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BIOLOGY 1407 – GENERAL BIOLOGY II
CRN # 65202 – FALL SESSION 2013
WEST LOOP CAMPUS
MON. 11 AM-2:00 PM, RM. 163
WED. 11 AM-2:00 PM, RM. C222
3 HOURS LECTURE/LAB//90 CONTACT HOURS//15 WEEKS
COURSE SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: DR. DAVID SCHWARTZ
CONTACT INFORMATION: PHONE 713 718 8090, DURING OFFICE HOURS ONLY
OTHERWISE –
EMAIL david.schwartz@hccs.edu
OFFICE: WEST LOOP CAMPUS STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER, OFFICE #F10
11:30 AM-1:30 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes studies of evolutionary and taxonomic principles, surveys of important
plant and animal groups, and basic principles of anatomy and physiology. Biology 1407 is the
second half of a two semester sequence that is intended specifically for life science majors.
It will satisfy the freshman biology requirements for biology majors, the pre-professional fields
and other allied health sciences, while satisfying the natural science requirement for majors in
most other fields as well.
COURSE PREREQUISITE: Biology 1406, or equivalent, is a firm prerequisite for this
course!!!
COURSE GOAL: To help the student in becoming a scientifically aware individual, and to
prepare the student for advanced course work in biology.
BIOLOGY PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLO):
PSLO #1 - Students 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 - Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to integrate factual and
conceptual information into an understanding of scientific data by written, oral and/or visual
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communication; this may include successful completion of a course-specific research project or
a case study module.
PSLO #3 - Students will apply principles of the scientific method to problems in biology and
apply basic laboratory safety procedures in the collection, recording, quantitative measurement,
analysis and reporting of scientific data.
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLOs):
The following Student Learning Outcomes with their associated assessment criteria are not
meant to be all inclusive, and are meant to be used along with all other course learning
outcomes and assessment devices, listed under Course Objectives, in the determination of the
student's final course grade. Completion of the specific Student Learning Outcomes listed
below, at any assessment grading level, does NOT and will NOT guarantee the student that
final course grade at the end of the semester!
These are the SUGGESTED CSLOs for Biology 1407
(They have not yet been approved by the General Biology Discipline Subcommittee)
CSLO #1 (PSLO #1 & #2) - The student will be able to state observations and inferences
leading to Darwin's Theory of Evolution by means of natural selection including the concepts of
micro -and macroevolution, genetic variation, and speciation.
CSLO #2 (PSLO #1) - The student will be able to illustrate the relationship between major
geologic change, extinctions, and evolutionary trends.
CSLO #3 (PSLO #3)- The student will be able to perform an experiment in population genetics
and analyze the data using the Hardy-Weinberg equations.
CSLO #4 (PSLO #1, #2, #3) - The student will be able to distinguish between phylogenetic
relationships and taxonomic classification systems.
CSLO #5 (PSLO #1 & #3) - The student will be able to explain the origin of species and the
history of life on Early Earth, including the importance of fossil documentation. Furthermore, the
student will be able to calculate the age of a fossil by means of isotopic decay.
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CSLO #6 (PSLO #1)- The student will be able to identify the major domains and kingdoms of
life (bacteria, archaea, protists, plants, fungi, animals), including the basis for classification,
structural and physiological adaptations, reproduction, and evolutionary history.
CSLO #7 (PSLO #1) - The student will be able to compare and contrast taxonomic,
morphological, digestive, and reproductive characteristics of Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda,
Chordata, and Vertebrata.
CSLO #8 (PSLO #1) - The student will be able to understand the basic principles of animal form
and function, including feedback control and homeostasis.
CSLO #9 (PSLO #1)- The student will be able to describe the basic anatomy and physiology of
the following animal organ systems: digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, excretory,
endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems.
CSLO #10 (PSLO #1 & #2): The student will develop critical thinking, scientific problem-solving,
and communication skills by successfully participating in a case study or course-specific
research project.
CSLO #11 (PSLO #3): The student will apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and
utilize scientific tools such as microscopes, anatomical models, computer simulations, and other
laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To establish an understanding of the major historical events in evolutionary biology and
their impact on the formulation of evolutionary principles.
2. To describe basic cell physiology as it relates to biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, and
gas exchange.
3. To demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of taxonomy, and of taxa.
4. To demonstrate knowledge of basic plant and animal structure at the level of the cell, of
tissue/organ systems and of the organism as a whole.
