Department: Life Sciences (Biology)
Introductory Biology 1
SPRING, 2016
Biol. 1308
CRM# 91418
CRM# 92186
Course Location
And Times:
CRM# 92186
West Loop Center, Rm C142
Wednesday
2:00 PM-5:00 PM
CRM# 91418
West Loop Center, Rm C142
Monday
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Course Semester
Credit Hours:
3 Semester Credit Hours
Course Contact 48 total hours
Hours:
Course Length:
16 Weeks
Instruction Type: In-person Lecture
Professor:
Homer S. Black, Ph.D.
Contact Information:
Email:
homer.black@hccs.edu
Office/location/hours: West Loop, By appointment
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Learning Web
Life Sciences Department: http://learning.swc.hccs.edu/ HCC SW learning Web
In addition, there is a new Departmental resource website.
Textbook
Simon, Eric, Dickey, Jean, and Jane Reece. CAMPBELL ESSENTIAL BIOLOGY WITH PHYSIOLOGY, 4TH EDITION. Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2014, ISBN 10:1269-75336-3. There are special soft-bound issues designed specifically for the one semester HCCS course (HCCS Edition). This edition may be found in the Bookstore and this is the
required text. It may be possible to “rent” the text from the Bookstore. Important: You will be able to open an account with Pearson to access “Mastering Biology”, an on-line study
guide.
Useful Study and Test Taking Web Sites
http://www.studygs.net
http://www.how-to-study.com/
Course Description
This course is an introduction to biological chemistry, biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism, heredity, and molecular genetics.
Prerequisites:
Student must qualify to take GUST 0342 (or higher) in reading and ENGL 0310/0349 (or higher) in writing. Otherwise the basic intellectual competencies for core courses include
reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy.
BIOLOGY PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLO): This section defines the areas of study for which you will be responsible.
Program SLO #1 Describe scientific terminology and learn accurate use of as they apply to living organisms. To recognize, identify, and describe the basic structures and functions associated with
most life forms.
Program SLO #2 Define principles of living organisms including physical and chemical properties of life.
Program SLO #3 Understand physiologic function at the level of molecules and cells, including biological macromolecules, cellular organization, communication, and cell division. Understand
energy transformations and the metabolic reactions associated with cellular activities, such as the processes of glycolysis, fermentation, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.
Program SLO #4 –
Understand the molecular sequence of events involved in the flow and expression of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with special emphasis on the
understanding of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein biosynthesis.
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Program SLO #5 –
Understand the basic concepts of Mendelian genetics, perform and interpret genetic problems. Describe advances made in the understanding of chromosomes, genes, and nucleic
acids that form the basis of modern molecular genetics.
Program SLO #6 –
Apply scientific method by asking a question, observing, developing and testing an hypothesis by experiment, collecting and writing organized reports. Develop critical thinking
and distinguish theory from an hypothesis.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO):
The following Student Learning Outcomes with their associated assessment criteria are not meant to be all inclusive, and are meant to be used along with all other course learning
outcomes and assessment devices, listed under Course Objectives, in the determination of the student's final course grade. Completion of the specific Student Learning Outcomes
listed below, at any assessment grading level, does NOT and will NOT guarantee the student that final course grade at the end of the semester!
Bio 1308 SLO#1
The student will be able to recognize and describe, in scientific terminology, the basic structure and describe the function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular
organelles and cell systems.
PSLO #1
Bio 1308 SLO#2
The student will be able to define the physical and chemical principles and their manifestation in living organisms.
a.
the properties of elements, atoms, sub atomic particles.
b.
the attraction of chemical bonds
c.
the properties of molecules, compounds
d.
the nature of strong and weak chemical bonds, and how special properties are conveyed through polar attractions.
PSLO #2
Bio 1308 SLO#3
The student will be able to explain the synthesis and properties of
a.
carbohydrates
b.
lipids
c.
proteins
c.
nucleic acids
d.
Cell organization and the cell theory
e.
Understand energy transformation , e.g., fermentation, cellular metabolism, and photosynthesis
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f.
