Bi 211: General Biology
Instructor: Heidi Wacker
E-mail: hwacker@roguecc.edu
Phone: 541-245-7527 (messages only)
Website: http://go.roguecc.edu/user/HWacker
Prerequisites: MTH 60, RD 30; CHEM 104 is highly recommended
Course Meetings: T and Th 9:30-10:50, HEC 112 and lab sessions (see lab syllabus)
Course Description: The biology sequence (BI 211, 212, 213) presents a basic understanding of biological
processes including molecular, cellular, animal and plant life, populations and ecosystems. BI 211 focuses on:
Intended Outcomes:
Having successfully completed BI211
the student will be able to:
1. list the attributes of life and
outline the scientific
method.
2. draw and label plant and
animal cells and describe
the functions of each
organelle.
3. discuss the role of enzymes.
4. describe the steps of cellular
respiration and explain its
importance.
5. describe the structure of
DNA and the process of
DNA replication
6. describe protein structure
and the process of protein
synthesis.
7. explain the steps and
processes involved in
mitosis and meiosis.
8. complete basic genetic
problems.
9. demonstrate future
employment skills by being
on time, handing in
assignments when they are
due, and coming to class
prepared to work with the
appropriate tools.
10. demonstrate the ability to
work cooperatively with
others students and staff.
11. develop a problem solving
approach to problems in
biology.
Selected ILO Indicator
COM3 - Collaborate effectively to
achieve course/learning goals.
Assessment Methods:
Assessment rubric for COM3 will
be used to measure student progress
toward mastery of COM3.
Required Materials:
Text: Biology, Campbell, RCC Custom Version 9th Ed., 2011
Lab Manual: Biology Lab Manual, RCC Custom Version, McGraw-Hill
Gloves and Goggles…See lab syllabus
1
Grading:
Your BI 211 grade will be based on activities and assignments in the lecture portion and the lab portion as
follows:
Lecture Portion:
Lecture Exams: There will be 3 lecture exams during the term. The first exam will be a takehome exam. The remaining 2 will be in-class exams. You will need a scantron and a #2 pencil
for all of the exams. The exams will consist of multiple-choice, short answer, and essay
questions.
Lecture Homework: There will be homework assigned throughout the term. The topics will be
on material that will be covered in upcoming chapters. These assignments are due at the
beginning of class. No late assignments will be accepted.
Article Assignment: There will be 1 article assignment given this term. Please refer to the
Article Assignment handout for more details. No late assignments will be accepted.
Lab Portion:
Lab Exercises: Complete lab exercises for labs will be due each week at the beginning of lab.
Late assignments will not be accepted. You must be present and participating in the lab activities
to receive a grade for the lab exercise. Lab exercises are meant to facilitate learning material you
will need to know for quizzes and the practicum—please take your time and take them seriously!
Lab Quizzes: There will be a quiz given each week during the first 10 minutes of lab. The quiz
will cover any material from the previous week’s lab activities and a few preview questions
dealing with that day’s lab. Lab quizzes may be taken in groups of no more than 2.
Lab Practicum: There will be 1 lab practicum at the end of the term. The practicum will cover
any procedures and content covered during the term. These are taken individually and cannot be
made up.
Course Grading Scale and Points:
Lecture Exams (3 @ 100 pts)
Lecture Homework (8 @ 10 pts)
Article Review (1 @ 30 pts)
Lab Exam (1 @ 100 pts)
Lab Exercises (12 @ 10 pts)
Lab Quizzes (9 @ 5 pts)
Total
300 pts 100-90% = A (Exceptional)
80 pts 89-80% = B (Above Average)
30 pts 79-70% = C (Average)
100 pts
69-60% = D (Below Average)
120 pts 59-0% = F (Failing)
45 pts
675 pts
Attendance & Drop Policy:
Biology is a difficult course. Students who attend class only when they feel like it will have a difficult time
succeeding in this course. Students must sign the attendance sheet each day of class to document their presence.
It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the attendance sheet is signed.
Office Hours:
Tuesday- 1:50 to 2:15 in HEC 314
Thursday- 1:50 to 2:15 in HEC 314
And by appointment
2
Student Expectations and Responsibilities:
1. Minimum of 12 hours of focused study outside of class per week. (if you don’t know how to study successfully, or what
you are doing is not getting the results you are looking for, see #2). It is your responsibility to cover all the material during
your reading and studying time, even if it is not covered in lecture.
2. Talk to me, ask questions and get help. I love talking about biology and science! Please don’t hesitate to get help. I want
to support your learning and I want to see everyone do the best they can.
3. Be honest, have integrity…DON’T CHEAT!!! Cheating and plagiarism are violations of the College policy and are
considered serious offenses. The Science Department takes all incidents of academic dishonesty seriously and acts
accordingly, including a failing grade for the assignment, course or expulsion from the College. (See Cheating & Plagiarism
Handout)
4. Attend all lab and lecture classes, ready to learn and apply new material. Come to class prepared (homework done, have
materials, appropriate reading done) and on time. If you arrive late, please be seated quietly and quickly. If you need to
leave early, please let me know, and take a seat near a door, so you can leave quietly.
