Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Number:
Schedule:
Term:
Reference:
Credits:
Last Update:
Principles of Biology II
BSC-2011
6-10-12-16 weeks syllabus
Current Academic Year
TBA
3 credits
September 12, 2013
This syllabus is:



A contract between student and instructors.
A written guide and orientation for the entire operation of the course.
A written documentation of the instructor's policies relative to the course.
INSTRUCTOR INTORMATION
Name/title:
Department:
Office Location
Office Hours:
Telephone:
E-mail
Jorge L. Obeso, Ph.D.
Biology Health and Wellness
Room A-331, Natural Science Building, MDC-North Campus
http://faculty.mymdc.net/faculty_member_selector.asp or by appointment
(305) 237-8088 (direct)
Department: (305) 237-1101
jobeso@mdc.edu
Faculty Web Page http://faculty.mdc.edu/jobeso/
COURSE DESCRIPTION - OVERVIEW
Catalog Description:
7/25/2016
This course is intended for Biology majors. Principles of Biology II is
the second part of a two-term course dedicated to the study of the live
sciences. It is a serious in depth treatment of modern biology. The
principles of Biology part one will include and explore the following
topics: organic evolution, phylogeny, biological diversity, overviews
of plant and animal form and function, behavior, as well as population,
community, and ecosystem ecology. (see competencies). This is a 3
credit hours course.
BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
Organization:
This course is organized on a 16-week format; and may be delivered
in a hybrid course format with an appropriate on-line component
supplementing classroom instruction. The format of this course will
be primarily lecture and discussions, addressing the course
competencies and objectives for the course. Every opportunity will be
used to introduce current events and developments in the areas of
health, science, and technology which are relevant to the topics
discussed in class.
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L
Pre- or Corequisites: BSC 2011 L
Ethical
Considerations
Because of the nature of the topics, classroom discussions and
presentations may impinge on issues of ethical/moral nature. It is
expected for students to approach these with upmost maturity, and to
show respect for diverse points of view. Students will be encouraged
to “think out of the box” in the application of concepts/ideas learned;
and learn from each other and the classroom experience.
Instructional
Approach:
The format of this course will be primarily lecture and discussions,
and will addresses the course competencies and objectives as
described. Everyone is expected to read the assigned chapters of the
text, come prepared to class, and actively participate of the class
discussion. Relevant material may be discussed and/or presented in
class, in order to supplement textbook material.
Hybrid Course Format: This course many also be taught in a hybrid
format. Hybrid courses will have one face-to-face class meeting per
week. Students will be able to access assignments and PowerPoint’s
and participates in discussion forums through the Virtual College at
MDC. Online instruction will be divided into modules. Each module
will consist of chapter readings, assignments and discussions with due
dates. All students are expected to complete the assignments on time,
and participate fully in classroom activities as well as online
discussion forums.
Web enhanced:
7/25/2016
For each course that has an ANGEL component (web enhanced,
blended, online), A "MyMDCAccount" is required.
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
COURSE COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES
After successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Competency 1: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge
of the mechanisms of micro- and macroevolution by:
a. explaining the central role of evolution in modern biology.
b. describing the development of the Darwinian view of evolution.
c. identifying the steps of natural selection and discussing its role as the major agent of
evolution.
d. analyzing the evidence that has accumulated since Darwin’s time in support of the theory
of evolution.
e. identifying the population as the theater of evolution, and explaining the role of the
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium as a baseline for understanding microevolution, and the
nature of the agents of microevolution that operate within populations.
f. distinguishing the modes of natural selection.
g. discussing the various species concepts and the process of speciation.
h. analyzing the major evolutionary events and trends that have shaped life on Earth
throughout its history.
Competency 2: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge
of the nature of biological diversity by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
describing the current theory of the origin of life on Earth.
explaining the fashion in which organisms are classified.
describing the diversity of viruses, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
analyzing the similarities and differences among the domains and kingdoms of life.
Competency 3: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge
of the form and function of plants and animals by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
describing the levels of organization found among plants and animals.
identifying the structural and functional features of plant and animal tissue types.
discussing the structural and functional features of animal organ systems.
comparing and contrasting the ways in which plants and animals are structured and
function.
