Biology 3 – Introductory Biology
Los Angeles Mission College – Spring of 2016
Instructor: J. Michael Reynolds
Lecture: TuTh 8:55 – 10:20 AM; Lab 10:30 AM – 1:40 PM (Tu #0147 and Th #0148)
Office Hours: MW 2:30 – 3:30 PM; TuTh 1:40 – 2:40 PM
Office Phone (818) 364-7695 and e-mail: reynolmj@lamission.edu
Life Science Web Site - http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences
Professor Reynolds Website: http://www.lamission.edu/~reynoljm
Prerequisite: English 28 or ESL 8
Deadline to Add classes in person – February 19
Drop class without a W – February 21
Last day to drop with W – May 8
Articulation: You are encouraged to view articulation agreements at assist.org.
Biology 3 is a comprehensive course designed to allow students to identify and describe the major concepts of modern
and classical biological sciences including: the fundamental physical and chemical principles underlying the life sciences;
the basics of cell structure and function; the underlying principles of heredity, reproduction, and development; and the
intimate interplay between organisms and their environment. The relationship between STRUCTURE and FUNCTION,
from atoms to ecosystems, provides a unifying theme for the course. Concepts will be reinforced by active participation
in laboratory exercises, lectures, discussions, readings, and written assignments, constructed specifically to allow
students to learn about the scientific process and its effect on our daily lives.
Student Learning Outcomes for Biology 3
1) BIO3 students will analyze a scientific experiment and determine the major components.
2) BIO3 students will graph, interpret, and analyze data pertaining to a biological process.
3) BIO3 students will analyze a genetic problem to determine the probabilities of genotypic and phenotypic outcomes.
4) Given a DNA sequence, BIO3 students will apply the principles of gene expression to determine the protein product.
Course Objectives
(1)
To learn the language and fundamental concepts of modern and classical biological sciences in order to be
successful in future academic and/or professional endeavors.
(2)
To grow as a student of science, by integrating lectures, discussions, laboratories, home-study, and smallgroup study into a holistic approach to learning.
(3)
To work as a member of a laboratory team, taking responsibility for one’s own success, but learning to adapt,
share and learn with others during laboratory meetings.
(4)
To become a critically thinking member of our democratic society, being able to read and discuss issues raised
by modern advances in the life sciences, in order to make informed decisions for oneself, family, friends, and
community.
Books required:
● Campbell: Essential Biology, Simon et. al. (Pearson-Benjamin Cummings)
● Laboratory: Biology 3 Laboratory Manual available in the bookstore or for free download at:
http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences/Biology3Laboratories.aspx
Lecture Notes
The lecture notes can be accessed from my department home page located on the internet at:
http://www.lamission.edu/~reynolmj/515. On the left hand side under My Pages, click on Biology 3.
Evaluation and Grading
(1) Quizzes (8 X 10 (-1 low quiz score dropped) = 70 points)
A quiz will be administered at the start of lecture in 8 different lectures during the semester (see schedule below). Quiz
#1 will be Tuesday, February 16. Each quiz will take approximately ten minutes and will emphasize material covered
during previous class meetings. The quizzes are intended to stress the importance of staying up with the material.
There will be a total of 8 quizzes worth 10 points each. At the end of the semester the lowest quiz score will be dropped
and the average of all quizzes taken will be counted as Bonus Points. Quizzes cannot be made up.
(2) Laboratory Worksheets and Lab Participation (approximately 130 points)
Students are required to complete all questions, including tables, charts, and graphs, for all laboratory worksheets. The
worksheets must be returned at the beginning of the next laboratory meeting that is scheduled. Each lab will be worth
10 points each. Do not underestimate the value of these points! Every semester some students lose a whole grade
because of absences, tardies, failure to participate, or failure to hand-in laboratory worksheets complete and on-time.
A student who misses two or more laboratory sessions, excused or unexcused, is subject to receiving a Failing Grade (F)
for the course.
(3) Midterm Examinations (3 X 100 = 300 points)
There will be 3 objective midterm exams. No make-up midterm examinations will be given. A student who has an
excused absence from one midterm only will have the percentage earned on the next examination counted for that
missed score. For students who take all four exams (including the final exam), half of the difference between the lowest
score and second lowest score will be applied to the final grade.
(4) Case Study Essay (1 X 30)
Written communication and critical thinking are essential components of science. Students will be asked to read and
respond to a controversial issue raised by advances in modern biological sciences. Students will be required to write a
coherent, two-page, double spaced, and type-written essay in which he/she will argue the merits of their analysis of the
issue. Emphasis will not be placed on the position taken, but rather on the clarity and thoroughness of the argument.
There are no correct answers – communication, analysis and argumentation are the focus. The Case Study Analysis will
be due on Tuesday, April 26.
(5) Final Laboratory Practical Examination (50 points)
The Final Laboratory Practical Examination is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 11. It will
cover all material from laboratory exercises throughout the semester and will include “hands-on” experimentation that
will be accomplished by lab table groups.
(6) Final Objective Examination (100 points)
The Final Objective Examination will be on Tuesday, May 31, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. No make-up Final Exam will
be given. Students should arrange all personal, family, and vacation plans accordingly.
Note: The point total during the course may change depending on circumstances during the semester.
GRADING SCALE:
Percentage of Total Points
100 - 90
89 - 80
79 - 70
69 - 60
59 - lower
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
not passing (F)
General Comments
Do not be shy. I am here to help you learn and it is a pleasure for me to give extra help when requested.
Do not fall behind! This is a fast-paced course that covers a lot of material in very few class meetings. It is incumbent
upon every student to do the readings on time and participate actively in the lab.
Work together! It is phenomenal what two or more people can learn at a lab table working together compared to one
lonely, lost soul trying to isolate a cheek cell on a slide. Come to class prepared to help one another.
Ask questions! There is no such thing as a stupid question. The chances are that if you don't know what is going on, 80%
of the class is sitting there as ignorant as you, waiting for someone to ask. We have all been there before. So speak up!
Turn off electronic devices. Please be courteous to me and other students in the class.
Additional Materials
Each student should purchase ScanTron Answer Sheets for the Quizzes, Midterms, and Final Exam.
COLLEGE RESOURCES

