Week Chap Topics covered online for Lecture
2/12
2/14
1
2
Orientation
Introduction
The Chemical Context of life
2/19
2/21
3
4
5
Water and the Fitness of the Environment
Carbon and the molecular diversity of life
Structure and Function of Large Biological
Molecules
2/26
2/28
6
A tour of the Cell
Laboratory exercises
Measurements
Basic Chemistry
Water and its Properties
Biomolecules
Mastering Biology Assignments (1-5)
due by February 28th11:30pm
Microscopy
Cell Structure and Function
FIRST LECTURE EXAM 2/28: (Chap 1-5)
3/53/7
7
8
3/113/18
3/19
3/21
Membrane Structure and Function
An introduction to metabolism
Diffusion an Osmosis
Enzymes
Cellular Respiration
SPRING BREAK
9
10
Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
Review for lab exam
Mastering Biology Assignments (6-10)
due by March 28th11:30pm
1st Lab exam 3/28
3/26
3/28
4/2
4/4
4/9
4/11
11
12
13
14
Meiosis and sexual life cycles
Mendel and the Gene Idea
Mendelian genetics
Chromosomal inheritance
Chi- squares
15
16
Chromosomal Inheritance
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Non-Mendelian genetics and human
heredity
Karyotyping
Mastering Biology Assignments (1115) due by April 18th11:30pm
17
THIRD LECTURE EXAM 4/12 (Chapters
11-15)
From Gene to Protein
4/16
4/18
4/23
4/25
Cell Communication
The Cell Cycle
Cell Division: Mitosis
SECOND LECTURE EXAM 3/26. (Chapters
Meiosis
6-10)
18
19
Regulation of Gene Expression
Viruses
DNA extraction, structure and
replication
Gel Electrophoresis
Protein Synthesis
Review for 2nd lab exam
2nd LAB EXAM 5/02
4/30
5/2
5/8
20
Biotechnology
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 5/8)
Departmental final (chapters 1-20)
Mastering Biology Assignments (16-20)
due by May 5th
Review sheet for the comprehensive
final
Houston Community College, Central College
1300 Holman, Houston, TX 77004
Course Syllabus
General Biology I (Biol 1406)
Spring 2013, CRN# 40121
Credit: 4 Semester hours/12 weeks
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Phone:
E-mail:
Aparna Rao
Learning Hub Science Building (LHSB), Rm 401, Central College
Available by appointment only
(713) 718-2537
aparna.rao@hccs.edu
Course Description
This course focuses on the biological chemistry of the cell and its organization in multi-cellular
organisms. Discussions include biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism, heredity
and molecular genetics. The objective of this course is to give the students a basic
understanding of life sciences, especially those entering nursing or other applied health
sciences.
Please set aside adequate time to grasp this course - you will probably need to spend at least 6
hours per week!! OPTIONAL
Instructional Materials
Text Book Campbell Biology 9th edition, volume I by Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserman,
Minorsky and Jackson. Benjamin/Cummins publishing Co. 2011. This edition is packaged and
priced specifically for HCCS. Please buy the new textbook from the HCC bookstore that comes
packaged with the mastering biology access code. We will be using this site for this course.
Lab Manual: General Biology 1 Lab Manual”A hands on experience”
2nd edition, Marsha Turell and Jyoti R. Wagle, Royal Publishing Co., 2009
Important Dates:
February 9th
Last Day for drop/add(fee $15)
April 9th before 4:30 pm
Last Day for Administrative and Student Withdrawal
March 11 -17th
Spring break
May 17
Grades available to students
th
COURSE SCHEDULE: Note: The Instructor reserves the right to modify the
schedule. Students will be advised of any changes as soon as possible.
LECTURE: Tuesdays, 5:30-9:30 PM Room LHSB 304
Lab: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30 Room LHSB 305
CONTACT INFORMATION: You can reach me by email me during the regular semester.
Please use my HCCS email (aparna.rao@hccs.edu) My Office phone # is 713 718 2538.