Competency 4: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge
of the relationships of organisms with their environment by:
a. diagramming the levels of organization of interest in ecology.
b. discussing the factors involved in producing fluctuations in and regulating the size of
populations.
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
analyzing the nature of the interactions existing in communities.
describing the factors that affect ecosystem dynamics.
identifying the factors that shape the features of terrestrial and aquatic environments.
analyzing the threats offered by humankind to the world’s environments.
assessing the steps necessary to allow sustainability of Earth’s life-support systems.
Competency 5: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate knowledge
of the nature and evolution of behavior in animals by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
listing the genetic and environmental contributions to behavior.
distinguishing between innate and learned behavior.
identifying the types of learning behavior.
discussing the nature of animal cognition.
evaluating the nature and significance of social behavior and sociobiology.
General Education Outcomes
All students who graduate from MDC have one thing in common – General Education.
General Education is the part of the curriculum shared by all students regardless of major or
degree type. The outcomes, summarized below, reflect skills and knowledge that allow you
not only to succeed in your chosen field, but also to enable you to be a lifelong learner.
The General Education Outcomes have been embedded in the course design, and addressed
during the course delivery. Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities,
General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate
the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills, and the development of attitudes that
foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
TEXTBOOK – RESOURCES – SUPPLIES
Textbook Title:
Biology; 7th Edition (note: earlier edition text is appropriate also)
Author(s):
Year
Edition:
Publisher(s):
Student Edition ISBN
Publishers Web:
MDC-Follett Bookstore:
Neil A. Campbell and Jane B. Reece
2010
Pearson/Benjamin Cummings
ISBN: 9780558775322
http://www.efollett.com/
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Calendar – Topics – Assignments - Exams
You are provided with a course schedule in order to assist you in preparing for class. This course
schedule has been developed in compliance with the course competencies and objectives for the
course, and has been packaged for a 16 week term (Spring and Fall or Summer Term schedule).
Every effort will be made in order to comply with the course timeline / schedule. Please
understand that this is a TENTATIVE course schedule, in that there might be events (beyond
the instructor’s control) which might speed-up and/or slow-down the coverage of the subject
areas (e.g. College closing during hurricane season). Modifications to the course schedule will
be done by the instructor, as needed, in order to secure proper coverage of the course
competencies and objectives.
WEEK Dates
1
2
TOPICS
Introduction
Origin(s) of life on Earth

3
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
Descent with Modification: Darwin Theory of
Evolution.
Population Genetics: Hardy-Weinberg Theorem
Chapter
26
22
23
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
4


Protista
Fungi
28
31
5
Plant Diversity I: Non vascular/seedless plants
29
6
Plant Diversity II: Vascular/seed-bearing plants
30
7
8
9
Animal Diversity I
10
Animal Diversity II
11
Vertebrate Anatomy
12
Vertebrate Anatomy
13
Behavioral Ecology
51
14
Introduction to Ecology
50
16
Population Ecology
52
17
Final Exam
15
COURSE EVALUATION: Assessment Methods and Grading Policy
Assessment
For this course will be based on the following categories as described below:
Classroom Participation: Class participation will consist of in-class and online discussions
(if Hybrid course), group activities, reviews and quizzes.
Research Topics:
Research topics [for extra credit] may be assigned for specific
lecture sessions. Students will complete presentations in
accordance to guidelines provided.
Tests:
There are 4 to 6 partial tests scheduled for the course of the
semester. Your lowest test score will be dropped. You MUST take
all the tests [i.e. you must take the last partial test even if you are
carrying a passing grade in all previous tests] scheduled for the
term. Questions are composed from lecture notes and reading
assignments.
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
SCANTRON SHEETS: You must bring a Scranton answer sheet FORM: 882-E [long green
and white forms for 100 questions] for all tests; these are available in the bookstore, you will
need at least three of these forms for the term. Make sure to buy in advance for all the term, buy
a few extra ones just in case.
Pencils and Erasers: Make sure to bring a # 2 pencil with a good eraser for your tests. I do not
correct poor Scranton erasures. If your eraser is not working properly please use another
Scranton sheet or another eraser.
