Heartland Community College – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Business Division
Student Syllabus for BIOL 114 Contemporary Biology Fall 2013
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 5
Meeting times:
Location:
Section 2 – Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00-10:20 AM
Instructional Commons Bldg 1405
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 2
Instructor: Jon Hoekstra. My name is Dutch and is pronounced “hook-struh.” I grew up in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have lived in Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, Georgia, and
Oregon. I now live in Tremont, IL with my wife Tina and our 8-yr-old daughter Pomona.
Some of the things I like best are gardening, hiking, fishing, and learning about bugs and
plants and mushrooms. I view science as a powerfully positive force and hope that you, too,
will come to appreciate its beauty and usefulness.
Phone: (309) 268-8648
Office: ICB 2414 (2400)
E-mail: jon.hoekstra@heartland.edu
Office Hours: MW at 11:00-11:50 AM and 2:00-2:30 PM; TR at 10:30-11:30 AM and 12:00-12:50 PM
If these times do not work for you please email to request an appointment. Email is the best way to contact
me; I will respond within 48 hours during the week and by noon on the following Monday if you email me
over the weekend. Use your @my.heartland.edu account.
Catalog Description: Prerequisite: Completion of Math through Beginning Algebra level or assessment.
BIOL 114 will introduce students to a broad range of biological principles, including organization, structure
and function, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Students will demonstrate how
their knowledge in biology is relevant to them, their community, and their
world. Students will use scientific evidence as the basis for their arguments.
Students will improve their skills in relaying biological information to peers and
to others. In addition, students will leave with a better understanding of
scientific views that differ from their own. The laboratory component will
emphasize scientific inquiry and use of knowledge in problem solving. This
course is intended for students who are not pursuing a science career.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer: BIOL 114
fulfills 4 of the semester hours of credit in Life and Physical Science required for
the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education
Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois
colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult
an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions.
Refer to the IAI web page for information at www.itransfer.org
Required Materials:
Starr, C., Evers, C.A., & Starr, L. 2013. Biology Today and Tomorrow with
Physiology (4th ed.). Brooks/Cole Publishing, Belmont, CA.
Jongky, T., E. Wallace, M. Kishore, & J. Hoekstra. 2012. BIOL 114 Lab Manual.
Heartland Community College, Normal, IL.
Images from Wikimedia Commons and shared under CC licenses. Works by Michael Ströck (DNA), US National Cancer Institute
(blood cells), Gray’s Anatomy (heart and lungs), and Eric Ward (family portrait).
Important URL: http://www.heartland.edu/asc/ includes information about library, tutoring and
testing services, computing lab, writing services and disability support services.
myHeartland information: https://my.heartland.edu includes access to Blackboard, IRIS, your
Heartland student e-mail, your Backpack files, the library, Class Cancellations, and announcements.
 If you are logging in for FIRST time, use Password Station to create password and change your
security questions after creating password.
 I will e-mail the class through myHeartland for class announcements. Check email regularly.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Students hypothesize, experiment, gather data, and formulate conclusions.
2. Students evaluate the validity of biology-related results and conclusions that are presented in the
media and other settings.
3. Students relate biological concepts to their daily life and to the world around them.
4. Students synthesize information from various sources to generate an essay, poster, oral
presentation, or other product.
5. Students demonstrate awareness of issues related to individual and community health.
6. Students demonstrate awareness of environmental issues related to biology.
HCC General Education Learning Outcomes:
Critical Thinking 1: Students gather knowledge, apply it to a new situation, and draw reasonable
conclusions in ways that demonstrate understanding.
Critical Thinking 3: Students generate an answer, approach, or solution through an effective synthesis
of diverse sources and arguments and provide a rationale.
Communication 2: Students effectively deliver a message via various channels/modalities.
Diversity 1: Students are receptive to beliefs and values that differ from their own.
COURSE / LAB OUTLINE:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Introduction to the science of biology
Basics of biochemistry
Introduction to cell biology and energy use
Genetics
a) DNA and gene expression.
b) Inheritance.