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5. To demonstrate skill in basic laboratory methodology, and the careful analysis of
laboratory data and results.
CORE CURRICULUM STATEMENT: Lecture exams, laboratory practical exams, and class
activities will enhance the learning process by giving the student the opportunity to demonstrate
the basic intellectual competencies of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and showing critical
thinking and problem solving ability.
COURSE CALENDAR:
Lecture and Exam schedule
Laboratory Exercise schedule
WEEK #:
1 – Chapters 22, 23, 24
2 – Chapter 24................................................Laboratory Exercises 1, 2
3 – Chapters 25, 26, 27
4 – Chapters 28, 29, 30
5 – Chapters 31, 32, 33...................................Laboratory Exercises 3, 4, 5
6 – EXAM I (Ch. 22-31)..................................Laboratory Exercise 6
7 – Chapters 34, 40.........................................PRACTICAL EXAM I (Labs 1-6)
8 – Chapters 41, 42
9 – Chapters 43, 44
10 – Chapter 45 ...............................................Laboratory Exercises 8, 9, 10
11 –EXAM II (Ch. 32-34, 40-44)
12 – Chapters 46, 47………………………………Chapters 48, 49
13 – Chapters 50...............................................Laboratory Exercises 11, 12
14 – Chapters 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 52………….…Chapters 54, 55
15 – PRACTICAL EXAM II (Labs 8-12) .............EXAM III (Ch. 35-39, 45-50)
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LEARNING ACTIVITIES
In order to benefit from the lecture sessions the student should read the assigned sections of
the text. The appropriate topics will be presented through lectures interspersed with questions
and answers. Laboratory sessions will provide the student with the practical experience
necessary to become acquainted with the techniques utilized in the study of morphological,
metabolic, and molecular characteristics. Lecture exams, laboratory practicals and class
activities will also enhance the learning process by giving you the opportunity to demonstrate
the basic intellectual competencies of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and showing critical
thinking and problem solving ability.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
During the semester there will be three lecture exams, two laboratory practicals, and a final
comprehensive exam. There will also be an additional departmental final exam required.
The lecture examinations are primarily objective in nature: i.e. multiple choice. In addition,
each regular semester lecture exam will consist of approximately 10% subjective (written)
material. In addition, the total of eleven (11) of the laboratory reports, at up to nine (9) points
each, will serve as an additional major exam grade. Lab reports are due the next laboratory
session after the laboratory exercise, or on a due date announced by the instructor. LAB
REPORTS ARE DUE BY FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE START HOUR OF CLASS!! IF
HANDED IN LATE ON THE DUE DATE, OR WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE DUE DATE, the
laboratory exercise(s) will receive one half credit (5 points) and will be returned to the student
uncorrected by the instructor!! LAB REPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATER THAN ONE
WEEK AFTER THE DUE DATE!! Absence upon the due date or the lab performance date is
not a valid excuse for late laboratory exercises.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP EXAMS IN THIS COURSE!!! A missed regular lecture exam
will be considered to be the dropped lecture exam for the semester There will be no makeup
exams given for laboratory practicals. A firm grade of zero is recorded for a missed laboratory
practical exam, without recourse.
All exam sheets and Scantron forms will be collected as a permanent record of the student’s
performance – no exam material will be kept by the student.
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The comprehensive final is mandatory. Failure to take the comprehensive final will result
in the firm course grade of “F”, regardless of the student’s course average from other
exam events.
HCC GRADING SCALE
A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F= 59 and below – attended class and earned the grade.
FX – stopped attending class. This is a failing grade which may result in the student having to
rapidly repay certain types of government student loans.
IF – was given an I and did not finish the required work (automatic after 6 months)
INSTRUCTOR GRADING CRITERIA
Regular lecture exams (3) – lowest score dropped
Practical exams (2)
11 laboratory reports (1)
Final comprehensive exam (X2)
* All seven test scores will carry equal weight. Course grade will be the average of all seven
test scores. For example:
3 regular exams + 2 practical exams + lab report credit + final exam (double weight) = 7 scores
In this course, grades are not "curved". Individual assignments or papers are not accepted in
order to earn additional points. All students will have opportunities to improve point scores.