DISCLAMER: The professor will NOT correct for blotches and/or smears in the Scantron sheet
which might be misread (i.e. marked incorrect) by the Scantron reader. It is the responsibility of
the student to check his/her Scantron sheet and with the course instructor to make sure no
answers were erroneously marked by the Scantron reader.
Grading Policy:
Course evaluation will be based on assessment of performance in each of the categories
described above, as follows:
Assessment Item
Research papers
Tests
Class participation
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percent Range
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
< 60%
Deviations to the standard curve (i.e. grading on a curve) may be applied [to the whole class] at
the discretion of the professor. Deviations from the standard curve are an exception, rather than
the rule.
Students failing exam(s) are encouraged to visit the professor during office hours in order to
discuss alternative study strategies, and/or to discuss any issues which might be precluding their
proper performance in class or during the term.
GENERAL POLICIES: College – Department - Course
Attendance:
-
Unregistered
students
-
Course
attendance
7/25/2016
MDC does not allow unregistered students to attend class.
Students who are dropped “by the system” due to non-payment of
[registration] fees and/or problems with any financial aid must reregister in the course. It is the responsibility of the STUDENT to
re-register in the course. The professor will make every effort to
inform the student if his/her name is no longer included in the roll
call list. Students must take the appropriate action(s) in order to
7
BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
-
Final grades
Web enhanced courses:
have his/her name re-instated in the class roll; e.g. solve any
financial aid problem(s), attend to any non-payment of fees,
secure the departmental Add and/or Override Cards and
signatures from the professor and department chairperson; and
process these form(s) at the Registrar’s office.
For each course that has an ANGEL component (web
enhanced, blended, online), A "MyMDCAccount" is required.
Please
make
sure
to
create
an
account
at
http://www.mdc.edu/current/ -- upper right corner, click on
"CreateAccount". It may take 24 hours for the student to be
added to ANGEL.
Final Grades: Students will NOT receive a grade in the course if
their name does not appear in the final grade roll provided by the
College. It is the students’ responsibility to be re-instated in the
course in order to receive a grade for a course for which they have
properly completed all the work. Please contact the instructor
and/or the Department Chairperson for further assistance and/or
information.
Student Records:
-
Attendance
-
Student
Evaluation
records
-
Late arrivals
-
Class disruptions
-
Testing
Attendance is required for optimal learning to take place. You are
expected to attend all classes and participate fully online.
Attendance records will be maintained in accordance to MDC
guidelines. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to
obtain class notes, assignments and work missed.
Institutional records at Miami Dade College will be managed in
accordance with the provisions of Florida Statute 1002.22 and
MDC manual of Policy (policy number IV-20). Please note that
due to space limitations, all hard copies of student assessments will
only be kept for no more than one academic term, after the course
has ended, or after the final grade for the course has been granted.
Students are encouraged to review their tests/assessments during
the academic term, and to discuss any possible discrepancies in
grading/corrections with the professor during the ongoing term.
Tardiness and exiting class early are disruptive and
inappropriate behavior. If you find yourself unavoidably in either
of the above situations, please sit in a seat as near the door as
possible and move into or out of the classroom as quietly. You
have to be on time for tests.
Students arriving late to an exam may finish the test in the
remaining time allotted for the class test.
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
-
Test make ups
Students are expected to take exams on the date and time
scheduled. If it is not possible for the student to adhere to the
original schedule, (i.e., illness severe enough to have a doctor's
excuse, death in the family) the following policy will be
observed for all program core courses:






Tests must be taken at their scheduled times. Exceptions
may be made at the instructor's discretion but only after
prior notification and discussion with the student.
The instructor must be notified before the exam if the
student will not be taking the test at the designated time.
Failure to notify instructor or leave a phone mail or
email message before the exam will result in an
immediate 10-point deduction from the test grade.
The student will be allowed to make up one exam
without penalty. Any subsequent make-ups may receive
a deduction up to 10 points from the test grade.
All makeup tests must be taken by the next class
meeting, at a time specified by the instructor. Failure to
show up for an arranged make-up test will result in a
grade of "0" on the test. Your missed test will count as
your “drop” test.
Makeup exams may not include opportunities for extra
credit or points for correcting items missed.
Make-up exams may be in a different format than the
original test.
