General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
Biology 1224: Intro to Biology for Majors
CALL NUMBER: 21060 SECTION: 360
Lecture: Online
Laboratory time: Friday 11:00am – 1:50pm
Science & Mathematics Division, SE
Division Chair: Ms. Lyn Kent
Division Office: 8125
Division Phone: (918) 595-77442
Course Instructor: Dr. Larry Green
Office Hours: By app.
Office Phone: (918) 595- 7742 (Division Office)
E-mail: joseph_green@mail.tulsacc.edu
Catalog Description: See TCC catalogue
Course prerequisite: None
Required Textbook and Materials
Biology (9th edition) by Raven and Johnson (lecture text) ISBN 0077905261
Introduction to General Biology Laboratory Manual for Majors, (7th ed). by Phillips ISBN 0078042232
The Guide to Writing w/MS Office2007 (optional – it contains very useful information)
Required Lab Materials:
Colored pencils, a regular pencil and a highlighter
Slides and cover slips (available in bookstore)
Goggles (safety glasses)
Calculator----will be used for some labs
(Please have all necessary supplies by 2nd week of class)
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course students will:














develop basic laboratory skills necessary to perform scientific investigations in class and in the field:
measurement skills, collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data, microscopy skills, gel electrophoresis
skills, and field observations techniques.
effectively communicate (oral or written) current issues and research pertaining to the biological sciences.
be able to apply evolutionary principles (natural selection, adaptation, speciation) to discuss biodiversity of
living organisms.
be able to express an understanding of basic chemistry principles in the biological sciences.
be able to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic (plant and animal) cell structure and function.
be able to identify and discuss cell division phases and cell cycle control (mitosis and meiosis) and its
relationship to cancer.
be able to discuss stem cells (embryonic and adult) and cloning.
be able to discuss the relationship between chromosomes, DNA, genes, genetic control, and epigenetics.
solve genetic Mendelian genetic problems (autosomal dominant, recessive, co-dominance, sex-linked,
incomplete dominance) to identify genotypes and phenotypes.
be able to express an understanding of the role biotechnology plays in our everyday lives (DNA isolation,
recombinant DNA technology, gel electrophoresis, and PCR).
be able to express an understanding of the relationship between cellular respiration, photosynthesis, the
greenhouse effect and global warming.
explore biodiversity (world biomes, ecosystems, and adaptations to the environment).
be able to increase awareness and appreciation of the biotic diversity (plants, animals, fungi, protista, and
bacteria).
be able to understand man’s impact on global environmental issues.
Dr. Green
Page 1
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus

Spring 2013
demonstrate technology proficiency— search educational and professional online databases, use software
to write course documents, appropriately document and cite work, make tables, and graphs.
This is a Blended Course!
A Blended course utilizes both traditional face to face and online content delivery methods. In this case
the lecture is delivered online. The laboratory portion occurs on ground at a specific time.
As a Blended course you should be aware of several things. First, this Blended course is NOT:
 Self-paced. This course is designed to cover certain subjects within certain time periods.
Assignments have due dates and exams will occur within specified time periods.
 Easier than traditional face to face courses. If anything, online and blended courses require the
student to be self-disciplined and self-motivated. Reading and other assignments can’t be left to
the last minute.
Success in a blended course requires:
 Being current with reading and other assignments. It is very easy to fall behind thinking that you
can “catch up” later. Experience shows that students who fall behind seldom make a full
recovery.
 Participation in the course. This includes discussions, assignments, and showing up for lab.
Connect
Connect is an online resource offered through McGraw Hill, the publishers of your textbook. Online
quizzes and homework will usually be found on Connect. Go to this site and click the “register now”
button to gain access to the course information. Students who buy a used textbook must purchase the
Connect access at the bookstore.
For help, please review the PowerPoint tutorial “Computer orientation tutorial” on the class’s Black
Board site.
To register in Connect, have your access code handy and link online to:
http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/l_green_online
Please register as soon as possible as the first assignment is due by the 11:55pm 20 January 2013.
When you log into the Connect webpage you will see the listed assignments, an online version of the text,
and other materials for study.
Teaching Methods
Lecture coursework will consist of the following:
 Text reading
 Video lectures, podcasts, and YouTube videos
 Discussion via Blackboard discussion board
 Quizzes:
 Exams
 Connect assignments
 Other
Dr. Green
Page 2
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
The Laboratory portion of this course will provide an opportunity to reinforce lecture content plus provide
content and skill training that is more suitable to laboratory instruction. Both the lab and lecture will
mutually reinforce each other, so concepts covered in one may appear in the exams or assignments of the
other.
