HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE-SOUTHWEST COLLEGE
SYLLABUS FOR BIOL.1406 Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR: DR. LEENA SAWANT
leena.sawant@hccs.edu
Course Title: Biol.1406 General Biology I
CRN: 45597 Credit Hours: 4 (3 Lecture hours and 3 Lab hour)
Class Time: Tuesday 8AM to 11.AM Rm S108, Thursday 8AM to 11AM Rm S108.
Text Book: “How Life Works” Volume 1 by James Morris et al. HCC custom edition available at
the bookstore as volume 1.
Laboratory Manual: Biology 1406, Laboratory manual. Houston Community College.
Total Course Contact Hours: 96:00
Course Length (Number of Weeks): 16 Weeks
Course Description:
Discussions focus on biological chemistry, biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism,
genetics and molecular biology. Core curriculum course. Cannot be used in conjunction with 1308.
Course Prerequisite:
College-Level reading (or take GUST0342) and
College-Level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349)
Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) for the Biology Discipline:
PSLO#1 - Will display an understanding of biological systems and evolutionary processes spanning all ranges of
biological complexity, including atoms, molecules, genes, cells, and organisms.
PSLO#2 - Will integrate factual and conceptual information into an understanding of scientific concepts by written, oral
and/or visual communication. (This may include successful completion of a course-specific research project or a case
study module).
PSLO#3 - Will demonstrate proficiency and safe practices in the use of laboratory equipment and basic laboratory
techniques.
PSLO#4 - Will apply principles of the scientific method to problems in biology in the collection, recording, quantitative
measurement, analysis and reporting of scientific data.
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Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for Biology 1406:
1. The student will be able to describe the characteristics of life: its unity and diversity and the evidence for evolution
through genetics, variation, and natural selection.
2. The student will be able to understand the basic requirements of life: explain atomic structure, types of chemical
bonding, properties of water, and the structures/functions of the macromolecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, and nucleic acids.
3. The student will be able to compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses,
prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells, including important pathways in the metabolic processes of energy
transformation, cell communication, cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.
4. The student will understand the cell cycle and be able to differentiate between mitosis and meiosis, continuing with
the principles of genetics/inheritance and to quantitatively solve classical genetic problems.
5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of DNA structure, its replication, the flow of genetic information from gene
to protein, gene expression, and ultimately their methodologies and applications in biotechnology.
6. The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully
participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study
module(s).
7. The student will understand the scientific method, as well as quantitative and empirical skills to collect, record,
measure, analyze, and communicate scientific data, including showing competence in the laboratory by appropriate
use of the light microscope and other laboratory equipment.
Learning Objectives for Biology 1406:
1.1 Explain fundamental concepts of biological sciences and how these concepts are connected within various areas
of the biological sciences, at the survey level.
2.1 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.
3.1 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.
4.1 Understand basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics, perform and interpretation of genetics problems, and of
advances in the understanding of genes and chromosomes since Mendel.
5.1 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.
6.1 The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully
participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study
module(s).
7.1 Apply safety procedures, design an experiment, stating a hypothesis, of the quantitative analytical skills
necessaryfor 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.
7.2 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 biotechnology career paths in the biological sciences.
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Class Schedule
Weeks Date
1
1/20
1/22
2
1/27
1/29
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
2/3
2/5
2/10
2/12
2/17
2/17
2/19
2/24
2/26
3/3
3/5
3/10
3/12
3/16-3/20
3/24
3/24
3/26
3/31
4/2
4/7
4/9
4/14
4/16
4/21
4/23
4/28
4/30
5/5
5/7
5/10
5/13
Chapters
Introduction and Ch.1 Life
Ch.2 Molecules of life
Ch.2 Molecules of life contd.
Ch. 3 Nucleic acids and the encoding of
biological information.
Ch. 4 Translation and Protein Synthesis
Lecture Exam 1 Ch. 1 & 2
Ch. 5 Organizing principles
Ch.6 Making life work
Ch. 7 Cellular Respiration
Lecture Exam 2. Ch 3 & 4
Ch. 7 Cellular respiration
Ch.8 Photosynthesis
Case Study Quiz due
Ch. 8 Photosynthesis,
Module project due
Lab. Exam 1 (Labs 1 to 8 & 12)
Lecture Exam 2 Ch. 5 to 7
Ch.9 Cell communications
Spring Break
Ch. 10 Cell form and function
Last Day for Student Withdrawal
Ch. 11 Cell Division
Ch. 12 DNA Replication
Ch. 12 contd
Lecture Exam 3 Ch. 8 to 11
Ch. 13 Genomes
Ch. 14 Mutations and DNA repair
Ch. 15 Genetic variation
Ch. 16 Mendelian inheritance
Lecture Exam 4 Ch. 12 to 15
Ch.17 Beyond Mendel
Ch.18 The genetics & environmental
basis of complex traits
Ch. 19 Genetics & Epigenetic Regulation
Lecture Exam 5 Ch. 16-18
Lab. Exam 2
Ch. 20 Gene and Regulation
Instruction ends
Instructor’s Final Exam
Department Final Exam
Comprehensive Finals Ch. 1 to 20
Laboratory Exercises
Lab Safety
1. Basic Chemistry
2. Properties of water
12. DNA to Proteins (Part 2)
3. Biochemistry
4. Microscopes, 5. Cell structure
6. Diffusion and Osmosis
7. Enzymes
8. Cellular Respiration
9. Photosynthesis
10. Cell Division
12. DNA to Proteins (Part 1)
11. Genetics
Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus.
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Instructor’s contact:
Email: leena.sawant@hccs.edu (Please use your hccs student email to write to me)
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 2 pm.
You can access the syllabus on the learning web page from the HCCS home page or at
https://learning.hccs.edu
All the course material and online homework assignments are available on LaunchPad. You need
to register using the access code that comes with the textbook. The link to LaunchPad is:
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/morris1e/22250/ECommerce/Unauthenticated
Course URL: http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/morris1e/1365848
Instructor Requirements:
Basic requirements
Students should be on time for class and be prepared with required materials including textbook
and lab manual. Full class attendance is required including lecture and lab portions. Full attention
during lecture and lab is required. Students are expected to conduct themselves as adults. This
includes courteous and respectful behavior towards the instructor and classmates. Disruptive
behavior or any behavior that interferes with any educational activity being performed by the
instructor will not be allowed and may result in removal from the class. Additionally, no student
may interfere with his/her fellow students’ right to pursue their academic goals to the fullest in an
atmosphere appropriate to a community of scholars.
Attendance:
Attendance at lecture is importance since most exam material will come from the lecture notes.
Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on time. Latecomers will not be tolerated.
Students are responsible for materials covered during their absences. Class attendance is checked
daily by instructors. 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 4 classes or labs for a 4-semester hour
course, such as this one, which meets for 3 hours twice weekly. If circumstances significantly
prevent you from attending classes, please inform me. It is the responsibility of each student to amend
their professional/personal schedule to meet the class schedule
Examination:
There will be 5 lecture exams, 2 lab. exams and 2 final exams (class and department). Lecture
exams will consist of mostly multiple-choice and a few short answer questions. Out of the 5 lecture
exams only 4 will be considered towards the final grade. They will cover material we cover in
class, important concepts and discussion from the text book as well as figures from the text book.
You will get a maximum of one hour or one and half-hour period to complete your lecture exam.
Both final exams will be comprehensive. The average of both final exams will be included in your
final grade. The lecture or lab. exams will follow either lab. exercise or lecture. No cell phones
are allowed in use at any time as it disturbs the class. Audible cell phone ringing may
result in your removal from class that day. Cell phone use during examination is cheating
and will result in course failure. If you arrive late for the exam you will lose 5% of your
exam grade.
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Evidence of Meaningful Study (EMS):
For each lecture exam up to 5 points out of 100 will come from Evidence of Meaningful Study or
EMS. This includes but is not limited to handwritten homework assignments, flash cards, concept
maps etc. (Courtesy: Dr. Tineke Berends)
Online Homework Assignments;
There will be mandatory online homework assignment on the LaunchPad. Each student is
responsible to register on the LaunchPad website using an access code. The access code comes
with the new book. The information regarding the access code will be given to you. The homework
assignments will be graded and will contribute to 10% of the final grade. The due dates for the
assignments will not be extended. Please read the instructions before you start taking the
assignments.
Course URL: http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/morris1e/1365848
Case Study/Group Project:
Students will be working on a project as a group for a case study based on a chapter. There will
be a quiz on the case study that all students will be taking in class after the chapter is completed.
The quiz and group project accounts for 20% of your lecture exam 3 grade. Lecture exam 3 will
account for 80% of exam grade + 10% for the quiz and 10% for the group project. Each student
should contribute to the group project to receive a grade for the project. More information will be
given later during the semester. It is important that you don’t miss classes during the week of
February 17th and 24th when the case study will be presented. Any student who misses class
during that week will not be able to participate in the group project.
Make-up Examination:
There will be no make-up exams and final exams are mandatory. If you miss an exam it will be
considered as a dropped exam. If you miss an exam due to a medical or any other emergency,
you can take one makeup exam during the week of May. 4th to 7 th if you provide a valid medical
note. You will need to call 713 718 7993 to schedule an appointment with the Stafford campus
testing center. The makeup exam is comprehensive and will cover all the chapters. Please note:
All students are required to take the final exam. Failure to take the final exam will result in an ‘F’
grade.
Laboratory Policy:
Lab safety will be reviewed on the first day of lab. Experiments will be performed in groups. Each
student should arrive at the lab. on time, with his or her lab. manual. Each student is responsible
for completing the lab. reports at the end of each lab.
Grade Determination:
All the exams will be considered towards final grade.
Four Lecture exams & two Final exams =
65%
Case Study Project & Quiz = 20% of lecture exam 3
Homework Assignments on LaunchPad =
10%
Two laboratory exams
=
20%
Lab. Report and Lab. participation
=
5%
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A = 90-100,
B = 80-89,
C = 70-79,
D = 60-69,
F = Below 60.
To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours
attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not affect GPA.
Academic honesty:
Students are expected to comply with stated policies in HCCS student handbook concerning
academic honesty. Cheating will not be tolerated. There will be no talking, looking on other
people’s papers or in any way try to cheat on any examination. This can lead to expulsion from
Houston Community College. You will be given a warning in writing and next time it will mean and
automatic failure in the course.
Phones/electronic devices
Absolutely no phone or other personal electronic devices are to be used during class (lecture and
lab) unless permission is obtained from the professor. This includes making or taking a call,
reviewing messages, texting, playing games, checking email, surfing the web, anything that
involves a phone or other personal electronic device. If your work or family situation requires that
you be available via phone, your phone can be on vibrate mode and you can take the call during
our regular scheduled breaks or you can exit the class to review the call. Notify your friends,
family, employers, and anyone else who regularly contacts you that you will be in class and that
you should be contacted only when necessary. The taking of calls during class is not only
disruptive but it is also discourteous to classmates and the instructor.
Last Day for Administrative and Student Withdrawals
Last day for withdrawal is March 24th, 2015. I urge any student who is contemplating withdrawing
from the class to see me first! You may be doing better than you think. Either way, I want to be
accessible and supportive. I do not believe in "weed out" classes, and I consider you to be much
more than just a name or number! Note my office hours, above; if you need assistance, I'm here to
help. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the class before the last day of
withdrawal. The instructor cannot give a “W” after the withdrawal date. Abandoning the
course or failing to formally drop, will result in a grade being given based on the work completed
for the entire course (including missed exams).
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor will “alert” you that you might fail a class because of excessive
absences and/or poor academic performance. The counselors with work with you to learn about
what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care,
financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.
FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal
deadline will be assigned the final grade of "FX" at the end of the semester. Students who stop attending classes will
receive a grade of "FX", compared to an earned grade of "F" which is due to poor performance. Logging into a DE
course without active participation is seen as non-attending. Please note that HCC will not disperse financial aid
funding for students who have never attended class.
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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.
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.
Tutoring:
The college will provide tutoring for the students. More information will be available later. You can
check the tutoring and open lab. schedule at http://learning.swc.hccs.edu
Disability Support Services (DSS)
Any Student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations should inform the instructor within one week
of the first class session and must contact the Counselor at 713-718 7889, or contact the DSS
office for assistance. At Southwest College, contact Dr. Becky Hauri, 713-718-7909.
HCC Policy Statement on Course Repeat:
Student who repeats a course three times or more may soon face significant tuition/fee increases
at HCC and other public colleges and universities. If you are considering course withdrawal
because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as
possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test-taking skills, attendance,
course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Beginning in fall 2007, 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
HCC Policy Statement on 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 near the end of the term, 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 department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Go to
www.hccs.edu/egls3 for more information.
Access HCC Student Handbook at http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/student-handbook/
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Acknowledgement Page
I acknowledge that I have read the syllabus for General Biology 1406. I am responsible for completing
the online assignments on LaunchPad that account for 10% of the final grade. I understand the effort and
time commitment necessary to succeed in this Science Majors Class.
(OVER 300 HOURS OF
STUDY/15 Weeks=20 hr./week)
Class Time: ______________
CRN: ___________________
Name_____________________________________________________
Email Address _____________________________________________
Current Phone # ____________________________________________
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