All make-up tests will be set up for the students, during
departmental work hours, at:
Location: Biology Department Office, Room A-322, Natural
Sciences Building, MDC-North Campus.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Academic Deadlines:
-
Withdrawals
-
Drops
Please adhere to the withdrawal deadlines published in the MDC
academic calendar for full refund and withdrawal with a “W”. It is
the students’ responsibility to formally withdraw from the course
in accordance to MDC guidelines and deadlines.
It is the student's responsibility to determine his/her status in the
course at all times, and make that decision, if necessary.
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
Academic Deadlines:
-
Purges
Students who do not attend classes on a regular base will be
purged from the class roll according to MDC guidelines and
timelines; and a grade of “IW” or “Instructor Withdrawal will
appear on the students’ transcript.
It is the responsibility of the student to drop/withdraw the course
according to College timelines. Those who remain in the final
grade role and have not attended or taken the tests or exams will
receive the grade of “F”.
Academic Deadlines:
-
Incompletes
Incompletes are not an endowment. Incomplete (I) grades will
be given in accordance with MDC bylaws and/or Virtual College
guidelines [if applicable for hybrid courses]. Requests for
incompletes should be processed on a timely fashion, in order to
provide appropriate time for their processing. No requests for a
grade of incomplete will be processed after the end of the term,
once final grades have been entered.
Guidelines: students must have completed at least 75% of their
work in the course, have already earned D – B grades, and
provide documentation of serious illness, death in the immediate
family, or other extenuating circumstances before granting
incomplete grades. Faculty has the final decision on whether an
“I” may be granted. Students have the right to appeal a grade.
Students must fill an Incomplete Agreement Form (contract), and
must complete the required work within one major term of the
date of the incomplete. A grade of “I” will automatically turn
into and “F” if the required work is not completed within one
major term of the “I” grade.
No requests for “Incompletes” will be processed by phone or email without the processing of an incomplete agreement form! An
Incomplete Agreement Form MUST be filled, signed and filed
with the Professor/department in accordance to MDC guidelines.
Standards of Student
Conduct:
-
Classroom
behavior
-
Netiquette
-
Academic
dishonesty
7/25/2016
Disruptive behavior and/or academic dishonesty are not
acceptable. Students enrolled at Miami-Dade Community College
are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect
credit on the college, the community and themselves. Food and
drink are not allowed in the classroom. Cellular phones and
pagers should be on vibration mode.
Proper use of “netiquette” Is required from students on hybrid
courses.
Students are advised to become familiar with, and to abide by the
general regulations and rules of conduct listed in the MDC
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, which
includes the Student Conduct Code and MDC procedures for the
handling of student disciplinary cases. Students must be familiar
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
with Procedure 4035, Academic Dishonesty, page 20.
Class Participation:
-
Reading
assignments
Student Contact
Information:
-
Changes in name
and/or surname
-
E-mail address
Readings will be assigned from the required textbook according
to the schedule of topics to be covered and should be completed
prior to class covering that material. Additional readings may
also be assigned. This is a required component of the class and
completion of these assignments in preparation for an active class
participation/discussion is necessary for receiving a satisfactory
grade for the course
Students are responsible to verify that there are no discrepancies
between their “given name” and the name under which they are
enrolled in the College and/or in the class roll. Students must
notify the instructor ASAP of any discrepancies in names and/or
if there have been a change in their name and/or surname(s) [e.g.
due to marriage, divorce, religious conversion and/or
acculturation (e.g. Westernization of Asian names)].
Students are responsible for keeping their e-mail address current
on College records/contacts. The instructor will not, and can not,
update this information for the student.
To forward emails from your MDC email to your personal email:
Once a student is in their email they can click on settings then
they will see multiple tabs. The tab they need to select is the
forward tab. They will then see an option to forward copies from
the MDC email to whatever email they would like, in that section
they would have to enter the alternate email.
The instructor is NOT responsible for the missing of e-mailed
course materials due to errors in students’ e-mail address,
outdated e-mail addresses, fire walls, spam mail, and/or
recipients’ full e-boxes.
Emergency Procedures:
-
In class
If you, or a classmate, are injured (even a minor injury) while in
class, please contact your instructor immediately. An accident /
incident report must be completed as soon as possible.
