BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Welcome!
Welcome and thank you for enrolling in this course! I think you will enjoy our time together!
For some, this may be your first online course. If you are not a computer expert, don’t worry. You
don’t need to be. From a computer standpoint, everything is simple to use and easy to navigate.
Please take a few minutes to read the syllabus in its entirety. Exploring all the topics in this syllabus and
related links will help you succeed in this course.
I am looking forward to working with you and having a great semester!
Professor Daudi Langat
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Professor Information
Professor:
Office Hours:
Office Location:
Office Phone:
Email:
Daudi K. Langat, PhD
By Appointment
Virtual (on Google Chat or Yahoo IM)
1-415-952-6428
daudi.langat@fscj.edu
Instructor Response
You can anticipate responses to inquiries and questions within 24 - 48 hours of receipt.
Campus Information
This online course is offered by the Florida State College at Jacksonville Open Campus. For questions
or concerns, please feel free to call the Campus Resource Center (904-997-2628). For technical
assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 877-572-8895 or (904) 632-3151 or via
http://www.fscj.edu/campus-life/student-computing-resources/.
Course Description
This course, an introduction to the principles of biology, includes studies of cellular organization,
genetics and evolution. This course fulfills the general education requirements and the laboratory
requirement needed by many students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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Explain and apply major concepts in biological chemistry, cell structure and physiology, cell
division, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and evolution.
Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method.
Communicate scientific ideas through oral or written assignments.
Interpret scientific models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, draw inferences
from them and recognize their limitations.
Demonstrate problem-solving methods in situations that are encountered outside of the
classroom.
Demonstrate proper laboratory technique including safety in the use and care of laboratory
equipment and materials.
Course Information
Course Number/Title:
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Reference Number:
416594
Number of Credit Hours: 4
Term/Year/Session/Length: Spring 2015, Session B (12 weeks, Feb 2 – May 1, 2015)
Course prerequisites:
None
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Important Dates
Class Begins
February 2, 2015
100% Refund Deadline
February 9, 2015
Non-Attendance Drop
February 10 - 17, 2015
Withdraw with “W” Deadline
April 1, 2015
Course Evaluation
April 20 – May 1, 2015
Class Ends
May 1, 2015
These dates are critical for this course. Additional critical dates for this course can be found by
choosing the appropriate term links in the Academic and Registration Calendars
(http://www.fscj.edu/academics/academic-calendar) at the Florida State College at Jacksonville
website.
Instructional Materials and Equipment
If you have not done so already, obtain your textbook and related course materials. Visit your nearest
campus bookstore or order online via the student portal, Connections
(https://connections.fscj.edu/web/guest/home), or the Follett Online Bookstore
(http://www.bkstr.com). Be sure to order using your course and instructor’s name and the six-digit
course reference number.
Please note that some courses may require a text plus additional software or a publisher Web access
code. If purchasing a used text, be sure to check on and obtain all required materials.
Required Text/Materials
Textbook
Campbell Biology 9th edition WITHOUT access to
MasteringBiology
by Reese etal.
Benjamin Cummings Publishers (2011).
ISBN: 978-0-321-69730-1
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Lab Materials/ Kits
Order your lab materials early - do NOT delay. The genetic corn seeds must be planted about 2
weeks before the planned experiment. See the Calendar of Activities for when you should plant the
seeds.
Item
Available from:
Approx. Price
Genetic corn seed, green
albino
Carolina Biological (177130)
$10
Dialysis tubing (at least 3')
Carolina Biological (684212)*
$6
Transfer pipets- non-sterile
(12-14 pipets @ 3-5mls)
Home Science Tools: ( CE_PIPET)* <---you
need 2 packs
$3
Test tubes (6 small test
tubes)
Home Science Tools (CE-TTUBESM)* <---you
need just one pack
$3
250 ml graduated cylinder
Home Science Tools (CE-CYPP250)*
$4
Plastic syringe (10cc or
larger) – remove any
needle!
Home Science Tools (CE-SYRIN60)*
$2
Plastic funnel
Home Science Tools (CE-FUNNEL)*
$1
Scale or balance (must
measure in grams down to
1 gram)
Amazon: Fast Weigh Digital Pocket Scale *
$10
Celsius thermometer
Amazon: Premier digital thermometer *
$15
Every effort has been made to find the best pricing for these items; however, it may be beneficial to
shop around to find a better price.
