Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
Instructor:
I.
Prof Judyth Gulden
judyth.gulden@tulsacc.edu
Office phone: 918-599-0508
Text: 918 261 6624
Office hours: by appointment
Course Title and Number: Biology 1224 – Biology for Majors
a. Class Times:
Friday, 8:30 – 11:20 (MC 628) Lab 11:30- 2:20 (GX2) Lecture
II.
Course Pre-requisite: There are no college prerequisites for this course. This course is intended
for science majors.
III.
Course Description (see catalogue): This course includes an in-depth study of fundamental
biological concepts including metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, evolution and ecology at the
sub-cellular, cellular and organismic levels. It provides the foundation for other advanced courses
in the biological sciences. Lecture: 3 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours.
IV.
Course Purpose
a. Learning Objectives
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V.
Define and recognize introductory biological terminology, principles, and theories.
Describe and discuss the hierarchical nature of life from the molecular level through
to organisms and their ecological interrelationships within their environments.
Identify the scientific application of biological principles in the modern world.
Describe and discuss genetic mechanisms and their interactions with an everchanging internal and external environment.
Define and recognize fundamental metabolic, reproductive and evolutionary
processes.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following are specific learning outcomes for the student taking this class:
 Describe and practice laboratory safety guidelines relating to working with chemicals,
microorganisms, body fluids and/or dissection.
 Define and correctly use scientific terminology in regard to biological organisms and
processes.
 Synthesize information, think critically and solve critical thinking problems; write clear,
well organized answers to assignments that demonstrate synthesis.
 Work well independently and show self-direction and motivation
 Understand and follow directions properly

Show proficiency in taking exams, by responding to questions quickly and
accurately, effectively handling the pressure of a timed exam.

Assess personal needs in regard to study time and methods, and accept personal
responsibility for the learning process.

Apply principles of scientific inquiry, differentiate a theory from a hypothesis, and
differentiate fact from opinion in regard to biological sciences.
 Assess and describe aspects of sustainability, including economic, societal and
environmental factors, especially in relation to biological systems.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
VI.
Course Information
a. Textbooks and Materials:
All materials can be purchased at the bookstore except the Short Guide to Writing About
Biology. However, there are some additional options listed below.

Biology – Raven & Johnson – also available online at the following:
http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/2406353/007729081X?__hdv=6.8
Biology – Raven and Johnson 9th Edition
ISBN: 978-0-07-353222-6
Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Biology Connects (LearnSmart) – This is bundled with new textbooks purchased at the
bookstore or may be purchased when you register online (see below).
When you are ready to register go to course tools -> McGraw Hill Higher Education and
register with a code, purchase with a debit card or purchase with a credit card. By
entering through the course in Blackboard you will be connected to the course
assignments.

Lab Manual – Author: Vodopovich and Moore 9th edition– available online at the
following:
http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/2406353/0077680588?__hdv=6.8
Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Chemistry for Biology Students - Author: George Sackheim Publisher:
Benjamin/Cummings

A Short Guide to Writing About Biology – Author: Pechenik – available online at
the following:
http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/2406353/9780205855858?__hdv=6.8
Publisher: Pearson

Microscope slides, cover slips, dissection kit and safety glasses for some labs; lab
coat/jacket or apron; and, calculator with scientific functions (does not need to be a
graphing calculator; a $19 scientific calculator is all you need)

The companion website for the textbook Biology student edition is at the following site:
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073532223/information_center_view0/
The site has a number of different areas that provide supplementary information
for each lecture. The biology prep center helps students assess knowledge in
critical topic areas such as chemistry, biology and mathematics that will support
success in this course. After working through the sections in this area students
will be able to target study time and create custom study plans.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
VII.
Instructor Support



Prof Gulden is available by phone, text, email or you can schedule an appointment. You
are encouraged to call the Instructor to discuss the material or any other items
concerning the course.
Email will be checked daily, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm CST.
Please note that if you send an email after those hours, it may not be addressed until the
following business day (Monday-Friday). This includes requests concerning exams or
online assignments. When you email please put your name, course and section number
in the subject line of the email. This helps the instructor identify emails that need
immediate attention. For example:
Guldenbio1224section21032098
VIII.
Safety policy: Students must wear goggles and protective gloves during designated labs. There
will be notice before these labs take place. Students not wearing goggles will not be allowed to
participate in the designated laboratory exercise. Lab coats are not required but an apron is
during some exercises.
IX.
Teaching Methods: Lecture, videos, interactive and lab exercises, seminars, research activities,
fieldtrips, and occasional guest speakers. The course material will be divided into units
representing closely related topics. Lecture will introduce the major concepts. Each student is
responsible for learning all assigned materials regardless of whether they are presented
through lecture or laboratory exercises. Lecture notes will be posted on blackboard.
Once each week students will participate in a Hands-On experience in the laboratory. Prior to
any class meeting, it is each student's responsibility to have read the appropriate assigned
material.
X.
ADA Policy: Students with special needs: Students with documented disabilities are provided
academic accommodations through the disAbled Student Resource Center or Resource Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If any student is in need of academic accommodations from
either office, it is the student’s responsibility to advise the instructor so an appropriate referral can
be made no later than the first week of class. Students may also contact the disabled Student
Services Offices directly. Academic Accommodations will not be provided unless appropriate
documentation is provided to the disAbled Student Services Offices to support the need.
XI.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call
(918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
XII.
Evaluation Techniques:



