Biology 107 – Principles of Biology
Fall 2010 – San Diego Miramar College
CRN: 73200 – Lecture TR 11:10-12:35, rm S5104…..Lab T 1:30-4:35, rm S5100
73211 – Lecture TR 11:10-12:35, rm S5104…..Lab R 1:30-4:35, rm S5100
Instructor: Andrew Lowe
Email: alowe@sdccd.edu
Phone: (619) 388-7536
Web page: http://faculty.sdmiramar.edu/alowe
Office & Hours: I-104 C; TR 10:00-11:00, and by appointment
Address: c/o Biology Department, Miramar College, 10440 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92126
Required Texts
Lecture – Biology: Concepts and Connections, 6th ed. by Campbell and Reece
Lab – Biology 107 Laboratory Manual - available at Mira Mesa Copy (see map on last page)
Important Dates
September 3rd Drop Deadline – No notation on your record
October 29th Withdraw Deadline – Records W Grade; no drops accepted after this date
After October 29th an evaluative grade (A through F) will be recorded.
Course Objectives, Student Learning Outcomes, and Expectations
The intent of this course is to examine major themes in the Biological Sciences, as well as the
principles and concepts that form the foundation of these themes. To this end, I will use a combination
of discussion, activities, and small group interactions to (1) emphasize problem-solving approaches in
learning science and (2) gain an appreciation and understanding for how science works.
Although this course is introductory and designed for non-majors, it is rather content heavy and
will require keen study skills and self-discipline. You will be exposed to a great amount of information,
new terminology, and interconnected concepts which may seem intimidating or perhaps overwhelming
at times. However, if you will commit to it, I think you will find this course not only a highly rewarding
experience, but fun as well. The feeling of accomplishment is a great one, especially when you do
something well. It is my desire to expose you to information and experiences that will help you excel
and make wise decisions in your academic and professional future.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
 Principle characteristics of biological systems
 Differentiate between the major groups that make up the natural diversity within biological systems
– based on their anatomy, morphology and physiology
 Understand ecological relationship between humans and other organisms and the increasingly
significant impact that human activity has on the biosphere.
 Understand various ways of data acquisition, flow, organization, and uses of information, in regards
to energy and nutrients in living systems and how organisms and ecosystems function.
 Clearly and effectively present ideas in writing concerning major biological concepts and
hypotheses.
Your education is an extremely valuable commodity. It is therefore important to extend as much
courtesy as possible to your fellow classmates, so that everyone gets as much as possible out of the
course. These courtesies include the following: please do not talk, exchange notes, or otherwise disrupt
the class during instruction. Please turn off cellular phone ringers. If your behavior in any way
distracts other students, you may be dismissed from the class.
Attendance is mandatory.
District policy requires that you participate fully in lecture and laboratory experiences. If you are
absent more than 6% of total course hours (or, more than 3 sessions), participation will be considered
unsatisfactory and you may be dropped by the instructor. However, it is your responsibility to drop a
course if you choose to discontinue. Failure to do so will result in an evaluative grade on your record.
Due Dates
Due dates are tentative. You are responsible for knowing the dates of exams, and other
assignments. Assignments are due at the beginning of a class period. Late assignments will be accepted
(unless specified otherwise), but 10% of the point total for the assignment will be deducted for each day
or part thereof that it is late.
Lecture Exams
On exam days, be sure to get adequate rest, have back-up mechanisms in place for getting
to class on time, and arrange for reliable transportation to class. There is to be absolutely no
communication of any kind, between students, once an exam begins. Nothing is allowed at the
test area except for a writing instrument(s) and eraser. All questions should be directed to me
and you may not leave the room during an exam and resume it when you return. If you leave the
room I will collect the exam, and I will grade what you have completed.
Laboratory Exam and Quizzes
Due to the nature of setting up lab activities, exams, and quizzes, there will be no makeups. Quizzes are typically given at the beginning of class meeting. If you are late or miss class,
there will be no makeup quizzes. Lab results, analyses, and conclusions will be due for each
week’s lab activities.