You will need these things that you can probably find around the house or borrow from a friend:
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sugar
potatoes (3 medium)
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
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salt
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
strawberries
4 coffee cups which are roughly the same size
small sauce pan
clear liquid soap
plastic cups (you'll need 8 - 10)
1 pint or quart-sized zipped plastic bag, such as Ziplock
cheesecloth (2 squares)
measuring spoons
leaf material (fresh spinach)
timer
oven mitt or tongs (to remove test tubes from boiling water)
potting soil and medium-sized flower pot or tray (for planting corn seeds)
3% hydrogen peroxide
liquid shampoo (25 mls)
70% Isopropyl alcohol
ruler with centimeter markings
white drawing paper (printer paper is fine)
scissors
rubber bands
wax pencil or Sharpie marker
hole punch
You will need access to:
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digital camera
scanner
household blender
refrigerator with a freezer
stove
light source (you can use a bare light bulb)
Recommended Materials
None
Online Delivery System
This course will be delivered using the Blackboard Learn™ course management system.
Blackboard™ Supported Browsers for Blackboard Version 9.1 SP13
View Blackboard’s Supported Browsers and Operating Systems
(http://blackboard.force.com/publickbarticleview?id=kAB700000008Oom) to see if your browser and
operating system are compatible. Please note the following when reviewing the Blackboard
compatibility ratings.
Certified:
100% Compatible
Compatible: Compatible in most areas, but could have some incompatibility issues
Page 5
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Unsupported: Not tested and not recommended
Technology Requirements
Reliable and consistent computer and Internet access is encouraged to successfully participate in
and complete online courses. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements
noted below and on the Florida State College at Jacksonville Online Learning site
(http://www.fscj.edu/academics/online-learning). Please use the following checklist to determine
your computer readiness.
You should own or have access to:
An email account
Computer with high speed access to the Internet
Access to College computers when needed
Virus-checking software
Word-processing software
Digital camera
Scanner
Software and plug-Ins that may include (choose the titles for the free downloads)
o Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
o Flash Player (http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/)
o Java (http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp)
o Shockwave Player (http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/)
o VLC (http://www.videolan.org/)
It is a good idea to check your computer at the beginning of each course and a couple of times
throughout the term to ensure you have all the necessary software and plug-ins to use the
Blackboard online system and course features. After logging in to Blackboard, choose the Browser
Checker link. Review the results and choose the links to the recommended software.
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Please note that you will need to turn off your pop-up blocker to use all features of this online course.
Accessibility
If you require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Florida State College at
Jacksonville Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (http://www.fscj.edu/admissionsaid/services-for-students-with-disabilities), located at 101 W State St, Room A1020, Jacksonville, FL
32202 with additional offices at Kent, North, and South campuses. You may reach the main OSSD
office at (904) 633-8488.
Your Course Participation and Assessments
Learning Communities
Students learn through interactions with each other, with their instructor, and with the course material.
A major goal of this course is to encourage you to build learning communities within the course. This
course has special forums to aid in building our learning community. We will use the discussion area
to meet each other and share our thoughts and concerns.
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
The “Questions for the Professor” discussion forum is used for general questions about course content,
navigation, or flow. Please do not ask personal or specific grade-related questions in this forum, send
individual communication instead.
The “Cyber Café” is available to discuss items of interest to you and your classmates. Please
remember that in all discussion forums, you must follow all netiquette rules and guidelines.
Assigned Work
In each module, you will have individual activities to complete. Detailed information, instructions and
rubrics for each assignment can be found within the individual module pages in the Course Content
section of the course. To see all the assignments due in this course, see the Calendar of Activities
listed below.
Your assignments and papers will be graded using one of the rubrics included at the end of this
syllabus and in the Blackboard classroom. Be sure to check the Calendar of Activities carefully for
due dates on all assignments/ papers as some weeks may require completion of more than one
module of work.
Original Writing, Style, and Sources
Written assignments must adhere to APA style guidelines. Writing style resources are available in the
Tools and Resources folder within your Blackboard classroom.
Your written assignments should be original writing and include citations as described in the APA style
guide. Turnitin® is an online tool that scans written assignments for signs of plagiarism and will be used
to screen your assignment submissions. Please go to Turnitin®
(http://www.turnitin.com/en_us/products/overview) for information about originality checks and
reports, and to What is Plagiarism? (http://www.plagiarism.org/) for plagiarism prevention resources.