Understand the processes of asexual and sexual cell division
PSLO #3
Bio 1308 SLO#4
The student will understand the molecular sequence of events in the flow and expression of genetic information, in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
a.
transcription
b.
translation
PSLO #4
Bio 1308 SLO#5
The student will understand the basics of Mendelian genetics and modern molecular genetics.
a.
work problems involving dominance, recessiveness, co-dominance, and incomplete dominance.
b.
understand the principles of chance
c.
understand the principles and steps involved in constructing recombinant organisms in genetic engineering.
PSLO #5
Bio 1308 SLO#6
The student will demonstrate the ability to solve problems through the application of the scientific method.
Will develop those critical thinking skills that will allow the student to sift fact from fiction without being swayed by emotional testimony or political spin.
PSLO #6
Course Objectives
(Text pages 1- 234)
1. Introduce students to modern concepts of biology.
2. Introduce students to the chemical and molecular basis of life.
3. Introduce students to the intricate levels of molecular mechanisms that manifest life, i.e., respiration, photosynthesis, heredity.
Successful completion of this course should provide the student with a good introduction to biological sciences and a grasp of biological principles that will allow them to
function as knowledgeable and informed citizens in a Society that demands a greater sophistication in the modern sciences, particularly as they pertain to molecular
technology, forensic and judiciary matters, environmental, and medical issues.
CORE CURRICULUM STATEMENT: Lecture 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.
*General Course Content and Calender
Continued
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GENERAL COURSE SCHEDULE
Lecture and Exam
Week 1
First day of class – Class Organization.
Chap. 1, Introduction: Biology Today
Week 2
Chap. 2, Essential Chemistry for Biology
Week 3
Chap. 3, The Molecules of Life
Week 4
Chap. 4. A Tour of the Cell
Week 5
Exam I (Chaps 1-3): Chap. 5. The Working Cell
Week 6
Chap. 6. Cellular Respiration: Obtaining Energy from Food
Week 7
Chap. 7. Photosynthesis: Using Light to make Food
Week 8
Exam II (Chaps 4-6): Chap. 8. Cellular Reproduction: Cells from Cells
Week 9
Chap. 9, Patterns of Inheritance
Week 10
Spring Break
Week 11
Chap. 10. The Structure and Function of DNA
Week 12
Exam III (Chaps 7-9): Chap. 11. How Genes are Controlled
Week 13
Chap. 12. DNA Technology
Week 14
Instructional Pad
Week 15
Exam IV (Chaps 10-12), Course Overview and Review
Week 16--------------------Instruction Ends------- --------------------------------------------FINAL EXAMInstructor reserves the right to revise this schedule should it become necessary.
*See the Class schedule on the Learning Web for the topics (listed by chapter title) and specific dates that will be covered in this class.
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HCC Statement Policies:
Attendance Policy
Class attendance is required. The HCCS attendance policy is stated in the Schedule of Classes: “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. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has full authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A student may 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 2 classes for a 3 semester hour course, such as this one.
Last Day for Administrative and Student Withdrawals
If it should become necessary to do so, the student is responsible for filing a drop slip for the course by the last drop date to receive a grade of “W”, otherwise a grade of “F” will be
assigned. For 16 week Spring, 2016 classes, the last drop date is April 05. Please see me before taking this action. However, instructors will no longer be able to assign a “W” for you
after that date. You will receive the grade you earn, with no exceptions.
New Institutional Policy Students who repeat a course three or more times may 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.
International Students 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.
Disability Support Services (DSS)
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. Faculty is authorized
to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support
Services Office.
For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the Disability
Counselor at your college. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit
www.hccs.edu then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on
the words Disability Information.
District ADA Coordinator – Donna Price – 713.718.5165
Southwest ADA Counselor – Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910
Early Warning System You will be asked to provide a telephone number and E-mail address so that you may receive information regarding the type of learning resources and
services that are available to you. This information will also be used to direct students to our counselors if an early problem is detected. You may be contacted by an HCC
counselor, if needed. You may also call 713-718-7797.
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.
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TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, 20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 ET. SEQ.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have policies and procedures that protect students’ rights with regard to
sex/gender discrimination. Information regarding these rights are on the HCC website under Students-Anti-discrimination. Students who are pregnant
and require accommodations should contact any of the ADA Counselors for assistance.
It is important that every student understands and conforms to respectful behavior while at HCC. Sexual misconduct is not condoned and will be
addressed promptly. Know your rights and how to avoid these difficult situations.