Honor Code/Academic Dishonesty
By remaining enrolled in this class you are pledging, on your honor, that you will not
engage in any acts of dishonesty. Cheating, plagiarism, or any act of obtaining or attempting to
obtain credit for work that is not your own is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. You are
responsible to understand and abide by District policies in the college catalog. Abuse of these
policies will be reported to the dean for appropriate action. If you are aware of cheating of any
kind, I would appreciate what information you have, as it essential to maintain the integrity of
the course--this includes communication between individuals in different class sections, copying
assignments to be collected, plagiarizing papers, etc. Please refer to District Policy 3100.
Grading
Points will be earned for activities in both lecture and laboratory. The lecture portion will
comprise approximately 2/3 of the course grade; the laboratory approximately 1/3 of the course
grade. I will keep a running total of points, as should you to maintain awareness of your grade
standing in the course. Points may be earned in the following ways (these are approximations):
 4 Lecture exams x 100 pts ea.
400 pts ea.
 Lecture quizzes, assignments, and participation
200 pts
 1 Laboratory exam
100 pts
 Lab Quizzes/participation
10 pts ea.
 Lab exercises, fieldtrip assignments, and participation 100 pts
Your percent score in the class will be determined as follows: Course % = (Sum of points earned
by you / Sum of points possible on each assignment) x 100
Grades in the course are assigned according to the following scale:
A = 90% and above B = 80 - 89.99%
C = 68 - 79.99%
D = 60 - 67.99%
Lecture Schedule
Tentative – adjustments made if necessary
August
24 Introduction to Course
Characteristics of Life
26 Chemistry & Water
Assignment 1 Due
31 Biochemistry
September
1
2
3
2 Intro to DNA & Amino Acids
3,4
7 Quiz 1, Cell Structure and Function
4
9 Proteins Synthesis & Cell Membranes
5
14 review
1-5
16 Exam 1
21 Diffusion, Osmosis, Osmoregulation
5
23 Enzymes
5
28 Metabolism/Energy
5,6
30 Quiz 2, Cellular Respiration
October
6
5 Cellular Respiration & Photosynthesis
6,7
7 review
5-7
12 Exam 2
November
14 Mitosis
8
19 Meiosis
8
21 Genetics
9
26 Transcription/Translation
10
28 Quiz 3, DNA technology
11,12
2 Biotech
11,12
4 Evolution, Pop-Gen, and Natural
Selection
9 review
13
8-13
11 Exam 3
16 Speciation & Macroevolution
14
18 Origin of Life & Biodiversity
15,16
November 22-26
December
No Classes – Thanksgiving Break
30 Biodiversity
16,17
2 Biodiversity
17,18
7 Quiz 4, Population Dynamics
34-36
9 Biomes
14 Ecosystems; review
16 Exam 4
37
37
Note: much of 20-33
(form and function)
will be covered in lab
Personal Background and Objectives (20 pts) – Due: Thursday, August 26th
Within two pages (double-spaced, 12pt font), tell me about yourself and be sure to include the following
information:
 A small photo of yourself attached (or embedded) to the upper left corner.
 Tell me about your science background (courses, instructors, institutions), and the reason for
taking this class in particular.
 What letter grade do you expect to earn in the class and why?
 What are your academic and professional career goals, and what are your plans to achieve those
goals?
 What are your interests and hobbies?
 Anything else you would like me to know about you (relevant allergies, medical conditions, etc)?
 Lastly, reflect on what you hope to achieve from this course. In doing so, compile a single
question that you personally would like to have answered or challenged during the journey of
this course.
Map and easy directions to Mira Mesa Copy Center:
Exit Miramar College, North on Black Mountain Rd., enter driveway of Alberto’s Taco Shop, park
behind small business building. There are additional entries to the shopping center from east-bound
Mira Mesa Blvd.