Wikipedia is a tertiary (condensed) source of information and should not be used as a reference in
your assignments and papers. It is, however, a good resource for finding primary and secondary
sources that may be acceptable.
Discussions
You will participate in 11 discussions. Discussions are worth 30 points (except Module 1 Discussion
which is worth 10 points) for a total of 310 points toward your final grade. The links to the forums are
located in the Course Content area.
The discussion board forums are an opportunity to have thoughtful discussions about a given topic.
The questions raised will be general in nature and ask you to think deeply. In each discussion forum,
you will be required to give a thoughtful and comprehensive response of at least five to eight
sentences that are reflective and well-written, as well as respond to at least two other people (three
response postings are required for an “exemplary score”. The discussion begins when other class
members read what you wrote and respond.
Please note that you should complete all of the readings for the module prior to posting your
discussion response. You are expected to post in correct sentence and paragraph format.
Remember to check for correct spelling and grammar. Your initial posts are due by Wed. at 11:59pm
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
on the week assigned to allow for interaction with classmates via “response postings” up to Sun.
evening of the week assigned.
Class members are expected to contribute original thoughts as well as respond to classmates' posts.
In order to assist you in assuring your work in consistent with the high academic standards expected
in this course, it is required that you post each initial discussion post to Turnitin.com (via the link in the
Module page) and attach your Originality Report to your post. If you do not do this, the highest
achievement level you can receive for you initial post is "Novice" (D level). The best way to use the
Originality Report is to upload a draft of your initial post and then use the Originality Report to
improve it. Then upload the revised post to get a better score and submit that Originality Report with
your post. Submission of plagiarized work will result in failure of the course.
In your responses, you will ask your classmates questions, expand on one of their ideas, ask for clarity
on one of their points, and maybe even politely disagree and explain why. Please make an effort to
move the conversation forward with your post. “That’s cool” or “Great Post” are examples of poor
response postings they do not move the conversation forward.
Discussions are graded using the Discussion Rubric listed in the Rubrics section below.
Laboratory Activities
There are 11 Laboratory Activities worth 40 points each in this course. Detailed instructions for each
exercise are found in each module. Please do not hesitate to contact your instructor with questions
on these assignments. Each lab requires submission of a written lab report.
Your lab report following lab report grading rubric A should include the following sections:
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Title
Purpose
Hypothesis
Materials and Methods
Results
Conclusions
You are strongly urged to plan ahead for your laboratory exercises. Some require a significant
investment of time or pre-preparation. It is highly recommended that you read ALL the instructions for
each lab TWICE before attempting to perform the lab. This will prevent errors in the procedure and
assure better results.
Each lab report must be submitted to Turnitin.com using the link provided on the Module page.
Attach your Originality Report in addition to your lab report to obtain full credit for the assignment.
The reports will be graded using one of the rubrics (Lab Report rubric A or Lab Report rubric B) listed in
the Rubrics section below. Please check the lab instructions to determine which rubric will be used to
grade the assignment. Submit your completed lab exercises to the instructor in Blackboard.
All lab reports should be submitted to Turnitin® prior to submission. Your originality report should be
attached to the final lab report for a grade. If you do not submit your report to Turnitin® or have an
unacceptable % similarity on the report, your report will not be graded. Please let me know if you
have any questions on this. Plagiarized work will result in failure from the course. Also, for laboratories
that involve performing an experiment and follow lab report grading rubric A, you must submit a
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
picture of the last step of the experiment with a signed and dated piece of paper in the photo or
your work will not be accepted/ graded.
Exams
Exams: There is one PROCTORED MIDTERM EXAM and one PROCTORED COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
in this course. The PROCTORED MIDTERM EXAM consists of 50 questions pulled from a larger pool of
questions related to the material covered in Modules 1 through 8, inclusive. Each question is worth 2
point and the exam is worth 100 points toward your final grade. You will have 90 minutes to complete
this exam.
The PROCTORED FINAL EXAM consists of 75 questions pulled randomly from ALL the chapters covered
in this course. Each question is worth 2 points. The final exam is worth 150 points toward your total
points. You will have 2 hours to complete this exam.
These exams are PROCTORED exams and MUST be taken at a College testing site. See the Proctored
Test section on the Blackboard Tools and Resources page for more information on proctored exams,
including how to schedule an appointment. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you schedule BOTH
exams no later than the second week of the semester to assure a seat in the testing center.
Course Grade
Your final letter grade will be determined by totaling the points earned on all graded coursework.