5) Animal structure, function and human health
a) Musculoskeletal system
b) Circulation and respiration
c) Digestion, nutrition, and excretion
d) Nervous and endocrine systems
e) Reproduction and development
6) Evolution
a) Evidence for evolution
b) Processes of evolution
7) Ecology
a) Population and community ecology
b) Ecosystem ecology and environmental
issues
Required Writing and Reading: The student will be expected to read the textbook (about 20-40 pages
per week for a 16-week semester). He or she may also be required to read relevant news or feature
articles, web pages, or case studies. The student will write for many possible assignments, including:
answers to lab questions, article summary and analysis papers, individual or group writing projects or
presentations, answers to worksheet questions or assigned homework, and answers to short answer or
essay questions on quizzes or tests.
Biology 114 Blackboard Site: Required web quizzes will be taken online through a course website.
Review materials may also be posted to this site. Like other Blackboard courses on campus, the site is
accessible by logging in to myHeartland and then clicking on the Blackboard tab at the top of the page. We
will visit the site and get started using it on the first day of class. If you have not used Blackboard before,
you are encouraged to take the Blackboard 101 orientation class. Any computer with Internet access
should allow you to use the site. Use the Firefox web browser (free download at www.firefox.com)
whenever you use Blackboard. You should set aside at least two to three hours per week to use a computer
and work on the course site – at home, or here on campus. If you have a slow Internet connection, an older
computer, or other technical limitations at home, I strongly suggest you plan to work here on campus.
Assessment of Your Learning: You will demonstrate your learning in many different ways. You’ll have to
be consistent and well-rounded to do well in the class!
Web Quizzes (10%): Web Quizzes are required. If you take them seriously and do them on time,
they will help you learn and succeed in the course. Preparation Quizzes will encourage you to prepare
for each class period, and Review Quizzes will help you prepare effectively for Tests.
Biology in the News Reports (10%): This assignment will help enrich your learning in the class and
will help you see the connections between biology and everyday life. You will select, read, and report
on feature articles written about biological topics for a general audience.
Lab Exercises (20%): Lab exercises give you some hands-on experience and reinforce key course
concepts. Each lab will be graded on a 10- or 15-point scale (see Calendar). You may work in groups
of 2-3 on most of the labs. You will be expected to continue to work on your labs (doublecheck
answers, improve sketches, etc.) for the full class period in most cases.
In-class Assignments and Service Project (10%): Throughout the semester, you will be doing small
projects in class; some of these will be graded and will count toward this grade component. We will
also spend one class period doing a service project to support environmental goals. You will earn
credit for your willing participation in the work.
Tests and Final Exam (50%): Tests are a significant opportunity for you to consolidate and reinforce
your learning and to demonstrate mastery of the course content. Tests will include multiple-choice,
matching, short answer, labeling, and short essay questions. You will take them independently with
no outside resources. You will have limited time in which to complete the Test and there will be other
scheduled activities on the same class days. The Final Exam will be similar in format to the Tests. The
exam will cover the most important concepts from the entire semester; it will be comprehensive. All
students must take the Final Exam; the Exam score cannot be exempted or dropped.
Attendance Policy: Attendance in class is mandatory. Being present, on time, ready to work each class
period is the single most important thing you can do to help yourself succeed in the class – and to help the
whole class be a success. Attendance will be tracked and will help determine your grade in case of a
“borderline” course point total and to decide if you will be dropped from the course at Midterm. For details
see policies on Assignment of Letter Grades and Midterm Withdrawal below.
Extra Credit: In many class periods, bonus points may be awarded for games, participation, or in-class
activities. An extra Lab also provides 10 extra points toward your course total. Additional extra credit will
not be offered on an individual basis to help specific students. Any bonus credit opportunities will be
offered to the entire class. If you have an idea for an activity that is relevant to the course, suggest it to me
and I will consider making it available for extra credit!
