RANGER COLLEGE
Syllabus
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: Biology 1406 - General Biology I
CREDIT HOURS : 4 HRS
Name of Instructor (Title): Sandra Porter
Office Location: GHS Room 206
Office Hours: below Office Phone:734-3171 E-Mail: sporter@rangercollege.edu
I.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Fundamental principles of living organisms, including physical and chemical
properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation and classification.
Detailed study of a typical cell, cell phenomena, mitosis, meiosis, nucleic acids, protein
synthesis, basic principles of genetics and genetic expression, evolution and speciation.
The history of early life, with representative examples studied in the laboratory.
II.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND / PREREQUISITES
Passing score on AACP Reading section or equivalent alternate test is
recommended.
III.
TEXTBOOK (S) ; READINGS; MATERIALS
CAMPBELL BIOLOGY : CONCEPTS AND CONNECTIONS 7th edition
by Reece, Taylor, Simon and Dickey. The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., 2012.
ISBN 032169816
Occasional readings will be available in the library. Exam question may be based on
specific reading assignments from the text or other sources.
IV.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lectures (45 min thrice weekly) on the major concepts and theories
in biology will be discussed.
Labs (45 min twice weekly plus time after school) in which major biological principles
will be demonstrated by examination of specimens, conducting experiments and
viewing videos.
OFFICE SCHEDULE
Monday - Thursday
7:30 - 8:00 AM and after school
OTHER TIMES BY ARRANGEMENT
The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of
extenuating circumstances.
V.
EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
NATURAL SCIENCES (N)
N-1 to understand and apply methods and appropriate technology to the study
of natural sciences;
N-2 to recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between
these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings,
analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing;
N-3 to identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific
theories;
N-4 to demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern
science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values, and public policies;
N-5 to demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology
and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.
VI.
BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES
B-1 Reading -the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed material.
B-2 Writing - the ability to produce clear, correct and coherent prose adapted to
purpose, occasion and audience.
B-3 Speaking - the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent and
persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion and audience.
B-4 Listening - the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken
communication.
B-5 Critical Thinking - the ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative
skills analytically and creatively to subject matter to evaluate
arguments and construct alternative strategies.
B-6 Computer Literacy - the ability to understand our technological society, use
computer based technology in communication, solving problems
and acquiring information.
VII. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the process of science as a way to understand the natural world.
( N-1, N-2, N-4, N-5) (B-1, B-4, B-5)
2. Describe the cell as the basic unit of life. (N-4) (B-1, B-4, B-5)
3. Describe the structure and expression of the genetic material in living
organisms (N-1, N-4, N-5) (B-1, B-4, B-5)
4. Describe the process of cellular division. (B-1, B-4, B-5)
5. Describe the mechanics of passing characteristics from parent to offspring.
(N-2, N-4) (B-1, B-4, B-5)
6. Describe the mechanism of organic evolution and adaptation. (N-3, N-4)
(B-1, B-4, B-5)
7. Describe the major events that occurred on early Earth, and the origin of life
(B-1, B-4, B-5)
In order to evaluate the progress in achieving the course objectives each student will respond on
written exams to questions in the following areas:
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Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning.
List the steps in the scientific method.
List the assumptions of the scientific process.
List the characteristics of living organisms and their emergent properties.
Describe properties of water and carbon that make these essential for life.
List the four major groups of biological molecules and their essential characteristics.
List the components of typical cells and describe the function of each.
Describe the mechanisms for movement of materials into and out of cell.
Distinguish between catabolic and anabolic reactions.
Distinguish between exergonic and endergonic reactions.
Describe the central role of ATP in cellular metabolism.
Describe the role of enzymes in cellular metabolism.
List the three major processes in cellular respiration.
Distinguish between anaerobic and aerobic respiration and compare the energy production of
each.
Describe the physical properties of light energy important to photosynthesis.
List the components of and describe the structure of chloroplast and mitochondria.
Describe the major chemical events in the photosynthetic pathway.