ASSIGNED WORK
POINTS
GRADE
POINTS
Discussion forums (1 @10 points; 10 @30 points)
310
A
900-1000
Laboratory Activities (11 @40 points)
440
B
800-899
PROCTORED MIDTERM EXAM
100
C
700-799
PROCTORED COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
150
D
600-699
Total Points
1000
F
0-599
FN Grade – Failure for Non-Attendance
A Failure for Non-Attendance (FN) grade indicates that a student has failed a course due to nonattendance. It is calculated as an “F” in the student’s grade point average. For students receiving
financial aid, failure for non-attendance may require the student to refund to the College all or part of
the aid received. The faculty member will assign the FN grade at any time following the final
withdrawal date for the course.
For additional information, please review the grading system and policies in the College catalog.
I Grade - Incomplete
Incomplete (I) grades may be awarded based on the criteria in the College catalog. See the
College’s page on Grading policies
(http://floridastatecollegecatalog.fscj.edu/content.php?catoid=21&navoid=2569#incomplete) for
more information.
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Repeating the Course
You may repeat a course in an attempt to improve a grade previously earned. However, you are
limited in your attempts to courses where a “D,” “F,” or “FN” grade was earned. You have only three
total attempts in any course, including the original grade, repeat grades, and withdrawals. Upon the
third attempt in a course, you must be given an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F”.
When you repeat a course at Florida State College, only the last grade earned is calculated in your
cumulative grade point average (GPA). If you have an excessive number of “W” or “FN” grades and
repeat courses to improve your GPA, you may jeopardize your admission to programs in the Florida
State University System (SUS) or other institutions.
Calendar of Activities
The Calendar of Activities is a summary of the lessons and course activities for each module. See
each specific Module page for directions on how to complete each assignment.
Special Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus. You will be notified of any
changes.
Week
Feb
Topic(s)
Assigned Work
Points
Possible
Student Contract
Required
Due Date
10
2–8
Module 1: The Chemistry Discussion 1: Greetings &
Introductions
of Life
Lab 1: Microscopy and the Metric
System
Feb
Module 2: Water and
Life
Discussion 2: Water and Life
30
9 – 15
Module 3: Important
Organic
Macromolecules
Lab 2: Proteins and Starches
40
Lab 3: Sugars and fats
40
Lab 4: Cell Structures and the
Gram Stain
40
Discussion 3: The Cell
30
Module 5: The Plasma
Membrane
Lab 5: Osmosis
40
Mar 1
Module 6: An
Introduction to
Metabolism
Lab 6: Enzymes
40
Mar 8
Discussion 4: The Theory of
Endosymbiosis
30
Mar 15
Feb
Module 4: The Cell
16 – 22
Feb 23
Mar 1
Mar
2–8
Mar
9 – 15
Module 7: Cellular
Respiration
Feb 8
40
Feb 15
Feb 22
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
NOTE: Plant corn seeds
at the beginning of this
week. You will take
pictures of 2-week old
seedlings and write your
report (Lab report 9) in
module 10.
Mar 16 - 22
Mar
23 – 29
Mar 30
Apr 5
Apr
6 – 12
Apr
13 – 19
SPRING BREAK
Lab 7: Photosynthesis
Module 8:
Photosynthesis
Module 9: The Cell
Cycle, Mitosis, and
Meiosis
PROCTORED MIDTERM EXAM
(covers Modules 1 through 8,
inclusive)
40
100
Lab 8: Mitosis, Meiosis, and the Cell
Cycle
40
Lab 9: Plant Genetics
40
Discussion 5: Genetic Disorders
30
Module 11: The
Molecular Basis of
Inheritance
Discussion 6: Cancer research
30
Module 12: From Gene
to Protein
Discussion 7: Sickle Cell Disease
30
Lab 10: Biotechnology - DNA
Extraction
40
Discussion 8: Switching Genes On
and Off
30
Lab 11: Biotechnology - DNA
Electrophoresis and PCR
40
Discussion 9: Biofuels
30
Discussion 10: Technology & You
30
Discussion 11: Bacterial Evolution
30
Module 10: Mendel,
Genes and the
Chromosomal Basis of
Inheritance
Module 13:
Biotechnology - Part 1
Module 14:
Biotechnology - Part II
Apr
Apr 27
May 1
Module 16:
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
EXAM
Total Possible Points
Apr 5
Apr 12
Module 15: Evolution
20 – 26
Mar 29
PROCTORED COMPREHENSIVE
FINAL EXAM: Covers All Modules
150
Apr 19
Apr 26
May 1
1000
Special Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus. You will be notified of any
changes.