Grading System:
Activity or Assessment
Web Quizzes (totaling over 100 points)
Tests 6 @ 70 points each; Final Exam @ 80 points
Labs 17 @ 10 or 15 points each
In-class Assignments (5-10 points each) and Service Project
Biology in the News Reports (3 @ 35 points each)
Total
Keep Track of Your Scores:
Component
Available Points
100+
500
200
100+
105
1000+
Your Scores
Total
Tests (6 @ 70 pts each)
Labs (17 @ 10-15 pts each)
Biology in the News Reports
(3 @ 35 pts each)
In-Class Assignments
(100 points total)
Web Quizzes
(at least 100 points total)
Extra Credit?
Final Exam (80 pts)
COURSE TOTAL (add up “Total” column):
Assignment of Letter Grades:
Total points earned will be used to determine a letter grade according to the scale below. If a student is
within 20 points (2%) of a grade cutoff, the higher grade may be awarded based on consistent attendance,
an improving trend in coursework, and/or a relatively high score on the Final Exam.
900+ = A
800+ = B
700+ = C
600+ = D
<600 = F
Make-up policy for Tests:
 Notify me if you know in advance that you will miss a Test. A Test will be placed in the Testing
Center and you will be expected to take it by an arranged date and time.
 After the fact, a missed Test can be made up if you notify me promptly by phone or email. A Test
cannot be made up after it has been graded and returned to the class. If a make-up Test is offered,
you will be expected to take the Test in the Testing Center by an arranged date and time. If you do
not provide a strong documented reason for your absence on the originally scheduled Test day,
20% will be deducted from your score.
Late Work: Labs are due at the end of class on the day the lab is completed. Some labs may be accepted at
the beginning of the next class period to allow students ample time to complete the lab. Labs cannot be
made up and cannot be turned in late if the student was absent on the day of the lab. Similarly, most InClass Assignments involve group interactions and cannot be made up if the student was absent on the day of
the Assignment. Web Quizzes cannot earn credit if submitted late. Biology in the News Reports and some In-
Class Assignments may be submitted late for credit. In cases where late work is accepted, a late deduction
of one full letter grade (10%) will be taken for each class day late. This deduction may be waived if a strong
documented reason is provided (excused absence).
Graded Work: Graded work will be returned to you in class. Graded Tests will be returned to the
instructor after they are reviewed in class; you will keep a scored Scantron form with your score. Emails
are durable and potentially public records, so I will not provide grades by email. It is the student’s
responsibility to KEEP all graded work as a record of points earned until course grades are finalized.
Academic Integrity: If you submit work that exhibits plagiarism or engage in other forms of academic
dishonesty, you will at a minimum be required to resubmit with the problem corrected and with a 10%
point penalty. Extreme cases or second offenses will be dealt with more harshly. You and your classmates
are expected to observe the Heartland Honor Code: “In the continuous pursuit of excellence, the HCC
community is dedicated to the principles of integrity, respect, and honest achievement. As a member of this
community, we each have the responsibility to uphold these ideals with the expectation they be upheld by
others.” Specific rules, expectations, and consequences are detailed in the document linked below:
http://www.heartland.edu/documents/aqip/AcademicIntegrity/policy.pdf
Two common “problem areas” are discussed in more detail here:
No Parrots! You will learn best if you do your own authentic writing. You are expected and even
encouraged to make mistakes, for any kind of learning requires that we fail, try again, and gradually
improve our skills. You can trust that I will be patient and appreciative of genuine effort. In turn, I trust
that you will learn to be “real” and write in your own words. Copying an answer directly from the
textbook or an online source does not require enough mental effort to result in much learning. A
student may write down a sentence that contains many unfamiliar terms and have no understanding of
what he or she has written! We will call this practice “parroting” and it will be strongly discouraged.
No Copycats! Writing an answer for an open-ended question is an individual activity unless otherwise
noted; students should not submit duplicate answers. In-class group work is NOT a “divide and
conquer” type enterprise. Except where otherwise noted, you’re each expected to be involved in each
step of an activity and, when it comes time to answer a question of any substance, you should explain
your answer in your own personal way. Do not copy a peer’s answer word-for-word and do not give
your answers to another student. All students (sources and copiers) are harmed by such behavior. Be
prepared to split credit (each getting only half points) if you do this. If an activity can’t be done honestly
and well in the time available, let me know. We will figure out a solution together.