List the steps in the evolution of metabolic pathways in living cells.
List the three components of nucleotides.
Distinguish between deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid.
List the five nitrogen bases that occur in the genetic material and describe how these molecules
form the basis of genetic information.
Define DNA transcription and DNA translation.
Describe the structure of proteins and the relationship between DNA and protein structure.
Describe the role of proteins in cellular physiology.
Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis.
Define the term homologous chromosomes.
List in sequence the stages in the mitotic cell cycle and describe the events that occur within the
cell during each stage.
List in sequence the stages in the meiotic cell cycle and describe the events that occur within the
cell during each stage.
Describe the three events that occur within the cell that bring about genetic variation of
organisms.
Define allele, genotype and phenotype.
Describe Gregor Mendel’s two laws of inheritance.
Predict genetics of offspring from crosses of genetically known parents.
Define evolution in terms of population genetics and describe the primary factors that cause
evolution.
Describe the conditions and outcomes of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Describe the mechanisms of natural selection and how this leads to adaptation.
Explain exaptation and the evolution of complex structures.
List and define the conditions that lead to speciation.
VIII. COURSE CALENDAR (see attachments)
IX.
COURSE / CLASSROOM POLICIES
Regular and punctual attendance in all classes and labs is considered essential for optimum
academic success. If the student has the equivalence of three weeks of unofficial absences . . . the
instructor may drop the student from the course with a grade of F (Ranger College General
Catalog 2013-2014). Students are expected to be seated by the beginning of the lecture period.
Excessive tardies (6) may be considered as absences. Excessive unexcused absences (6) may
result in a grade of I (incomplete) and may result in dismissal from the course with a grade of F.
It is your responsibility to inform the instructor of an excused absence. An absence is excused if
you are excused by the Dean to participate in an authorized College activity or if you have a
valid medical excuse.
Any student who is disruptive to the class will be dismissed from the class and may be dismissed
from the course. Any student found with unauthorized notes (cheat sheets, electronic devices,
etc.) during an exam or copying from another student’s exam will be subject to disciplinary
action. Any student misconduct will be reported to the Dean of Student Services (See Student
Handbook).
Please do not bring cell phones, pagers or similar devices to class or be sure they are turned off.
Computers (lap tops) may be used in class with special permission and with the understanding
that they will be used only for biology class material. Use of cell phones, or other electronic
devices, in class may lead to the student being counted absent or points deducted on exams.
No tobacco use is permitted in the science building.
ADA Statement: Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with
learning and/or physical disabilities. The student is responsible for making the initial contact
with the Ranger College Counselor. It is advisable to make this contact before or immediately
after the semester begins.
X.
ASSESSMENT (Grading Procedures)
Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions and will cover all material
discussed in class or in reading assignments. Each question will be graded as correct or incorrect
in accordance with information in the text, lectures and readings. Exam grades will be taken as
the points correct. . Points will be added to exam scores for in class assignments, but you must
be in class and complete these assignments to receive credit.
Students missing lectures are responsible for getting notes from the instructor or classmates.
Make-up exams, for exams missed due to an excused absence, will be given later in the semester.
Students are strongly urged to not miss exams.
The course grade will be computed as follows:
Average of lecture exams
= 3/4
(Lecture Ave. * 3) + Lab Ave
Lab average
= 1/4
4
Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, below 60 = F
XI.
ADMISSIONS, EMPLOYMENT, AND PROGRAM POLICIES OF RANGER
COLLEGE ARE NONDISCRIMINATORY IN REGARD TO RACE, CREED,
COLOR, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY, AND NATIONAL ORIGIN.