OFFICE LOCATION: My office is in LHSB 401. Please go to LHSB 402, the science office,
and ask the assistant to call my extension.
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays: half hour before the class. Please feel free to
contact me if you are unavailable to meet at that time.
COURSE GOAL: Students should become knowledgeable about various properties of living
organisms, and use this knowledge to gain science literacy so they become informed of and
evaluate health-related research and other issues that impact society. Students should
understand how biologists use the scientific method as they observe phenomena and
critically evaluate data.
BIOLOGY PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLO):
1. To recognize, identify, and describe the basic structures and functions associated with
most life forms.
2. To develop basic laboratory techniques appropriate to the field of Biology.
3. To develop study skills and habits appropriate for pre-professional students interested in
health-related fields.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs):
1. Explain fundamental concepts of biological sciences and how these concepts are
connected within various areas of the biological sciences, at the survey level.
2. Apply safety procedures design an experiment, state a hypothesis, gain quantitative
analytical skills necessary for recording and analyzing data, and of the write-up of
conclusions. Demonstrate basic proficiency in using the microscope and practice critical
thinking and communication skills have been developed by students working in groups.
3. Acquire basic knowledge of atomic structure, know the different types of chemical
bonding important to living systems, and understand the properties of water that make life
possible.
4. Explain prokaryotic, animal, and plant structure and function at the level of molecules
and cells, to include biological macromolecules, cellular organization, communication, cell
division and gametogenesis, energy transformations, and the metabolic reactions associated
with cellular activities, such as the processes of glycolysis, fermentation, cellular respiration,
and photosynthesis, at the survey level.
5. Understand basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics, perform and interpret genetics
problems, and of advances in the understanding of genes and chromosomes since Mendel.
6. 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, and protein biosynthesis, at the survey level.
7. Understand how technology has affected the development of science and how scientific
knowledge can be applied to various aspects of life, community, the environment, and the
important social and ethical issues related to biology and medicine. Apply basic knowledge
of the methodologies and applications in biotechnology, and be aware of biotechnological
career paths in the biological sciences.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Appropriate learning objectives will be supplied in relation to the
above listed SLOs, and in accordance with the material covered in each of the text’s
chapters.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND ACCESS TO COURSE MATERIAL We will meet at
college for both the lecture and laboratory sessions. In addition, this course is webenhanced with important resources available on Mastering Biology.
Lecture: We will meet in class for Lecture. PowerPoint presentations and important course
material can be accessed through learning web (see below). You should use this material as
an outline and study the content in detail in the textbook. Because learning requires active
(not passive) involvement on the part of the learner, you must come to class prepared. This
includes having read the relevant chapters in the textbook and studied the PowerPoint slides
prior to coming to class. It may also be helpful to take notes and you should think about
personal application of the text material.
Lab: We will meet in class for Lab. Instruction includes use of lab materials and equipment
through demonstration, and hands on lab activities. Weekly laboratory exercises are
designed to help with understanding of the course material. You must complete the prelabs
prior to the labs for that day and you will complete the lab exercise in class. An excellent
Lab Review is available 24/7 for HCC Students at http://hccs.edu/biologylabs
You will get access to digital images, animations, and labeling exercises to review models
MASTERING BIOLOGY Online graded homework Assignments will be given through
Mastering Biology which is provided by the publisher of your textbook. On this website, you
will get assignments that are linked to the course SLOs. The assignments and due dates can
be found on the Mastering Biology calendar (Due dates are also listed on the syllabus). Go
to the Mastering Biology website (www.masteringbiology.com) and follow these step and
Click on Register as STUDENTS. If you have purchased a new textbook through HCC
bookstore, the access code is included in the textbook package. If you do not have the
access code you will have to purchase one online at the Mastering Biology site using a credit
card. Our School zip code is 77004 and the Course ID is Spring2013RAO40121.
