SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College
Fall 2014 Semester
Course: BIO1224 – Introductory Biology for Majors
Section #307
Call #12245
Day(s) and Time(s):
Start and end dates: August 18 – December 12, 2014
Lab
- Mon (only)
8:00am-10:50am SEBLD8 8182
Lecture - Mon & Wed (both every week) 11:00am-12:20pm SEBLD8 8256
Instructor:
James Bond
Office Email: james.bond@tulsacc.edu
Except for weekends and major holiday breaks I will usually respond to Email within 48 hours.
Office Hours:
--by arrangement
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Science and Mathematics
Interim Associate Dean: Lyn B. Kent
Office: SEBLD8 8125
Phone Number: 918-595-7742
TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS SERVICES:
Director: Susan Burlew
Office: SEBLD2 2202
-marked ACS on hallway signs
Phone: 918-595-7673
Course Documents: Class Syllabus, assignment Objectives, and PowerPoint presentations for lecture and lab will
be accessible on Blackboard. Check your grade on Blackboard often.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: None (However, a student should have adult-level reading and comprehension
and basic mathematics skills.)
Course Description -- Bio1224 – Introduction to Biology for Majors (4 credits)
Introductory biology course for majors with lab. This course includes an in-depth study of fundamental
biological concepts, including metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, evolution and ecology at the subcellular,
cellular and organismal levels. It proves the foundation for other advanced courses in the biological sciences.
(Lecture 3 hours; Laboratory 3 hours)
TCC Biology Goals
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process in the biological world as it is
implemented by the Scientific Method. The student will further understand the need for continued
biological research in a dynamic environment.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic life processes, such as cell structure, obtaining
and using energy, and the processes of reproduction, heredity and evolution.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the diversity, complexity and inter-relatedness of life.
4. Students in our laboratory classes will demonstrate proficiency in measurement and in using various
techniques and equipment (including their strengths and weaknesses) as they apply to solving problems in
the biological sciences.
TEXTBOOKS, SUPPLIES, & OTHER RESOURCES (AVAILABLE AT THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE)
Mason, K. (2015). Understanding Biology (1 ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
ISBN 978-0-07-35329-5
Phillips, Mary, et.al. (2013). Introduction to General Biology Laboratory Manual for Majors (8 ed).
New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies. ISBN 978-0-07-804507-3
Because of the implications for copyright laws, I will NOT accept photocopied pages from
the lab manual.
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Supplies Required (Do not buy until after class meets.)
goggles (safety glasses)
non-latex gloves
cover slips
4x6 index cards
Science and Math ScanTron -- Science & Math Learning Center (SEBLD8 8150)
Software Required -- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
If you do not have Office, you can download it from student resources in Blackboard free.
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 computer 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.
Technical Skill Requirements
You should be comfortable with the following:
-using a word processor (changing fonts, spell checking, etc)
-using Email for communication
-sending an Email attachment
-navigating the Internet
-using an Internet search engine
TCC Blackboard (Bb) – Course Documents
Students are expected to use the TCC Blackboard (Bb) site to obtain course information, including:
Announcements, Syllabus, Lecture assignments and support materials, Laboratory assignments and support
materials. Students should check grades on Bb often. The syllabus includes information on reading assignments,
laboratory session assignments, due dates of assignments, class exam dates, course attendance policies, and the
evaluation protocol for this course. Be sure to check the syllabus often.
Attendance and participation are required in both lecture and laboratory sessions.
Attendance and participation are required in both lecture and laboratory sessions. Attendance follows TCC
policies. The instructor may automatically withdraw (AW) a student from the course as a result of excessive
absences (2 or more absences) from lecture and/or laboratory sessions. Arriving more than five (5) minutes late
for lecture and/or laboratory sessions may be considered as a violation of the attendance policy if such tardiness
occurs more than twice. Learning occurs in relationship not only between student and course materials, but (as
importantly) peer to peer, instructor to student, and student to professor.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK:
Only in extenuating circumstances, such as family crisis, illness, birth, etc., will makeup tests be given or late
assignments accepted. If at all possible, notify your instructor in advance of an absence as a result of such
circumstances. Missed assignments cannot be made up unless justification for being absent is provided before the
assignment were due. If a student is permitted to make up an assignment, the assignment must be completed
within one calendar week of the original due date or the student will receive a zero ( 0 ) on the assignment.
Permitted late assignments may earn up to 50% of the original points possible.
There is no make-up for missed labs or missed pop quizzes! Makeup tests will not receive curve or extra
credit points!
Makeup tests will be taken at the Math Lab Testing Center, SEC 8148. It will be the responsibility of the
student to arrange the makeup test during Testing Center hours. Any makeup test may be in a different, and
likely more difficult, format from the original test.
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LABORATORY SESSIONS:
Lab activities are intended to reinforce and extend concepts and principles form lectures. Students will work with
a broad range of methods and technologies/instruments used in modern biology. Fieldtrips may be included as
part of the lab experience. The lab will meet once a week for three (3) hours. Missing a lab session results in a
zero ( 0 ) for that lab. Attendance at lab sessions is mandatory. Lab sessions cannot be made up!
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES:
It is important that you keep up with your grades. Please check Bb regularly for your posted grades. Click on the
Student Grades tab in Bb to view your progress and grades.
Unless otherwise announced, written assignments will be graded within 10 calendar days of submission dates.
Remember: You have seven (7) calendar days after the day graded assignments are made available in class or
lab to contest a grade. You may Email me or make an appointment for a meeting.
Due dates are strictly enforced. You will receive zero ( 0 ) points for assignments and exams not submitted by the
due date and time.
Lecture quizzes, tests and activities will evaluate the level of understanding while laboratory assignments and
activities will assess mastery of research techniques and equipment.
Your grade will be determined as follows:
3 class Tests = 300 points
Final Test
= 100 points
Lab Assignments and Field Trips = 350-400 points
Class Activities and Quizzes = 350-400 points
90%-100%
80%- 89%
70%- 79%
60%- 69%
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
Total Points = 1100-1200. Grade is calculated as the percentage of the total points.
TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS
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, 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.
CELLULAR DEVICES
BE SURE TO TURN OFF PHONES AND OTHER CELLULAR DEVICES WHEN ENTERING THE CLASS.
Course Withdrawal:
The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. Contact the Counseling
Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit.
Check the TCC Academic Calendar for deadlines. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to
withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated TCC Email address (ex: jane.doe@tulsacc.edu). All
communications to you about TCC and course assignments will be sent to your TCC Outlook email address;
and you must use TCC (Outlook) Email to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this
course.
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To send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course, use the address
james.bond@tulsacc.edu
Inclement Weather: 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
If weather forces TCC to close on one of our class days, I will post assignments that you may do at home. That
will allow you to keep up with the material and earn points.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills,
knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for
their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective
Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
SAFETY/HEALTH ISSUES:
1. Safety goggles and gloves must be worn when working with glass or liquids.
2. Absolutely NO FOOD OR DRINK in the lab rooms.
3. Please advice instructor of your health issues or medications in case an emergency arises. If you become
ill or suffer an injury while in class or in lab, please notify the instructor immediately.
--SE Campus has a Student Health Office, staffed with an RN) in room 2116 (ext. 7769)
4. If you are pregnant, or become pregnant this semester, please inform the instructor for further
consideration of laboratory safety and guidelines.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:
Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during classroom
or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability
to learn from each other. Use of any electronic device is at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor has
the right to remove from lecture and/or lab any student creating a disruption or failing to follow the
instructions of the instructor.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Any such changes will be posted
on Blackboard and announced in class and/or the laboratory session. It is the responsibility of the student to
check Blackboard and/or to contact other students about announcements made during a class or laboratory
session from which the student was absent.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the
TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and semester information listed in the class
schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:
www.tulsacc.edu
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 hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s own work or about the work
of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa
Community College system. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority
for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not
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limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic
dishonesty a faculty member may:

Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a substitute
assignment or test;

Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;

Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively withdraw the
student from the class;

Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request that disciplinary
action be taken against a student at the administrative level by submitting such a request to the Dean of
Student Services.
Course Drop or Withdrawal: A student who has been found responsible for academic dishonesty in a course
may not drop or withdraw from the course. If the student processes a drop or withdrawal from the course, the
action will be reversed and the appropriate grade will be recorded on the student's transcript.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: A complete listing of student support services is found in the Resources section
of the Bb course site. This includes information about college services, free tutoring services, software
support, and online tutorials related to course concepts.
Computer Services Acceptable Use
Access to computing resources is a privilege granted to all TCC faculty, staff, and students. Use of TCC
computing resources is limited to purposes related to the College’s mission of education, research and
community service. See TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook.
TENTATIVE Lecture and Laboratory Schedule -- Fall 2014
BIO1224 – Introductory Biology for Majors (Bond)
Week #
Textbook
Laboratory
1 Aug 18
20
C1
C1
Science of Biology
continued
Lab
Experimental Design & Reporting
2 Aug 25
27
C2
C3
Nature of Molecules/Water
Chemical Building Blocks of Life
Lab #3
Metric System for Biologists
1
3
LABOR DAY – No Class
continued
Lab #1
Science or Snake-Oil? (on your own)
C3
8
10
C4
C4
Cell Structure
continued
Lab # 4
Chemistry for Biology
gloves, goggles
5 Sept 15
17
C6
C6
Energy and Metabolism
continued
Lab #6
How Do Water and Other Molecules
Enter and Leave the Cell?
+ Chpt 5 – Membranes
gloves, goggles
6 Sept 22
24
EXAM #1 - Chpts 1-6
C7 How Cells Harvest Energy
Lab # 5
Microscopy Skills
7 Sept 29
Oct 1
C7
C8
Lab #7
Enzymes, Genes and Evolution
gloves, goggles
8. Oct
6
8
C10 How Cells Divide
C11 Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis
Lab #8
Cellular Respiration
gloves, goggles
9 Oct
13
15
EXAM #2 - Chpts 7, 8, 10 and 11
C12 Patterns of Inheritance
Lab #9
Understanding Climate Change Data (on your own)
10 Oct 20
22
C12 continued
C13 Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
Lab #10
Understanding Cell Division, Stem Cells
11 Oct 27
29
C13 continued
C14 Genetic Material
Lab #16
Biodiversity (on-your-own)
3 Sept
4 Sept
continued
Photosynthesis
Supplies
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12 Nov
C15 Genes and How They Work
C15 continued
Lab #13
Gel Electrophoresis
13 Nov 10
12
EXAM #3 - Chpts 12-15
C19-22
Evolution (selected topics)
Lab #14
What Is Evolution and How Does It Occur?
14 Nov 17
19
C19-22
C38
continued
Ecology of Population
Lab
Individual Osmosis Research
15 Nov 24
26
C38
continued
Thanksgiving Holiday – No Class
Lab
Prepare Report on Individual Osmosis Lab (on your own)
Lab
Epidemiology
16
Dec
3
5
1
3
Dec 8-14
C32 Global Ecology & Conservation
C39 Community Ecology
FINAL EXAM -
Dec 10 (11:00am-12:50pm)
goggles, gloves
NO LAB
Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Any such changes will be posted on Blackboard and
announced in class and/or the laboratory session. It is the responsibility of the student to check Blackboard and/or
to contact other students about announcements made during a class or laboratory session that the student missed
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