College Biology
Biology 201
Summer Quarter 2006
Instructor: Maura Parker
Course Times: M/T/W/Th 10:50AM – 12:10
PM Lab Wed 12:20 PM – 3:20 PM
Required Texts:
Recommended
Texts:
Email: mhparker@sccd.ctc.edu
Classroom: ED2841A
Lab=AS1617
Biology, 7th ed.; Campbell & Reece; Benjamin Cummings Pub.
Photo Atlas for General Biology, Strete & Vodopich, McGraw Hill
Publishing
Course Description: This is the first in a series of majors' biology classes covering the principles
of biology. We will cover topics concerning cell structure and function, metabolism, and genetics.
I encourage students to participate by asking lots of questions – do the prerequisite reading,
discuss the material with your classmates, and come to class and labs with questions for
discussion. Please remember that every question is a good question.
By the end of this course you should be able to:













Explain what is meant by the statement "life is chemistry".
Explain what is meant by the statement "the cell is the basic unit of life".
Explain basic cellular structure and processes.
Explain basic biochemical reactions.
Explain how enzymes catalyze biological reactions, and what regulates enzymatic activity.
Explain the processes and outcomes of photosynthesis and respiration, and how they are linked.
Explain the genetic code and how it is translated into proteins.
Explain how genetic information is stored and passed on from generation to generation.
Explain what genetic variation is, why it is important, and how it is created.
Correctly use a microscope.
Use correct sterile techniques.
Describe the basic methodology of doing science, including hypothesis testing.
Discuss the human implications for some of the topics we cover.
Course Prerequisite: Chemistry 101 (minimum); a base level of chemistry (Chemistry 101) is
assumed for this course. Eligibility for ENG 101 recommended.
Evaluation: Your grade is evaluated as follows:
Exams (4 total)
60%
Quizzes
15%
Lab Exercises
25%
100%
Your grade is based on the following NSCC scale:
4.0 - 3.5 A/A90-100%
3.4 - 2.9 B+/B
80-89.9%
2.8 - 2.2 B-/C+
70-79.9%
1.4 - 0.9 D+/D
50-59.9%
0.8-0.0 D-/E
below 50%
GENERAL POLICIES AND REMINDERS
Exams: Examinations will not be cumulative. Make up examinations are given only when prior
arrangements have been made with the faculty instructor. Make up exams may be in an alternate format. If
prior arrangements are not made a 0% will be assigned for the missed exam.
Laboratory Exercises: There will be no make-ups for missed labs. If you need to miss a lab for a valid
reason, please speak with me. Notice must be given prior to the start of the lab session in order to for
special consideration to be given. Please note that you will not receive credit for a lab write-up if you
were not present in lab.
Independent Research Project: At the beginning of the course, I will hand out a list of topics related to the
course material. Each student will choose a topic that interests most and do a course-long independent
research project. The format of the report and presentation will be discussed in class.
Reading Quizzes: Quizzes may be given periodically throughout the quarter based on the reading of
selected chapters. Quizzes may or may not be announced. I have given you a detailed schedule, so keep
up with the readings!
Lecture Content and Testable Material: I expect students to read the appropriate text and/or lab chapters
before the corresponding lecture or laboratory. I will try to cover the majority of material presented in the
texts, but time may not allow all details to be covered. Therefore, lecture content will most likely not cover all
the material presented in the textbook; however, students are responsible for material presented in both the
lecture and the textbooks. Material not covered in the lecture, but presented in the textbook is testable
material. Also, there are review sessions before each exam, so you can ask more specific questions once
you are more familiar with the material.
Attendance and Commitment: Students should attend every class session. It is the student's
responsibility to obtain lecture notes, handouts, or other materials in case of an absence. Rescheduling of
exams should be done prior to the appropriate date. I will do all I can to help students who must miss class
due to illness or other emergencies, but I must know as soon as possible. A student who stops attending
class without an official withdrawal will be assigned a grade based on the work completed up to that point.
This is a course that will require a great deal of individual effort by each student. I have given you a detailed
schedule of the quarter so you can stay on top of the material – preparation before class is very important.
Come with questions!
Electronic Devices: Out of respect for your instructor and fellow students, please turn off cell phones and
pagers before class. No electronic devices may be used during exams.
Fragrance-Free Policy: Many people suffer from allergies and/or chemical sensitivities. As NSCC is
officially a “fragrance-free” campus, please minimize your use of perfumes, colognes, and other heavily
scented products.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated, and will result in a ZERO for the effected exam, quiz, or
assignment. A second offense will result in a withdrawal from the class for the remainder of the
quarter.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: BIOLOGY 201, SUMMER 2006
Date
Mon 6/26
Tues 6/27
Wed 6/28
Wed(6/28)
Thurs 6/29
Mon 7/3
Tues 7/4
Wed 7/5
Wed (7/5)
Thurs 7/6
Mon 7/10
Tues 7/11
Wed 7/12
Wed(7/12)
Thurs 7/13
Mon 7/17
Tues 7/18
Wed 7/19
Wed(7/19)
Thurs 7/20
Mon 7/24
Tues 7/25
Wed 7/26
Wed(7/26)
Thurs 7/27
Mon 7/31
Tues 8/1
Wed 8/2
Wed (8/2)
Thurs 8/3
Mon 8/7
Tues 8/8
Wed 8/9
Wed(8/9)
Thurs 8/10
Mon 8/14
Tues 8/15
Wed 8/16
Wed(8/16)
Thurs 8/17
Lectures, Labs, Activities
Introduction ; The basic unit of life – the cell (Chapter 6 - pp 94-101)
Cellular Anatomy (Chapter 6 – pp 102-111)
Cellular Structure (Chapter 6 – pp 112-121; Chapter 7 – 124-129)
Lab 1: Microscopy – Cell Diversity and Anatomy
Membrane Transport (Chapter 7 – pp 130-138)
Signal Transduction (Chapter 201-215)
No Class – Independence Day
The Cell Cycle (Chapter 12 – 218-233)
Lab 2: Membrane Function – Diffusion, Osmosis, and Endocytosis
Review
Review
Exam #1 – Cell Biology
Introduction to Energy and Metabolism (Chapter 8 – pp 141-150) and Enzymes (Chapter 8 –
pp 150-157)
Lab 3: Enzyme Function
Enzymes (Chapter 8 – pp 150-157) and Respiration (Chapter 9 – 160-178)
Respiration (Chapter 9 – 160-178)
Photosynthesis (Chapter 10; pp 181-198)
Review
Lab 4: Respiration and Photosynthesis
Exam #2 – Energy and Metabolism
Introduction to DNA and Chromosomes (Chapter 16 – pp 293-298; Chapter 19 – 359-361;
Chapter 16 – pp 299-307)
Meiosis and Reproduction (Chapter 13 – pp 238-249)
Mendelian Inheritance (Chapter 14 – pp 251-270)
Lab 5: Introduction to DNA: Genomic DNA Isolation and Mitosis
Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance (Chapter 15 – pp 274-290)
Review
Review
Exam #3 – DNA and Inheritance
Lab 6: Gene Regulation and Bacterial Transformation
From Gene to Protein (Chapter 17 – pp 309-331)
Regulating Gene Expression (Chapter 19 – pp 362-381)
Microbial Genetics (Chapter 18 – pp 334-356)
DNA Technology (Chapter 20 – pp 384-408)
Lab 7: DNA Analysis
How does differential gene expression regulate embryonic development? (Chapter 21 – pp
411-433)
Review
Review
Exam #4 – Gene Expression and DNA Technology
Lab 8: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Last day – hand in lab report