In case of a medical emergency summon an ambulance
immediately by dialing 911. Give the operator your exact
location, building and room number. Have someone else call
the MDC Campus Police Department at 305-237-1100 or 71100 if using a campus phone.
-
Hurricane
When South Florida is under a hurricane watch: Everyone
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
is urged to make necessary preparations at home and in the
workplace in preparation for a hurricane.
The College will remain open for classes until officially
notified, otherwise. Please stay in touch regarding a possible
closing. The following communication sources are available:
MDC Hotline (general advisories): 305-237-7500
TDD phone number for hearing impaired: 1-800-955-8771
Hybrid courses: If the College is operational, it has computer
courtyard that will accommodate students who have lost
electricity or internet access after the hurricane, so that virtual
and web assisted classes can proceed.
Technology Problems:
-
Policy
-
Guidelines
-
Support
Hybrid Courses: Due to the necessity of technology in Virtual
College courses, students must have a backup plan for using an
alternative computer with Internet access. Students in the South
Florida area may use the computer courtyard labs located on
MDC campuses. If you have a major technology problem,
please notify your instructor immediately to let him/her know
you are trying to resolve it.
After contacting your instructor and if you can not resolve the
problem, you need to report this to the Virtual College help
desk at (305) 237-3800 or virtual@mdc.edu This is the quickest
way for you to get help with login issues.
For any questions or concerns about ANGEL, or other questions
or problems or if you cannot reach your professor please
contact:
Mr. Lloyd Hollingsworth
Student Services Coordinator
Phone: 305.237.3873 Fax: 305.237.3863
Email: lholling@mdc.edu
Note: Technical Support does not cover problems that you may
be experiencing with your computer hardware, installation of
software, Internet connection, or other technical problems that
may require a technician or intervention from your Internet
Service Provide.
Faculty e-mail Response
Policy:
7/25/2016
Every reasonable effort is made in order to respond your emails within 48 hours, during week days, excluding holidays
and weekends. E-mails are answered on an individual base, or
through periodic/regular [weekly] “updates” in order to address
12
BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
particular questions and/or issues that many of you might have.
Note: Always use ANGEL's internal email if the course is
presented on a hybrid format. Only use my MDC email
(jobeso@mdc.edu) if you are experiencing a technical difficulty
and cannot access the course. Please check your email every time
you login to your course.
AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES: Additional Resources and Information
Academic Calendar
Information
http://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/academic_calendar.asp
Students’ Rights and
Responsibilities
http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student_rights_and_responsibilities.pdf
Students with special
needs: ACCESS services
http://www.mdc.edu/north/accessservices/services.asp
Students who experience learning difficulties or have disabilities are
urged to visit an ACCESS advisor to determine if eligible for any
special services.
Hurricane Watch
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Computer Courtyards
http://www.mdc.edu/north/courtyard/
Ancillary Learning
Instruments
http://www.mdc.edu/libraries/links.asp
-
MDC library
sponsored web
links
Problems with Spyware
and Adware
and http://www.mdc.edu/main/
Students are also encouraged to use any CD-ROMs and/or ancillary
materials accompanying the textbook; and to consult the web sites
provided in class to find materials for the discussions. Please make
sure to use recommended Web-sources for reliable information.
http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html
Hybrid Courses: You might have problems in "seeing" some of the
course content, links and/or icons when using different computers.
Some of you might experience "disappearing" icons at times. This
might be due to the fact that your computer might have installed
Spyware and/or any of the many other programs available to block
third party "cookies" and/or unsolicited advertisements. If so, you
might encounter problems in accessing some of the course content at
times. These problems are frequently encountered by students and
faculty. You should download and install an application to remove
spyware/adware from your computer(s). There are many
applications available. We recommend Spybot, which can be
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BSC-2011 Course Syllabus
downloaded it at no cost.
Virtual College
Information:
Study Guidelines for
Success in the Course
7/25/2016
http://virtual.mdc.edu
or Virtual College help desk at 305-237-3800
1. Make a commitment to succeed
2. Get help/assistance right away
3. Participate actively in class
4. Have a study plan: study regularly
5. Work on your on-line class[component] regularly
6. Work with a study group
7. Tie ideas and concepts together
8. Learn the vocabulary of the field
9. Utilize additional resources available to you
10. Prepare before class
11. Organize the information
14