Extra credit may be earned on each regular lecture exam by answering the "bonus points"
question
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Biology, 9th Edition, Volume II by Campbell, Neil, and Reese, Jane, Urry, Lisa, Cain, Michael,
Wasserman, Steven, Minorsky, Peter, and Jackson, Robert
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Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2011
In certain instances, it may be necessary to refer to material contained in Volume I of this text,
or for you to use Volume I for reference. You therefore are also responsible for providing
yourself access to this first volume. Purchase of a new copy of your textbook will automatically
provide you with access to the ENTIRE e-book on the Pearson Benjamin Cummings website for
Campbell and Reese 9th Ed. for eighteen months from date of activation. The e-book is
ONLY available to students who have purchased a NEW copy of Campbell and Reese. If you
have purchased a used copy, this e-book option is not available, and it is YOUR OWN
RESPONSIBILITY to access Volume I when needed. Neither I nor HCC will provide you with
the text material you need if you purchase a used Volume II, or choose to use a previous edition
of the text. In any respect, you will be fully responsible for all material covered, regardless of
any lack of ability to access the appropriate text because of your purchasing or usage choices.
Laboratory Manual:
Biology 1407 Laboratory Manual, 3rd Edition by David Schwartz, and Ndu Dikeocha, as
contributing authors
Blue Door Publishing, 2013
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – ADA
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the Disability Counselor at your
college. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit www.hccs.edu then click Future students, scroll
down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
District ADA Coordinator – Donna Price – 713.718.5165
Southwest ADA Counselor – Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
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Academic dishonesty (cheating) on any exam event will not be tolerated and will lead to failure
of the exam event, or the course, depending upon the circumstances of the infraction. A
comprehensive statement on academic dishonesty can be found in the HCCS Student
Handbook.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is a necessity to do well in this course. The student is expected to attend
each lecture and laboratory session. Roll will be taken each day. Consistent punctuality is also
expected of the student. An absence is defined as any unexcused non-attendance of class for
fifteen minutes or more, at any time during regular class hours. Tardy arrival is defined as
arrival five minutes or more after the commencement of class. When absence is unavoidable, it
is the student's responsibility to obtain lecture notes and test assignments from fellow students.
Missed laboratory exercises may only be made up by attending another class during the same
week. Frequent absences and tardies will be reflected in your final course grade if you
are borderline. The excessively absent (4 lecture sessions or more) student may be
dropped from the course before the official drop date!!!
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – COURSE REPEATS
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively.
In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting new students (those starting college in Fall
2007) to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their academic career in
obtaining a baccalaureate degree. There may be future penalties imposed as well.
If you are in difficulty and need assistance - tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement – to
stay in class or to improve your academic performance, HCC Student Services can help you. In
any case, you no longer are able to drop a course by yourself. You MUST visit with your
instructor, or a faculty advisor, or a counselor, or online student services at
http://studentservicesonline@hccs.edu prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – COURSE WITHDRAWALS
In case of prolonged absences the instructor should be notified. The student must go through
proper channels in order to officially withdraw from a course; non-attendance does not
automatically withdraw one from any course. THIS MUST BE DONE PRIOR TO THE LAST
DAY TO ADMINISTRATIVELY DROP A COURSE TO RECEIVE A “W” ON YOUR
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TRANSCRIPT. YOUR INSTRUCTORS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ASSIGN A “W”
FOR YOU AFTER THAT DATE!!! YOU WILL RECEIVE THE GRADE YOU EARN, WITH NO
EXCEPTIONS!!! I am under no obligation to withdraw you from this course if you stop
attending!! If a student fails to officially withdraw, he or she may be issued the grade of "FX" at
the end of the semester for non attendance. Exceptions to this policy will be made only under
extraordinary circumstances.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – SEXUAL HARASSMENT
It is a violation of HCC policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in
sexual harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47).
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – SAFE AND SECURE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
It is the policy of HCC to provide a safe and secure environment within which learning can take
place effectively. Accordingly, disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior in the classroom will
not be tolerated. Disruptive, threatening, or violent individuals will be asked to leave the
classroom for that day. Failure to comply with this request may lead to removal and/or arrest by
the police. This is in addition to any college disciplinary action to which the individual might be
liable.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT – EGLS3 -- EVALUATION FOR GREATER LEARNING STUDENT
SURVEY SYSTEM
At Houston Community College, 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.
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ASSESSMENT RUBRICS
Performance Factors
F
1] The student will be able
to state the observations
and inferences leading to
Darwin's theory of
evolution by natural
selection.