How to Succeed: To succeed, you must attend class and do the required work. You will also need to
prepare for Tests with regular study. All of this requires time, effort, and a consistent schedule. Finally,
you will need to ask yourself tough questions: how well do I really know this? The only way to know is to
practice. If you can’t answer a Web Quiz question without looking at your notes or textbook, you need
more practice. If you can’t explain a concept out loud or in writing, you don’t really get it yet. I will provide
feedback to the best of my ability, and at times I may need to honestly tell you that you need to work on
preparation or rethink a concept. Your best policy is to act as soon as possible to practice the skill or
improve your information base. Please feel free to ASK me for help before you are sure you need it.
If Things Go Badly: If you miss more than two classes, I will email or call you and ask what is going on. If
you miss four or more classes, or are clearly on a path to failing the class, I will encourage you to withdraw
from the class. Your best choice may be to try again in another semester when your life is more settled.
The College sets deadlines for withdrawal and it is best to withdraw early if that is your choice.
Midterm Withdrawal Policy: At midterm I will administratively withdraw you (“drop” you from the
course) under any of the following conditions: you have earned less than 50% of the available points at
midterm; you have been absent for four or more class periods; you have completed less than half (50%) of
the required labs. If you are struggling and do not wish to be dropped from the course, you must
communicate with me in the week before midterm.
Incomplete Grade: An Incomplete grade may be justified if a student encounters extreme circumstances
(e.g., serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate family) toward the end of the
semester and is unable to complete the semester. The student must be in a position to pass the class if the
Incomplete is given. The student must sign a form requiring him/her to finish the class by next semester.
Classroom Atmosphere and Rules: The classroom “mood” should be fun but focused. Respect for others,
strict ethics, and good manners are expected at all times. Top principles that will make this course work
for you and for the group are as follows:
1) Prepare. You will be participating in some way in each class, and it will not be possible to participate
effectively without reading, doing preparation assignments, etc.
2) Unplug. Except when allowed for specific purposes, phones, tablets, and personal laptops must be put
away and turned off. Plan to be out of contact during class. See me if you need a special exception.
3) Contribute. Each student is expected to contribute in some way to discussions and activities. At the
same time, contributions should be focused and brief so that all students can take part.
4) Respond respectfully to the ideas of others. We will work hard on listening, giving the speaker the
floor, minimizing side conversations, and making sure all voices are heard.
5) Take notes. You will be expected to take notes and remain engaged in the class. Activities will be
important opportunities to learn and careful work will provide you with a great study resource.
To maintain these behaviors will require, as Mad-Eye Moody might say, constant vigilance! I may be
assertive in enforcing and encouraging these actions. Though it may cause some discomfort, it is necessary
to maintain the learning excellence of the group. Students who show disrespect to others or distract from
our learning may be asked to leave the class.
Organization / Units of the Course
Course Unit / Test
T1 Introduction and Cell Biology
T2 DNA, Protein Synthesis, Biotechnology
T3 Cell Division, Reproduction, Inheritance
T4 Body Systems and Health I
T5 Body Systems and Health II
T6 Evolution and Environment
Textbook Chapters
Chapters 1, 2, 3
Chapters 6, 7, and parts of 10
Chapters 8, 9, and parts of 26
Chapters 19, 20, 21
Chapters 23, 24, 25
Chapters 11, 12, and parts of 13, 16, 17, 18
Syllabus Disclaimer: Unforeseen events may interrupt or alter our class schedule. The instructor may
also determine that certain policies should be changed to enhance learning in the class. Therefore the
information in this syllabus is subject to change. Any changes to the schedule, course policies, or
requirements for graded work will be announced in class. Students are responsible for monitoring and
complying with any changes.
