
dishonesty a faculty member may:
 Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;

Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or
administratively withdraw the student from the class;

Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may
request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level
by submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct Policy
Handbook, and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed
on the TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu
COMPUTER SERVICES ACCEPTABLE USE
Access to computing resources is a privilege granted to all TCC faculty, staff, and students.
Use of TCC computing resources is limited to purposes related to the College’s mission of
education, research, and community service. See TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy
Handbook
CELLULAR DEVICES
Be sure to TURN OFF phones and other cellular devices when entering the class.
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Summer 2013 M. DeGear
SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES
Please advice instructor of pertinent health issues or medications you may be taking in case an
emergency arises.
SCHEDULE
Week 1
June 3-7
Week 2
June 10-14
LABORATORY
Computer lab - Connect and textbook resources, Bb navigation,
Technology review
Lab #1: Science or 21st Century Snake-oil?
Lab #3: Metric System for Biologists
Lab #4: Biochemical Tests
Lab #5: Microscopy Lab
Week 3
June 17-21
Lab #6: Osmosis and Diffusion
Lab # 7: Enzymes, Genes, & Evolution
Week 4
June 24-28
Lab #8: Cellular respiration
Lab #9: Understanding Climate Change Data
Week 5
July 1-5
Week 6
July 8-12
Week 7
July 15-19
Week 8
July 22-26
Lab #10: Cell Division, Stem Cells, & Cancer
No Lab Wed or Thursday (July 3 and 4) holiday
Lab #11: DNA Isolation
Lab # 13: Gel Electrophoresis
Lab #12: Mendel, Molecular Genetics, and Epigenetics
Lab #14: Evolution & How Does it Occur?
Lab #2: Science, Politics, & Civic engagement
or Lab #16: Zoo Lab
(announce at the beginning of the semester)
No Lab Wednesday or Thursday (July 24-25) - Finals
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