PSLO #1
2] The student will be able
to compare and contrast the
important morphological,
taxonomic and
developmental
characteristics of the:
a) Mollusca
b) Annelida
c) Arthropoda
d) Chordata
e) Vertebrata
PSLO #1
GENERAL BIOLOGY II - BIOLOGY 1407
Rating Scale
D
C
Unable to state either the
observations or inferences.
Unable to state how these
observations and inferences
lead to Darwin's theory of
evolution by natural
selection.
Unable to compare and
contrast the important
morphological, taxonomic
and developmental
characteristics of any of
these groups.
Able to state some
observations but not the
inferences. Unable to state
how these observations and
inferences lead to Darwin's
theory of evolution by
natural selection.
Able to demonstrate
taxonomic knowledge of
these groups, but unable to
compare or contrast them
on either a morphological
or developmental basis.
Able to state some
observations and
inferences. Unable to state
how these observations and
inferences lead to Darwin's
theory of evolution by
natural selection.
Able to demonstrate
taxonomic knowledge of
these groups. Able to
compare and contrast them
by morphological
characteristics, but not by
developmental
characteristics, or only
partially able to compare
and contrast them by both
morphological and
developmental
characteristics. Needs
frequent assistance from
the instructor.
B
Able to state all
observations and
inferences. Unable to state
how these observations and
inferences lead to Darwin's
theory of evolution by
natural selection.
Able to demonstrate
taxonomic knowledge of
these groups. Able to
compare and contrast them
by morphological
characteristics, and by
developmental
characteristics, with few
errors. Needs infrequent
assistance from the
instructor.
A
Able to state all
observations and
inferences. Able to state
how these observations and
inferences lead to Darwin's
theory of evolution by
natural selection.
Able to demonstrate
taxonomic knowledge of
these groups. Able to
compare and contrast them
by morphological
characteristics, and by
developmental
characteristics, without
error. Able to determine the
identity of an unknown
organism, within these
groups, when given a
verbal or written
description of its
morphological and
developmental
characteristics. Works
independently of instructor.
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Performance Factors
Rating Scale
F
3] The student will be able
to describe and explain the
important anatomical and
operational aspects of the
following animal systems:
a) digestive system
b) respiratory system
c) circulatory system
d) immune system
e) endocrine system
f) reproductive system
g) nervous system
h) muscular system
PSLO #1
4] The student will be able
to analyze the data from
experiments in human
population genetics,
deriving the relative
frequencies of alleles or
genotypes in a population
by means of the HardyWeinberg equation.
PSLO #2
D
C
B
A
Unable to describe or
explain the important
anatomy and function of
animal systems, their
component tissues and
organs, or their respective
control mechanisms.
Able to describe the
important anatomy of
animal systems. Unable to
describe and explain the
anatomy and function of
their component tissues and
organs, or their respective
control mechanisms.
Able to describe and
explain the important
anatomy and function of
animal systems. Able to
describe and explain their
component tissues and
organs, with numerous
errors. Unable or only
partially able to describe
and explain their respective
control mechanisms. Needs
frequent assistance from
the instructor.
Able to describe and
explain the important
anatomy and function of
animal systems. Able to
describe and explain their
component tissues and
organs, with few errors.
Able to describe and
explain their respective
control mechanisms, with
some errors. Needs
infrequent assistance from
the instructor.
Able to describe and
explain the important
anatomy and function of
animal systems without
error. Able to describe and
explain their component
tissues and organs, without
error. Able to describe and
explain their respective
control mechanisms,
without error. Works
independently of instructor.
Consistently cannot derive
the relative frequencies of
alleles or genotypes in a
population by means of the
Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Occasionally can derive the
relative frequencies of
alleles or genotypes in a
population by means of the
Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Needs frequent assistance
from the instructor.
Occasionally can derive the
relative frequencies of
alleles or genotypes in a
population by means of the
Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Needs infrequent assistance
from the instructor.
Consistently can derive the
relative frequencies of
alleles or genotypes in a
population by means of the
Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Needs infrequent assistance
from the instructor.
Consistently can derive the
relative frequencies of
alleles or genotypes in a
population by means of the
Hardy-Weinberg equation.
Needs no assistance from
the instructor – works
independently.
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Performance Factors
Rating Scale
F
D
C
B
A
5] Given a half-life in an
appropriate scenario, the
student will be able to
calculate the age of an
object by means of
radioisotopic decay.
