BIOL 1407 CRN 54800 – GENERAL BIOLOGY II (Fall 2011)
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Michael Sanregret (email: michael.sanregret@hccs.edu)
COURSE OBJECTIVES: To learn biological concepts on the levels of tissues, organs, systems, organisms,
and populations. The course will cover in three general segments: evolution, taxonomic diversity, and
animal anatomy and physiology.
Students will construct an understanding of biological concepts by participating in lab activities, online
discussions, and by completing an oral presentation on a topic of their choice. Students comprehension of
biological concepts will be assessed by Mastering Biology homework assignments and lecture and lab
exams.
TEXT BOOKS:
Lecture: Biology, Campbell, Neil, Reece, Jane 9th edition, Pierson Benjamin Cummings, 2011. The portion
of this book used for BIOL 1407 is sold separately as Volume II though the HCC bookstore.
The Campbell text comes with access to the website Mastering Biology. Use of this website is a required
activity and will included graded homeworks.
Lab: General Biology II Lab Manual: A Hands-on Experience, 1st edition, ed. Wagle and Turell, 2010.
Note that different HCC campuses use different lab manuals, so make sure you get this one.
EAGLE ONLINE/MOODLE: All of the important documents for the course and other study aids will be
made available on the EAGLE ONLINE/MOODLE. More information will be given on this later.
Try to check the Eagle Online/Moodle each day, since there may be important announcements about the
course.
TIME AND LOCATION: Lab: M 8:30-11:30 in LHSB 316
Lab: W 8:30-11:30 in LHSB 315
GRADING: Grades will be determined by the following items:
Four lecture exams (100 points each)
Two lab practical exams (100 points each)
Mastering Biology homework (100 points total)
Lab participation (5 pts per lab)
One library research presentation (50 points)
Lecture attendance (2 points per each lecture period)
Eagle Online participation (5 points per discussion topic)
One cumulative final exam (150 points)
Your lowest exam grade (whether lecture or lab) will be dropped. The cumulative final exam
grade will never be dropped as a low grade, although you may gain an exemption from the final exam.
Your final percent grade will be calculated as your total points divided by the total possible times 100%.
Your final letter grade will be determined by your final percent grade as follows:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
<60% = F
EXAMS: Lecture exams will test your knowledge and understanding of concepts learned in lecture or in
class activities during lecture. The format will be multiple choice. On the day of a lecture exam, you will
be given a one hour period to complete the exam. After a break, we will start the next section of lecture
material.
Lab practical exams test your understanding and recognition of specimens and concepts studied
during the lab sections. Exam questions will vary in format. Multiple choice, fill in the blank, short
answer, and short essay are all possible question formats.
You get to drop the one lowest of the six exam grades (lecture or lab).
The final exam will be cumulative. You will be exempted from the final exam if your grade
average before the final exam is 92.0% or higher (with the lowest exam grade dropped). Naturally, if you
are exempt from the final exam this also means you get an A in the course.
After exams are graded they will be returned and we will review the answers. After the review,
you must return your exam question sheet to me (you may keep the scantron answer sheet). If you wish to
see an exam question sheet at a later point ask me I will make it available to you.
THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO MAKE UP EXAMS! If you miss one exam, it counts as your
dropped grade. If you miss a second exam for a serious reason, accommodations may be made.
MASTERING BIOLOGY HOWEWORK: You will be given a number of Mastering Biology homework
assignments during the semester, at times to be announced. These assignments must be completed online
at http://www.masteringbiology.com. You are required to buy the Campbell Biology textbook and and the
code that allows you to log in to the website. These assignments are based on chapters of the textbook and
will complement what is covered in class. The assignments will cover recently studied in class, and should
help you to comprehend the material. The procedures for logging in to the website will be discussed in
class.
PRESENTATION: You will research a topic within the discipline of biology and give a four to six minute
presentation near the end of the semester. The topic will be chosen by you, but you can check with me to
make sure it is appropriate. During the lab period of Oct 24th, we will go to the library to learn about
researching academic subjects. You will also be expected to have an intended topic by that date. I want to
avoid multiple students presenting on the same topic, so submit your topic early over email if you want to
claim a topic as your own. You should have at least three references and use at least one visual aid.
LAB PARTICIPATION: When you complete each lab, I will give you an oral quiz to see how well you
learned the material. If you fail to answer all of the questions correctly (i.e. a grade of 5/5), you may
continue studying the lab materials and try the quiz again. If you arrive for the lab period on time and
participate for the duration of the lab period, you automatically receive a 5/5 on the lab quiz.
EAGLE ONLINE PARTICIPATION: There will be weekly topics for you to discuss in forums on Eagle
Online. The topics will be announced in class. More on this will be explained in class.
ATTENDANCE and WITHDRAWALS: As noted in the grading section, you will be graded on
attendance. Make note, however, that I usually do not automatically drop students from the roster for lack
of attendance. If you intend to drop the class, you should ask me to submit a withdrawal online before the
last day for student withdrawals (Nov. 3rd, 2011, 4:30 PM). This is the only way to receive a “W” grade at
the end of the semester. If you do not arrange for withdrawal by Nov. 3rd, you will receive a regular letter
grade at the end of the semester, depending on your grade average.
