Western Nevada College Course Syllabus
BIOL 190 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology --- (rev. 8-13-15)
Instructor: Professor O’Toole
E-mail: Instructor: holly.otoole@wnc.edu
Director: Scott Morrison
Phone: (office) 423-7565 ext 2233
Cell:
_____________________
Office: 316 VRGH (or Sage 104)
Office Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
3:00 - 4:00 pm
4-5 pm
By appt.
1-4 pm
By appt.
Communication:
Office hours, WNC email, and phone. Make sure that your email and phone number on file with
WNC are accurate. I cannot contact you if this information is incorrect. For quicker response
time, email me at holly.otoole@wnc.edu and not through WNC online.
Cancelled Class Hotline: 775-445-3030 or 1-866-532-5118 or
http://www.wnc.edu/academics/hotline/
Lecture:
11-12:15 pm (T, Th) TBA
Laboratory:
1-3:45 pm (T) Sage 104
Lecture Text: SYMBIOSIS, The Pearson Custom Library For The Biological Sciences, Western
Nevada College Biology 190, 2014,
ISBN 9781269693868
Transfer Information: Courses with an 'L' Designator after the number: Transfers as BIOL 190
and BIOL 190L in the NSHE. Note: BIOL 190/190L plus BIOL 191/191L transfer to UNR as fulfilling
BIOL 190, 191 and 192 requirements. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: MATH 096 or higher (excluding MATH120) C- or better, or appropriate
score on the WNC placement examination, or a corequisite of MATH 126
Corequisites: BIOL 190L
Course Description: Covers the structure and function of cells. Included will be the major molecules
of life, composition and physiology of cellular organelles, cellular metabolism, reproduction, motility,
gene function and related topics. BIOL 190 and BIOL 190L must be taken together at WNC
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of BIOL 190: Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology and BIOL 190L: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, (defined as a 75%
course score or better) learners will be able to:
The information in the parentheses after a course objective refers to the specific general
education (GE) learning outcome that the objective meets. Objectives without this information
are not linked to WNC’s general education program.
Describe and explain the processes of cellular transport, signaling, metabolism,
photosynthesis, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), heredity, gene expression and gene
regulation and explain their significance to the functioning of biological systems (GE #1);
Illustrate and explain the structure and function of animal and plant cells and sub-cellular
organelles (GE #1);
Illustrate and explain the function of biomolecules at the sub-cellular and cellular level (GE
#1);
Draw conclusions from experimentally derived data in the laboratory (GE #1, #4).
Draw conclusions from experimentally derived data from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
laboratory experiment (GE #1, #4).
Course Topics: All learners will have in-depth knowledge of the language of cellular and molecular
biology, animal and plant cellular structure and function: Students will explain fundamental concepts
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associated with atomic structure, chemical bonding, water chemistry, and pH, and apply these
concepts to the functioning of biological systems; Students will identify the basic structures and
describe the functions of the four major classes of biological macromolecules and cellular structures,
including eukaryotic organelles and membranes (and may include prokaryotic cells and viral particles,
as well); Students will describe the processes of cellular transport, signaling, introductory intermediary
metabolism, photosynthesis, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), heredity, gene expression and gene
regulation and explain their significance to the functioning of biological systems; Students will apply
scientific reasoning to draw conclusions from experimentally derived data from the Using a SingleNucleotide Polymorphism to Predict Bitter-Tasting Ability laboratory experiment.
General Education Mission: BIOL 190/190L is a general education class that promotes the
development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will benefit students in their personal and
professional endeavors. General Education Student Learning Outcome: Students who successfully
complete BIOL 190/190L satisfy the general education learning outcome of understanding the
methods of science and the role of science and technology in the modern world; have problem solving,
creative, and critical thinking skills; have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location
and evaluation of information. Program Mission for AA/AS degree: BIOL 190 satisfies the A.A./A.S.
degree mission by providing academic knowledge and skills for successful transfer to meet higher
educational goals. Program Student Learning Outcomes for AA/AS degree: Students who
successfully complete Biol 190 will know the subject matter appropriate to the emphasis of the degree.
Programs of Study: Biology Sciences (A.S.), Chemistry (A.S.) and Geoscience (A.S.)
Student Evaluation:
BIOL 190 Lecture Grade:
Grades based on:
(4) Exams (total 400pts)
80%
(3) Writing Assignment (Total 300 points) 9%
(11)Reading Quiz(Total 1100 points) 11%
Grading Scale
90-100% A- 90-92, A 93-100
80-89 % B- 80-82, B 83-86, B+ 87-89
70-79% C- 70-72, C 73-76, C+ 77-79
60-69% D
<60%
F
Examination, Quiz, and Assignment Information:
1. The pedagogy of this class will include lecture, discussion, and laboratory exercises.
2. Exams will be based on lecture, discussion, and the text. Exams will not be cumulative, but information
from previous material may be needed to answer questions.
