COLLIN COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Information
Course Number: BIOL 1406
Course Title: Biology for Science Majors I
Course Description:
Lecture: Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life,
organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and
scientific reasoning are included.
Lab: Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles of living organisms, including physical and chemical
properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Study and examination of the
concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included.
Course Credit Hours:
Lecture Hours:
Lab Hours:
4
3
3
Placement Assessments: Meet TSI standard for MATH 0310, and TSI college-readiness standard
for Reading and Writing; or equivalent
Student Learning Outcomes:

State-mandated Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
Lecture
1. Describe the characteristics of life.
2. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists.
3. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules needed for life.
4.
Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and
eukaryotic cells.
5. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
6. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
7. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
8. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
9. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.
Lab
1.
Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and
laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data. (Teamwork)
2.
Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory. (Critical
Thinking Skills)
3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations. (Communication Skills)
4. Describe the characteristics of life.
5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
6. Identify the basic properties of substances needed for life.
7.
Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and
eukaryotic cells.
8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
10.
Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems. (Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.
Withdrawal Policy: See the current Collin Registration Guide for last day to withdraw.
Collin College Academic Policies: See the current Collin Student Handbook.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: Collin College will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws,
regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational
opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ACCESS office, SCC-D140 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD:
972.881.5950) to arrange for appropriate accommodations. See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional information.
INSTRUCTOR’S INFORMATION
Instructor’s Name: Sukanya Subramanian
Office Number: F 213
Office Hours: MW 11.00 am – 1.00 pm , T 10.00- 11.30 am, & 2.15-2.45 pm
or you can make an appointment
Phone Number: 972 377 1583
Email: Ssubramanian@collin.edu
WeB: iws.collin.edu/ssubramanian
CLASS INFORMATION
Section Number: 1406 P08
Meeting Times: TR 8.30–9.45 am
Meeting Location: F249
Course Resources Biology, 9th /10th ed., Campbell (also available as a custom Volume 1 copy) along with
masteringbiology,
Supplies: None.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory. Individual conflicts with this policy are to be discussed with
the instructor. Students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw from the course will be
assigned a grade of “F”. You may repeat this course only once after receiving a grade, including W The last day
to withdraw is 10/16/15. Religious Holy Days: please refer to the current Collin Student Handbook.
LATERAL TRANSFER POLICY
Lateral transfers will not be granted after the 4th week of class or after the first lecture exam, which ever comes first.
Exceptions to this are for documented changes in work schedule or family emergencies. If a student does transfer to
another section, all previous grades will accompany the student. However, the new instructor can require the student
to retake any exam or quiz. For questions concerning this policy, contact the Biology Department Chair.
Exam Make-ups: For any exam make-up to be approved, students must provide their instructor with documentation
verifying that the nature of their absence was for an acceptable reason. Please note: an exam make-up will be approved
ONLY for legitimate reasons. Every request for a make-up should be accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Arriving late or unprepared for the exam will not qualify for a make-up approval. The make-up exam date and time
will be discussed and agreed between the instructor and the student.
Method of Evaluation:
Overall Course Grade:
Lecture 75%, Lab 25%
Lecture: 5 major exams
Exams may be composed entirely of multiple choice questions in which they will be completed in class.
Alternatively, an exam may be comprised of a series of take home quizzes/exams combined with
homework assignments and/or projects. Projects will involve research and may take a variety of forms
including: a. written communication such as a paper, b. an exhibit such as a model or poster, c. an oral
and/or visual presentation. The date of each exam will be confirmed approximately a week before the
exam. The average of the five major exams will comprise the lecture grade for the course.
Make-up exams may only be granted in the event of extenuating circumstances (e.g. hospitalization of the
student, death in the family, etc.) that are supported by documentation. The instructor reserves the right to
make the determination of whether a particular situation merits a make-up exam. Please contact the
instructor as soon as possible if a situation arises that prevents you from attending class on a scheduled
exam date. If you anticipate a problem that may impact a future exam, please get in touch with the
instructor to discuss the situation as soon as you know of a potential conflict.
Extra Credit, Homework and Quizzes as determined by instructor
Grade Key: 89.5-100% A, 79.5-89.4% B, 69.5-79.4% C, 59.5-69.4D, < 59.5% F (subject to change)
BIOLOGY 1406 - GENERAL BIOLOGY I LECTURE TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR
WEEK
1
LECTURE TOPICS
CHAPTERS
Science of Biology
1
Basic Chemistry
2
Water
3
***Labor Day Holiday 9/7***
4
2
3
***Fall Census Date (drop with no grade) 9/8***
Carbon Chemistry
4
Macromolecules
5
Exam 1: Chapters 1- 5
5
The Cell
6
6
Membrane Structure and Function
7
6
Cell Communication
11
Exam 2: Chapters 6, 7 and 11
7
Metabolism
8
8
Cellular Respiration
9
*** Last Day to Withdraw 10/16***
9
Photosynthesis
10
Exam 3: Chapters 8, 9, 10
10
11
Cell Cycle
12
Meiosis
13
Mendelian Inheritance & Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
14 & 15
Exam 4: Chapters 12- 15
12
Molecular basis of inheritance
16
13
From Gene to Protein
17
14
Regulation of Gene Expression
***Thanksgiving Holiday 11/25-11/29 Campuses Closed***
18
15
Microbes and DNA Technology
Ch. 19 (pp381-390),Ch.
27 (pp561-563),Ch. 20
16
Final Exam: Chapters 16 - 20
6