Biology, Natural Science
Southeast College
BIOL 1406 – General Biology I
CRN 82297 - Southeast (Eastside) Campus
– Summer Term (June 4 to July 6, 2012)
Laboratory - FM Building, Room 218 | 7:45 am – 12:30 pm | Mon/Wed
Lecture - FM Building, Room 314 | 7:45 am – 12:30 pm | Tue/Thu
4 credit course / 19 hr per week / 5 weeks / 90 hr per term
Instructor: Joseph Dasso, MD, PhD
Instructor Contact Information:
Phone: 713-718-7056 (leave message with Maria Vasquez)
Email: joseph.dasso@hcc.edu
Office location and hours: I will be available 30 minutes after class Tuesdays and
Thursdays if you wish to meet with me.
If this time is not good for you, make an appointment to see me. As I do not have an office, check with the receptionist at the front desk of the Felix Morales campus as to where to find me. Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance .
Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics.
Course Description
BIOL 1406 –is the first of a two part General Biology course. The main objective of this course is to give you the basic knowledge of biological chemistry, the cell, metabolism, genetics, viruses and molecular biology. Only one of BIOL 1406 or BIOL 1308 will count as a Natural Science core course.
This course incorporates the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy.
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 concurrently) and be placed into college-level writing (or take DNGL 0310/0349 concurrently)
Note : The instructor reserves the right to make changes in this syllabus to accommodate unforeseen curcumstances. You will be informed of these changes within a reasonable time period.

Biol 2401 – page 2
Week/Date
Five Week Calendar
Topic/Textbook Chapter(s) Lab Exercises
June 4/5
Mon/Tue
June 6/7
Wed/Thu
June 11/12
Mon/Tue
June 13/14
Wed/Thu
June 18/19
Mon/Tue
June 20/21
Wed/Thu
June 25/26
Mon/Tue
June 27/28
Wed/Thu
July 2/3
Mon/Tue
Intro to Course
Ch 1 Themes in the Study of Life
Ch 2 Chemistry of Life
Ch 3 Water and Life
Ch 4 Carbon and Molecular Diversity
Ch 5 Large Biological Molecules
Ch 6 Tour of the Cell
Ch 6 Tour of the Cell
Ch 7 Membranes
Ch 8 Intro to Metabolism
Lecture exam 1
Ch 9 Cellular Respiration
Ch 10 Photosynthesis
Ch 10 Photosynthesis
Ch 11 Cell Communication
Ch 12 The Cell Cycle
Lecture exam 2
Ch 13 Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Ch 14 Mendel and the Gene
Ch 14 Mendel and the Gene
Ch 15 Chromosomal Inheritance
Ch 16 Molecular Inheritance
Lecture exam 3
Ch 17 From Gene to Protein
Ch 18 Regulation of Gene Expression
Ch 18 Regulation of Gene Expression
Ch 19 Viruses
Ch 20/21 Biotechnology/Genomes
Lab Safety
Ex 1 Basic Chemistry
Ex 4 The Microscope
Ex 2 Properties of Water
Lab Exam 1
Ex 3 Biochemistry
Ex 5 Cell Structure
Ex 6 Diffusion & Osmosis
Lab Exam 2
Ex 7 Enzymes
Ex 8 Respiration
Ex 9 Photosynthesis
Lab Exam 3
Ex 10 Cell Division
Ex 11 Genetics
Ex 12 DNA to Protein
Final Lab Exam
July 4 Wed
July 5, Thu
7:45 am
HOLIDAY
Final Lecture Exam
HOLIDAY
Important Dates: June 5 Last day for drop/add/swap
June 25 Last day for withdrawals
Instructional Materials
TEXT : Reece, Jane; Urry, Lisa; Cain, Michael; Wasserman, Steven; Minorsky, Peter,
Jackson, Robert (2011). Campbell Biology, 9 th ed. (Custom Edition for Houston
Community College). San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings.
LAB MANUAL: Loesch, Tom; Mishra, Jasleen; Palmer, Wiliam; Sawant, Leena;
Schwartz, David; Shah, Nimish; Wiersema, Donna (2011). Biology 1406 Laboratory
Manual , Houston Community College . Eden Prairie, MN: Bluedoor, LLC.

