TENTATIVE COURSE SYLLABUS
BIOLOGY 1406
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Raynard Cockrell
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Biology 1406 the first of the two-semester General Biology courses. An integrated
approach to the study of basic biological principles which are presented through the hierarchy of living systems.
Three hours of lecture per week.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1.
To understand the basic principles and laws governing the processes of life and contribute to the general
education of students by enabling them to understand natural phenomena and to appreciate important
scientific discoveries resulting from the application of the scientific method.
2.
To introduce students to basic biological principles and life processes and to relate such information toward
an improved understanding of man, society and the universe
3.
To provide students with knowledge that will serve as a foundation for further scientific study.
REQUIRED TEXT: Biology, 9th Edition, by Neil A. Campbell and Jane B, Reece. Pearson/Benjamin
Cummmings. San Francisco CA.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Students should be present at all class meetings. Regular class attendance is
necessary for successful completion of the course. In addition, each student is required to
purchase a textbook and to have it present with him at each class meeting. There are no specific
prerequisites for this course.
EVALUATION METHOD: Each exam will be worth 100 points and will be administered during the course.
There will be regular exams during the course of the semester and a final exam to be administered during finals
week. The date of the final will be announced toward the end of the semester. The final grade will be determined by
averaging the scores from all exams. All exams must
be taken at the time indicated by the
instructor.
Any missed exam will be graded as zero unless excused. A request for excuse must:
•Be made IN WRITING to the instructor within TWO DAYS after the missed exam
•Be explained in detail the reasons why it was missed
•Be accompanied by written external documentation (from doctor, court, coach etc.)
The instructor will decide whether a request for excuse will be granted.
Tentative Grading Scale:
97 - 100
91 - 96
89 - 90
87 - 88
A+
A
AB+
81 - 86 B
79 - 80 B77 - 78 C+
71 - 76 C
58 & Below F
69 - 70
67 - 68
61 - 66
59 - 60
CD+
D
D-
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
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.
BIO 1406
TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
Week
Topic
Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life
The Chemical Context of Life
Water and the Fitness of the Environment
Chapters
1
2
3
EXAM I
1,2,3
Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
The Structure and Function of Macromolecules
A Tour of the Cell
4
5
6
EXAM II
4,5,6
Membrane Structure and Function
An Introduction to Metabolism
7
8
EXAM III
7, 8
Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
9
10
EXAM IV
9,10
The Cell Cycle
Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Mendel and the Gene Idea
12
13
14
EXAM V
12, 13, 14
The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
From Gene to Protein
15
16
17
FINAL EXAM (Department Issued)
ALL CHAPTERS
Tentative Date