Science Success Center (SSC): Free tutoring is available for all science students in CMS 101 of
the Center for Math and Sciences (CMS). For more information visit:
http://www.lamission.edu/learningcenter/ssc.aspx

STEM Office: For information on free tutoring, resources and academic counseling for STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Technology) students visit the STEM Center in CMS 014.
http://www.lamission.edu/stem

Admissions and Records: Students can register for classes, request transcripts, file petitions for
graduation, and drop classes at this office. For more information call 818-833-3322 or visit:
http://www.lamission.edu/admissions/

Assessment Center: Offers student assessments in English, English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)
and Mathematics. Please contact the Assessment Center at (818) 364-7613 for more information
or visit http://www.lamission.edu/assessment/

Bookstore: For hours of operation, book availability, buybacks, and other information call 818364-7767 or 7768 or visit http://eagleslanding.lamission.edu/default.asp

Counseling Department: For appointments and information call 818-364-7655 or visit
http://www.lamission.edu/counseling/

Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S): For appointments, eligibility and
information call 818-364-7732 or visit http://www.lamission.edu/dsps/
Lecture/Laboratory Schedule
Biology 3 – Spring 2016
J. Michael Reynolds
Date
Week 1
Tu 2/9
Th 2/11
Week 2
Tu 2/16
Th 2/18
Week 3
Tu 2/23
Th 2/25
Week 4
Tu 3/1
Th 3/3
Week 5
Tu 3/8
Th 3/10
Week 6
Tu 3/15
Th 3/17
Week 7
Tu 3/22
Th 3/24
Week 8
Tu 3/29
Th 3/31
Lecture/Laboratory
Reading
Course Intro; Introduction – Biology Today
Lab 1 – Scientific Method
Course Intro; Introduction – Biology Today
Lab 1 – Scientific Method
Chapter 1
Essential Chemistry for Biology
Lab 2 – Metric System
Essential Chemistry for Biology
Lab 2 – Metric System
Chapter 2
The Molecules of Life
Lab 3 – Molecules and pH
The Molecules of Life
Lab 3 – Molecules and pH
Chapter 3
A Tour of the Cell
Lab 5 - Macromolecules
A Tour of the Cell
Lab 5 - Macromolecules
Chapter 4
Examination #1 - Chapters 1-4
Lab 4 - Microscope
The Working Cell
Lab 4 - Microscope
Chapter 1
Quiz #1
Chapter 2
Quiz #2
Chapter 3
Quiz #3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
The Working Cell
Lab 6 - Enzymes
Cellular Respiration: Obtaining Energy from Food
Lab 6 - Enzymes
Chapter 5
Cellular Respiration: Obtaining Energy from Food
Lab 7 – Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food
Lab 7 – Cellular Respiration
Lab 8 - Photosynthesis
Chapter 6
Examination #2 - Chapters 5-7
Lab 8 - Photosynthesis
Cesar Chavez Holiday
Quiz
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Quiz #4
Quiz #5
Date
Lecture/Laboratory
Week 9
Tu 4/5
Th 4/7
Spring Break
Spring Break
Week 10
Tu 4/12
Tu 4/14
Week 11
Tu 4/19
Th 4/21
Week 12
Tu 4/26
Th 4/28
Week 13
Tu 5/3
Th 5/5
Week 14
Tu 5/10
Th 5/12
Week 15
Tu 5/17
Th 5/19
Week 16
Tu 5/24
Th 5/26
Week 17
Tu 5/31
Reading
Cellular Reproduction: Cells from Cells
Lab 9 – Cell Division
Cellular Reproduction: Cells from Cells
Lab 9 – Cell Division
Chapter 8
Patterns of Inheritance
Lab 10 - Genetics
Patterns of Inheritance
Lab 10 - Genetics
Chapter 9
The Structure and Function of DNA
Lab 11 – DNA and Gene Expression
The Structure and Function of DNA
Lab 11 – DNA and Gene Expression
Chapter 10
Evolution and Diversity
Lab 12 – Natural Selection
Evolution and Diversity
Lab 12 – Natural Selection
Chapter 13
Quiz
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Quiz #6
Case Study due
Chapter 10
Chapter 13
Examination #3 - Chapters 8 – 10, 13
Lab 13 – Cardiovascular and Health
Unifying Concepts of Animal Structure and Function Chapter 21
Lab 13 – Cardiovascular and Health
Circulation and Respiration