Biol 2401 – page 3
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Define biological basic terminology and describe basic concepts. Example: define a chloroplast and describe the process of photosynthesis.
2. Describe the interrelationship between different basic concepts. Example: compare/contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
3. Apply basic biological principles to solve problems. Example: apply laws of probability to predict the results of genetic crosses.
4. Evaluate the evidence for contrasting hypotheses and conclusions. Example: evaluate the safety and environmental concerns of genetically-modified organisms.
5. Develop basic biological laboratory and science process skills. Examples: demonstrate proficiency using a microscope, and recording and analyzing data.
Student Learning Objectives
1. Acquire a basic understanding of key biological terminology and concepts and ability to apply this knowledge throughout life.
2. Gain a greater appreciation for learning general biology and knowledge of the career pathways available to students with a degrees in the biological sciences.
3. Improve your core intellectual competency skills, and ability to learn, apply, and evaluate much information in a science course.
Instructional Methods
In order to achieve these objectives, I expected that you will read the assigned chapters of the textbook and laboratory manual, review this material and the class notes between each class, be attentive and participate in class activities, and do all assignments.
I do not merely lecture as this is not the most effective teaching method. Rather, I ask many questions to keep your mind engaged in the subject and assess whether you understand what I am teaching. Anatomy and Physiology is a challenging subject. It takes consistent, dedicated effort to do well. As for my teaching philosophy, I use the analogy of a high jumper trying to clear the bar at a certain height. My job is to help you leap over the bar, not by lowering the standards, but by training you to jump higher. Just as a track and field coach wants the athlete to clear the bar, I want you to be successful in this class. And just as a successful athlete needs to train consistently and intensely, you will need to study regularly and effectively to achieve your potential for success in this class.
Student Assignments:
Research Paper on controversial topic
Choose a controversial topics in biology among a list that will be given to you. Research two contrasting viewpoints of the controversy and present your viewpoint of the controversy based on evidence cited.
Other Assignments
May include an oral presentation, and/or written responses such as to questions.

Biol 2401 – page 4
Lecture Exams
Will consist of questions involving multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank and short answer.
Laboratory Exams
Will be based on the laboratory exercises in the lab manual. The format may be similar to that of the lecture exams.
Final Exam
Will be similar to the other lecture exams but it will be worth 50% more than a single lecture exam.
Grading
Your instructor will conduct assessments to determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor would like to discuss this with you and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus, such as the Tutoring Center that will improve your performance.
Components of Grade
Lecture Exams (3x100)
Final Lecture Exam
Lab Exam (3x50)
Final Lab Exam (10x10)
Lab Exercises (10x12)
Lecture Quizzes (10x4)
Lab Quizzes (10x4)
Research paper
Other Assignments
Total
Points
300
150
150
75
120
40
40
75
Percentage
30
15
15
7.5
12
4
4
7.5
50 5
1000 100
Grading Scale
90
– 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
Below 60% = F

Biol 2401 – page 5
Rules and Regulations
1. The textbook and lab manual are required.
2. Full class attendance is required. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. More than three unexcused absences may result in an administrative withdrawal. You are responsible for everything taught during your absence.
3. You are expected to be attentive in class and participate in discussions. Being off task for a significant period of time, such as by napping, talking to your peers, or engaged with an electronic device will not be tolerated.
4. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in silent mode during class.
5. Everyone must be officially registered in order to attend class. Anyone who is not registered, including children, are not allowed in class.
6. Smoking is not allowed in class.
7. Your must read and sign the laboratory safety rules
8. All exams must be taken at the required time. If you miss an exam, you will not be allowed to make it up except for an emergency situation. Your instructor will determine whether an absence qualifies as a legitimate emergency.
9. If you are late for a lecture exam, you will be allowed to take the exam as long as no student has completed the exam and left the room. You will only get the remaining time to complete the exam.
10. If you are late for a lab exam, you will not be allowed to take the portion of the exam that you missed.
11. Grades will not be posted anytime during the semester. You will receive your final grade at the end of the semester on-line. Proper identification is required to receive the final grade. HCC System Office will mail the transcripts to you after the information has been entered in the computer.
12. Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to Jetted Lott at 713-718-7218 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations by the
Disability Support Service Office.
13. HCC policy on academic honesty will be strictly enforced. Students who are found cheating will receive a zero for the exam, assignment or a failing grade.
14. If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw prior to the final date for withdrawal. Before you withdraw from the course, you must contact a HCC counselor or you instructor for approval prior to withdrawing from the class. Allow a 24 hr response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with an instructor or counselor; do not submit a withdrawal request less than a day before the withdrawal deadline. Please discuss with your instructor about opportunities for tutoring or other assistance if you are not receiving passing grades. 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
15. Students who repeat a course three or more times may face significant tuition fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities.

Biol 2401 – page 6
16. Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments until final grades are posted.
17. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you have a question or problem.
Learning Resources
1. A textbook is available in the reserve section of the library.
2. The computer lab is available to access on-line information related to anatomy and physiology, and other courses.
3. Free tutoring is available Monday through Thursday in the Felix Morales Building,
Room 203. Call 713-718-2694 for hours and other information.
4. Contact your instructor for assistance during office hours, or make an appointment. You can also correspond by email at joseph.dasso@hccs.edu.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER TERM!