Principles of Biology II
BIO 152
Luzerne County Community College
Spring 2016
Instructor: Mr. Koch
Contact Info: kochj@hasdk12.org or jkoch@luzerne.edu
Course Description:
Principles of Biology II Bio 152: This course is designed to cover the evolution of the major organ systems of
the Kingdom Animalia to include invertebrate and vertebrate species. The development of comparative
structures as influenced by natural selection will be emphasized. The anatomy and physiology of the major
organ systems will be stressed. Laboratory will include gross dissection and microscopic analysis of selected
specimens.
Course Texts: Campbell, N.A., Reece J.B., Urry, L.A., Cail, M.L., Waserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V. and
Jackson, R.B. Biology 10th edition, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2014.
Additional Readings and Videos: From various scientific libraries (handed out in class)
Policies:
Attendance of each lecture and lab is required. If a class or lab is missed due to an emergency, I expect
to be informed of the cause. Students are responsible for all lecture materials and reading assignments whether
they attended class or not. Any lecture notes that you have missed should be obtained from a classmate. If
excessive absences occur the student will receive a grade of “I” (incomplete), and have to retake the course.
Students will have opportunities to ask questions in class, but extensive questions about course material,
grades, or exams should be brought to office hours. Exams must be taken on the scheduled date. Write these
dates on your calendar. Makeup exams will only be given to students who provide documented evidence of a
family or health emergency, and may be of a different format from the regularly scheduled exam. Makeup
exams will be given at a time of the instructor’s choosing.
If you have a documented learning disability, you may be entitled to certain considerations, such as extra
time during the exams. You must see me prior to the exam date to make the appropriate arrangements.
Academic Misconduct:
Students engaged in academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating on an exam or other
assignment will be given a zero for the assignment or exam. At the discretion of the instructor all students
involved in cheating may be failed for the course. Each case of misconduct will be brought before the Student
Development Office and may result in expulsion from the college.
Inclement Weather/Snow Policy:
In the event of inclement weather, commuting students should take their own safety into account first. If
LCCC is open, I will make every effort to be here for class. If school remains open, but I am unable to be in
class, I will attempt to notify every student through email.
If you have a difficult drive and you deem it imprudent to attempt to drive in for safety reasons, please
leave a message with the college to that effect, or send me an email message. You will still be responsible for
any material missed in that class.
Grading:
1st Half
Exam #1 (10%)
Midterm Exam (Covers all of 1st half) (20%)
Quizzes (4 – dropping the lowest each half) (5%)
Projects (2 each half) (20%)
Labs (6 each half) (20%)
Class Participation (25%)
2nd Half
Exam #2 (10%)
Final Exam (Cumulative 1st and 2nd half) (20%)
Quizzes (4 – dropping the lowest each half) (5%)
Projects (2 each half) (20%)
Labs (6 each half) (20%)
Class Participation (25%)
Grade Determination:
A grade will be awarded for this course on the following basis.
A
B+
B
C+
=
=
=
=
93% – 100%
89% – 92%
85% – 88%
81% – 84%
C
D+
D
F
=
=
=
=
77% - 80%
73% - 76%
70% - 72%
69 and below
Example:
1st Half
Exam #1 – 80 x 0.10 = 8
Midterm Exam – 90 x 0.20 = 18
Quiz #1 – 90
Quiz #2 – 85 ->dropped
Quiz #3 – 100
Quiz #4 – 90
Quiz Grade 93 x 0.05 = 4.7
Project #1 – 95
Project #2 – 90
Project Grade 93 x 0.20 = 18.5
Lab #1 – 90
Lab #2 – 80
Lab #3 – 85
Lab #4 – 90
Lab #5 – 75
Lab #6 – 80
Lab Grade 83 x 0.20 = 16.7
Class Participation 95 x 0.25 = 23.8
1st Half Grade (8 + 18 + 4.7 + 18.5 + 16.7 + 23.8) =
90% or B+
2nd Half
Exam #2 – 90 x 0.10 = 9
Final Exam – 80 x 0.20 = 16
Quiz #5 – 80 ->dropped
Quiz #6 – 85
Quiz #7 – 100
Quiz #8 – 90
Quiz Grade 92 x 0.05 = 4.6
Project #3 – 85
Project #4 – 90
Project Grade 88 x 0.20 = 17.5
Lab #7 – 95
Lab #8 – 85
Lab #9 – 80
Lab #10 – 90
Lab #11 – 75
Lab #12 – 70
Lab Grade 83 x 0.20 = 16.7
Class Participation 95 x 0.25 = 23.8
2nd Half Grade (9 + 16 + 4.6 + 17.5 + 16.7 + 23.8) =
88% or B
Final Grade (Average of 1st and 2nd Half Grades) =
89% or B+
Tentative Sequence of Lecture Topics
DNA Tools and Biotechnology – Chapter 20
Mechanisms of Evolution – Chapters 22, 24, & 25
The Evolutionary History of Biological Diversity – Chapters 26 – 34
Plant Form and Function – Chapters 35 – 39
Animal Form and Function – Chapters 40 – 51
Tentative Laboratory Schedule
1. pGLO Bacterial Transformation
2. Antibiotic Selection of Bacteria
3. Primate and Human Evolution: A Skull Comparison
4. Evolution in Action: Statistical Analysis
5. Identification of Bacteria using Gram Staining
6. Effects of UV Light on Yeast Cells
7. Investigation of Mushroom Growth
8. How Does Temperature Affect Daphnia Heart Rate?
9. Transpiration Lab: What factors, including environmental variables, affect the rate of transpiration in
plants?
10. Flower Dissection Lab: What are the parts of a flower and what are their functions?
11. Meiosis and Tetrad Analysis Using Sordaria fimicola
12. Homeostasis: A Balancing Act: Explaining how positive and negative feedback influence homeostasis in
the human body
13. Squid Dissection: Investigating Adaptation in Animals
Tentative Projects
1. Animal Evolution Project
2. Maple Syrup Making
3. Seed Germination
4. Wildflower Collection
5. Insect Collection
6. Independent Project
Tentative Course Schedule:
February:
DNA Tools and Biotechnology
Mechanisms of Evolution
- Phylogeny
- Cladograms
- Taxonomy
March:
The Evolutionary History of Biological Diversity
- Kingdom Biology
- Characteristics of Life
- Viruses, Bacteria, Protists
April:
- Fungi
- Plants
- Animals
May:
Plant Form and Function
Animal Form and Function
June:
Independent Projects