COLLIN COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Number: Biology 1408
Course Title: Biology for Non-Science Majors I
Course Description:
Lecture: Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including
chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.
Lab: Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on
humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.
Course Credit Hours:4
Lecture Hours:3
Lab Hours:3
Corequisite: Biology 1408 Laboratory
Student Learning Outcomes:
State-mandated Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
Lecture
Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell
structures.
Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes,
enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each.
Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.
Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.
Lab
Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes
and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data. (Teamwork)
Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.
(Critical Thinking Skills)
Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations. (Communication Skills)
Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell
structures.
Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes,
enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
(Empirical and Quantitative Skills)
Identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.
Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.
Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.
Withdrawal Policy: See the current Collin Registration Guide for last day to withdraw.
Collin College Academic Policies: See the current Collin Student Handbook.
Academic Etiquette and the College Experience
Professors and students at Collin College share a responsibility to develop and maintain a
positive learning environment. Students are asked to show respect to other students and to
professors. As a citizen of the classroom, it is the student’s responsibility to assist a
professor’s efforts to encourage and facilitate learning. Students are accountable for their
own academic progress and work. With that in mind, prompt submission of all work,
according to the course calendar and syllabus guidelines, promotes student success. It is a
professor’s responsibility to present learning opportunities through lectures, projects, in-class
and out-of-class exercises, and assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all
readings, participate in class discussions, and complete all assignments and project
exercises in a timely manner. The course syllabus should provide clear instruction for
successful course participation and activities. It is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct
(Chapter 2, Section 7-2.3 Other Offenses, Item T) to engage “in the disruptive use of
electronic or digital media or telecommunication devices during class, Collin College labs
and/or other learning environments.” This includes social networking activities such as
texting, talking on the phone, and Web browsing from laptops, Smart phones, or any
other relevant electronic devices during class time. Please consult the professor for
specific guidance. The professor reserves the right to ask students not to use their
electronic devices in class. If there is a need to monitor any outside communication for
emergency purposes during a specific class, a student should set the device on vibrate and
inform the professor before class begins, so as not to disrupt the class and interfere with the
academic class work of other students. In addition to individual course guidelines, please
review the Student Code of Conduct, especially Chapter 1, Section 7-1.5 Disorderly Conduct,
and Chapter 2, Section 7-2.2 Scholastic Dishonesty (including Plagiarism) and Section 7-2.3
Other Offenses Most professors regard tardiness as both an absence and as disruptive behavior.
Sleeping in class, interfering with teaching by talking with other students during directed
instruction, and preparing work for another class while engaged in classroom activities are
behaviors that are both discourteous to other students and disruptive to the purposes of the
course. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct, Chapter 2, Section 7-2.3 Other Offenses,
Item B (Disruption) and Item C (Conduct), for more information. Collin College’s Strategies
of Behavioral Intervention (SOBI) Committee provides a process to refer, report, assess,
and assist students who may display various levels of distressed, disturbed, and/or
unregulated behavior. SOBI responds to distressed and threatening behavior by providing
assistance and/or redirection while preserving a constructive learning environment. Reports
of Student Code of Conduct violations will be referred directly to the Dean of Student
Development Office for disciplinary action. To refer concerning behavior, submit a referral
online at http://www.collin.edu/studentresources/SOBI/index.htmlor contact SOBI directly
at sobi@collin.edu
If a student is having difficulty mastering the material and skills, the student is encouraged to
reflect on how to study and prepare for each class. Professors welcome dialogue on what you
discover and may be able to assist in finding resources on campus that will improve student
performance. Professors want to provide students with the academic tools necessary to succeed
in college and in the professional world upon the student obtaining a degree
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: Collin College will adhere to all applicable federal,
state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable
accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the ACCESS office, SCC-D140 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD: 972.881.5950)
to arrange for appropriate accommodations. See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional
information.
