Heartland Community College Math/Science Division
Student Syllabus for BIOL 114 Contemporary Biology Spring 2012
Instructor: Jill Bucher
Meeting times: T&R 4pm-6:20pm
Phone: (309) 268-8640
Location: Instructional Commons Bldg 1405
Office: ICB 2400
E-mail: Jill.Bucher@heartland.edu
Office Hours: By appointment or email
Catalog Description
Prerequisite: MATH 087 with a C or better 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 the college. In addition, students will leave
with a better understanding of scientific views that may 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.
Required Materials
Starr, C., Evers, C.A., & Starr, L. 2010. Biology Today and Tomorrow with Physiology
(3rded.). Brooks/Cole Publishing, Belmont, CA.
Jongky, T., E. Wallace, & M. Kishore. 2011. BIOL 114 Lab Manual. Heartland Community
College, Normal, IL.
Blackboard will be used so orientation of this program is essential.
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Course Learning Outcomes
Students hypothesize, experiment, gather data, and formulate conclusions.
Students question validity of results and conclusions that are presented in lab, news
media, etc.
Students relate concepts in cell biology, organismal biology, and biodiversity to their
daily life and world.
Students synthesize information from various sources to produce a product.
Students demonstrate responsibility for the community and global ecological
environment.
Students improve independent learning skills.
HCC General Education Learning Outcomes: Because BIOL 114 is part of HCC’s General
Education Program, assessments will also measure the following four General Education
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.
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
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.
Required Writing and Reading
The student will read the textbook, laboratory manual, and any assigned articles. The
student will write explanations and essays for various assignments.
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.
Course Outline
Chapter 1 – Invitation to Biology
Chapter 3 – Cell Structure
Chapter 6 – DNA Structure and Function
Chapter 7 – Gene Expression and Control
Chapter 8 – How Cells Reproduce
Chapter 9 – Patterns of Inheritance
Chapter 11 – Evidence of Evolution
Chapter 13- Early Life Forms and the Viruses
Chapter 14 – Plants and Fungi
Chapter 16 – Population Ecology
Chapter 17 – Communities and Ecosystems
Chapter 21 – Circulation and Respiration
Chapter 23 – Digestion and Excretion
Chapter 24 – Neural Control and the Senses
Chapter 26 – Reproduction and Development
Chapter 27 – Plant Form and Function
Grading Policies

EXAMS, PAPERS, PROJECTS, ETC. will be 50% of your grade. They can consist of
multiple-choice, matching, True or False, short answer or essay questions. Exams
will be administered by the instructor by either internet, paper, orally or any other
method deemed appropriated by the instructor. Exams will be timed, must be taken
within the allotted time frame. Make up EXAMs will be given for EXCUSED absences
only. In order for an exam to be considered EXCUSED, you must provide
appropriate documentation (i.e. verification of an illness from your doctor or
health clinic, death notice from the funeral home, etc.). If inappropriate
documentation cannot be procured, the absence will be considered UNEXCUSED and
result in a zero for the EXAM. If you know of an absence in advance, please notify
me ASAP.

LABS will be 20% of your grade. They must be completed and turned in before the
end of class otherwise it will result in a zero.

QUIZZES will be 15% of your grade. Quizzes will be one attempt, timed and
administered by the instructor by either internet, paper, orally or any other method
deemed appropriated by the instructor.

HOMEWORK, INCLASS, GROUP ACTIVITIES, ETC will be 10% of your grade.
Assignments will be assigned accordingly. They need to be turned in on the
assigned due date to be considered for grading.
o NOTE: There will be no make-up for labs, quizzes or homework.

CLASS PARTICIPATION will be 5% of your grade is based on attendance, class
discussion, completion of the various types of assignments, productive behavior,
and any other factors that contribute to the overall positive experience of the class.
Points are awarded at the end of the semester.

