Great Basin College
General Biology for Non-majors, Biology 100
Fall 2015
1001, 1003,1004, 1005, 1006
M, W 5:30-6:45
Syllabus
Instructor: Nick Haertle
Office: Lundberg Hall 128C
Phone: 753-2284
E-mail: nicholas.haertle@gbcnv.edu
Office Hours: M 1:00-4:00; TH 9:00-10:00; F 10:00-12:00 and by appointment
Texts: Biology of Humans. 5th ed. Goodenough and McGuire.
ISBN 0321794257
Catalog Description:
BIOL 100 General Biology for Non – Majors (3)
Basic biological concepts, interpretation and application of scientific methods, and effects of biological
advances on society. Core curriculum science course; cannot be used for credit toward field of concentration in
biology. Prerequisite: Must have completed MATH 96 or higher or attained satisfactory
score for placement into MATH 120 in ACT, SAT or placement tests.
Method of Instruction:
Live lecture, with assigned readings and online enhancements.
Course Description & Objectives:
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General Biology for Non-majors is a three credit, freshman level science course designed for the nonscience major,that can fulfill the science requirement for most associate degrees at Great Basin College.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the central ideas of the science of biology. Topics will
include chemistry as relevant to biology, the cell theory, energy transformations, genetics, evolution,
ecology and the uses of the scientific method. Many biological topics of current importance to humans will
be introduced with the goal of enriching the students’ civic and personal lives.
The GBC General Education Objectives (see below) are addressed in this class.
Measurement of Objectives:
Learning and general education objectives will be assessed with four distinct tools. Lecture exams will consist
of multiple choice questions that will test three types of knowledge: recall of factual information; definitions of
terminology; and conceptual and integrative thinking. Online quizzes will also stress these tools.
Grading System:
The grade for this course will be based on five components:
The grading scale is as follows:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
> 60% = F
You’re doing super! Keep up the good work. Have you considered a career in
the life sciences?
Excellent! Continue what you’re doing, but consider asking questions on the
finer details in the text.
Adequate. You’ve got it under control, but don’t get complacent. Review your
notes and the text carefully. Ask questions to clarify important topics.
Danger zone. All is not lost, but you are at risk. You need to carefully work
through the materials and resources available to you. Attend regularly, and work
on your note taking skills. Make sure to ask questions for help.
Failing. Definitely contact me so we can work on a strategy for your
improvement.
Note: By GBC policy, I can no longer issue a grade of “W” or withdrawal. Be advised that the last date for a
student to withdraw from a course is 23 March (up to you to double check and keep up to date).
All exams will be held on the dates listed in the syllabus. Any changes to that schedule will be announced in
class well in advance. Missing an exam due to personal reasons or illness must be approved in advance if
possible, or by contacting me within 24 hours of the exam in the case of emergency. Make up exams will be
allowed and scheduled at my discretion.
Attendance will not be taken, but be advised: Regular attendance is the single most important thing
you can do to get and maintain a good grade.
Web Sites Used in This Course:
I will set timed quizzes frequently on WebCampus. Also ALL NOTES WILL BE POSTED ON
WEBCAMPUS WITH BLANKS. IF YOU MISS A CLASS FOR ANY REASON, IT IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO FILL IN THE BLANKS FROM EITHER A FELLOW STUDENT OR THE
TEXT. ALWAYS CHECK AT LEAST AN HOUR BEFORE CLASS FOR NOTES. TYPICALLY I WILL
ANNOUNCE WHEN THEY ARE POSTED THE NIGHT BEFORE.
WebCampus:
Your WebCampus ID is your Great Basin College email address ID. If you don't have a GBC email address or
don't remember your address go to swami.scsr.nevada.edu or the Technology Help Desk
helpdesk@gwmail.gbcnv.edu, or 753-2167. Passwords will be sent by mail to students who register for their
course(s) 5 days before the semester begins. If you register after this time or did not receive a letter by mail,
contact the Help Desk as soon as possible.
Hints for Success:
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Pay close attention to the outlines or PowerPoint presentations.
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In order to pass this course you MUST actively participate in your education and study!
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Keep up to date on reading.
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Log in to the class website frequently to check for updates.
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Ask questions if you are confused about content related material.
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Take WebCampus quizzes from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection. Quizzes
will be announced
Additional Course Information:
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Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC Helpdesk.
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Extra credit opportunities are not available.