There will not be separate lab exams. Laboratory topics including applied activities will be
included in lecture exams. A laboratory practical will be part of the overall comprehensive
final exam at the end of the semester.
There will be 4 examinations, each worth 100 points and 1 final exam worth 150 points.
The number of tests may be changed at the Instructor’s discretion. The final exam will be
comprehensive and cover all concepts and materials discussed in class and lab (see above
concerning lab practical exam).
There will be 4 quizzes worth 10 points each and 4 short written assignments worth 20
points each.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus

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There will be one major group project to be assigned by the 4th week and due by the date set
out in the schedule. This project is worth 125 points. Details to be provided during the lecture
period.
There will be 10 laboratory reports required to be written up by the student following a
prescribed format and handed in one week after each lab is done. These are worth 80
points each.
There will be 14 LearnSmart Assignments each worth 30 points
Participation grades will be available for completion of all of the required work for the
week. This includes completion of laboratories. These are worth 5 points per week. Note
that there is no partial credit for participation.
A schedule of activities and requirements are set out in the schedule below.
XIII.
Make up policy:
 Lecture exams may not be made up.
 In the event that an exam is missed, the score on the next exam will be doubled. If the next
exam is the final exam the score of the previous exam will be doubled and substituted for the
missed exam. The same method will be used for missed quizzes.
 Only one quiz or exam may be made up during the semester. The student must inform the
instructor BEFORE the date of the exam or quiz if they are going to miss it. This may be done
by email or phone. If this is not done prior to the date of the exam or quiz then the student will
receive a zero and may not take advantage of the makeup policy.
XIV.
Assignment Presentation:
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All assignments are to be typed unless otherwise instructed.
There are computers with word processing software available to any TCC student with a
current ID. These are located in the General User Microcomputer Lab on all campuses.
All graphs must be generated using graphing software (e.g. excel).
NO HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
All work must be in a format that is supported by Microsoft Office unless directed otherwise
by the instructor.
When work is to be submitted through Blackboard only one file per submission is permitted
and may not be a jpg, odt, or wps file.
The IT helpdesk and Computer Lab Services are available to provide support to students and
help them with technology related questions.
XV.
Late Laboratory and Short Assignments:
 Due dates are provided for all assignments.
 Late assignments will only be accepted up until the following class period. At that time, the
assignment will lose 50% of the score.
 You may turn in assignments early.
XVI.
Cheating Policy: Anyone suspected of cheating runs the risk of failing the course. Anyone
caught cheating will automatically fail the assignment. Repeated attempts at cheating will result
in failing the course. Cheating does include plagiarism.
Plagiarism is claiming, indicating, or implying that the ideas, sentences, or words of another writer
are your own; it includes having another writer do work claimed to be your own, copying the work
of another and presenting it as your own, or following the work of another as a guide to ideas and
expression that are then presented as your own. Instructor reserves the right to assign a failing
grade at the end of the semester to any student who is seen cheating throughout the semester.
The instructor may or may not have a prior conference with the student.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
XVII.
Grades: All scores will be posted on Blackboard. Your semester grade will be based on your
total points earned at the end of the semester. (Take total earned and divide by total possible to
get percentage)
Lecture exams: 4 X 100 points
Lecture final exam (comprehensive)
Quizzes 4 X 10 points
Assignments 4 X 20
Major Project
Lab assignments: 10 X 80 points
LearnSmart 11 x 30 points
Participation 5 X 15
Total
90%
80%
70%
60%
- 100%
- 89%
- 79%
- 69%
<59%
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
400
150
40
80
125
800
330
75
2000
A
B
C
D
F
Exams and assignments will not be returned to students. A student may make an
appointment to look over their exams/assignment at any time before finals weeks. You
may also make copies of your assignments prior to turning them in.
XVIII.
Other Policies and Requirements:

Attendance Policy and Late Arrivals The likelihood of succeeding in this course without your
attendance is minimal. If you exceed more than 2 unplanned absences from classes without
contacting the instructor prior to the scheduled class you may be dropped from the class at the
instructor’s discretion. For late arrivals see Inappropriate Behavior in the Classroom below.

