Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Number:
Schedule:
Term:
Reference:
Credits:
Last Update:
Principles of Biology Laboratory- II
BSC-2011-L
6-10-12-16 week syllabus
Current Academic Year
TBA
3 credits
08/20/13 @ 2:30 pm
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, Science Complex, 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/
COURSE DESCRIPTION - OVERVIEW
Catalog Description:
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This laboratory course is designed to complement BSC 2011,
Principles of Biology 2. It covers population genetics, evolution,
phylogeny, biological diversity, plant and animal form and
function, behavior, and ecology. Experiments are designed to test
possible explanations for the queries and observations. Through
scientific investigations, we gather an understanding about the
structure and function of living things and how organisms interact
with each other and the physical environment. In this class students
will have the opportunity to conduct scientific investigations that
will broaden investigative skills and applications.
BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
Organization:
This hands-on laboratory is designed to emphasize maximum
amount of student observation, experimentation, teamwork, and
other practical aspects of learning. This course is organized on a 16week format, but it may be offered in a 6- 12- 10- 14-week terms.
The course may be delivered in a hybrid or Web-enhanced format
with an appropriate on-line component supplementing classroom
instruction. The format of this course will be primarily lecture and
discussions, and hands-on experiences 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, environmental impact, technology, etc. which are
relevant to the topics discussed in class. Students are expected to
participate in organized classroom discussions and presentations.
Ethical
Considerations
LO#7: Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to
issues in society.
Because of the nature of the topics, classroom discussions and
presentations may impinge on issues of ethical/moral nature. At
times, course images and/or videos might be graphic and/or mature
in nature. It is expected for students to approach these
topics/images/discussions 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. Any
student(s) unable to handle these topics with appropriate maturity
and/or demeanor will be asked to leave the classroom discussion.
Prerequisites:
CHM-1040 or CHM-1050; BSC-2010; co-requisite: BSC-2011 lecture
Instructional
Approach:
The laboratory will be supplemented by short lectures and
discussions of the topics at hand. Everyone is expected to read the
laboratory exercises in advance, and come prepared for an active
participation in laboratory discussion and group/team work.
Students will be quizzed weekly.
The format of this course addresses the course [competencies and]
objectives as described. Everyone is expected to read the assigned
chapters, and come prepared to class to enter into the discussion.
There may be readings (not from the textbook) that will be
discussed in class. As you read the laboratory textbook you are
responsible to know/understand the terms used, along with any
other term(s) used during the class period. Material may be
discussed in class that is not in the text or the emphasis may differ
from that of the text. 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.
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
COURSE COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES
After successful completion of this course, students should be proficient in the understanding
of the concepts / areas of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Population Genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg Theorem
Biodiversity: Protista and Fungi
Biodiversity: Bryophytes and Seedless Vascular Plants
Biodiversity: Seed Plants
Biodiversity: Sponges, Cnidarians, Flatworms, Roundworms, Annelids, Mollusks,
Arthropods, and Chordates
Anatomy of Plants
Anatomy of Vertebrates: Integumentary and Digestive Systems
Anatomy of Vertebrates: Excretory, Reproductive, and Nervous System.
Ethology –animal behavior
Ecology: Florida’s ecosystems
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-L-Course Syllabus
TEXTBOOK – RESOURCES – SUPPLIES
Textbook Title:
Author(s):
Year
Edition:
Publisher(s):
Student Edition
ISBN
Publishers Web:
MDC-Follett
Bookstore:
Symbiosis
MDC-North Campus Biology Faculty
2010
Most current edition [preferably]; please check
online for information
Pearson/Benjamin Cummings
ISBN: 9780536138996 (please check for newer
edition info online)
http://school.cengage.com/
http://www.efollett.com/
Note: this is the same laboratory manual used by BSC-2010-labs (if taken at MDC-North Campus).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Calendar – Topics – Assignments - Exams
A hard copy of the laboratory course calendar will be provided in class. 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. 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.