In addition to assignments, MasteringBiology has many excellent resources available to
students in the study area including videos, animations, quizzes, activities and Interactive
Resources.
Learning web A copy of your syllabus and course power points will be posted on the
learning web for you to download and use as notes. The link is given below.
http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/aparna.rao/biol1406-1/Biol1406_Sp13_aparna.doc/view
EVALUATE YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
EGLS3 Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
Dear students,
We need your input in evaluating your instructor this semester. The EGLS3 (Evaluation for
Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for most courses near the end of
the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable information to your faculty
about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available to faculty and division
chairs after the end of the term.
Take the EGLS3 survey by going to the Student System:
[-] STEP 1
Go to www.hccs.edu
[-] STEP 2
Select Student System Sign In.
[-] STEP 3
Select EGLS3 - Begin Evaluation under the EGLS3 Evaluation of Instruction to complete the
survey.
Pop-ups must be enabled as the Smarter Services site opens in a new window.
Any questions? ... Call the HCC Helpdesk at 713.718.8800 or email
customer.support@hccs.edu
TESTING AND GRADING:
Lecture Exams: There will be a total of three lecture exams (not including a
Comprehensive final exam, see below). Each exam will contain a number of questions,
which may include multiple choice, completion, matching, diagrams, definitions and
short essay type questions. Multiple choice questions need to be answered on a
scantron. Scantrons will not be provided; it is the student’s responsibility to have
scantron and pencils the day of exams.
Lab Exams: There will be two Lab Practical Exams during the course. These will be
explained in detail during our lab sessions. Stations will be setup for the various labs.
Questions may be multiple choice, completion, matching, diagrams, problem solving,
definitions, identification, and short essay type questions. Note: No scantrons are
needed for Lab Practical Exams.
Each lecture and lab exam accounts for 15 % of your grade. Out of the three lecture
exams and 2 lab exams, one lowest exam grade will be dropped. If you take all of these
five exams, your lowest grade automatically becomes your drop grade. If you miss an
exam it automatically becomes your drop exam. If you miss a second exam, you will
receive a grade of 0% for that exam.
Manditory Comprehensive Final Lecture Exam (15%): The comprehensive final
exam is mandatory and cannot be one of your dropped grades. This final will consist of
two parts; the first part will be the Instructors comprehensive exam and the second part
will be a HCC district-wide comprehensive standardized final (both consisting of multiple
choice questions).
Mastering Homework Assignments: Mastering Homework Assignments will account
for 10% of the final grade.
Pre Lab reports, lab reports & performances, attendance : 10% of the final grade.
Prelabs must be completed by the students prior to the corresponding lab session and
will be checked at the start of the class. Lab reports are due at the end of each lab
session and completed exercises must be delivered to the desk before lab session is
considered complete. Every student is required to do his/her own lab work and
individuality will be looked for in the lab reports. With instructor’s approval, group effort
will be allowed in the lab but each student must participate. Students must be in lab for
the entire period. Overall Attendance and Participation in Course will be evaluated. This
will be awarded for attendance during the semester and for overall class participation
including homework assignments (Note: this does not include the Mastering homework
assignments).
Take home assignments: A take home assignment will be handed out at the end of every
lecture on Tuesdays which must be completed and brought back by the next lecture day.
These assignments will account for 5% of the grade.
GRADING
4 exams (out of 3 lecture exams/2 lab exams)
15 % each for a total of 60%
Comprehensive Final
15%
Take home assignments
5%
Mastering Homework Assignments
10%
Pre Lab reports, lab work, overall attendance and participation in
course activities
10 %
TOTAL
Grading Scale:
100%
90 – 100 %
A
80 - 89 %
B
70 - 79 %
C
60 - 69 %
D
<60 %
F
No make up for missed exams.No compensation for sloppy eraser on scantron and all
lecture and laboratory exams are closed book
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Attendance is mandated by the state. Students are expected to be in attendance for the
entirety of the scheduled class, including lab and lecture portions. Attendance will be
recorded in each class session and will be given only if you attend full class period.