5. Be prepared to think critically (examine, analyze, summarize, apply, make connections and see relationships), and
challenge yourself. This class is hard but you can do it and it will be quite an accomplishment!
6. Be realistic with yourself about your obligations and responsibilities…Use strategic time management. This class requires
a lot of time (see #1) and mental effort (see #5), so stay realistic with yourself and set reasonable goals.
7. Please turn cell phones and pagers to silent or vibrate mode when in lecture, lab, and especially while taking or reviewing
exams. A score of zero on the exam will be given for violations of this policy. If you bring in a laptop, use it only for class
related work. If you plan on recording lecture, make sure you have your recorder ready to go before class begins, do not
come to the front of the room during lecture to tend to your device.
8. It is each student’s responsibility to be aware of all college procedures, such as how to add, drop, or withdraw for class,
and the available student’s services. For more information, refer to the Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, and the
Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities Statement.
**If you don’t think you can meet (or try to meet) these expectations, then no matter what I do in the classroom, you
probably won’t do so well in this class.**
Students With Disabilities:
Any student who feels that she or he may need an academic accommodation for any disability, such as vision,
hearing, orthopedic, learning disabilities, psychological or other medical conditions, should make an appointment
with the Support Services Office. (Located in the Wiseman Tutoring Center on the Redwood Campus or
Wards/G-207 at the Riverside Campus.)
Syllabus Disclaimer:
A syllabus is designed to provide the student with a guide to course procedures, requirements, and grading policy.
Sometimes it is necessary to alter the assignments or point totals due to availability of materials, emergencies or
to create a more productive learning program for the success of the student. I reserve the right to alter the grade
total + 10%, to change the assignments as needed, or to alter the suggested test or lab schedule to create a more
productive learning program for student success.
3
Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics and Readings:
Week
Date
Chapter Topic/Exam
1
3/31
4/2
1
1/2
Intro, Study of Life
Chemical Context of Life
2
4/7
4/9
2
2/3
Chemical Context of Life
Chemistry/Water
HW 1 Due
3
4/14
4/16
4, 5
5
Carbon, O-Chem
O-Chem, (T/H Exam Out)
HW 2 Due
4
4/21
4/23
6
6/7
The Cell (T/H Exam Due)
The Cell/Plasma Membrane
HW 3 Due
4/28
4/30
8
8/9
Metabolism
Metabolism/Respiration
HW 4 Due
5/5
5/7
9
11
Respiration
Cell Communication
HW 5 Due
7
5/12
5/14
(6-9, 11)
12
Exam 2
Cell Cycle and Mitosis
8
5/19
5/21
13
14
Meiosis
Mendel and Genes
HW 6 Due
9
5/26
5/28
14,15
15
Mendel/Chromosomes
Chromosomes
HW 7 Due
10
6/2
6/4
16
16/17
DNA
DNA/Transcription
HW 8 Due
11
6/9
6/11
17
(12-17)
Translation
Exam 3
Article Assn. Due
5
6
Homework Due
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANNOUNCED CHANGES IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS
4
Ideas for Studying:
Biology is a challenging and involved study which requires a considerable effort on the part of the student.
Students should review their notes and do their reading daily. Nothing can take the place of good study habits.
The following is a list of helpful ideas that may assist you:
1. Make and schedule time to study for Biology.
2. Read the text before the material is covered in class.
3. While reading, if you do not understand something in the text, put a question mark next to it. If lecture
does not clear it up, ASK QUESTIONS.
4. Write down new or difficult words on 3X5 cards with the definitions or concepts on the back. Carry the
cards with you – use flash cards (for appropriate material).
5. Carefully study diagrams and illustrations.
6. Use markers to highlight or underline key ideas while reading.
7. Summarize what you have read. After finishing a paragraph try and restate the main ideas in your own
words.
8. Form study groups with your classmates and friends.
9. Tape record lectures for further review and to fill in your notes.
10. Take good notes!
11. Review constantly. Do the reading, flash cards, and review questions on a daily basis.
12. Give yourself plenty of time and start studying early- DO NOT CRAM FOR EXAMS!
13. Answer the review questions at the end of the chapter (like a practice test).
14. Use visual memory, try and build a visual picture or mental model of what is discussed or read.
15. Use mnemonic devices to help you remember material. Make up your own.
16. Always ask why. Dive deeper into the topics to find connections and relationships.
Questions you should ask yourself EVERY DAY:
1. Do I know what will be covered in lecture/lab today?
2. Have I read the textbook/lab book sections that correspond to lecture/lab?
3. Have I re-read topics that are giving me trouble?
4. Have I asked for help and/or clarification for these topics?
5. Have I reviewed the material I covered yesterday? Two days ago? Last week?
6. Have I tried to summarize what I am learning in my own words, without looking at notes or book?
5