OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE
Science and Engineering
Course Outline BIOTECHNOLOGY
Fall 2015
Course Number and Title:
Professor Adam F. Sprague, Instructor
BIOL 161. Biology I
Course Hours – 4.0
Contact Hours– 5.0
Email: asprague@mail.ocvts.org
Phone: 609-978-8439
Catalog Description:
Major concepts discussed in this course include cell structure, biochemical reactions,
energy relationships, evolution, and the dynamics of plant functions.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites:
High School Chemistry is recommended
Maximum Class Size:
24
Justification:
This course is recommended for transfer into Liberal Arts Degree Programs
This course satisfies the need for increased literacy in the Biological Sciences
Textbook/Laboratory Manual:
Raven, P. H., Johnson, G. B., Losos, J. B., and Singer, S. R.Biology (ninth Edition),
McGraw Hill Higher Education: New York, New York.
Course Objectives:
This course is intended primarily to serve the needs of transfer students as well as those
wishing to develop an understanding of biology at the college level. Students enrolled in
this course will develop an understanding of the basic tenets of biology that apply to all
living organisms, the origin of life and evolution, cellular and bio-molecular concepts,
reproduction, and basic genetics. Emphasis will be placed on the Moneral, Fungal, and
Plant Kingdoms. The specific objectives are as follows:
1. Familiarization with terminology and research techniques related to the Biological
Sciences.
2. Understanding of the major theories of the evolution of life on earth, and the
merits of each.
3. Comprehension of the structure and function of biological molecules and the
processes associated with the function of these molecules.
4. Awareness of the structure and function of the cell, both in single and multicellular dimensions.
5. Comprehension of the taxonomical and evolutionary relationship of all living
things; specifically the evolution and development of bacteria, fungi, and plants.
6. Application of scientific principles – research and theory – through the review of
current information published in scientific literature and web sites..
Overview of Course Content
I. Introduction to Biological Science
Scientific Methods and Experiments
Ecology, Taxonomy, and Evolution
Theories of the Origin of Life on Earth
II. An Overview of Inorganic and Biochemistry
Atoms, the Periodic Chart, Bonding, Isotopes, Elements
Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups, and Carbohydrates
III. Biological Molecules
Lipids, Proteins, Polymerization, and Proteins
Nucleotides, DNA, and RNA
Enzymes and Enzyme Specificity
IV. The Cell – Structure and Function
The Origin of Cells – Cell History
Cell Membranes
Cell Structure – Organelles, Osmosis and Diffusion
Mitosis and Meiosis
Sexual .Asexual Reproduction, and Gametes
Cell Respiration and Metabolism
Photosynthesis
V. Plant Structure and Function
The Kingdom Plantae
Movement onto Land and Bryophytes
Tracheophytes and Tracheophyte Divisions
Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, Flowering Plants
Fruit, Seeds, Plant Tissues, and Plant Structure
Root, Stem, and Leaf Structure
Instructional Delivery Methodology
The methods of instructional delivery that will be employed in this course include class lecture,
discussion, and library/web-based research. In addition, laboratory sessions will stress a
tactile/discovery approach to scientific investigation.
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Student Assessment Methodology:
Grades will be based on a point system. Each assignment, lab, quiz, and test will be worth a
predetermined amount of total points. Students will earn a percentage based on the total correct
out of the total amount of points possible. Example: if a particular test was worth a total of 70
points and the student earned 62 correct out of 70, we would divide 70 into 62 and multiply that
number by 100. 62/70=.885 x 100 = 89%.
Grades will be based on a variety of criteria including:
Tests and Quizzes
Lab Activities and Weekend Assignments and Investigations
Class Projects and Presentations
Homework Assignments
Your grade on your MATES transcript will be the usual numerical grade.
On your OCC transcript a letter grade will be given using this conversion:
90 – 100
A
87 – 89
B+
80 – 86
B
77 – 79
C+
70 – 76
C
66 – 69
D
Below 65
F
Course Requirements:
It is assumed for any reason, if a student is absent for an exam or laboratory session, it is the
student’s responsibility to contact the instructor before the missed class if possible to make
arrangements to for a make-up session.
Examinations: Examination format will include multiple choice and true/false questions, which
will your knowledge of material presented in lecture, readings, and discussion.
Laboratory Requirements: The laboratory component of this course has specific requirements.
First, it is important to maintain a clean, safe working environment; therefore the following
safety rules must be observed:
1. No food or drink is allowed in the laboratory.
2. No sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed in the laboratory.
3. Hand washing and other hygienic methods must be employed to ensure that there is
no contamination to each other or to the specimens.
4. Microscopes must be cleaned before they are returned to the microscope cabinets.
5. All waste must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacle.
6. The laboratory must be cleaned and all instruments returned to their appropriate
storage container before the class is dismissed.
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General Policy Statements:
Academic Honesty: “Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to plagiarism, cribbing
and cheating on examinations, quizzes, class projects or papers. Any student aiding another
student in any form of dishonesty is considered equally guilty.” OCC Student Handbook, pg. 35.
Cheating is not acceptable and will result in a grade of 0 for that examination and will be turned
over to the appropriate College source for disciplinary action.
Please review policy #5180 in the student handbook for the penalties associated with plagiarism
and cheating.
Disclaimer: Reasonable changes to this course outline may be made exclusive of course
requirements, course calendar, and grading procedures.
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