Tardiness will not be accepted. Coming late to the class or leaving early for whatever
reason, is considered a disruption and no attendance will be given for that day. You are
responsible for everything covered or announced during your absence and it is the student’s
responsibility to consult with the instructor for make-up assignments. Your attendance
begins on the first day of the semester. More than four unexcused absences may result in
an administrative and/or instructor withdrawal without notice. If you stop attending the
course or do not participate in the assessment, you are still responsible for withdrawing
from the course before the withdrawal deadline. Failing to do so can result in an F or FX
grade at the end of the semester.
2. Textbook and lab manual are required.
3. If you are late for a lecture or a lab exam, you will be allowed to take the exam as long
as no one else has completed the exam and left the room. Also, you will get only the
remaining time to take your exam.
4. If you miss one exam, that exam will automatically become your drop exam. If, for
whatever reason, you miss a second exam, it will be counted as a zero score.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS will be given unless exceptional circumstances. There must be a
valid documented reason for a make-up exam and it must be pre-approved by the
instructor. Acceptable reasons include hospitalization, doctor's certification that the student
was unfit to write the exam, or subpoenas for court appearances. Make-up requests must
be submitted in writing, with the appropriate official documentation. Makeup exams must be
taken by the time designated by the instructor. The format of the make-up exam may vary
from the scheduled examination
5. Classroom Behavior: As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared
responsibility to develop and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. I take
this responsibility very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior
makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to
respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical
goal. All students in HCC are required to follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the Student
Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and relevant sections of the Texas Education Code
when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with faculty and fellow students.
Students who violate these policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that
could include denial of access to course-related email, discussion groups, and chat rooms or
being removed from the class.
6. Cell phone, Camera, Recording and/or other Electronic Devices are prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or
testing occurs. As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your
responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show
respect of your fellow students and instructor, phones and other electronic devices, must be
turned off in class. If electronic devices are used during a test, a grade of F will
automatically be assigned. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as
a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for
information regarding reasonable accommodations.
7. No children are allowed in the laboratory. Eating, drinking, or smoking is NOT allowed in
the laboratory.
8. You must read the laboratory safety rules before doing any of the lab exercises.
9. The laboratory safety release form must be signed during the first lab session.
10. You may contact me to find out about your status at any time during the semester.
Grades will also be posted on Eagle online. At the end of the semester, your overall grade
will be available through HCC
11. CHEATING IS NOT PERMITTED!!! Students are responsible for conducting themselves
with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary
proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of
scholastic dishonesty.
12. Please refer to Student Handbook for complete instructions and rules.
SUGGESTED STUDY TIPS FOR GENERAL BIOLOGY!
1. Read the chapters/lab exercises before coming to class and again after class is complete.
2. Review, review, review!
3. You may find it helpful to define important terms, using note cards is a good way to do
this. However, knowing the key terms just provides the foundation for understanding key
concepts in biology. It is important to fully understand the course material covered.
4. Read the chapter outline at the end of each chapter.
5. Try to answer the questions at the end of each chapter in your textbook.
6. Your course has resources from the publisher, including glossary of terms, quizzes, and
many interactive exercises, please try to utilize them.
7. The college has a Biology Computer Lab for tutorials and classroom assignments.
8. Forming a study group with a small group of fellow students is an excellent way to review
course content.
9. Share email/phone #s with fellow students in case you need to find out about missed
classes or assignments.
10. Take advantage of the biology tutoring and open labs available to you at no cost.
Information on tutoring, open labs etc can be found on the HCC Central Biology homepage
http://central.hccs.edu/central/academic-departments/biology-physical-sciences/biology as
needed, see the tutor early, not the day before the exam. For HCC 24/7 Online Tutoring,
Please Go To: http://www.hccs.askonline.net
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty A student who is academically dishonest is,
by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned, and that student is
claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for
measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students
compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading,
and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on
Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an
offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for
conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties
and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a
student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not
limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Copying from another students’ test paper
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or
part the contents of a test that has not been administered
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing
written work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty
may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course,
and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See
the Student Handbook)
ISSUANCE OF EXAM GRADES: Grades will be posted on the Internet as soon as possible.
