Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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General Biology I
Spring 2015
Biol 1406 Crn#46260
Course location and
times:
Course semester
credit hours:
Course contact hours:
Course length:
Instruction type:
Stafford-Scarcella Center
Monday
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Crn#46260 Room W106
Wednesday
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Crn#46260 Room S102
4 Semester Credit hours
36 hrs lecture 36 hr lab
12 weeks
In-person, Lecture and Lab
Instructor:
Sehba A. Nasir, M.S.N.W, R.D.N., L.D.
Email address:
sehba.nasir@hccs.edu
Office location and
hours:
Before class (arrange a time) or by appointment.
Course Description:
This course includes a study of biological chemistry, biological processes, cellular
morphology, metabolism, genetics, and molecular biology. Biology 1406 is the first half
of a two-semester sequence that is intended specifically for life science majors. It will
satisfy the freshman biology requirements for biology majors, the pre-professional fields
and other allied health sciences, while satisfying the natural science requirement for
majors in most other fields as well.
You are spending a good deal of time, energy and money on this course – please, make
the most of your investment! It takes approximately 2-3 hours of study time for each
hour of class time to master the material.
Course Prerequisites:
One year of high school biology/high school chemistry is recommended.
Course Goals:
This course is intended for students majoring in one of the physical sciences or life
sciences, engineering, or for students who are pursuing pre-professional programs in
medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or other health programs. The
course is also beneficial to students who are preparing themselves for higher level
science courses in their respective curricula.
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Course Student Learning Outcomes:
PROGRAM LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Program SLO #1:
Will display an understanding of biological systems and evolutionary processes
spanning all ranges of biological complexity, including atoms, molecules, genes,
cells and organisms.
Program SLO #2:
Will integrate factual and conceptual information into an understanding of
scientific concepts by written, oral, and /or visual communication. This may
include successful completion if a course-specific research project or a case
study module.
Program SLO #3:
Will demonstrate proficiency and safe practices in the use of laboratory
equipment and basic laboratory techniques.
Program SLO #4:
Will apply principles of the scientific method to problems in the collection,
recording, quantitative measurement, analysis and reporting of scientific data.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR 1406:
SLO1: The student will be able to recognize the basic structure and describe the
function of eukaryotic cellular organelles and cell systems.
SLO2: Given a DNA or RNA base sequence, the student will be able to deduce:
a. the sequence of the complementary DNA strand
b. the sequence of the complementary messenger RNA strand
c. complementary codons and/or anticodons
d. the proper amino acid sequence in a peptide by using a supplied table of
genetic code.
SLO3: The student will be able to explain the synthesis and properties of:
a. carbohydrates
b. lipids
c. proteins
d. nucleic acids
SLO4: The student will be able to devise an experiment containing the proper
experimental test points along with proper positive and negative controls.
SLO5: The student will exhibit competence with bringing the bright field microscope into
focus.
SLO6: The student will develop the habit of reliable attendance by being absent
from class no more than four times per semester.
SLO7: The student will demonstrate punctuality in the submission of class assignments
on their due date.
Course Objectives:
1. To establish an understanding of the major historical events in biology and their
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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impact on science.
2. To describe basic cell structure, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, reproduction, and
genetics.
3. To demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of cellular inheritance.
4. To demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of molecular genetic technology.
5. To demonstrate skill in basic laboratory methodology, such as microscopy, and the
careful analysis of laboratory data and results.