Assignments:
Assignments may be electronically submitted (as an email attachment) or printed and handed to the
instructor at the beginning of lab or placed in my mail box in the ACS office. All submissions must be in
Microsoft Word containing your name, date of submission, and the title of the assignment. Any
assignment which is not submitted as an attachment or which does not contain the above information will
receive 0 points credit.
Grades and grading:
Exams:
Exams will be proctored in the SE Campus Testing Center. This will require a visit to campus.
There will be 4 hour exams during the first 15 weeks of the course. The final exam will be
comprehensive. Exams may consist of any combination or exclusively of multiple choice, fill in the
blank, matching, essay, graphic, and short answer questions.
Exam scores are calculated as follows:
Number of correct answers/Number of possible answers X Points available
Exam and Assignment Make up Policy:
If you miss one of the regular 4 exams for an acceptable reason the final exam score will substitute for the
missed exam. For example, if you should miss the second exam and make 160 points out of 200 on the
final (=80%) then 80 would be substituted for Exam 2. This policy will only be applied once.
If you miss a second exam for a valid excuse, you may be allowed to make up the second exam (format of
my choosing) provided you are able to document a valid reason for missing both exam dates. Everyone
must take the final exam. If you miss the final exam you automatically fail the course. Assignments are
due at a specified time and date. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per day late. In-class quizzes
and/or assignments cannot be made up and will receive 0 points.
There will be 4 hour exams as well as a final that will be comprehensive. I will substitute your Final
Exam percentage for your lowest regular hour exam score if the final % is higher than your lowest hour
exam score. If you should miss an exam due to illness, that exam score will be the replaced exam. This
policy will only be applied once. Please inform me if you cannot attend on a scheduled exam date PRIOR
to that date.
Laboratory experiences CANNOT be made up. An absence will result in an automatic “0” for that
exercise.
Grading System
4 lecture exams
Final exam
Assignments
Connect Learn Smart
Assignments:
Lecture
Dr. Green
Points
@ 100 pts.
@200
varies
Total
Total
400 (Includes Final % substitution if used)
200
~200
_____ ~160___
~960 (will be %75 of final grade)
Page 3
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Lab
varies
Spring 2013
(will be 25% of final grade)
(Please note: Grading system may change during the semester. I will strive to advise students of any
changes prior to the change.)
Calculate Final Course Grade = (Lecture% * 75) + (Lab% * 25)
Letter grades for the course will follow the traditional A= 90%, B= 80%, etc. (A few years ago, 93% was
considered the cut off for an A!). The line has to be drawn somewhere and to be fair to all in the class,
knowing this at the beginning allows you sufficient time to bump grades yourself. Do not ask for extra
credit in order to boost your score. It is unfair to those students who work hard and succeed.
Attendance Policy
Student attendance will be tracked for assessment and financial aid requirements. Inactivity online, such
as failure to contribute to discussions, complete quizzes or other assignments, etc. constitute absences.
Laboratory sessions are mandatory. If you miss two laboratory sessions your overall grade for the
course will be decreased by one grade level. If you miss three laboratory sessions your grade will be
reduced by two grade levels. If you miss four sessions or more you will automatically ruin your
chances of success. The laboratory portion of this course provides the only opportunity that the class can
be together in the same place and time. As such, the time allotted for laboratory will be used to its fullest.
Missed labs cannot be made up!
Assignments: Short Papers
Alfred Einstein once said that you don’t really understand anything unless you can explain it to your
grandmother. Grandmothers aside for the moment, communication, both in writing and verbally, are
important skills vital to your future career. This assignment consists of a series of short writings that will
help you develop basic science writing and thinking skills.
Instructions for each paper will be provided to you in class and online. Paper requirements may be as
short as a single paragraph but usually no longer than a single typed page. A paper scoring Rewrite
and/or Revise may be resubmitted multiple times during a resubmission period (usually one week) until a
score of Meets is achieved. If a resubmission does not achieve a Meets during the resubmission period it
will not be counted toward the completion of the assignment.
Scoring: Each paper will have a deadline for first submission. At the next class session, the papers will
be returned with one of three scores: Meets or Revise and/or Rewrite. Paper not marked “Meets” may be
submitted multiple time during that paper’s resubmit period. Papers submitted late, that is after the
deadline of first submission, or submitted papers which fail to score “Meets” will not be counted toward
completion of the assignments. Papers which fail to achieve a mark of “Meets” will be marked “Revise”
and/or “Rewrite”:
MEETS: The assignment meets all of the written requirements, is complete, well organized, clearly and
concisely written, and is free from errors of all kinds:
(a) Paper shows a clear, developed, and organized thought process with an appropriate tone and
voice, and sufficient length to convey appropriate depth.