3. Exam questions may consist of multiple choice, true/false, calculations, fill-in, and matching, short answer,
and essay. Short answer and essay should be answered concisely and accurately for full credit.
4. The laboratory quizzes will cover materials presented in the laboratory. They will not be cumulative, but
information from the previous material may be needed to answer questions.
5. Lab quizzes will be given at the beginning of each lab class period. The two lowest lab quiz scores will be
dropped. No makeup quizzes will be given. If you are more than 10 minutes tardy you will not be given a
quiz.
6. READING QUIZZES will be weekly through Mastering Biology online. See Mastering Biology sheet
for more details. The two lowest reading quizzes will be dropped. These quizzes are open book,
open note, and open people help.
7. Writing Assignment: One-page article synopsis written concerning an article selected by the
instructor. The student is to read the article and prepare a one page overview of the article typed
in Arial Font 11 with 1 inch margins. The student will complete 3 such assignments. Late
assignments will not be accepted.
8. Objectives and grades will be posted on WNC online. My lecture notes will not be posted. Any posted
power points are to be printed by the students. Check WNC online often.
9. You must take all exams to pass the course. Exams will be given at the times noted in the course schedule.
Once exams begin, you will not be permitted to leave the room without turning in your exam. Once turned in,
the exam will be considered complete and will not be returned.
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10. There are no provisions made for missing an exam, therefore, 0 points will be averaged into the grade for
exams missed. Makeup exams may be permitted, at the discretion of the instructor, when clear,
documented reasons are provided. Make up exams will not be given for full credit.
11. I will not withdraw failing students. Student who are failing or earning a grade that they are not satisfied with
may withdraw themselves by the withdraw date.
12. Be sure and take advantage of the Companion website that comes with your text.
13. Points, up to100% of the total points from that week’s quiz, may be deducted for habitual tardies, early
departures, or disruptive behavior.
14. Grades and quiz/test scoring concerns/disagreements/rescoring are issues to be dealt during my office
hours. Please do so.
Further Information:
Presentation, lab and additional assignments are part of the course. The class schedule is tentative
and will be updated as needed. To do well in a college course demands that your work, personal life, and
health allow for you to make your coursework a priority.
Attendance:
Attendance is required and I will record it. A student is permitted to miss 3 classes. However, more than
three absences may result in a grade reduction. Roll will be taken in lecture. Lecture attendance quizzes may
be given. If you are present you receive 10 points. If you are absent you receive a zero.
Student Classroom Conduct:
WNC is committed to providing a safe effective learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Disruptive student conduct is subject to strict disciplinary action.
This is a college classroom. You are expected to arrive on time and stay for the entire class period.
Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive for the entire class. Three late arrivals/early departures will
count as one absence. No children or pets are allowed in class or in the lab. Turn pagers to silent and cellular
phones off when you come to class.
Behavior that impedes the teaching/learning process including: private conversations; leaving during a
guest lecture; late arrivals and early departures; texting, phone, or pager calls; and behaviors that do not
contribute to the course learning environment is unacceptable. I reserve the right to administratively fail or
withdraw any student who presents behavioral issues that impede the learning environment. Use of any
conduct or harassment that threatens the quality of this learning environment will result in immediate removal
from the class.
Dishonesty/Cheating:
Any student determined to be cheating or assisting or participating with another student in dishonest
behavior will be immediately withdrawn from the course or receive a grade penalty. The penalty for cheating at
WNC is outlined on the WNC website. An Honor Code is inherent in ethical societal behavior: “I will not
lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do”. Come to me if students are violating that code.
Laboratory Safety Guidelines:
1. No eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lens, or applying cosmetics in the laboratory.
2. Lab space is tight. Backpacks are to be placed in a designated area of the lab, not on or under lab tables.
3. Restrain long hair and remove dangling jewelry during dissections.
4. Work surfaces will be washed at the beginning and end of class and whenever a spill occurs.
5. Safety glasses must be worn. You may provide your own.
6. Personal protective equipment (aprons and gloves) will be worn when doing experiments where
contamination is possible. All protective equipment will be removed when leaving the laboratory.
7. When working with human blood and other body fluid samples, you are to handle only your own
sample.
8. Laboratory work areas will be cleaned up at the end of class and all equipment and materials returned to
the proper location.
9. Report all spills or accidents, no matter how minor to the instructor.
10. Hands will be washed after cleaning work surfaces, when hands become contaminated, and when leaving
the laboratory.