Course Calendar:
Week
1
Date
Feb 16
Lecture
No Class
Date
Feb 18
2
Feb 23
Feb 25
3
Mar 2
Mar 4
Lab 3
4
Mar 9
Mar 11
5
6
Mar 16
Mar 23
Lab 4
Chap
Spring Break
Lab 5
Chap 11
7
Mar 30
8
April 6
9
April 13
10
April 20
11
April 27
12
13
May 4
May 11
MBio 1,2 Past Due
Chap ,3,4
MBio 3,4 Past Due
Exam 1 (1-4)
Chap 5,6
MBio 5,6 Past Due
Chap 7,8
Spring Break
MBio 7,8 Past Due
Exam 2 (5-8)
Chap 9,10
MBio 9,10,11 Past Due
Exam 3( 9-11)
Chap 12,13
MBio 12,13 Past Due
Chap 14,15
MBio 14,15 Past Due
Exam 4 (12-15)
Chap 16,17
MBio 16,17 Past Due
Chap18,19
MBio 18,19,20 Past Due
Exam 5 (16-20)
Review
Final
Laboratory Exercise
Lab 1
Chap 1,2
Lab 2
Mar 18
Mar 25
April 1
Lab 6, Lab Practicum I
April 8
Lab 7 , Lab 8
April 15
Lab 9, 10
April 22
April 29
Lab 11, Lab 12
Chap 20
Lab Practicum II
May 6
May 13
Review
Final
*MBio – Mastering Biology
*Note that your instructor reserves the right to change the schedule as needed at
any point during the course.
*Lecture may be included during lab sessions to clarify or detail concepts*
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Core Curriculum Statement:
Lecture exams, laboratory practical exams, and class activities will enhance the learning
process by giving the student the opportunity to demonstrate the basic intellectual
competencies of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and showing critical thinking and
problem solving ability.
Instruction Methods:
The primary focus of the course will be on instructor lectures including Power points,
group activities and assigned textbook readings. Lecture material will correspond to the
topics covered in the required textbook. Topics and concepts covered during lecture or
included in the assigned reading will be included in exams with the techniques utilized in
the study of morphological, metabolic, and molecular characteristics. Lecture exams,
laboratory practicals and class activities will also enhance the learning process by giving
you the opportunity to demonstrate the basic intellectual competencies of reading,
writing, speaking, listening, and showing critical thinking and problem solving ability.
Obey all lab safety rules in your lab manual!! The instructor is not responsible for
injury to the student or for damage to the lab or equipment due to violation of lab
safety rules!!
Grades and Exams
HCC Grading
Scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = less than 60%
Grade Calculation
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4
Exam 5
Drop Lowest Exam
Department Final
All Laboratory Reports
Lab Practical I
Lab Practical II
Mastering Biology
Total Score
Lecture Exams
Final
100
100
100
100
100
-100
200
100
100
100
100
1000
% of Grades
40%
20%
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Lab Practical
Lab Reports
Mastering Biology
Total
20%
10%
10%
100%
Lab Reports:
In addition, all of the laboratory reports, will serve as an
additional major exam grade. Lab reports are due the next
laboratory session, or on a due date announced by the
instructor. LAB REPORTS ARE DUE BY FIVE MINUTES
AFTER THE START HOUR OF CLASS!! IF HANDED IN
LATE ON THE DUE DATE, OR WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE
DUE DATE, the laboratory exercise(s) will receive one half
credit, and will be returned to the student uncorrected by the
instructor!! LAB REPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER THE DUE DATE!!
Absence upon the due date or the lab performance date is not
a valid excuse for late laboratory exercises.
Student Assessments:
During the semester there will be FIVE lecture exams, a final
comprehensive lecture exam and two laboratory practical
exams. The lowest regular lecture exam grade will be
dropped. The lecture examinations are primarily objective in
nature: i.e. multiple choices. In addition, each regular
semester lecture exam may consist of subjective (written)
material. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP EXAMS IN THIS
COURSE!!! A missed regular lecture exam will be considered
to be the dropped lecture exam for the semester. There will be
no makeup exams given for laboratory practicals. A firm grade
of zero is recorded for a missed laboratory practical exam,
without recourse. The comprehensive final is mandatory.
Failure to take the comprehensive final will result in the
firm course grade of “F”, regardless of the student’s
course average from other exam events.
All exam sheets and Scantron forms will be collected as a
permanent record of the student’s performance – no exam
material will be kept by the student. STUDENTS MUST
PROVIDE THEIR OWN SCANTRON
Quizzes will be given online through Mastering Biology or in
class. Quizzes may announced or unannounced.