(b) Good details exist to support the central statements of the paper.
(c) The thesis, topics, and sections of the paper are clear and logical.
(d) Paragraphs are sufficient and move clearly from topic statement to explanation and proof and
then to a conclusion.
Dr. Green
Page 4
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
(e) Mechanics--grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and typing--are acceptable.
REWRITE: The assignments meets most of the written requirements, but needs substantial reworking for
style, content, organization, and/or corrections. Papers marked “Rewrite” are lacking in intellectual
content, that is, there is a problem with what is said. The ideas presented in the paper may not make
sense, be superficial, and/or may be in error. In some cases, the student may have not clearly understood
the assignment. To rewrite a paper, the student should consider and correct the following:
(a) Contents do not show a clear, developed thought process, there is a very inappropriate tone
and voice, and/or there is obviously insufficient development in quality and/or length.
(b) Important details are missing that support the central statements of the paper.
(c) The thesis, topics, and/or sections of the paper are unclear and/or illogical.
REVISE/EDIT: The content of the paper is adequate but needs some corrections to improve clarity or to
repair errors of grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation. To revise a student should consider the following:
(d) Paragraphs are insufficient and/or developed in a confusing or inadequate manner.
(e) Distracting errors in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and typing significantly
obscures the contents of the paper.
There will be a total of 12 Short Papers assigned. Minimal requirements for an assignment score of “A”
is a score of Meets on 10 Paper Assignments:
12 Meets =
100 points
11
95
10
90
9
85
8
80
7
75
6
70
5
65
4
60
3
55
2
50
1
40
0
0
Papers will be returned uncorrected. If your paper receives a Rewrite or Revise you should:
 Examine the criteria given above for both an acceptably paper and one that is inadequate.
 Take advantage of your group. In science publications submissions go through a Peer-review
process where scientific peers make corrections and suggestions. If your peers don’t understand
what you are trying to say, then how will anyone else?
 Submit your rewrite along with the original submission during the rewrite period.
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism is defined as the representation of the words or ideas of another as one’s own, including: 1)
direct quotation without both attribution and indication that the material is being directly quoted; e.g.
quotation marks; 2) paraphrase without attribution; 3) paraphrase with or without attribution where the
wording of the original remains substantially intact and is represented as the author’s own; 4) expression
in one’s own words, but without attribution, of ideas, arguments, lines of reasoning, facts, processes, or
other products of the intellect where such material is learned from the work of another and is not part of
the general fund of common academic knowledge.
Plagiarized work will receive no credit. Repeated plagiarism will be disciplined according to college
policy.
Dr. Green
Page 5
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
Courtesy Policy and Classroom Etiquette:
To maintain a proper learning environment, turn your cell phones or pagers to off or silent during class.
If you anticipate receiving an emergency call, please sit near the exit and leave the classroom before
answering.
TEXTING IS A DISRUPTION. Be forewarned that if you text during class you may be asked to leave.
If you text during an exam I will consider it cheating and either take the phone away from you and destroy
it on the spot or fail you, your choice.
Disruptions will not be tolerated and may be subject to a letter grade reduction of your final grade for
each offense at the discretion of the instructor. Disruptions include but are not limited to: Inappropriate
use of cell phone, portable listening device, or computer during class/lab time, reading or working on
other class assignments during lectures including material for this class; COMING TO CLASS LATE;
etc. If you should, on a rare occasion, find yourself entering the lecture hall after class has begun, chose a
seat on the side nearest the door. Do NOT walk in front of the instructor as this disrupts a class in
session.
Computer (Technical) Needs
REQUIRED SOFTWARE: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
If you do not have Office, you can download it from Blackboard free.
-- Go to the Organization tab
-- Search for: software
-- Enroll in the organization
-- Follow the on-screen instructions
COMPUTER ACCESS
It is highly recommended that you have regular (daily) computer access, preferably a home computer with
broadband Internet access. This course can be completed using public computers at TCC or other public
access areas. However, be aware that using public computers may create a hardship. All course
requirements remain the same whether your computer access is public or private (home).
TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
You should be comfortable with the following:
using a word processor (changing font, spell check)
using email for communication
sending an email attachment
navigating the Internet
downloading appropriate plugins
using an Internet search engine
TCC BLACKBOARD (Bb) –Course Documents
Students are expected to use the TCC Blackboard site to obtain course
information: Syllabus, Assignments, Assignments and Announcements.
Check your grades on Bb often.
The course syllabus contains information regarding reading assignments,
laboratory session assignments, due dates of assignments, class exam dates,
course attendance policies and how you will be evaluated in this course. Be
sure check your syllabus often.