Announcements pertaining to course activities will be made at the beginning of lecture and
posted on Blackboard. The student is responsible for obtaining all information made
available during the meeting periods from other students if they do not attend. All
handouts, when possible, will be posted on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to acquire them.
Laboratory exercises, class presentations and fieldtrips cannot be made up.

Last day to withdraw: Make sure you note the date. It is the student’s responsibility to make
sure they withdraw. AW will not be given in lieu of forgetting to withdraw in time.

Cellular Phones and Pagers Turn them off during lecture and laboratory! If for some reason
you expect an emergency situation to arise, please turn off the ringer and take the call outside of
class. Please be respectful of other students. Cell phones MUST NOT ring or be answered
during laboratories or exams!

Internet Accessibility: All TCC students have access to computers and the Internet in the
General User Computer Labs on all four campuses. Public libraries are an additional location.

Inappropriate Behavior in the Classroom – Increasingly many students display inconsiderate
behavior towards the instructor and other students. This will not be tolerated. Initially the
instructor will speak to the student individually. If a change in behavior is not observed, the
student will be dropped from the class. Such behavior includes disruptive late arrivals
(repeated arrivals more than 7 minutes after a session begins without prior notification is
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
considered disruptive), excessive talking during lecture, repeated leaving and returning to the
room during lecture, repeated cell phone interruptions, and rudeness towards the instructor.

Changes in this Syllabus The policies and statements contained in this syllabus may be altered,
added to, or deleted at any time by the instructor of the class. This will be done by typed
supplements or amendments given to the student and/or posted on blackboard.

Course Withdrawal: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of
any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course
('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for deadlines.
Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of
“F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.

Communications:
a. Email communications: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course assignments
will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send email to,
and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
b. Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations. This
information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).

General Education Goals: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain
skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and
a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical
Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.

Classroom Etiquette: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs,
and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas
that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of any
electronic device (including computers, ipads and smartphones) is at the discretion of the
instructor.

Syllabus Changes: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be
notified of any changes to the syllabus in writing.

Students with Disabilities: TCC provides accommodations for qualifying students in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For information, students may contact the
disabled Student Resource Center, 918-595-7115, or the Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard
of Hearing, 918-595-7428V, 918-595-7434TTY.

Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others
about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not
condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa
Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to
the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the
dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty
a faculty member may:
o require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;
o Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
o Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;
o Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester.
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus

Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level
by submitting such request to the Dean of Student Services.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they understand the meaning of plagiarism,
how to avoid it and the consequences of any acts of plagiarism. Not understanding how to
properly cite materials or use citation format does not provide an excuse for academic
dishonesty.

Institutional Statement: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies & Resources Handbook, and semester
information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:
www.tulsacc.edu
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
FALL 2013 SCHEDULE OF READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS1
CLASS
Aug 23
First day
of class
Lecture
Laboratory & Assignments
ADDITIONAL READINGS, QUIZ, TEST &
Other Items


Syllabus
Standardized tests (e.g. MCAT,
NCLEX, DAT, PCAT)
RJ Chapter 1 - The Science of
Biology
RJ Chapter 2 – The Nature of
Molecules
Slides – Chapter 1 & 2
http://www.glencoe.com/sites
/common_assets/science/virtu
al_labs/grade6/E02/E02.html

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
Lab format & information
Intro to lab and safety
Numbers, math and
measurement, dimensional
analysis
LearnSmart 1
Dimensional Analysis
Worksheet (assignment)
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RJ Chapter 3 – Chemical
Building Blocks of Life
Chapter 3 slides
Writing in Biology
Lab 1 - Scientific Method
(see instructions with the
lab)
LearnSmart 2
http://www.glencoe.com/si
tes/common_assets/scienc
e/virtual_labs/grade6/E02/
E02.html
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CB- Functional Groups, 12,13,14,15
Participation
Blackboard Module Review 1
JP Section II
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 6 at 8:30am CST
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RJ Chapter 4 – Cell Structure
RJ Chapter 5 – Cell Membranes
Chapter 4 & 5 slides
Assign Major Project
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Lab 2 – Microscopy
http://www.udel.edu/biolo
gy/ketcham/microscope/sc
ope.html

Quiz 1 – CB 1,2,3,4,12,13,14,15; PC
1-6; Lab Safety
Participation
CB 8, 9, 16, 17, 18
Blackboard Module Review 2
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 13 at 8:30am CST