Texas law currently limits the total number of course withdrawals a new student may take in their
entire educational career to no more than six. Also be aware that the current policy in Texas public
colleges and universities requires students who repeat a course for a third time or more will be charged an
additional $50/credit hour.
There has been a recent change in the grading system for students who receive an F in a course.
Students who fail due to lack of attendance may be given the grade “FX,” which indicates the lack of
attendance. An FX grade may have an effect on the student’s eligibility for financial aid.
ASSISTANCE: If you have questions about the course material, I encourage you to ask me questions
during or outside of class, or over email (michael.sanregret@hccs.edu). We may also schedule a time to
meet to discuss course material. Tutoring is available (times and locations TBA).
The most reliable way to contact me is over email. If you make a request during class for some
later action, I will probably forget, so send me an email to remind me.
Exchange phone numbers with some of your classmates because you may want to form study
groups or you may need to find out about missed classes.
The Biology/Nutrition Dept. has developed lab study pages that are helpful when reviewing your lab
material. The URL is: http://ccollege.hccs.cc.tx.us/instru/Biology/AllStudyPages/StudyPagesSummary/1407.htm
APPEALING GRADES: If you believe that your work has been graded incorrectly, you must contact me
within a week (not counting holidays) after the grade is given to discuss the grade. Exceptions may be
made for illness or other valid excuses. Difficulties that cannot be resolved through me should be brought
to the Associate Department Chair, Pramila Sen in LHSB 401.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Textbook and lab manual are required.
2. Full Class attendance is required. Students with more than four unexcused absences may result in an
administrative withdrawal. Students are responsible for everything covered during their absence, and
it is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor for make-up assignments.
3. To avoid disruption in the classroom, all pagers must be set on the silent mode. Cellular phones must
also be turned off during the class period.
4. No children are allowed in the laboratory.
5. Eating, drinking, or smoking is NOT allowed in the laboratory.
6. You must read the laboratory safety rules before doing any of the lab exercises.
7. The laboratory safety release form must be signed during the first lab session.
8. Lab reports are an important part of the course and to be completed one week after the lab period.
They will be spot-checked during the lab period. Although students work in groups, individual active
participation is expected. You are responsible for the completion of your individual lab report.
9. Dissection of preserved animals is required in this course.
10. CHEATING IS NOT PERMITTED!!! If it occurs the student may receive a zero for the exam or a
grade of “F” in the course.
11. Grades will not be posted at any time during the semester. Your grade will be available on the web
(www.getgrades.com) or by telephone (1-877-341-4300)
12. Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to
report to Room 102 SJAC, or call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements.
Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the
Disability Support Services Office
16. Open labs will be scheduled during the semester for review of lab materials. The
schedule will be available in your classroom during the semester
17. The Biology Computer lab is in Room LHSB 415, computers and biology software are
available for student use. Biology tutoring will also be available in the lab. The
scheduled will be posted in the classroom.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Week
Date
1
Aug. 29
Aug. 31
2
Sept. 5
Sept. 7
3
Sept. 12
Sept. 14
4
Sept. 19
Sept. 21
5
Sept. 26
Sept. 28
6
Oct. 3
Oct. 5
7
Oct. 10
Oct. 12
8
Oct. 17
Oct. 19
9
Oct. 24
Oct. 26
10
Oct. 31
Nov. 2
11
Nov. 7
Nov. 9
12
Nov. 14
Nov. 16
13
Nov. 21
Nov. 23
14
Nov. 28
Nov. 30
15
Dec. 5
Dec. 7
Finals
Dec. 14
Topic
Introduction, Evolution (lecture in LHSB 316)
Evolution, Origin of Species (lecture in LHSB 315)
Labor Day holiday
Gene Frequency (lab in LHSB 315)
Lab: Animal Tissues
Prokaryotes; Eukaryotic Diversity
Lab: Skeletal System
Lecture Exam 1; Plants
Lab: Protists
Plants
Lab: bacteria
Fungi, Intro to Animal Evolution, Invertebrates
Lab: Plants
Vertebrate Evolution and Diversity
First Lab Practical
Lecture Exam 2; Animal Structure and Function; Thermoregulation
Lab: Library Day
Animal Nutrition
Lab: Animals
Circulation and Gas Exchange
Lab: Fetal Pig
Lecture Exam 3; Osmoregulation
Lab: Fetal Pig
Reproduction and Development
Second Lab Practical (extra credit for set up, clean up)
Nervous System
Zoo field trip (extra credit)
Muscles
Research Presentations
Lecture Exam 4
Final exam 8:00AM
Chapter
22
23,24
Ex. 1
Ex. 7
27; 28
Ex. 17
29; 30
Ex. 3
30
Ex. 2
31,32,33
Ex. 4
34
40
41
Ex. 5
42
Ex. 8
44
Ex. 8
46, 47
48; 49
handout
50