Lab 14 – Plant Kingdom
Nutrition and Digestion
Lab 14 – Plant Kingdom
Chapter 23
Reproduction and Development
Lab Practical Exam
Reproduction and Development
Lab Practical Exam
Chapter 26
Chapter 22
Chapter 26
FINAL EXAMINATION Chapters 21, 22, 23, 26 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Quiz #7
Quiz #8
Code of Honor and Integrity
Los Angeles Mission College
Department of Life Sciences
Students at Los Angeles Mission College, because they are members of an academic community dedicated to the
achievement of excellence and the pursuit of honor, are expected to meet high standards of personal, ethical, and
moral conduct. These standards require personal integrity and a commitment to honesty without compromise. Without
the ability to trust in these principles, an academic community and a civil society cannot exist. Los Angeles Mission
College students and faculty are as committed to the development of students with honesty and integrity as they are to
the academic and professional success of its students.
The Code of Honor and Integrity is an undertaking of the students, first and foremost, both individually and
collectively, that they will:
1.
not give or receive dishonorable aid during exams, quizzes or assignments
2.
do their share and take an active part in seeing to it that fellow students, as well as themselves, uphold the spirit
and letter of the Code of Honor and Integrity.
Some examples of conduct that are regarded as being in violation of the Honor Code include:

Copying from another’s examination or quiz, or allowing another to copy from one’s own papers

Using any unpermitted source of information, human or other, during an exam, quiz or assignment that
influences the grade; this includes the use of technological devices

Any student-to-student collaboration that is unpermitted

Plagiarism (plagiarism is defined as the use, without giving reasonable and appropriate credit to, or
acknowledging the author or source, of another person's original work)

Representing as one’s own work as the work of another

Giving or receiving aid on an academic assignment under circumstances in which a reasonable person should
have known that such aid is not permitted
As a part of the effort to promote an environment of honesty and integrity during quizzes and examinations, the
following guidelines will apply for any courses in the Department of Life Sciences:
1.
Students will leave all books and all other non-essential items (e.g. paper, electronic devices) on the floor so that
they are not useable nor block the sight line between professor and student. No electronic devices will be in reach.
2.
Students will not communicate in any way that will dishonorably assist themselves or another student.
3.
Students will leave the room during an exam only if permitted by the professor’s policy. If permitted, only one
student may leave the room at any time and be gone for only the average length of time needed for the stated
purpose. Students will leave all purses, bags, books, phones, jackets, etc., in the classroom during the absence.
4.
Students will promote the spirit and letter of the Code of Honesty and Integrity by dissuading fellow students from
dishonest activity and, when such casual persuasion does not work, informing the professor of the possible
dishonest activity, either anonymously, or otherwise.
5.
Students will make every effort to avoid even the appearance of dishonesty or lack of integrity
Violation of this policy will not be tolerated and violators will be subject to severe penalties. The success of the Code of
Honor and Integrity is based upon the collective desire of students, faculty and the community to live in an
environment that embraces respect for that which is right – both in the college and in society as a whole.