XII. RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS (see attachments)
BIOLOGY 1406
Course Calendar
Text: Biology: Concepts and connections by Reese, et.al. 7th edition
Day
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2
3
4
5
6
7
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39
40
Lecture and Lab Topics
Class Orientation & Pre-Test Biology 1406
Introduction to science and the scientific method
Introduction to science and the scientific method
Lab: Scientific Method: Yeast experiment/design
Lab: Scientific Method: Yeast experiment/design
Labor Day Holiday
Biological chemistry—characteristics of molecules
Biological chemistry—characteristics of molecules
Cell Structure & Function—basic cell organization
Lab: Calculation of Cell Size
Cell organization/Transport across cell membranes
Transport across cell membranes
Lab: Determining Solute Concentration by Osmosis
Lab: Determining Solute Concentration by Osmosis
Lab: Determining Solute Concentration by Osmosis
Review for Exam 1
Exam 1
Metabolism-Chemical reactions and ATP
Metabolism-Chemical reactions and ATP
Lab: Rate of Enzyme Activity
Transfering energy—Cellular Respiration
Transfering energy—Cellular Respiration
Lab: Cellular Respiration in Beans
Lab: Cellular Respiration in Beans
Fermentation & Aerobic Respiration
Photosynthesis—Using Light to make Food
Photosynthesis—Using Light to make Food
Lab: Photosynthesis (Floating Disk)
Lab: Photosynthesis (Floating Disk)
Evolution of Metabolism
Review for Exam 2
Exam 2
Protein Structure & Function / Nucleic Acid Structure
Protein Structure & Function / Nucleic Acid Structure
DNA structure – the Genetic Code
Lab: DNA Model
Lab: DNA Extraction
Protein Synthesis—Transcription and Translation
Protein Synthesis—Transcription and Translation
Control of gene expression—homeotic genes
Text Assignment
Ch. 1, 2, 3
Ch. 1, 2, 3
Ch. 1, 2, 3
Ch. 1, 2, 3
Ch. 1, 2, 3
Ch. 1, 2, 3
Ch. 4, 5.10-5.13
Ch. 5.14-5.20
Ch. 2.18, 4.14, 5.10-16
Ch. 6
Ch. 7
Ch. 10, 3.16
Ch. 9, 11
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
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57
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79
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81
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83
84
85
Video: Secret of Life – Immortal Thread
Cell Division—Mitosis
Lab: Mitosis
Lab: Mitosis
Video: What Darwin Never Knew I
Exam 3
Cell Division: Meiosis
Lab: Meiosis & Sex Cells
Lab: Meiosis & Sex Cells
Genetics and Inheritance—Mendel’s Law of Inheritance
Genetics and Inheritance—Mendel’s Law of Inheritance
Lab: Punnett Squares
Lab: Punnett Squares
Non-Mendelian Traits
Human Genetics
Human Genetics
Lab: Cat Genetics
Lab: Cat Genetics
Lab: Cat Genetics
Video: What Darwin Never Knew II
Review for Exam 4
Exam 4
Population Genetics—definition, Hardy-Weinberg
Population Genetics—definition, Hardy-Weinberg
Lab: Pedigree Analysis of Human Traits
Lab: Pedigree Analysis of Human Traits
Lab: Pedigree Analysis of Human Traits
Thanksgiving Holidays
Thanksgiving Holidays
Thanksgiving Holidays
Factors Affecting Hardy-Weinberg
Factors Affecting Hardy-Weinberg
Lab: Population Genetics I
Lab: Population Genetics I
Natural Selection and adaptation
Natural Selection and adaptation
Lab: Population Genetics II
Lab: Population Genetics II
Speciation—definition, conditions, reproductive barriers
Speciation—definition, conditions, reproductive barriers
Exam 5
Review
Review
Final Exam
Grades due by 9:00 AM
Ch. 8
Ch. 8
Ch. 9
Ch. 13
Ch. 13
Ch. 13
Ch. 14
RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS
I have received, and I understand, the information in the syllabus for Biology 1406 and I agree to
abide by the stated policies. This includes the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, and
the grading procedure for Biology 1406.
Name:(print)______________________________________
Date:___________
(sign)_______________________________________
Contact information: email address___________________________________
phone ________________________________________
Who is your advisor or sponsor ____________________________________.
Do you participate in a sport or other extracurricular activity?
What science courses have you taken?
In high school In college What are your career plans?