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 will be two partial tests; a mid-term and a final test. Both
are hands-on practicums set up in laboratory stations throughout
the room. There will also be a short quiz at the beginning of
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
each laboratory period, unless otherwise specified. All quizzes
will be on the material from the preceding (previous week)
laboratory section. There will be a short review previous to each
laboratory quiz. All quizzes and tests will be discussed,
corrected, and scored in class. Students will have the
opportunity to discuss the material covered and to ask questions
Dropping lowest grades: No tests grades (practicums) will be
dropped. One third of the lowest quiz grades will be dropped
(e.g. if we have 10 quizzes, three of the lowest quiz grades will
be dropped). The compounded quiz average will be used as a
[third] test grade.
Grading Policy:
Course evaluation will be based on assessment of performance on quizzes and practicum
tests. Final grade will be based in accordance to a standard curve (below):
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.
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 Scranton sheet
which might be misread (i.e. marked incorrect) by the Scranton reader. It is the responsibility of
the student to check his/her Scranton sheet and with the course instructor to make sure no
answers were erroneously marked by the Scranton reader.
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
GENERAL POLICIES: College – Department - Course
LABORATORY
SAFETY
Pay careful attention to the laboratory rules as we review them
in class; they are posted in the lab and must always be
Followed. Students out of compliance with the safety guidelines
may not participate in lab activities nor be inside the laboratory
classroom.
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Attendance:
-
Unregistered
students
-
Course
attendance
-
Final grades
7/25/2016
Wear a lab coat and closed toe shoes at all times. Lab coats
may be purchased at the bookstore.
Never conduct experiments without instructions from the
professor
Handle all lab equipment and specimens with care
NO eating or drinking in the lab room
Tie hair, loose objects and clothing
Keep tabletops clear of bags, etc.
Cuts especially on hands should not be exposed
Know the location of the First Aid Kit
Become familiar with the location of fire exits,
extinguishers, and blankets.
Locate fire evacuation route and use it in case of fire.
Know the location of sinks, showers, eye wash fountains
Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources
Never leave hot plates unattended
Do not pick up broken glass, or attempt to clean spills etc.
please inform the instructor of any broken glass or sharps.
At the end of the laboratory exercises leave the lab tidy
Dispose of materials according to instructions
Wash your hands after conducting laboratory exercises
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 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.
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
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.
Records:
-
Attendance
-
Academic
Grade
Attendance:
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.
All student grade records will be kept in accordance with MDC
and Florida State Department of Education directives.
Nevertheless, due to space limitations, hard copies of student
assessments (quizzes, tests, projects) will only be kept on file for
one academic term after the final grade has been reported to the
registrar. Students are strongly encouraged to review their
quizzes & tests for [grading/scoring] accuracy while they are
enrolled in the course.
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.
-
Late arrivals
-
Class disruptions
-
Testing
Students arriving late to an exam may finish the test in the
remaining time allotted for the class test.
-
Test make ups
Students are expected to take exams on the date and time
scheduled.
No laboratory tests (practicums) will be dropped. Check the
dates of these tests on your lab schedule and make plans to be there
on the exam dates. Tests must be taken at their scheduled times.
Missed practicums can’t be made up due to the nature of the lab setups and materials. Make sure to discuss with me – in advance -- any
scheduling conflicts/attendance problems that you might have. I
might be able to accommodate a few students at other sections of
this lab during the same week (pending of seating availability),
should you be unable to attend your lab exam on a particular day.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that she or he receives a
grade for all exams. Any student who misses a test (practicum) will
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
receive zero (0) points for that test. Please be on time for scheduled
tests. Students arriving late to an exam may finish the test in the
remaining time allotted. Students failing an exam are required to
meet with me during office hours to discuss alternative study
strategies. Tests will generally be [multiple choice, fill in the blanks,
identify, match, etc.] questions similar in nature to those found in
the self-quiz at the end of each chapter in the laboratory manual. All
laboratory practicums will be set up in stations, where laboratory
materials will be displayed and properly labeled in accordance to
test questions. A review for laboratory practicums will be provided
in advance (schedule permitting).
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.
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:
-
7/25/2016
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 have 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
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
work is not completed within one major term of the “I” grade. No
requests for “Incompletes” will be processed by phone or e-mail
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, at least
one week before the end of the term and/or final exam.
Standards of Student
Conduct:
-
Classroom
behavior
-
Netiquette
-
Academic
dishonesty
Class Participation:
-
Reading
assignments
Student Contact
Information:
-
Changes in name
and/or surname
-
E-mail address
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 with
Procedure 4035, Academic Dishonesty, page 20.