11. WNC does not have insurance to cover students on campus. All students should carry personal medical
insurance.
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12. Dissections may not be videoed or photographed or posted on any online site.
Lab Study Tips:
1. Read labs ahead of time, do questions on labs before lab when possible.
2. Know your lab objectives for the weekly lab quiz.
3. Know assigned diagrams for that week’s lab quiz.
4. Use lab time to do lab exercises: concentrating on lab objectives.
Writing Assignment: One-page article synopsis written concerning an article selected by the instructor.
The student is to read the article and prepare a one page overview of the article typed in Arial Font 11
with 1 inch margins. The student will complete 3 such assignments. Late assignments will not be
accepted.
a. The Case Against Sugar
September 29
b. NOVA Cracking Code of Life
November 3
c.
December 8
True Believer
Study Tips and Techniques: You should plan to spend at least ten to twelve hours outside class each week
to pass the course. Higher grades will require more study time. It will help you to read the assigned
material before class. I suggest you download and read the study tips posted on WNC online. If you are
having difficulty please consider one or more of the following:
1. Meet with me during my office hours.
2. Read the chapter, do the online quizzes, rewrite answers to the objectives.
3. Start a study group with some of your classmates and study, study, study!!
4. Take responsibility for your own grade.
5. Log your study time. Be honest about how much time you are actually studying.
Extra Credit
Perfect attendance is worth 10 points which will be averaged into your reading quiz grade. You may
have no absences, no tardies, and no instances where you leave class early to earn perfect attendance.
Assistance:
Qualified, self-identified students with documented disabilities have the right to free accommodations to
ensure equal access to educational opportunities at WNC. For assistance contact Disability Support Services on
the Carson Campus in the Bristlecone Bld. Room 103 or call 775-445-3267 or 775-445-3266.
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BIOL 190/L Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology --- (rev. 8-13-15)
Week
Date
Lecture
Lab
1
9-1
Brief Intro: Reductionism vs Systems Approach
Chapter 2 Chemical Context of Life
Chemistry Continued
LABQUEST 2 Tutorial
2
9-8
Chapter 2 Chemical Context of Life
MATH LAB using LABQUEST 2: View
Video on Using LabQuest, Significant
Figures, Scientific Notation, SI System,
Measurement, Lab Equipment ID
3
9-15
Chapter 3 Water and Life
pH AND BUFFER LAB using
LABQUEST 2
4
9-22
Exam #1 Intro, Chemistry & Water
Chapter 4 Carbon and Molecular Diversity
PROTEIN DETERMINATIONBRADFORD ASSAY
5
9-29
The Case Against Sugar Paper #1 due
Chapter 5 Structure and Function of Large
Biological Molecules
MOLECULAR MODELS LAB
Molecular models of glucose,
cholesterol, DNA, triglyceride, amino
acid, alpha helix, beta-pleated sheet,
polysaccharide, and ethanol (use cell
phone and printers)
6
10-6
Chapter 6 A Tour of the Cell
BRIGHTFILED MICROSCOPE &
COUNTING CELLS W/
HEMOCYTOMETER
7
10-13
Chapter 7 Membrane Structure and Function
DIFFUSION using LABQUEST 2
8
10-20
Exam #2 Carbon, Bio Molecules & Cell, Membrane ENZYME CATYLIST LABQUEST 2
Chapter 8 An Introduction to Metabolism
9
10-27
Chapter 9 Cellular Respiration and Respiration
RESPIRATION/FERMENTATION
(germinate peas)
10
11-3
NOVA Cracking Code of Life Paper #2 due
Chapter 10 Photosynthesis
PHOTOSYNTHESIS using LABQUEST
2
Abstract and Introduction assignment
11
11-10
Chapter 11 Cell Communication
PCR PROJECT: 6 WEEKS
Using a Single Nucleotide
Polymorphism to Predict Bitter Tasting
Ability
Materials and Methods assignment
12
11-17
Exam #3 Metabolism, Respiration, Photosynthesis Results and Discussion assignment
& Cell Communication
Chapter 12 The Cell Cycle
13
11-24
Holiday
14
12-1
Chapter 13 Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Chapter 15 The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Reference assignment
EXTRACT DNA LAB
15
12-8
True Believer: the Role of KRAS Variant in Cancer
Paper #3 due
Chapter 16 Gene Expression From Gene to Gene
Chapter 17 Regulation of Gene Expression
Writing group paper/poster
16
12-15
Exam #4 Cell Cyle, Meiosis, Genetics
TURN IN PROJECT WRITE-UP IN
SCIENCE JOURNAL FORM
OR TURN IN SCIENCE POSTER OF
PROJECT
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