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Course Guidelines/Policies
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Academic dishonesty, in any form, has severe consequences. Please review the Student Rights and
Responsibilities (http://catalog.fscj.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=3998#conduct) section of
the College catalog.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is measured in this course by your weekly access to the online content and timely
completion of required course activities. If you fail to sufficiently participate in the online course prior
to the official refund deadline, you can be dropped for non-attendance. If the official withdrawal
date has passed and you fail to sufficiently progress in the online course, you can be awarded a
Failure for Non-Attendance (FN) grade.
Late/Make Up Work Policy
Lateness in completing assignments is strongly discouraged; all assignments must be completed on
time. The “Week” runs from Monday morning (12:01 am) to Sunday night (11:59 pm ET). You must
complete and submit all the work due by the end of each week. Late assignments and/or makeup
work may be accepted under special circumstances. If you miss any assignments due to
unavoidable or unexpected occurrences, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Expectations of Student Conduct
The College’s Expectations of Student Conduct
(http://catalog.fscj.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=3998#conduct) extends to the online
classroom. It is expected that each of you use appropriate, professional language and respect when
addressing classmates, as well as your instructor, in any part of the online classroom. That same level
of professional conduct should extend to all assignments submitted.
It is expected that you will not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the
class. Read the comments of other classmates thoroughly before entering your remarks and
responses. Be positive, thoughtful, and constructive in your comments and responses.
Recommendations for Success in this Course
Have a place where you can study and set aside an appropriate amount of time to do it. Generally,
a 3-credit hour course requires a minimum of 12 hours of self-study time each week in addition to the
time spent completing assignments.
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Practice and repetition are the best way to ensure your mastery of the material.
Communicate with your instructor to ask any important questions and to discuss important
concepts.
Complete all reading assignments and view and review all chapter resources.
Complete and review all online course activities.
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
College Resources
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers many resources to help you become successful in your
course and academic career. A brief description of some of these resources follows and others are
noted in the Tools and Resources folder of the Blackboard classroom.
Academic Advising
Counselors and advisors are available to assist students with the achievement of their academic
goals. Academic advising is available to help students identify appropriate courses, select majors,
select transfer institutions and assist with academic problems. Students are encouraged to seek
advising on a regular basis in order to achieve their educational objectives. Appointments may be
scheduled through the Counseling and Advising Office (http://www.fscj.edu/admissionsaid/counseling-advising). However, students should know that appointment times will be severely
impacted during peak registration periods. For more information, visit the Florida State College at
Jacksonville Advising page (http://www.fscj.edu/admissions-aid/counseling-advising/advising/).
Technical Helpdesk
If you have any problems with Blackboard, viewing online content, email or Connections, visit the
Florida State College at Jacksonville Help Desk (http://www.fscj.edu/campus-life/student-computingresources). There you can contact the technical support team directly via live chat or visit the SelfHelp Portal (http://helpdesk.fscj.edu/content/default.aspx). Campus support phone numbers are
also included on this page.
Please remember that answers to questions about your course materials, tests, quizzes, or assignments
can only be provided by your instructor.
Library and Learning Commons
The Library/Learning Commons (LLC) (http://www.fscj.edu/campus-life/library-learning-commons) is
an instructional area of the College designed to offer a variety of teaching, learning and research
resources to students enrolled in courses at Florida State College at Jacksonville. LLC services include
individual and small group tutoring; traditional and virtual library services and materials; subjectspecific instruction including orientations; free workshops; study areas; and access to tutorials,
computers, and multimedia technology.
Tutorials/Online Demonstrations
To view demonstrations of common Blackboard and computer activities, go to On Demand Learning
Center for Students (http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm).
The Next Step
I hope you have found this syllabus useful. Your next step is to become familiar with the Blackboard
classroom and begin the assignments for Module One.
See you in the online course!
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Rubrics
Discussion Rubric
Criteria
Quality of
Initial Post
Levels of Achievement
Exemplary
Meets
Expectations
Developing
Novice
Not
Acceptable
7.5 Points
6.5 Points
6 Points
5 Points
0 Points
Initial comment
fully addresses
all aspects of
the discussion
board
question.
Comment
includes more
than 2 personal
or professional
experiences.