Log in to: www.edurisksolutions.org . Sign in using your HCC student e-mail account, then go to the button at the top right that says Login and enter
your student number.
HCC Policy Statement – Sexual Harassment
It is a violation of HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance
Handbook 47).
HCC Policy Statement – Safe And Secure Learning Environment
It is the policy of HCC to provide a safe and secure environment within which learning can take place effectively. Accordingly, disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior in the
classroom will not be tolerated. Disruptive, threatening, or violent individuals will be asked to leave the classroom for that day. Failure to comply with this request may lead to
removal and/or arrest by the police. This is in addition to any college disciplinary action to which the individual might be liable.
Student Assessment:
Exams, Grading, and Make-up Policy
All examinations will be based upon a 100% score. Four examinations will be given during the course of the semester. The average of these exams will comprise 80% of the final
grade. A comprehensive Departmental Exit exam and the Instructors Final exam, to assess your achievement in the course of instruction, will be given at the scheduled Final Exam
date and the average of these exams will account for the remaining 20% of your final grade. The lecture exams are multiple choice, 50 questions each, and will be scored by
scantron. You must bring your own scantron answer card and a No.2 lead pencil with clean eraser to scheduled exams. There is no grading curve! However, there will be
additional bonus questions on the lecture exams that could enhance your test score by 10 points, an ultimately nearly a letter grade for the semester. Be sure to arrive early for all
scheduled exams as these have time limits. Entering and exiting lecture room is not permitted once exams have begun.
In general, there are no lecture make-up examinations. In some extreme instances (e.g., medically excused absence, death in immediate family) a make-up exam will be
administered and may take either oral or written format. All make-up examinations will have a maximum score of 90% (reduced by 10%) regardless of whether there was a valid
reason for missing the scheduled examination. There are no special assignments for extra grade points.
This course will adhere to the grading scale as set forth by the College, i.e.
A
B
C
D
F
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor, passing
Failing
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
below 60
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The grading scale is directly tied to the Assessment Rubrics that follow. These rubrics describe the level of performance required for each of the designated
areas with the respective grading scale.
ASSESSMENT RUBRICS
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I - BIOLOGY 1308
Performance Factors
F
1. Describe scientific
terminology and learn
accurate use of them in
living organisms
2. Define principles of living
organisms including
physical and chemical
properties of life.
3. Understand function at the
level of molecules and
cells, to include biological
macromolecules, cellular
organization,
communication, and cell
division.
Understand energy
transformations and the
metabolic reactions
associated with cellular
activities, such as the
processes of glycolysis,
fermentation, cellular
respiration, and
photosynthesis.
Unable to demonstrate
knowledge of scientific
terminology and its use in
living organisms.
Unable to demonstrate
knowledge of principles of
living organisms including
physical and chemical
properties of life.
Unable to explain function
at the level of biological
macromolecule and cell.
Unable to understand
energy transformations and
the metabolic reactions
associated with cellular
activities.
D
Rating Scale
C
Occasionally able to
demonstrate knowledge of
scientific terminology,
unable to demonstrate its use
in living organisms.
Occasionally able to
demonstrate knowledge of
principles of living
organisms , unable to
demonstrate physical and
chemical properties of life.
Occasionally able to
demonstrate knowledge of
scientific terminology,
and its partial use in living
organisms.
Occasionally able to
demonstrate knowledge of
principles of living
organisms and physical
and chemical properties of
life.
Able to explain function at
the level of biological
macromolecule,
Able to explain function at
the level of biological
macromolecule,
Able to explain the cellular
organization , but not
function
Able to explain the cellular
organization and function
of cell components
Unable to explain cell
division.
Able to explain cell
division.
Unable to explain energy
transformations
Unable to explain energy
transformations
Unable to explain the
metabolic reactions
Unable to explain the
metabolic reactions
B
Consistently able to
demonstrate knowledge of
scientific terminology,
and its partial use in
living organisms
Consistently able to
demonstrate knowledge of
principles of living
organisms and partial
knowledge of physical
and chemical properties
of life.
Able to explain the
function at the level of
molecules and cells, to
include biological
macromolecules, cellular
organization,
communication, and cell
division.
Able to explain energy
transformations.
