NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BIOL 1544 Principles of Biology I (DL-WWW)
Course Syllabus
Spring 2006
Class starts: January 17, 2006 --- ends: May 4, 2006
INSTRUCTOR:
Cindy Hammons, BS, MPH, CSP
Office: BH 1153
Phone: 479-936-5178
E-mail: chammons@nwacc.edu
Technical Support
Clint Brooks
Phone: 479-619-4382
Email: cbrooks@nwacc.edu
Student Information Line 619-4376 for status of classes
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment. Please feel free to contact me by telephone or by email.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a general education course which focuses on the fundamentals of living organisms
and related processes. Human biology is compared and contrasted with bacteria,
protozoan, animals, and plants as well as other organisms. Close attention is paid to a
number of metabolic, physiological, and ecological processes.
Biology: The Science of Our Lives
Biology literally means "the study of life". Biology is such a broad field,
covering the minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells, to broad
scale concepts of ecosystems and global climate change. Biologists study
intimate details of the human brain, the composition of our genes, and even the
functioning of our reproductive system. Biologists recently all but completed
the deciphering of the human genome, the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) bases that may determine much of our innate capabilities and
predispositions to certain forms of behavior and illnesses. DNA sequences have
played major roles in criminal cases (O.J. Simpson, as well as the reversal of
death penalties for many wrongfully convicted individuals), as well as the
impeachment of President Clinton (the stain at least did not lie). Saddam
Husein was identified by DNA. We are bombarded with headlines about
possible health risks from favorite foods (Chinese, Mexican, hamburgers, etc.)
as well as the potential benefits of eating other foods such as cooked tomatoes.
Infomercials tout the benefits of metabolism-adjusting drugs for weight loss.
Many Americans are turning to herbal remedies to ease arthritis pain, improve
memory, as well as improve our moods.
Can a biology book give you the answers to these questions? No, but it will
enable you learn how to sift through the biases of investigators, the press, and
others in a quest to critically evaluate the question. To be honest, five years
after you are through with this class it is doubtful you would remember all the
details of metabolism. However, you will know where to look and maybe a
little about the process of science that will allow you to make an informed
decision. Will you be a scientist? Yes, in a way. You may not be formally
trained as a science major, but you can think critically, solve problems, and
have some idea about what science can and cannot do.
Recent front page stories:
Judge Nixes Intelligent Design
Schools Revive Familiar Debate of Evolution as Science Standard
Study Closes Composer’s Case (and what did old Beethoven actually die
from??)
Are There Cancer Clusters in Prairie Grove?
REQUIRED MATERIAL:
Biology 8th Edition Sylvia Mader ISBN 0-07-241882-6
www.mhhe.com
COURSE STRUCTURE:
Course Content is delivered via WebCt. The main advantage to an online class is the
convenience. You can do the work when it is convenient for you. However, it does not
mean you can go for weeks without doing anything. There are assignments and deadlines.
Online courses not a good option for people who have trouble making deadlines or who
procrastinate.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Computer Assisted Instruction
Self-Study and Review Sections
Lab exercises
GRADING SCALE:
GRADING:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
< 60%
A
B
C
D
F
25% average of online quizzes chapters 1-16
25% midterm exam
25% final exam
25% average of lab exercises –notebook to instructor
EXAM POLICY:
Two (2) on-line examinations will be given. Both exams are to be taken during the
assigned times unless other arrangements have been made. The exams will be timed for
two hour slots—once you start you will have to finish. Make-up examination requires
notification to the instructor and will be at the discretion of the instructor. The midterm
will be on-line at your own convenience between 4-2-06 and 4-4-06. The final will be
taken online on campus at a designated testing center. The midterm and final are open
book, but timed. You need to study the material as if you could not use your book
because there will not be enough time to look up every question.
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:
Mid-Term Examination:
4-2-06 TO 4-4-06 online (timed)
Chapters 1-8
Final Exam
5-5-06 OR 5-8-06 online &
proctored on campus (timed)
BH 2423 Hours 8 am – 8 pm
Chapters 9-16
Significant topics
from 1-8 will be
covered (student will
be provided with
review topic list
CLASS PARTICIPATION:
Students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course design.
Students must communicate with other students on the discussion board.
Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource.
Students must check the calendar frequently for announcements.
Students must actively participate in threaded discussion events.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Each student must do their own work. All written assignments must be in the students
own words. Do not collaborate with anyone during the tests.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Multiple Choice Assignments: Take the Multiple Choice Quiz for the assigned
Chapter on the WEB and submit for grading by assigned date.
The first attempt will be the quiz submitted for a grade. The exception is for the
first two chapters—you will have 3 chances—to get the system down. 
2. Lab exercises and writeups
COURSE ASSESSMENT:
You will be given the opportunity to assess this course during the Final Examination.
Additionally, you may give course feedback via the WEB at:
www.nwacc.edu/disted/dlevlafm.php
DROP DATE: The last day to drop this course with a “W” is 4-7-06
GENERAL REMARKS:
Students who wish to review or discuss their class progress are encouraged to schedule an
appointment with the instructor.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course:
The student will gain a basic understanding of living organisms and how they
relate to the environment and to humanity.
The student will be introduced to various biological levels of development.
The student will be urged to learn the meaning of “science” by studying and
using the scientific method.
The student will be able to conduct online science experiments and write lab
reports.
TOPICAL OUTLINE:
A View of Life
Basic Chemistry
The Chemistry of Organic Molecules
Cell Structure and Function
Membrane Structure and Function
Metabolism: Energy and Enzymes
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
The Cell Cycle and Cellular Reproduction
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance
Chromosomal Patterns of Inheritance
DNA Structure and Functions
Gene Activity: How Genes Work
Regulation of Gene Activity
Biotechnology and Genomics
COURSE GROUND RULES:
Participants are expected to communicate with other students, learn how to navigate in
WebCT, keep abreast of course announcements. Participants are expected to address
technical problems locally. All people will observe course netiquette at all times----no
exceptions. Zero tolerance exists for failing to use netiquette.
GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATION:
Email:
Participants will follow these standards without exception in all
communications:
Always include a subject line.
Remember without facial expressions some comments may be
taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails.
Use standard fonts in 12 point size.
Do not send large attachments without permission.
Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, etc.
should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment
or other communication.
Respect the privacy of other class members.
Discussion Groups:
Follow these standards:
Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the
discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
Try to maintain threads by using the “Reply” button rather than
starting a new topic.
Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other
members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s
ideas. If you cannot think of a way to diplomatically say
what you want to communicated, do not say anything at all.
Be patient and read the comments of other group members
thoroughly before entering your remarks.
Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory
statements. Criticize ideas without making insulting remarks.
SYLLABUS CHANGES:
The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary due to time
constraints or other unforeseen events. If this is necessary, members of the class will be
notified as soon as possible by email and information will be posted.