Comment also
includes at
least two
credible
resources,
cited properly
within the work
AND at the
end of the
work.
Demonstrates
excellent
critical thinking
skills through
multiple
examples and
ideas. Student
has submitted
their work
through Turnitin
and
demonstrated
an acceptable
originality
score.
Initial comment
addresses most
aspects of the
discussion board
question.
Comment
includes 1-2
personal or
professional
experiences.
Comment also
includes one
credible
resource, cited
properly within
the work AND at
the end of the
work.
Demonstrates
adequate
critical thinking
through some
examples and
ideas. Good
discussion of
course readings
or other
resources (if
appropriate).
Student has
submitted their
work through
Turnitin and
demonstrated
an acceptable
originality score.
Initial comment
addresses part of
the discussion
board question
or assigned
readings.
Comment
includes minimal
personal or
professional
experience.
Comment also
includes one
credible
resource, cited
properly within
the work OR at
the end of the
work.
Demonstrates
minimal critical
thinking with
minimal
examples and
ideas. Minimal
discussion of
course readings
or other
resources (if
appropriate).
Student has
submitted their
work through
Turnitin and
demonstrated
an acceptable
originality score.
Initial comment
No initial
minimally
posting
addresses
submitted.
discussion.
Comment does not
include personal or
professional
experience.
Comment does not
include any
credible resources
OR resources are
not cited properly
within the work OR
at the end of the
work. Does not
demonstrate
critical thinking. No
discussion of course
readings or other
resources (if
appropriate).
Student has not
submitted their
work through
Turnitin and
demonstrated an
acceptable
originality score.
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BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Quality of
Response
Postings
7.5 Points
6.5 Points
6 Points
5 Points
0 Points
Responses are
highly
reflective,
insightful and
add to the
discussion in a
meaningful
way moving it
forward.
Responses are
reflective,
insightful and
add to the
discussion.
Responses are
minimally
reflective or
insightful and do
not significantly
add to the
discussion in a
meaningful way.
Responses are
No response
present but are not postings
reflective or
submitted.
insightful, but don't
add to the
discussion.
Organizatio
n and
Technical
Aspects of
All Posts
7.5 Points
6.5 Points
6 Points
5 Points
Information is
exceptionally
well organized;
spelling and
grammar are
correct and
complete
sentences are
used. Proper
citations are
effectively
used.
Information is
well organized;
1-2 spelling and/
or grammar
mistakes are
evident.
Complete
sentences are
used. Proper
citations are
used.
Organization is
scattered; 3-5
spelling and/ or
grammar
mistakes are
evident. Some
incomplete
sentences used.
Citations are
used.
Information is not
No postings
well organized;
submitted.
more than 5
spelling and/ or
grammar mistakes
are evident.
Incomplete
sentences used. No
citations.
Posting
Quantity
and
Timeliness
7.5 Points
6.5 Points
6 Points
5 Points
Initial posting
and at least
three quality
responses are
made prior to
the due date
listed in the
Calendar of
Activities. Initial
posting is
made before
11:59 pm on
Wednesday.
Initial posting
and at least two
quality responses
are made prior
to the due date
listed in the
Calendar of
Activities. Initial
posting is made
before 11:59 pm
on Wednesday.
Initial posting
Initial posting is
and at least one made before 11:59
quality responses pm on Wednesday.
are made prior
to the due date
listed in the
Calendar of
Activities. Initial
posting is made
before 11:59 pm
on Wednesday.
0 Points
0 Points
Initial posting is
not made prior
to Wednesday
and/or no
postings are
submitted.
Page 15
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Laboratory Report Rubric A (Labs 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10)
Criteria
Title
Purpose
Levels of Achievement
Exemplary
Meets
Expectations
Developing
Novice
Not
Acceptable
8 Points
8 Points
6 Points
5.5 Points
0 Points
The title
describes what
the reader is
about to read in
a way that is
clear and
concise.
The title
describes what
the reader is
about to read
but may be
missing an
element of the
paper or is not
complete.
The title gives the
reader a general
idea as to what
they are about to
read but is not
specific.
The title is not easy No title is
to understand and present.
does not contain
information as to
what the reader is
about to read in
the work.
4 Points
3.5 Points
3 Points
2.5 Points
0 Points
The Purpose
section is
properly titled
and is clear,
concise, and
complete.
The Purpose
section is properly
titled, but does not
state the purpose
of the work in a
clear, concise, and
complete way
The Purpose
section is titled
properly, but the
purpose given is
not accurate for
the work.
The Purpose
statement is not
titled properly
and/or is difficult to
understand.
The Purpose
section is missing
OR the author has
given the purpose
of my assigning the
work rather than
the purpose of the
experiment they
performed.
3.5 Points
3 Points
2.5 Points
0 Points
The Hypothesis
section provides
a logically written
statement.
Adequate
reasoning is
provided by the
author to support
their hypothesis
statement. The
hypothesis is
specific to the
experiment
discussed within
the paper.
The Hypothesis
section provides a
logical statement
however, there is
no reasoning
provided to
support the
hypothesis
statement. The
hypothesis is
somewhat
specific to the
experiment
discussed within
the paper.
The Hypothesis
section is not
written as a logical
statement. No
reasoning is
provided to support
the hypothesis
statement. The
hypothesis is not
specific to the
experiment
discussed within the
paper.
The
Hypothesis
section is
missing form
the work.
Hypothesis 4 Points
The Hypothesis
section provides
a logically
written
statement.
Sound reasoning
is provided to
support the
hypothesis
statement. The
statement is
clear, specific,
and correct for
the experiment
discussed within
the paper.
Page 16
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Materials
and
Methods
8 Points
7 Points
6 Points
5.5 Points
0 Points
The Materials
and Methods
section contains
a
comprehensive
explanation of
how the
experiment was
performed in a
way that can be
replicated
perfectly by the
reader. This
section contains
exact quantities
of materials used
and all pertinent
information to
replicate the
experiment. The
materials and
methods section
is written in past
tense and in
third person. This
section contains
the Materials
and Methods
ONLY and does
not contain any
inappropriate
information like
the results.
The Materials
and Methods
section contains
most of the
information
concerning how
the experiment
was performed
and the materials
used but is not
complete in
some way. In
other words, if
the reader tried
to reproduce this
experiment they
would be missing
one or two
critical items for
success. This
section contains
the materials and
methods ONLY
and does not
contain any
inappropriate
information like
the results.
The Materials and
Methods section
contains most of
the information
concerning how
the experiment
was performed
and the materials
used, but there
are more than a
few critical items
missing for
repetition of the
work. This may
mean that the
methods are not
described in
proper order
and/or are
missing more than
a few critical
pieces of
information. This
section contains
the materials and
methods ONLY
and does not
contain any
inappropriate
information like
the results.
The Materials and
Methods section is
difficult to read and
understand. The
amounts of
substances are not
included, the order
of the methods is
not easy to follow
or correct, and/or
there are major
gaps in the
information
provided to the
reader. With this
information, the
reader would not
be able to
reproduce the
experiment
described in the
work. This score will
also be provided to
those that include
inappropriate items
in the materials and
methods section for
example the results
of the experiment.
The Materials
and Methods
section is
missing OR is
written in
present tense
OR is copied
straight from
my
procedures.
Results
8 Points
7 Points
6 Points
5.5 Points
0 Points
The data are clearly
provided in a typed
table, graph, chart,
or figure. Whichever
of the above items is
picked to display
the data, is clearly
labeled with a title
and brief
explanation of what
the table, figure,
etc. contains. Units
are included in the
results section when
The data are
clearly provided
in a typed table,
graph, chart, or
figure. Formatting
and labeling is
acceptable but
not perfect. This
section contains
only appropriate
information. For
The data are
clearly provided
in a typed table,
graph, chart, or
figure. There are
issues with
formatting and/or
labeling. This
section contains
only appropriate
information. For
The data are not
clearly provided in
a typed table,
graph, chart, or
figure. There are
issues with
formatting and/or
labeling. This score
will also be given to
papers in which the
interpretation of the
The results
section is
missing OR
the author
has not
included a
picture of the
last step of
the
experiment
with their
Page 17
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
applicable. The
author has included
a picture of the last
step of the
experiment with their
name printed,
signed, and a date
added to a paper in
the picture. Also, this
section contains
only appropriate
information. For
example, an
interpretation of the
results is not given,
since this information
is provided in the
conclusion section.
Conclusion 8 Points
The Conclusion
section is complete
and includes all of
the following
information/ answers
to the following
questions: The
conclusions are
clearly and
concisely stated for
each aspect of the
experiment
performed. There is
a statement as to
whether the data
support or do not
support the
hypothesis that
contains logical
reasoning. Since the
conclusion is an
interpretation of the
results, this section
should discuss
answers to the
following questions:
“What
happened?”, “Was
this expected or not
expected?”,
“Why?”, and “If the
results were not as
expected, what are
example, an
interpretation of
the results is not
given, since this
information is
provided in the
conclusion
section. The
author has
included a
picture of the last
step of the
experiment with
their name
printed, signed,
and a date
added to a
paper in the
picture.
example, an
interpretation of
the results is not
given, since this
information is
provided in the
conclusion
section. The
author has
included a
picture of the last
step of the
experiment with
their name
printed, signed,
and a date
added to a paper
in the picture.
results is given in this
section, since that is
not appropriate in
this section. The
author has included
a picture of the last
step of the
experiment with
their name printed,
signed, and a date
added to a paper
in the picture.
name printed,
signed, and a
date added
to a paper in
the picture.
7 Points
6 Points
5.5 Points
0 Points
The Conclusion
section is mostly
complete and
contains the
answers to most
of the questions
in the
“exemplary”
section of this
section, but not
all. There is a
statement as to
whether the data
support or do not
support the
hypothesis that
contains logical
reasoning.
The Conclusion
section is
somewhat
complete and
contains the
answers to at
least two of the
questions in the
“exemplary”
section of this
section, but not
all. There is a
statement as to
whether the data
support or do not
support the
hypothesis that
contains
somewhat logical
reasoning but has
some holes in the
reasoning.
The Conclusion
section simply
describes the data
provided in the
results section and
may contain some
interpretation of the
data. A statement
that addresses the
hypotheses
statement is missing
or the statement
provided does not
logically address
the hypothesis and
whether or not the
data do or do not
support the
hypothesis.
The
conclusion
section is
missing.
Page 18
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
some reasons why
this may have
occurred?”. Papers
that score this high
mark will also
include ideas for
improving the
experiment moving
forward if the results
were not as
expected.
Laboratory Report Rubric B (Labs 1, 4, 8, and 11)
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Exemplary
Meets
Expectations
Developing
Novice
Not
Acceptable
Quality of
Content
30 Points
27 Points
24 Points
21 Points
0 Points
The lab report
gives very
specific
information
and very
clearly
addresses all
of the
requirements
of the
assignment.
The answers
are well
thought-out,
correct,
written in
detail, and in
the student's
own words.
This score will
reflect work
that is 96100% correct.
The lab report
contains
adequate
information
that addresses
the
requirements of
the
assignment.
The answers
are correct
and written in
the student's
own words. This
score will be
given to work
that is 85-95%
correct.
The lab report
contains
information
that
addresses
some of the
requirements
of the
assignment,
however,
lacks detail,
may be
vague, or
parts may not
be correct.
This score will
be given to
work that is
74- 84%
correct.
The lab
report is
vague and
does not
address all
of the
requirements
of the
assignment.
There is no
evidence of
having given
the
assignment
any real
thought. This
score will be
given to
work that is
63-73%
correct.
No lab report
was submitted
OR the
answers
appear to be
copied from a
classmate or
other source
and do not
appear to be
the original
thoughts of
the student.
OR This score
will reflect
work that is
less than 62%
correct.
Technical
Aspects
10 Points
9 Points
8 Points
7 Points
0 Points
The lab report The lab report
is neat and
is fairly neat
The lab report The lab
is ordinary.
report is
No lab report
was
Page 19
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
well
organized in
appearance.
Tables (if
indicated)
are clear,
detailed and
concise. The
work is free of
grammatical
and spelling
errors.
Answers are
written using
formal
scientific
language.
and organized.
Tables (if
indicated) are
clear and
contain most
of the
requested
detail
indicated in
the
assignment.
The work is
relatively free
of grammatical
and spelling
errors. Most
answers are
written using
formal scientific
language.
Tables (if
indicated)
are included,
but do not
contain the
requested
detail
indicated in
the
assignment.
The work has
some
grammatical
and spelling
errors that
may interfere
with the
reading of
the report.
Some formal
scientific
language is
used, but not
consistently.
poorly
submitted.
written and
difficult to
read. Reads
like a last
minute
effort. Tables
(if indicated)
are missing,
incomplete
and/or do
not follow
directions.
The spelling
and/or
grammatical
errors
seriously
interfere with
the reading
of the report.
The majority
of the work is
not written in
formal,
scientific
language.
Slang, undefined
abbreviation
s, and/or
informal
language
are used.
Page 20