CALENDAR – Biology 114 Fall 2013
Day
To Do
Tue Aug 20
Orientation, Introductions, Nature of Science
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Thur Aug 22
Science Methods
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 1: Scientific Method (15)
Tue Aug 27
Biological Chemistry
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 2: Chemistry of Life (15)
Thur Aug 29
Cell Structure and Types
Lab 3: Microscope (10)
After: Do Web ReviewQuizzes to help you prepare for Test 1; start Biology in the News #1
Fri Aug 30
Last day to Drop (Withdraw) with Refund
Tue Sep 3
Catch-up and Review
After: Practice Web ReviewQuizzes to help you prepare for Test 1
Thur Sep 5
Test 1: Intro to Science, Biological Chemistry, and Cells
The Race for the Double Helix, film on discovery of DNA’s structure, Part 1
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Tue Sep 10
DNA Structure & Function: The Race for the Double Helix, Part 2
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Thur Sep 12
Gene Expression
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class; complete Biology in the News #1
Tue Sep 17
Biotechnology
Lab 7: Protein Synthesis (10)
Biology in the News #1: Cells or Molecules DUE
After: Do Web ReviewQuizzes to help you prepare for Test 2 (due next class)
Thur Sep 19
Test 2: DNA, Gene Expression, and Biotechnology
Cancer and the Cell Cycle
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Tue Sep 24
Cell Division
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 8: Mitosis and Meiosis (15)
Thur Sep 26
Reproduction and Development
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 9: Human Sexual Reproduction (10)
Tue Oct 1
Inheritance
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class; start Biology in the News #2
Thur Oct 3
Genetics and Human Health & Unit Review
After: Do Web ReviewQuizzes to help you prepare for Test 3 (due next class)
Tue Oct 8
Test 3: Cell Division, Reproduction, and Inheritance
Health and Body Systems Intro
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Thur Oct 10
Environmental Service Project, location TBA
After: Complete Biology in the News #2
Lab 5: Cells (15)
Lab 6: DNA (10)
Lab 10: Genetics (15)
Day
To Do
Tue Oct 15
Tissues, Organs, and Body Systems
Biology in the News #2: Genetics, Sex, or Reproduction DUE
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Wed Oct 16
Midterm grades will be posted before midnight on this date
Thur Oct 17
Bone and Muscle Health
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 11: Skeletal System (10)
Tue Oct 22
Circulation, Respiration, and Health
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 12: Circulatory System (15)
Thur Oct 24
Catch-up & Unit Review
After: Do Web ReviewQuizzes to help you prepare for Test 4 (due next class)
Tue Oct 29
Test 4: Body and Health Part 1
Short film on obesity
After: Do Web PrepQuiz and complete Lab 12, due next class
Start Lab 12: Nutrition
Thur Oct 31
Digestion and Nutrition
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 13: Nutrition (15)
Tue Nov 5
Energy Metabolism and Health
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Lab 14: Calories, Calories (10)
Thur Nov 7
Nervous System and Health
After: Do Web ReviewQuizzes to help you prepare for Test 5 (due next class)
Tue Nov 12
Test 5: Body and Health Part 2
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Thur Nov 14
Last Day to Withdraw with “W” Grade / Without Academic Penalty
Thur Nov 14
Public Health and Microbes
Lab 17: Bacteria Day 2 (10)
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class; start working on Biology in the News #3
Tue Nov 19
Evolution Evidence
Short Film: The Day the Mesozoic Died
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class; complete Biology in the News #3
Thur Nov 21
Evolution Processes
Biology in the News #3: Health or Human Body DUE
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Tue Nov 26
Ecosystems
After: Do Web PrepQuiz due next class
Thur Nov 28
Thanksgiving Holiday
Tue Dec 3
Human Impact on Atmosphere & Climate
Lab 20: Fighting Fish Behavior (10)
After: Do Web Review Quizzes to help prepare for Test 6 (due next class)
Thur Dec 5
Test 6: Evolution, Ecology, and Environment
Tue Dec 10
8:00-9:50 AM - Final Exam in regular classroom. Questions cover key points from entire course.
Last day to turn in any late work for credit.
Mon Dec 16
Final Grades will be posted before midnight on this date
Lab 15: Senses (10)
Lab 17: Bacteria Day 1 (5)
Lab 16: Natural Selection (10)