Dr. Green
Page 6
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
You will find the online materials by clicking on the various tabs on the Bb site: Start Here,
Announcements, Faculty Profile, Course Goals, Content, Discussions, My Grades, Web Resources, Online Lab Questions, Quizzes and Exams. You will be able to communicate with your instructor and
colleagues via TCC email.
Resources Needed Outside the Classroom
Reading and research are key components of biology/science/health classes and careers. During the
semester you will be doing several reading assignments and you must be able to find resources to help
you complete laboratory assignments and analyze lab results. You need to know how to use the library
and the Internet. Be sure you are familiar with the databases and magazines available through the SEC
library. For any CD-ROM or Internet assignment you may use the Math Lab, Computer Lab, LRC, or
your home.
Institutional Statement
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalogue, TCC
Student Handbook, TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook and semester information listed in
the Class Schedule.
Safety and Health Issues:
If you have ongoing health issues that may affect your attendance or performance in class please contact
the Student Health Office (staffed with an RN) located in room 2116 (ext.7769) for recommendations.
Students must follow all safety and health rules and procedures while in the laboratory. Failure to do so
may result in expulsion from that day’s lab.
Snowstorms and other disasters:
Do not risk life or limb in order to be here for this class. I will postpone an exam if the weather is such
that a sizeable number of your classmates are affected.
Please note: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC
always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations. This information is also posted on the
TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu). Please check the class Blackboard page for any class specific
information.
Unannounced fire, tornado or lockdown drills can be conducted at any time by the college. During a drill
or real emergency you are responsible for going where directed and are to take all your property with you.
Do not leave personal items in any of the rooms. In the interest of public safety please follow all
directions quickly. In the event of a lockdown we will need to turn off the lights, move to the corner of
the room and be sure to TURN OFF all cell phones----cell phone chatter may alert a shooter to the
presence of persons in a dark room.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918)
595-7115 (voice). Deaf and hear of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE: Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance
with the Governor’s Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-1523
which prohibits smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor workplace,
and all vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and instrumentalities. This Order
includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not limited to, all grounds, buildings,
Dr. Green
Page 7
General Biology 1224 Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community College’s policy includes a tobacco free environment on all
campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police
is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations of the
policy may be addressed through issuance of campus or state citations.
Communications:
Required email address: All TCC students receive a designated email address (ex:
jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All personal communications to you about TCC and course assignments
will be sent to your TCC email address or through Blackboard.
This syllabus, including the schedule, is subject to revision without notice, however, I will strive to
inform you of any changes before they occur.
Course Content
Major's Labs
Week 1
Jan 14-19
Week 2
Jan 21 - 26
Week 3
Jan 28 - Feb 2
Week 4
Feb 4 - 9
Week 5
Feb 11 - 16
Week 6
Feb 18 - 23
Week 7
Feb 25 - Mar 2
Week 8
Mar 4 - 9
Week 9
Mar 11 - 16
Introduction, Course Syllabus, Connect,
LearnSmart, Bb Website, Chap 1
C2 Nature of Molecules
Week 10
Mar 18 - 23
Week 11
Mar 25 - 30
Week 12
Apr 1 - 5
Week 13
Apr 8 - 13
Week 14
Apr 15 - 20
Week 15
Apr 22 - 27
Week 16
Apr 29 - May 3
Week 17
May 6 - 11
No Class – Spring Break March 18-24
Lab #2: Science, Politics, & Civic
engagement
No Lab – Spring Break March 18-24
Exam 3 & Catch up
Lab #10: Cell Division
C 12 Patterns of Inheritance
Lab #11: DNA Isolation
C 13 Chromosomes (Molecular Basis of
Inheritance)
C 20-22 Evoultion
Lab # 13: Gel Electrophoresis
C 27-35 Biodiversity Overview
Lab #14: Evolution
Exam 4 & TBA
TBA
Final Exam (Comprehensive)
No Lab - Finals
Dr. Green
Computer lab
Lab #1: Science or 21st Century Snake-oil?
C3 Chemical Building Blocks
Lab #16: Zoo Lab
Lab #3: Metric System
C 4 Cell Structure & Exam 1
Lab #4: Biochemical Tests
C 5 Cell membranes & C 6 Energy and
Metabolism
C 7 How Cells Harvest Energy (Cellular
Respiration)
C 8 Photosynthesis
Lab #5: Microscopy Lab
Exam 2 & C 14 DNA the Genetic Material
Lab #8: Cellular respiration
C 10 How Cells Divide (Mitosis) & C 11
Sexual Reproduction (Meiosis)
Page 8
Lab #6: Osmosis and Diffusion
Lab # 7: Enzymes, Genes, & Evolution
Lab #15: Bacteria, Fungi, & Protistians