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Instructional Materials:
Textbook
Campbell BIOLOGY: 10th Edition by Jane B. Reece et al.
HCC custom edition available at the bookstore as volume 1.
Laboratory Manual:
Biology 1406, Laboratory manual. HCCS-Southwest, Dept. of
Life Sciences.
Mastering Biology:
The Mastering platform is an online tutorial, homework, and
assessment system for the sciences. The course ID is
biology26856.
If the student wishes to purchase only the access code online
on mastering biology site it is available for $50 (incase you are
using a used book). The cost for ebook with access code is
$100. It is best for students to purchase the new book from the
bookstore.
Online Homework Assignments;
There will be mandatory online homework assignment on
the Mastering Biology site (www.pearsonmastering.com ).
Each student is responsible for registering on the mastering
biology website using an access code. The access code
comes with the new book. The information regarding the
access code will be given to you. The homework
assignments will be graded and will contribute to 10% of
the final grade. The due dates for the assignments will not
be extended.
Additional Student Resources:
Lab content: HCC Biology Lab Pages
http://goo.gl/mHeokc
•Electronic flashcards: Quizlet
http://goo.gl/r7GcOC
•Lecture content: Crash Course Biology
http://goo.gl/svyCk
Free tutoring
You can check the tutoring and open lab. schedule at
http://learning.swc.hccs.edu
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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HCC Policy Statement:
ADA
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical,
learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to
arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
Disability Services Office at the respective college at the
beginning of each semester. Instructors are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Services Office. If you have any special needs or
disabilities that may affect your ability to succeed in college
classes or participate in any college programs or activities,
please contact the DSS office for assistance. At Southwest
College, contact:
Dr. Becky Hauri
5407 Gulfton
Houston, Texas 77081
Phone: 713-718-7909
Fax: 713-718-7781
TTY: 713-718-7909
HCC Policy Statement:
Academic Honesty
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with
honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements.
Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by the college
system against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
Penalties can include a grade of "0" or "F" on the particular
assignment, failure in the course, academic probation, or even
dismissal from the college. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but
is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
HCC Policy Statement:
Student attendance, 3peaters, withdrawal
deadline
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students
are responsible for materials covered during their absences,
and it is the student's responsibility to consult with instructors
for make-up assignments.
Instructors check class attendance daily. A student may but
not necessarily be dropped from a course for excessive
absences after the student has accumulated absences in
excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture
and laboratory time). Note that 12.5% is approximately 4
classes or labs for a 4-semester hour course.
Habitual tardiness will not be tolerated. Students are
expected to be in attendance for the entirety of the scheduled
class and are responsible for completing assignments
scheduled during their absence/s. It is the responsibility of
each student to amend their professional/personal schedule to
meet the class schedule
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Repeaters
Students who repeat a course for a third or more times may
soon face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other
Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your
instructor / counselor about opportunities for tutoring / other
assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are
not receiving passing grades.
Withdrawals
Withdrawal from the course after the official day of record (see
current catalog) will result in a final grade of “W” on the
student transcript and no credit will be awarded. It is the
student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a request for
withdrawal from any course. Students will be required to
formally request a drop from their instructors prior to the
administrative drop date deadline. Abandoning the course or
failing to formally drop, will result in a grade being given based
on the work completed for the entire course (including missed
exams).
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on
students who drop courses excessively. For example, if you
repeat the same course more than twice, you have to pay
extra tuition. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature
passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more
than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
Receiving a "W" in a course may affect the status of your
student Visa. Once a W is given for the course, it will not be
changed to an F because of the visa consideration. Please
contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you
have any questions about your visa status and other transfer
issues
Instructor’s Requirements:
Basic requirements
Students should be on time for class and be prepared (having read and studied the
assignments) with required materials including textbook and project manuals. Full class
attendance is required. Full attention during lecture is required. No food or drink is
allowed in the classroom.