INSTRUCTOR’S INFORMATION
Instructor’s Name: Sukanya Subramanian
Office Number: F 213
Office Hours: MW 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, R 1.00 -3.00 pm, or you can make an appointment
Phone Number: 972 377 1583
Email: Ssubramanian@collin.edu
WeB: iws.collin.edu/ssubramanian
CLASS INFORMATION
Section Number: P02 P03
Meeting Times:P02 MW 1.00 pm- 2.15 pm, P03 TR 8.30 am - 9.45 am
Meeting Location: P02 LH236, P03 LH 241
Course Resources: Course Textbook:
Free Online openstax textbook (modified by Dr. Subramanian) on my web page under lecture notes (see below)
http://iws.collin.edu/ssubramanian/1408/1408%20subheadings%20openstax%20S16.htm
Supplies: None.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory. Individual conflicts with this policy are to be
discussed with the instructor. Students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw
from the course will be assigned a grade of “F”. You may repeat this course only once after receiving
a grade, including W The last day to withdraw is 3/18/16. Religious Holy Days: please refer to the
current Collin Student Handbook.
LATERAL TRANSFER POLICY
Lateral transfers will not be granted after the 4th week of class or after the first lecture exam, which ever
comes first. Exceptions to this are for documented changes in work schedule or family emergencies. If a
student does transfer to another section, all previous grades will accompany the student. However, the
new instructor can require the student to retake any exam or quiz. For questions concerning this policy,
contact the Biology Department Chair.
Method of Evaluation:
Overall Course Grade:
Lecture 70%, Lab 30%
Lecture: 5 major exams (25% each for exam 2 and 3, approx. 20% each for Exam 1 & 4 ) plus a 4-5 page
written essay ( approx.10%) due during final exam . Exams may be composed entirely of multiple
choice questions in which they will be completed in class. Alternatively, an exam may be
comprised of a series of take home quizzes/exams combined with homework assignments and/or
projects. Projects will involve research and may take a variety of forms including: a. written
communication such as a paper, b. an exhibit such as a model or poster, c. an oral and/or visual
presentation. The date of each exam will be confirmed approximately a week before the exam.
Exam 1- Chapters 1-2: Exam 2-Chapters 3-5, Exam 3 Chapters 6-8: Exam 4- Chapters 9-10: (The date
of the exams will be confirmed approximately a week before the exam)
Make-up exams may only be granted in the event of extenuating circumstances (e.g.
hospitalization of the student, death in the family, etc.) that are supported by documentation.
The instructor reserves the right to make the determination of whether a particular situation
merits a make-up exam. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if a situation arises that
prevents you from attending class on a scheduled exam date. If you anticipate a problem that
may impact a future exam, please get in touch with the instructor to discuss the situation as soon
as you know of a potential conflict. Extra Credit and Quizzes as determined by instructor
Grade Key: 89.5-100% A, 79.5-89.4% B, 69.5-79.4% C, 59.5-69.4D, < 59.5% F (subject to change)
BIOLOGY 1408 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY I LECTURE
TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR
Week# Week
LECTURE TOPICS
CHAPTER
If Monday - ***MLK Holiday 1/18/16 – classes do not
meet
1
of
1
1/18
Intro. to Biology, Scientific Method
2
1/25
Chemistry of Life
2
3
2/1
Cell Structure and Function
3
***Spring Census Date (drop with no grade) 2/1/16***
4
2/8
Cell Structure and Function cont.
3
5
2/15
Cell Structure and Function cont.
3
6
2/22
How Cells obtain energy
4
7
2/29
How Cells obtain energy
4
3/7/16 – 3/13/16 Spring Break – Classes Do Not Meet
8
3/14
Photosynthesis
5
*** Last Day to Withdraw 3/18***
9
3/21
Reproduction at the Cellular Level
6
For Friday classes
Spring Holiday 3/25-3/27 campus closed
10
3/28
Reproduction at the Cellular Level
6
11
4/4
The Cellular Basis of Inheritance
7
12
4/11
Patterns of Inheritance
8
13
4/18
Molecular Biology
9
14
4/25
Molecular Biology
9
15
5/2
BioTechnology
10
16
Finals 5/9-5/15/16
5