You can check your final grade on the web site www.hccs.edu OR call toll free 1-877-3414300. The HCC system office will no longer mail the transcripts to you.
ADVISING AND COUNSELING SERVICES: Counselors and Student Services Associates
(SSA) can assist students with admissions, registration, entrance testing requirements,
degree planning, transfer issues, and career counseling. In-person, confidential sessions,
can also be scheduled to provide brief counseling and community referrals to address
personal concerns impacting academic success.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Any student with a documented disability (e.g.
physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc) who needs to arrange reasonable
accommodations must contact the appropriate HCC Disability Support Service (DSS)
Counselor at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Students who are requesting special testing accommodations must first contact the
appropriate (most convenient) DSS office for assistance:
Disability Support Services Offices:
System: 713.718.5165
Central: 713.718.6164 – also for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students Room
LHSB 106.
HCC Course withdrawal and Attendance Policy An Instructor can no longer give any
student a grade of W after the official drop date (See below under “Important dates”). 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. Your grade is your responsibility. If you decide to withdraw from a class upon
careful review of other options, you can withdraw online prior to the deadline through your
HCC PeopleSoft account. An I or incomplete is assigned to students who have finished all
requirements of the course except for one project or one exam. An I is given to those who
encounter extraordinary circumstances that prevent them from completing the course.
Documentation of this extraordinary circumstance is required and will be considered by me
and also my department chair in deciding whether to allow a student to make up the
missing work. HCCS policy for faculty states that the instructor may administratively drop
any student missing 12.5% of class time. The Department of Education now requires that
we make a distinction between an “earned” grade of “F” (i.e. for poor performance) and a
grade of “F” due to lack of attendance. To make that distinction, a new grade “FX” for
failure due to lack of attendance. Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class
will be reported to the Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A
grade of "FX" is treated exactly the same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation,
suspension, and satisfactory academic progress.
If you are on financial aid or an F1 student, you may be particularly affected and could
forfeit your financial aid or be out of compliance, and have your F1 status revoked. These
are serious consequences, and it is your responsibility to maintain required attendance.
Check with your instructor about specific attendance policies. See Student Handbook for
more details on class attendance.
Course Repeat Policy: Course Repeaters
Students who repeat a course for a third time or more time will be charged a tuition/fee
increase of $50/credit hour at HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please
contact your counselor or me before withdrawing or if you are not receiving passing grades.
HOW TO DROP: Students should check HCC’s Academic Calendar by Term for
drop/withdrawal dates and deadlines. If a student decides to drop or withdraw from a class
upon careful review of other options, the student can drop online prior to the deadline
through their HCC Student Center. HCC and/or instructors may drop students for excessive
absences without notification.

INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS: As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
•
Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student
grades are to be derived
Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and
lectures
Description of any special projects or assignments
Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
•
•
•

Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any
special projects or assignments
•
Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
Read and comprehend the textbook and lab manual
Login to Eagle online to access course material and check for updates at least weekly
(preferably daily)
Complete the required assignments and exams:
Ask for help when there is a question or problem
Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
Complete the course with a minimum of a passing score
PERSONAL MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: I am excited to have the opportunity to teach at
HCC! I have more than fifteen years’ experience as a biologist, reflecting a career focused
on innovative molecular biology research, management of undergraduate educational
training programs, and teaching. Throughout my career, I have always availed of the
opportunity to mentor students in whatever capacity I can, an activity I find extremely
rewarding. With your help and commitment, it is my hope that each of you will gain a
strong background in Biology, embrace a life-long love of learning and be equipped with the
critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to thrive in a world increasingly driven
by science, innovation and technology.
Good-luck! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions