Course Syllabus
General Biology, (Biology for Science Majors I)
BIOL 1406
Semester with Course Fall 2015
Reference Number
CRN 70430
(CRN)
Instructor contact
information (phone
number and email
address)
Dalton R. McWhinney, Ph.D.
713-718-2546 (P)
713-718-6211 (F)
dalton.mcwhinney@hccs.edu
Office Location and
Hours
Learning Hub Science Building (LHSB), Rm 401
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 1:00-2:30PM
Course
Location/Times
CE-Learning HUB Sci Rm 304 Monday 2:30 PM – 5:30PM
CE-Learning HUB Sci Rm 305 Wednesday 2:30 PM – 5:30PM
Course Semester
Credit Hours (SCH)
(lecture, lab) If
applicable
Fall 2015
Total Course Contact
Hours
96.00
Course Length
(number of weeks)
16 weeks
Type of Instruction
Lecture and Laboratory
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(s)
PREREQUISITE(S):
 College-level reading (or take GUST 0342) 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.
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
3
Laboratory Hours: 3
External Hours:
PSLO#2 - Will integrate factual and conceptual information into an understanding of
scientific data 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.
Course Student
Learning Outcomes
(SLO): 4 to 7
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
(Numbering system
should be linked to
SLO - e.g., 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, etc.)
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 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.
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 biotechnologic career paths in the biological
sciences.
SCANS and/or Core
Curriculum
Competencies: If
applicable
Core Curriculum Competencies:
Instructional Methods
In class lectures supplemented with the use of PowerPoint and video
In class group discussion
Date
Chapter
Topics
8/24
1
Introduction
8/26
2
The Chemical context of Life
8/31
3
Water and the Fitness of the
Environment
9/02
4
Carbon and the Mol. Diversity of Life
9/07
Labor Day-Holiday
9/09
5
Structure and Function of Large
Macromolecule
9/14
FIRST TEST, Chapters 1-5:
9/16
6
A Tour of the Cell
9/21
7
Membrane Structure and Function
9/23
8
Introduction to Metabolism
9/28
9
Cellular Respiration: Harvesting
Chemical Energy
9/30
10
Photosynthesis
LABORATORY EXAM 1
10/05
SECOND TEST, Chapters 6-10
No Learning Outcomes Selected
10/07
10/12
10/14
10/19
10/21
10/26
11
12
13
14
15
Cell Communication
Cell Cycle
Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Mendel and the Gene Idea
Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
THIRD TEST, Chapters 10-15:
10/28
11/02
11/04
11/11
11/16
11/26
11/30
12/03
12/09
16
17
18
19
20
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
From Gene To Protein
Regulation of gene expression
Viruses
Biotechnology
Thanksgiving Holiday
EXAM 4 (Chapter 15-20)
LABORATORY EXAM 2
DEPT FINAL, (Comprehensive)
Student Assignments
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.
No assignments selected for this outcome
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.
No assignments selected for this outcome
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.
No assignments selected for this outcome
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.
No assignments selected for this outcome
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.
No assignments selected for this outcome
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).
A case study module on cellular respiration will be conducted.
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.
No assignments selected for this outcome
Student
Assessment(s)
Exams: There will be a total of four lecture exams and one final exam given
to you. Each exam will contain a number (50-70) of multiple-choice, truefalse, matching and fill in the blank questions. Multiple Choice questions
have to be answered on the scantron. Each exam has an equal value (100 pts
each). The final exam is not cumulative but is mandatory. Out of the four
lecture exams you have a choice to drop one. Your lowest grade
automatically becomes your drop grade. If you miss an exam, that becomes
your drop grade. If you miss two exams, you get a zero in one exam.
Quizzes: You will be given an on line quiz week before each lecture exam. Each
quiz will consist of 25 questions taken from the chapters that are included in that
exam (for example; quiz 1 will include chapters 1, 3, 4). The quizzes will be
open book and will be worth 25 points each. The quizzes will be made available
to you only for a limited duration of time and you will be allowed to take the
quiz once only, hence attempt the quizzes only after going through the chapters.
If you arrive late for an exam, you will have only the time remaining from
the official start of the exam. THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP EXAMS
unless you can prove you had to go to court or were seen by a doctor on the
day of the exam.
On a test day, once someone has finished the exam, no other student may
enter and start that exam. So, if you are late for class on a test day, you may
be prohibited from taking the test.
Laboratory exam: Two laboratory tests will be given, each worth 100 points. You
CAN NOT drop the lab exam; therefore if you miss it, you will be given a zero for
the exam. Everything that is covered during the lab sessions will be included in the
lab exams. There is absolutely no make up for the lab
exam.
Lab exam review: There will be a review session a week before each lab
exam. The lab study pages for review are also available at the following site.
http://imc02.hccs.edu/BiologyLabs/index.html
Assignments: You will also use an additional online site called Mastering
Biology which is provided by the publisher of your text. On this website you
will work on assignments. You need two different codes to use Mastering:
If you bought a new textbook through the HCC bookstore, you
already have the code you need to get into the Mastering Biology site:
it is packaged with your textbook. If you have not yet bought a text
and wish to buy an e-text, it will also include the code for Mastering.
E-book can be purchased from: http://www.masteringbiology.com
If you have purchased a used book, the access code is not included in
it. Access code can be purchased from:
www.masteringbiology.com
The other information you will need is my Mastering course
number:central64628
Quick registration video
http://screencast.com/t/XhhEKf12B2o
You are required to complete ALL assignments. They are worth 100
points.