PSLO #2
6] The student will develop
the habit of reliable
attendance by being absent
from class no more than
four times per semester.
PSLO #3
Consistently cannot derive
the age of an object by
means of isotopic half-life.
Occasionally can derive the
age of an object by means
of isotopic half-life. Needs
frequent assistance from
the instructor.
Occasionally can derive the
age of an object by means
of isotopic half-life. Needs
infrequent assistance from
the instructor.
Consistently can derive the
age of an object by means
of isotopic half-life. Needs
infrequent assistance from
the instructor.
Consistently can derive the
age of an object by means
of isotopic half-life. Needs
no assistance from the
instructor – works
independently.
Is absent frequently enough
to interfere with instruction
and the completion of the
course objectives, and/or is
frequently not where he/she
is expected to be. Infracts
the HCC attendance
policies.
When absent, is never
aware of the schedule for
the day upon return, and
must be reminded or
encouraged to complete
objectives missed during
the absence. Is
occasionally not where
he/she is expected to be.
When absent,
independently or with little
help completes objectives
missed during the absence.
Always aware of the
schedule for the day, and is
where he/she is expected to
be at all times.
Is never absent, always
aware of the schedule for
the day, and is where
he/she is expected to be at
all times. Consistently and
willingly follows HCC
attendance policies without
being reminded.
7] The student will
demonstrate punctuality in
the submission of class
assignments on their due
date.
PSLO #3
Is tardy at turn-in
frequently enough to
interfere with class
instruction. Submits
assignments two or more
weeks late, or ignores
assignments.
Is tardy at turn-in
frequently enough to
interfere with class
instruction or submits
assignments no more than
one week late.
When absent, is only
occasionally unaware of the
schedule for the day upon
return. Completes
objectives missed during
the absence only with the
help of the instructor and/or
classmates, and is where
he/she is expected to be at
all times.
Is occasionally a few
minutes late for assignment
turn-in. Submits
assignments no more than
one day late.
Is rarely late for assignment
turn-in. Submits
assignments late, but on the
due date.
Is consistently on time for
assignment turn-in. Always
submits assignments on the
due date.
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"YOUR PROBLEMS ARE YOUR PROBLEMS..."
My good friend and colleague, Jaye Ramsey Sutter, J.D., professor of government and criminal
justice, makes an important statement in her course syllabus. This is a statement to which I also
subscribe as part of my syllabus -"Your problems are your problems, not my problems. Please understand that your job, your
family, your volunteer work, (your other course work), your arrests, your court dates, your "stuff"
is not a (valid) excuse...Do not ask me to find extra points for you. You get the grade you
earned. I do not curve grades...I do not boost your grades to get you into the next college or
university. Don't tell me you "need" a grade and expect me to control your destiny. You control
your destiny as much as possible. You want an "A"?...you are going to need to study, prepare,
and earn it...You must take responsibility for yourself...You want to go to nursing school but you
can’t bother to take yourself seriously enough to take an exam on time? What if you can’t give a
patient medication on time? Professional, conscientious, responsible behavior begins here and
now and I am not responsible for your dream of going to medical/law/nursing school. You are."
(Parentheses are mine-DJS)
This syllabus does not constitute a contract between the instructor or HCC, and the student.
The provisions listed above may be changed at any time, either orally or by written notification.
However, examination and grading policies are firm for any given semester, unless
extraordinary or emergency circumstances occur.
NO CELL PHONES OR TEXT MESSAGING DEVICES ARE ALLOWED IN USE IN CLASS AT
ANY TIME! AUDIBLE CELL PHONE RINGING MAY RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM
CLASS THAT DAY! I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE FROM USE ANY ELECTRONIC
DEVICE BEING USED FOR NON-CLASS PURPOSES.
THE USE OF ANY UNAUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING EXAMINATIONS OR
DURING POST EXAM TEST REVIEW SESSIONS IS CHEATING AND WILL RESULT IN
COURSE FAILURE!!
ANY UNAUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOUND OR OBSERVED ANYWHERE
WITHIN PLAIN VIEW OF THE STUDENT DURING EXAMINATIONS OR DURING POST
EXAM TEST REVIEW SESSIONS IS DEEMED TO GIVE THE APPEARANCE OF CHEATING
AND WILL RESULT IN EXAM FAILURE WITH A GRADE OF ZERO!! DON’T DO IT!!!!!
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