GRADING SCALE:
A = 90%, B = 80%, C = 70%, D = 60%, F = 50%.
Grades are weighted as given. Example of calculating your grade:
Exams Points:
221/300 = 0.737 x 0.50 = 0.368
Lab Points:
44/50 = 0.88 x 0.20 = 0.176
Quiz Points:
25/40 = 0.625 x 0.15 = 0.094
Homework points:
23/25 = 0.92 x 0.10 = 0.092
Class participation points: 8/10 = 0.80 x 0.05 = 0.04
TOTAL:
0.368 + 0.176 + 0.094 + 0.092 + 0.04 = 0.77 x 100 = 77.00 C
Expectations
As an educator, my job is to facilitate you in the process of learning science. You can
expect me to be
1. Prepared – I have spent many years teaching and have developed a variety of materials
that are meant to expand your understanding and interest of biology. In addition, I have
included many up to date supplements and segments associated with everyday living. Of
course, your involvement in the class will be essential to enhance your learning.
2. Accessible – I am available outside of class for help, clarification, and etc. with a
scheduled meeting. It is to your advantage to clue me in as soon as you are experiencing
difficulties in my class.
3. Courteous/attentive – When you speak with me, you will have my full attention. Any
discussions will remain confidential.
What I expect from you is to be
1. Prepared – Just as I have done my homework you need to do yours. Read your text,
completed homework, have all required supplies, and come to class.
2. Put forth a sincere effort – what you reap is what you sow.
3. Attentive and courteous to your fellow students and me - That means turn off cell
phones, beepers, etc.
4. Integrity - Be on time, stay for the full class and be honest in your work.
Academic Integrity Policy
http://www.heartland.edu/documents/aqip/AcademicIntegrity/policy.pdf is the link
to the policy on academic integrity, plagiarism and the procedures for discipline
accordingly.
Spring academic calendar
http://www.heartland.edu/calendar.pdf is a link to the academic calendar. Please note
important dates such as dropping or withdrawing from a class, breaks and grade postings.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is critical to succeed in this class. Missing more than 2 class meetings will
result in a notification being sent to Student Support Services. Three (3) or more missed
class meetings will result in an automatic withdrawal from the class.
Course Calendar
Week of
Topics
Labs
Assessments
Jan 17
Chapter 1 – Invitation to
1 and 2
Quiz 1
3 and 4
Quiz 2
8
Quiz 3 &
Biology
Jan 24
Chapter 3 – Cell
Structure
Jan 31
Chapter 6 – DNA
Structure and Function
Feb 7
Chapter 7 – Gene
Exam – ch 1 & 3
9
Quiz 4
5
Quiz 5
Expression and Control
Feb 14
Chapter 8 – How Cells
Reproduce
Feb 21
Chapter 26 –
Exam – ch 6 & 7
6
Quiz 6
7
Quiz 7
11
Quiz 8
Reproduction and
Development
Feb 28
Chapter 9 – Patterns of
Inheritance
Mar 6
Chapter 21 – Circulation
and Respiration
Exam – ch 8, 26 & 9
Mar 13
Mar 20
Spring Break
Chapter 23 – Digestion
12 and 13
Quiz 9
14
Quiz 10
15
Quiz 11
and Excretion
Mar 27
Chapter 24 – Neural
Control and the Senses
Apr 3
Chapter 11 – Evidence of
Evolution
Apr 10
Chapter 13- Early Life
Exam – ch 21, 23 & 24
17 and 18
Quiz 12
16
Quiz 13
Forms and the Viruses
Apr 17
Chapter 14 – Plants and
Fungi
Exam – ch 11 & 13
Apr 24
Chapter 27 – Plant Form
19
Quiz 14
20
Quiz 15
and Function
May 1
Chapter 17 –
Communities and
Exam – ch 14 & 27
Ecosystems
May 8
Chapter 16 – Population
22
Quiz 16
Ecology
May 15
Finals Week Exam – ch 17 & 16
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to change any and all assignments, rules or
requirements in this class without prior notice.
_______________________________________
Jill Bucher
Instructor of Biology
Heartland Community College
1500 W. Raab Rd
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: (309) 268-8640
Email: Jill.Bucher@heartland.edu