Reading Assignments and Exam Dates
Chapter
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Topic
Humans in the World of Biology
Chemistry of life
Cells
Body Organization & Homeostasis
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Neurons
Nervous System
Sensory Systems
The Endocrine System
Blood
Cardiovascular System
Body Defense Mechanisms
The Respiratory System
Digestive System/Nutrition
The Urinary System
Reproductive Systems
Development
Chromosomes and Cell Division
Genetics
DNA
Evolution
Ecology & Us
Human Population
Exam Schedule
Exam 1: September 23
Exam2: October 21
Exam3: November 18
Exam 4 (Final): December 16
Reading assignments and exam dates are tentative, and may be changed at the discretion of the
instructor. Typically, exams will cover between 4-5 chapters. Any changes will be announced in class.
General Education Objectives and Assessment:
Student Outcomes
Critical Thinking Objective
Quantitative Ability- Students will use mathematical principles and quantitative methods to complete
the assignments.
Scientific Understanding- Students will comprehend workings of molecular-biological and cellular
systems and the process by which the scientific knowledge is discovered. They will also develop the ability to
understand molecular-biological and cellular information and how it relates to them.
Measurement of this objective: exams (students will be able to answer quantitative questions related to
cell and molecular biology on exams, many questions on the exams will require the student to examine data and
make an independent conclusion), online activities (students will be able to answer quantitative questions
related to biology on exams), class discussions (ungraded)
Personal and Cultural Awareness Objective
Sense of the Individual in Society- Students will gain an understanding of molecular and cellular
biology and how this affects them and society.
Sense of the Past- Students will gain an understanding of how biological knowledge was discovered
and how this knowledge has changed society and their lives.
Sense of Accountability- Students will comprehend the consequences of human discoveries in
molecular and cellular biology and their implications.
Appreciation of Fine Arts- Students will develop an understanding of the value of biological diversity
and individual curiosity and creative thought.
Measurement of this objective: exams (students will be able to answer exam questions on the
importance and place of cell and molecular biology in society, on the history of biological research, and how
their actions affect them and their environment), class discussions (students will be able to discuss the
importance and place of biology in society and how their actions affect them and their environment)
Personal Wellness Objective
Students will develop skills in determining the consequences of their actions in relation to the
environment and their personal health. They will gain knowledge needed to make important decisions involving
personal health.
Measurement of this objective: lecture exams (students will be able to answer exam questions on the molecular
basis of human health), class discussions (students will discuss the molecular basis of human health,)
Technological Understanding
Students will gain knowledge of how advancing technology in the field of biology will affect their lives
and their personal health.
Measurement of this objective: exams (students will be able to answer exam questions on technology in
cell and molecular biology, and human health).
Summary of the Assessment of Objectives:
Learning and general education objectives will be assessed with four distinct tools. Lecture exams will
consist of multiple choice questions that will test three types of knowledge: recall of factual information;
definitions of terminology; and conceptual and integrative thinking. On line quizzes and study aids will guide
students thru the subject material, as well as assess student learning.
Miscellaneous
Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of Higher
Education (NSHE) outlined on pp. 28-32 of the 2007-2008 GBC Catalog. Because this is an online class,
students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other
students and the professor in their online communications such as e-mail messages, discussion postings, and
written assignments.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to be
outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom behavior
(determined, as they would be in a regular classroom, by the instructor) will not be tolerated” (29).
Pay particular attention to those last four words. Any student who behaves rudely to another student or to the
instructor will be dropped immediately. During the first week of class, students will be required to respond to an
email from the instructor acknowledging that they have read the Student Conduct Policy and understand that
they will be dropped from the class for violating it.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as, cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the instructor AND
Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic suspension, or
expulsion. All tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the student’s OWN work. Plagiarism
is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that includes the
words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete,
accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In
academically honest writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:
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Another person’s actual words are quoted
Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in the student’s
own words
Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is common
knowledge
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: GBC supports providing equal access for students with
disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the
ADA Officer (Julie Byrnes) at 775-753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate
accommodations.
This syllabus does not in any way represent a contract. It is a reflection of the intent of the instructor, but do
recognize that it is an organic construct that may change as the semester progresses. Any changes will be
announced in class.
This syllabus does not in any way represent a contract. It is a reflection of the intent of the instructor, but do
recognize that it is an organic construct that may change as the semester progresses. Any changes will be
announced in class.