Phones/electronic devices
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Absolutely no phone or other personal electronic devices are to be used during class.
This includes making or taking a call, reviewing messages, texting, playing games,
checking email, surfing the web, anything that involves a phone or other personal
electronic device. If your work or family situation requires that you be available via
phone, your phone can be on vibrate mode and you can take the call during our regular
scheduled breaks or you can exit the class to review the call. Notify your friends, family,
employers, and anyone else who regularly contacts you that you will be in class and that
you should be contacted only when necessary. The taking of calls during class is not
only disruptive but it is also discourteous to classmates and the instructor. The student
will get a warning for disruptive behavior and if it continues, the student will be asked to
leave the classroom.
If you exit the classroom to take a call, please take your books and other belongings with
you so that if class is over before your call is done, you can leave the building after your
call. The instructor will not stay after class is dismissed to watch your belongings.
Testing procedures
Students must adhere to testing schedule. There will be no make-up exams and final
exams and laboratory exams are mandatory. One lecture exam out of the six will be
dropped for the final computation. If you miss one lecture exam, it will be counted as a
dropped exam. Please note: All students are required to take the final exam. Failure to
take the final exam will result in an “F‟ grade.
Be sure to arrive early for your examinations. There are time limits for exams. You will
not be given extended time for testing if you arrive late.
Entering and exiting the classroom is not permitted once exams have begun. Please be
sure to use the bathroom before or after.
Department Guidelines:
Students are expected to conduct themselves as adults. This includes courteous and
respectful behavior towards instructor and classmates. Disruptive behavior or any
behavior that interferes with any educational activity being performed by the instructor
will not be allowed. Additionally, no student may interfere with his/her fellow students’
right to pursue their academic goals to the fullest in an atmosphere appropriate to a
community of scholars. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the class.
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Biology 1406
Acknowledgement Page
I acknowledge that I have read the syllabus for Biology 1406 and understand the
course objectives, testing schedule, grading rubric, and requirements necessary
to succeed in this class.
Name:
Email:
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Assessment Rubrics General Biology I – BIOLOGY 1406
Performance Factors
1] The student will be
able to recognize the
basic structure and
describe the function
of eukaryotic cellular
organelles and cell
systems.
F
Unable to demonstrate
knowledge of shape,
structure, or function
D
Occasionally able to
demonstrate
knowledge of shape
Rating Scale
C
Occasionally able to
demonstrate
knowledge of shape
of most eukaryotic
cellular organelles.
Unable to correlate
organelles with their
cell systems.
and structure, or
function of a few
eukaryotic cellular
organelles and cell
systems.
and structure, or
function of most
eukaryotic cellular
organelles and cell
systems.
B
Consistently able to
demonstrate
knowledge of shape,
A
Consistently able to
demonstrate
knowledge of shape,
structure, and function
of most eukaryotic
cellular organelles and
cell systems.
structure, and function
of all eukaryotic
cellular organelles and
cell systems
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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2] Given a DNA or
RNA base sequence,
the student will be able
to deduce:
a. the sequence of
the complementary
DNA strand
b. the sequence of the
complementary
messenger RNA strand
Unable to demonstrate
knowledge of base
pairing rules. Unable
to demonstrate the
ability to perform
replication and
transcription and
translation, by
scenario.
Able to demonstrate
knowledge of base
pairing rules for DNA
only. Able to
demonstrate the ability
to perform replication
by scenario. Unable to
demonstrate the ability
to perform
transcription or
translation, by
scenario.
Able to demonstrate
knowledge of base
pairing rules for both
DNA and RNA. Able
to demonstrate the
ability to perform
replication and
transcription OR
translation, by
scenario.
Able to demonstrate
knowledge of base
pairing rules for both
DNA and RNA. Able
to demonstrate the
ability to perform
replication and
transcription AND
translation, by
scenario.