Instructor's
Requirements
CELL PHONES, PAGERS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES: All
electronic devices including cell phones, pagers, BlackBerrys or iPods should
be switched OFF (NOT on vibrate) and put away during class time and
during all exams. Answering cell phones and texting are not permitted
during class time. Texting during class indicates that you are not actively
involved in the learning process, and will earn you an absence for that
class. Please remove ear buds during class. If you anticipate a potential
emergency situation, please talk to me before class starts so that we can make
the necessary arrangements for that particular day. Use of recording devices,
including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring,
or testing occurs. 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
Reminder: Under no circumstances should any electronic devices be out
or used during the exams. Anyone found using these devices will have
their exam taken up, and will receive a score of “0” for the test.
 TARDIES AND LEAVING EARLY: Talking and
moving during class time is a distraction to your
classmates and to your instructor. So please plan to
attend class on time and to leave only at the end of
the period. Understandably, emergencies can happen
that result in your tardiness or early departure. Please
speak to me in this regard so that you can be excused
for your late arrival or early departure on a particular
day. However, please do not make a habit of being
tardy or leaving early since this will be reflected as an
unexcused absence from class.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Students are expected to
do their own work diligently and honestly. Anything
that is suspected to be cheating will result in a grade of
zero.
Biology Department Rules and Regulations
All students are to read, understand and follow the following rules and
regulations.
-Textbook and lab manual are required
-Full class attendance is required. Students with more than four (4)
unexcused absences may result in an administrative withdrawal. Students are
responsible for everything covered during their absence.
-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.
-No children are allowed in the classroom
-Eating, drinking or smoking is NOT allowed in the laboratory
-You must read the laboratory safety rules before doing any of the lab
exercises
-The laboratory safety release form must be signed during the first lab
session.
-Grades will not be posted at any time during the semester. You may receive
your final grade at the end of the semester from the Biology Dept. (LHSB
402). Proper identification is required to receive the final grade. The
transcripts will be mailed to you by the HCC System office after the
information has been entered in the computer.
-Cheating is not permitted. If it occurs, the student may receive a zero for the
exam or a grade of F in the course.
-Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are
encouraged to report to room LHSB108 or call 713-718-6164 to make
necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
COMMUNICATION: Announcements will appear on the homepage of the
EO, EO e-mail and/or announced during the lab sessions. Please check EO
email and the homepage frequently (at least twice per week). If you miss a
lab session, check with someone in class for the missed work. If you have
any question, e-mail me at dalton.mcwhinney@hccs.edu.
ISSUANCE OF EXAM GRADES: Grades will be posted on EO grade
book as soon as possible. Grade book will have all your grades.
You can check your final grade on the web site www.hccs.edu OR call toll
free 1-877-341-4300. The HCC system office will no longer mail the
transcripts to you.
IMPORTANT DATES:
August 13
Last Day for drop/add/swap
August 31
Labor Day
October 30
Dead line for Administrative and Student Withdrawal
March 11-15
Spring Break
November 26
Thanksgiving Holiday
December 6 – 12 Final Exam
December 17
Grades available to students
Program/Discipline
Requirements: If
applicable
HCC Grading Scale:
A = 100- 90
B = 89 - 80:
C = 79 - 70:
4 points per semester hour
3 points per semester hour
2 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F
0 points per semester hour
FX (Failure due to non-attendance)
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress)
0 points per semester hour
W (Withdrawn)
0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)
0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must reenroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing
education courses.
FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw
themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be dropped by their professor
for excessive absences or 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.
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.
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.
Health Sciences Programs Grading Scales may differ from the approved HCC
Grading Scale. For Health Sciences Programs Grading Scales, see the "Program
Discipline Requirements" section of the Program's syllabi.
Instructor Grading
Criteria
GRADE COMPUTATION OF EXAMS, QUIZZES AND
ASSIGNMENT:
4 Lecture Exams
2 Lab Exams
1 final Exam
Quiz
Assignments
100 pts each lowest grade dropped
100 pts each
100 pts
10%
100 pts
TBA
Late assignments may not be accepted. If late assignments are accepted, they
will be accepted at the instructor’s discretion, a penalty of 5 points per day
will incur.
There will be no make up for exams with exception of presented doctor’s
excuse.
Grading
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 & <
A
B
C
D
F
The 4 Exams including Final Exam = 100 pts each for a total of 400 points.
There will be 2 laboratory Exams valued at 100 points each. These 600
points represents 75% (seventy-five percent) of your final grade.
Class assignments, other activities and pop quizzes represent 25% of your
grade. This number is yet underdetermine and is based upon the final # of
pop quizzes.
Instructional
Materials
Campbell, N.A., BIOLOGY, 10th Ed; Vol1, Benjamin/Cummings Pub., 2013
Schwartz, D. and Dikeocha, N., BIOLOGY 1406 LABORATORY MANUAL, 3nd Ed,
HCC/Royal Pub, 2013
HCC Policy Statement:
Access Student
Services Policies on
their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
EGLS3 -- Evaluation
for Greater Learning
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
Student Survey
System
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. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student
System online near the end of the term.
Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies
Access DE Policies
on their Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf
Access CE Policies
on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines