Great Basin College
Cell and Molecular Biology, Biol 190
Syllabus Fall 2014
Course Description
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology is the study of biochemistry, the anatomy and physiology of cells, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, biotechnology, and evolution.
This course is broadly applicable intended for students of all majors. Introduction to Cell and
Molecular Biology is required for Science and Allied Health majors. This course satisfies
General Education requirements. Cell and Molecular Biology is a very demanding course. You should expect to spend a minimum of 12 hours a week outside of class studying course material.
Prerequisite; Math 120 placement or completion of Math 096 or 097. Introduction to Cell and
Molecular Biology is a four credit course with three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory experience each week. This is a web enhanced course.
Instructor Information
Instructor; Doug Hogan
Office; Room 117, or Room 122 (Biology Lab), Winnemucca Center
Office Hours; M-Th 8:00-9:30
Phone Number; 775-623-1809
E-mail; doug.hogan@gbcnv.edu
Course Meeting Time and location; M,W 9:30-12:15, Room 122, Winnemucca Center
Textbook ; BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE, 5th edition, by Freeman, ISBN 978-0-321-74367-1
General Education Objectives
Communication Skills; Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form, embracing discussion, reading, listening and accessing information. Measurement;
Student will demonstrate these skills orally in class and by writing essays.
Critical Thinking; Students will integrate creativity, logic, quantitative reasoning, and the hierarchy of inquiry and knowing in social and scientific understanding. Measurement; These skills will be assessed with objective testing tools and by critical review of their written work.
Technological Understanding; Students will demonstrate their ability to function effectively in modern society through the use of technology. Measurement; Students will demonstrate their proficiency by utilizing computer based learning, writing and testing tools.
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Course Specific Outcomes
Expected Student Outcomes, Students will be able to
Define life.
Describe how the Biosphere is organized.
Outline how living things are classified.
Explain the scientific process.
Describe the chemistry of living things and define the roles of each type of organic molecule.
Diagram a typical prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
Outline the function of each cell organelle.
Measurement, Students will demonstrate competency by
Answering objective exam questions
Answering objective exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Answering essay exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Diagramming and labeling, objective exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Explain the major sources of energy used by living systems and describe the chemistry of energy metabolism.
Compare and contrast the process of mitosis and meiosis.
Describe the process of heredity.
Outline the process of protein synthesis.
Relate the basic processes of biotechnology and expound on its potential.
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Answering essay and objective exam questions and writing a short paper expressing their personal options
Explain the theory of evolution and relate the significance of this theory in biology.
Answering essay and objective exam questions
Instructional Format
This is a traditional “live” course and will be taught in a very standard manner. It is expected that students read the indicated sections of their text before it is presented in lecture. Much of the information found in the reading will be further explained in lecture. Approximately half our class time will be spent completing laboratory exercises designed to reinforce the expected outcomes of this course. In addition, coursework will be assigned to further reinforce course material. It is well known that repetition is the key to learning. Periodically traditional exams and quizzes will be given to test your level of understanding.
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Tentative Schedule
The following schedule of topics and exams has been developed to ensure sufficient time is available to master each subject area. Deviation from this schedule is likely to adversely impact subsequent coursework. Exams will be opened on the day each unit is completed and remain open until the evening of the next scheduled class meeting.
Date Topic
8/25 M Introduction
8/27 W Biology
9/1 M Labor Day, No Class
9/3 W Water and Carbon
Exam 1, TBA
9/8 M Protein
9/10 W Nucleic Acids
9/15
9/17
M
W
Carbohydrates
Lipids
9/22 M Chemical composition of Cells
9/24 W How Enzymes Function
9/29 M Review of Organic Molecules
10/1 W
Exam 2, TBA
Inside the Cell
10/6 M Energy and Enzymes
10/8 W Cell Structure and Function
Cellular Interactions
Exam 3, TBA
Reading
Chapter 1
Lab 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Lab 3
Lab 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Lab 4
Chapter 11
Chapter 9
Lab 7
Chapter 10
Lab 6
10/13 M Cell Respiration, Fermentation
10/15 W Cellular Respiration, Fermentation
10/20 M Photosynthesis
10/22 W Photosynthesis
10/27 M
Exam 4, TBA
Mitosis, Meiosis
Exam 5, TBA
10/29 W Mendel and the Gene
11/3 M Mendelian Genetics
11/5 W
Exam 6, TBA
DNA
11/10 M DNA, Cont.
11/12 W How Genes Work, Transcription, Translation
11/17 M Gene Expression
Exam 7, TBA
11/19 W
11/24 M
Engineering Genes, Genomics
Genomic and Beyond
Exam 8, TBA
Chapter 12,13
Lab 8
Chapter 14
Lab 9, 10
Chapter 15
Lab 11
Chapter 16,17
Chapter 18,19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
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11/26 W Evolution
12/1 M Evidence and Mechanism of Evolution
12/3 W TBA
12/8 M Exam 9
Exams
Chapter 25,26,27
Labs 12,13
Lecture Exams will be web based. Students must take exams within the established window at a proctored location. No make-up exams will be given except by prior arrangement. Lecture
Exams will consist of two or three sections. The first section will require matching terms with their definition. Terms specific to this course appear in the assigned reading, often in bold type.
The most significant terms are included in the course notes and discussed in class. The second section will consist of multiple choice questions which examine each student’s understanding of the concepts being studied. The third section (optional) will contain one or more essay questions. Possible question topics may be found within the lecture note / study guides outlines provided. Exams contribute approximately 70% of the grade points available.
Quizzes
Quizzes based on the proceeding class session are given at the beginning of class. You must be on time to take the quiz. No makeups will be given
Laboratory
We will complete approximately 10 laboratory exercises during the semester. Each lab is worth
20 grade points and will be completed in class. No makeups will be possible.
Attendance
Attendance is a substantial part of this course. There is a direct correlation between attendance and grades. Students who miss more than one class meeting seldom earn A’s, and those that miss three or more seldom earn B’s. I am aware that many of you have jobs and families. May I suggest the following; 1. Provide your employer and family with a copy of your school schedule.
This will facilitate keeping things going smoothly at work and home allowing you to sustain your academic progress. 2. Those of you with children should arrange backup child care. Expect that your “sitter” may have unforeseen difficulties or be unable to care for a sick child. At times, life just happens, cars may quit running, those close to us may have significant problems, you or loved ones may become ill. Anticipate trouble with your spouse, ex, or significant other. If you don’t have a spouse, ex, or significant other, well... the semesters has just begun.
Keep the following in mind. Your grade is determined by grade points. Points are earned by demonstrating what you have learned, not what you have endured during this course.
If a student cannot make it to class, it is his or her responsibility to obtain missed materials and information upon returning to class (exchange telephone numbers and use the buddy system)
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Grading
Student’s grades will be determined by the number of grade points earned during the semester.
Grade points are earned from exams and quizzes (70%), quizzes, coursework (10%), and labs
(20%). Exam scores maybe adjusted a maximum of 10% based on student performance.
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F less than 60%
This is a grading outline. The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments as deemed necessary. Any adjustments made will be in the student’s best interest
Course Withdrawal
If you choose not to complete this course you may withdraw and receive a grade of W. This must be done on or before Monday October 27th, 2014. After this date you will be issued a grade based on the grade points you earned during the semester.
Incompletes
Under extreme circumstances a grade of I (incomplete) may be issued at my discretion. Before an incomplete may be issued three quarters of the course must have been completed and a contract developed stating specifically what must be done to complete the course. You must complete the course on or before March 15th, 2015. If the contract is not fulfilled by that date the incomplete will become an F.
Academic Dishonesty
Any act of academic dishonesty including cheating on exams, plagiarism, and falsifying data will result in a minimum of a zero score on that portion of the course work and may result in referral to the Vice President of Student Services for further disciplinary action. Do not sit close to classmates during exams or talk to anyone about anything during exams, doing so will be considered cheating.
Suggestions
Review the course web site on a regular basis, most course information including course notes and grades may be found there. Inform your instructor of any problems as soon as practical. If you are having a problem with some aspect of this course it is likely others are as well. Maintain a notebook consisting of all course work and materials. Your success in this course will largely depend on your knowledge of information contained within your notes. Returned course work is
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a record of your progress and may be used to correct any errors in your instructor’s grade records.
Read assignments before they are discussed in class. This will increase what you learn during lecture. Review your notes and text until you are familiar with their contents. Repetition is required to convert short-term memory to long-term memory.
Notice
Qualified students with physical or documented learning disabilities have the right to free accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities at Great Basin College. For assistance, contact the Student Services Office at 753-2271.
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