RJ Chapter 6 Energy &
Metabolism
Chapter 6 slides

Lab 3 – Cell Membrane;
Osmosis and Diffusion (see
instructions with the lab)
LearnSmart 3
Lab Bench (LB) Diffusion &
Osmosis
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
PC – Section II
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 20 at 8:30am CST
Major Project Assignment
Protein and Membrane
Films
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
Exam 1
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Sept 27 at 8:30am CST
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Aug 30
Sept 6
Sept 13
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Sept 20
EXAM 1 Chapter 1-6; CB 8,9; JP
Section I & II; Lab Scientific Method,
Microscopy
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Chem for Bio Students (CB) – 1,2,3, 4
Atoms, symbols, molecules
Participation
Pechenik (JP) – Section I
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Aug 30 at 8:30am CST
CB – Chemistry for Biology Students; RJ – Raven and Johnson; JP – Pechenik text; LB or Lab Bench can be
found at http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/ ; BIC or BioCoach can be found at
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/
1
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
CLASS
Sept 27
Lecture
Laboratory & Assignments
ADDITIONAL READINGS, QUIZ, TEST &
Other Items

Chapter 7 – How Cells Harvest
Energy
Chapter 8 - Photosynthesis
Chapter 7 & 8 slides


Chapter 10 – How Cells Divide
Chapter 11 – Sexual
Reproduction and Meiosis
Chapter 10 & 11 slides

Chapter 12- Patterns of
Inheritance
Chapter 13 - Chromosomes
Chapter 12 & 13 slides
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Oct 4
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Oct 11
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Oct 18
EXAM 2 Chapter 7,8,10,11,12,13;
Lab Mendelian Genetics
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Oct 25
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Nov 1
Nov 8
Chapter 14 – DNA
Chapter 15 – Genes
Chapter 16 – Control of Gene
Expression
Chapter 14, 15 & 16 slides
EXAM 3 Chapter 14,15,16
 Chapter 20 – Population
Genetics
Chapter 20 slides
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Chapters 21 - Evolution
Chapter 22 – Origin of the
Species
Chapter 24 – Genome
Evolution
Chapter 21, 22 & 24 slides
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Lab 4 – Photosynthesis and
Respiration (see
instructions with lab)
LearnSmart 4
Lab 5 – Enzymes and
Spectrophotometry (see
instructions with lab)
LearnSmart 5
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Quiz 2 –CB 16,17,18, Graphing,
Microscopy
BIC Meiosis, Mitosis
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 4 at 8:30am CST
BIC Mendelian Inheritance
LB Enzyme Catalysts
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 11 at 8:30am CST
Lab 6 – Meiosis & Mitosis;
Mendelian Genetics
LB Genetics of Organisms
LearnSmart 6

Lab7 – DNA Extraction (see
instructions with the lab)
Mendelian Genetics
Worksheet (Assignment see
Blackboard)
LearnSmart 7



Exam 2
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 25 at 8:30am CST
Lab 8 – Population Genetics
and Hardy Weinberg
Equations (see instructions
with the lab)
LB Population Genetics
LearnSmart 8


Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 1 at 8:30am CST
Lab 9 – Peppered Moth (see
instructions with the lab)
LearnSmart 9
LB Dissolved Oxygen



Exam 3
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 8 at 8:30am CST
Race for the Double Helix
Movie & Worksheet
(Assignment)
LearnSmart 10
LB Animal Behavior



Quiz 4 – Meiosis & Mitosis
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 15 at 8:30am CST



Quiz 3 – Lab Photosynthesis,
Respiration and Enzymes
BIC DNA & Gene to Protein I & II
Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Oct 18 at 8:30am CST
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Biology for Majors 1224
Tulsa Community College
Metro Campus
CLASS
Nov 15
Nov 22
Lecture
Laboratory & Assignments
ADDITIONAL READINGS, QUIZ, TEST &
Other Items
EXAM 4 Chapter 20,21,22,24; Lab
Hardy Weinberg
 Chapter 26 – Tree of Life

National Geographic Tree
of Life Film
HHMI Lecture – Evolution
Lecture Series
Project time
LearnSmart 11


Exam 4
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Nov 22 at 8:30am CST
Lab 10 – Human Evolution
Skull Examination
HHMI – Bones Stones and
Genes
Stickleback Assignment
Project time
LearnSmart 12


Participation
All items, including labs must be
submitted by Dec 6 at 8:30am CST




Chapter 56 – Individual &
Population Ecology
Chapter 57 – Community
Ecology
Chapter 58 – Ecosystems
Chapter 56, 57 & 58 slides
Nov 29
Thanksgiving Break
Dec 6
Major Presentations
Dec 9

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


Major Project
Presentations/Papers Due
FINALS & SEMESTER ENDS
FINAL EXAM – Includes all chapters and
laboratory work assigned
10