Unable to explain the
metabolic reactions
associated with cellular
activities, such as the
A
Consistently able to
demonstrate knowledge of
scientific terminology, and its
complete use in living
organisms
Consistently able to
demonstrate knowledge of
principles of living organisms
and complete knowledge of
physical and chemical
properties of life.
Able to explain the function
at the level of molecules and
cells, to include biological
macromolecules, cellular
organization, communication,
and cell division.
Able to explain and apply the
knowledge of energy
transformations
Able to explain the metabolic
reactions associated with
cellular activities, such as the
processes of glycolysis,
fermentation, cellular
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4. Explain the molecular
sequence of events
involved in the flow and
expression of genetic
information in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells, with
special emphasis on the
understanding of DNA
replication, RNA
transcription, protein
biosynthesis and mutation.
Unable to explain the
molecular sequence of
events involved in the flow
and expression of genetic
information in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells, with
special emphasis on the
understanding of DNA
replication, RNA
transcription, protein
biosynthesis and mutation.
associated with cellular
activities.
associated with cellular
activities..
processes of glycolysis,
fermentation, cellular
respiration, and
photosynthesis.
respiration, and
photosynthesis.
.
Able to explain the
molecular sequence of
events involved in the flow
and expression of genetic
information in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells
Able to explain the
molecular sequence of
events involved in the flow
and expression of genetic
information in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells
Able to explain the
molecular sequence of
events involved in the
flow and expression of
genetic information in
prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells
Consistently able to explain
the molecular sequence of
events involved in the flow
and expression of genetic
information in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells
Able to explain the process
of DNA replication
Able to explain the process
of DNA replication and
RNA transcription.
Unable to explain RNA
transcription, protein
biosynthesis and mutation.
Unable to demonstrate
protein biosynthesis and
mutation.
Able to explain the
process of DNA
replication and RNA
transcription
Able to explain the process of
DNA replication and RNA
transcription , protein
biosynthesis and mutation.
Able to demonstrate
partial knowledge of
protein biosynthesis and
mutation.
Continued
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Performance Factors
Rating Scale
F
5. Understand basic
knowledge of Mendelian
genetics, perform and
interpret genetic problems.
Describe advances made in
the understanding of genes
and chromosomes since
Mendel.
6. Apply scientific method
of asking a question,
developing and testing
hypothesis by experiments,
collecting and writing
organized reports. Develop
critical thinking and
distinguish theory from a
hypothesis.
D
C
Unable to demonstrate
basic knowledge of
Mendelian genetics,
Unable to perform and
interpret genetic problems.
Unable to describe
advances made in the
understanding of genes and
chromosomes since
Mendel.
Able to demonstrate basic
knowledge of Mendelian
genetics,
Able to demonstrate basic
knowledge of Mendelian
genetics,
Unable to perform and
interpret genetic problems.
Less than 50% proficiency
in performing and
interpretation of genetic
problems.
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.
Unable to describe
advances made in the
understanding of genes and
chromosomes since
Mendel.
Able to describe advances
made in the understanding
of genes and chromosomes
since Mendel.
Consistently differentiates
between appropriate and
inappropriate experimental
design, but needs direction
to proceed to next step.
B
A
Consistently demonstrates
knowledge of Mendelian
genetics,
80% proficiency in
performing and
interpretation of genetic
problems.
Able to describe advances
made in the understanding
of genes and chromosomes
since Mendel.
Consistently demonstrates
knowledge of Mendelian
genetics,
100% proficiency in
performing and
interpretation of genetic
problems.
Able to describe advances
made in the understanding of
genes and chromosomes
since Mendel.
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.
Is able to distinguish theory
from hypothesis on their
own.
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time,
you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available
to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System
online near the end of the term.
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Log into the People Soft system. Enable pop-ups as Smarter Services site opens in a new window.
http://www.hccs.edu/EGLS3
*This syllabus constitutes a contract between the instructor or HCC, and the student. The provisions listed above may be changed at any time, either orally or by
timely written notification. However, examination and grading policies are firm for any given semester, unless extraordinary or emergency circumstances occur.
Your Grade Record
Extra Credit (1 pt ea)
Syllabus and class schedule
EGL3
EXAM I
EXAM II
EXAM
III
EXAM
IV
Avg FINALS
Total Exam Points/5 = Final Grade
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