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.
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
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 7-1100
if using a campus phone.
-
Hurricane
When South Florida is under a hurricane watch: Everyone 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.
AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES: Additional Resources and Information
Academic Calendar
Information
http://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/academic_calendar.aspx
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
7/25/2016
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
and http://www.mdc.edu/main/
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
Computer Courtyards
http://www.mdc.edu/north/courtyard/
Ancillary Learning
Instruments
http://www.mdc.edu/libraries/links.asp
-
MDC library
sponsored web
links
Virtual College
Information:
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://virtual.mdc.edu
or Virtual College help desk at 305-237-3800
Study Guidelines for
Success in the Course
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
Students with Disabilities
Guidelines for implementing the American Disabilities Act, Section 504 (as amended) are
described below.
Students who believe they have a disability, which would interfere with their success in the
course, (or a particular program component such as a lectures and/or laboratory), are encouraged
to contact the ACCESS (A Comprehensive Center for Exceptional Student Services) Office at
the appropriate campus, to discuss possible accommodations. Special assistance may be
available with orientation, registration, academic planning, and special supplies and equipment.
“A student does not have a disability unless he/she chooses to self-identify as a person with a
disability and request Special Accommodations.” Once the student self identifies as having a
disability, they should be referred to the Disabilities Resource Center for counseling and
documentation of the need for academic adjustments or accommodations. The Disabilities
Resource Center has the authority to coordinate disability-related arrangements and advocate for
the students as needed.
Students with disabilities must be able to achieve the course/program competencies. Student
and co-worker safety are critical consideration in laboratory and learning situations.
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus

Students with a learning disability must be certified as such through the ACCESS Center
and must meet with the instructor at the beginning of the term to establish an academic
plan.

Information regarding a student’s disability is confidential. Faculty members do not have
the right to know the specific disability, only the academic adjustments or
accommodations necessary to meet the student’s disability-related needs.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Students requesting academic accommodations based on a disability are encouraged to contact
the appropriate ACCESS (A Comprehensive Center for Exceptional Student Services) Office at
the appropriate campus.
ACCESS Disability Services is a support program in the Student Services Division. Students
with a disability may voluntarily register with our office to receive assistance. It is our goal that
students be given every opportunity for success in their pursuit of higher education.
The ACCESS department at the different Campuses serves as a full-service advisement center. In
addition to general advisement, the staff provides individualized guidance, registration, and
orientation, taking into consideration the unique needs of students with various disabilities. The
ACCESS department also coordinates and supplies any auxiliary aides/services necessary to
facilitate student success.
For further information on ACCESS services and facilities:
MDC-North Campus: http://www.mdc.edu/north/accessservices/services.asp
OTHER INFORMATION:
LATEX ADVISORY: Allergies
Latex Advisory: The use of latex/latex based products may exist in health care universal
precautions and in environments such as, but not limited to, Science classrooms and training
labs, hospitals, nursing care facilities, laboratories, clinical areas, and medical/dental offices.
Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider so
that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to
latex in the health care field. Please let me know if you know, or might think that you have
latex allergies.
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BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus
Limits in Class Size
Please take note that there is a maximum limit of students allowed for each classroom (or
reference number). Biology laboratories are limited to 24 students/laboratory. This limit is
STRICTLY enforced due to safety reasons (fire hazard regulations). Students who are dropped
from the class roll might lose their place in the particular lecture/lab section(s). Every effort will
be done to assist students in re-registering and/or finding another section when dropped “by the
system” due to delays in financial aid payment.
Recording Class Lectures
Students are welcome to record class lectures. The instructor will greatly appreciate you letting
him know in advance should you be recording class lectures.
Student Grade Tally Form
Course: BSC-_________
Term: 200__-0__ Reference # : __________
Professor: Jorge L. Obeso, Ph.D.
Class #:
Student Name:
Q-1
Q-2
Q-3
Total Points Accrued
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Q-4
Q-5
Q-6
Q-7 Q-8
Formula
TP (100) / 300
=
Q-9
Q-10
MT
FT
Average:
%
13