Able to demonstrate
knowledge of base
pairing rules for both
DNA and RNA. Able
to demonstrate the
ability to perform
replication and
transcription AND
translation, by
scenario without error.
c. complementary
codons and/or
anticodons
d. the proper amino
acid sequence in a
peptide by using a
supplied table of
genetic code.
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Performance Factors
3] The student will be
able to explain the
synthesis and
properties of
a. carbohydrates
Rating Scale
F
Unable to explain both
the synthesis of
polymers and the
properties of any class
of biological
D
Able to explain the
synthesis of polymers,
and the properties of
any one class of
biological
C
Able to explain the
synthesis of polymers,
and the properties of
any two classes of
biological
B
Able to explain the
synthesis of polymers,
and the properties of
any three classes of
biological
A
Able to explain the
synthesis of polymers,
and the properties of
all four classes of
biological
macromolecule.
macromolecule.
macromolecules.
macromolecules.
macromolecules.
Consistently cannot
differentiate between
appropriate and
inappropriate
experimental design,
in practice or by
scenario.
Occasionally
differentiates between
appropriate and
inappropriate
experimental design,
but needs direction to
proceed to next step.
Consistently
differentiates between
appropriate and
inappropriate
experimental design,
but needs direction to
proceed to next step.
Consistently
differentiates between
appropriate and
inappropriate
experimental design.
Attempts to perform
some appropriate
corrective action or
explain some
appropriate action;
needs some
assistance from
instructor.
Consistently
differentiates between
appropriate and
inappropriate
experimental design.
Takes appropriate
steps or explains
appropriate steps
independently and
correctly.
b. lipids
c. proteins
d. nucleic acids
4] The student will be
able to devise an
experiment containing
the proper
experimental test
points along with
proper positive and
negative controls.
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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Performance Factors
5] The student will
exhibit competence
with bringing the
brightfield microscope
into focus.
Rating Scale
F
Consistently unable to
find the specimen on
the microscope slide,
and consistently
unable to focus a
microscope without
the instructor’s help.
D
Occasionally able to
find the specimen on
the microscope slide,
but consistently unable
to focus without the
instructor’s help
C
Occasionally able to
find the specimen on
the microscope slide,
and occasionally able
to focus without the
instructor’s help
B
Consistently able to
find the specimen on
the microscope slide,
and occasionally able
to focus without the
instructor’s help
A
Consistently able to
find the specimen on
the microscope slide,
and consistently able
to focus without the
instructor’s help
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Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
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6] The student will
develop the habit of
reliable attendance by
being absent from
class no more than
four times per
semester.
Is absent frequently
enough to interfere
with instruction and
the completion of the
course objectives,
and/or is frequently
not where he/she is
expected to be.
Infracts the HCC
attendance policies.
When absent, is never
aware of the
schedule for the day
upon return, and
must be reminded or
encouraged to
complete objectives
missed during the
absence. Is
occasionally not where
he/she is expected to
be.
When absent, is only
occasionally unaware
of the schedule for the
day upon return.
Completes objectives
missed during the
absence only with the
help of the instructor
and/or classmates,
and is where he/she is
expected to be at all
times.
When absent,
independently or with
little help completes
objectives missed
during the absence.
Always aware of the
schedule for the day,
and is where he/she
is expected to be at
all times.
Is never absent, always
aware of the schedule
for the day, and is
where he/she is
expected to be at all
times. Consistently
and willingly follows
HCC attendance
policies without being
reminded.
7] The student will
demonstrate
punctuality in the
submission of class
assignments on their
due date.
Is tardy at turn-in
frequently enough to
interfere with class
instruction. Submits
assignments two or
more weeks late, or
ignores
assignments.
Is tardy at turn-in
frequently enough to
interfere with class
instruction or submits
assignments no more
than one week late.
Is occasionally a few
minutes late for
assignment turn-in.
submits assignments
no more than one day
late.
Is rarely late for
assignment turn-in.
Submits
assignments late, but
on the due date.
Is consistently on time
for assignment turn-in.
Always submits
assignments on the
due date.
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