Quincy College, Quincy
Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
General Biology, 111-03 140-90
1/16/13 – 5/13/13. Mon/Wed, 11:20 am – 12:40 pm Location: S210
Instructor:
Email:
Message Center #:
Fax:
Mailbox location:
Prof. Frank Addivinola
info@fjalaw.com
617-984-1647
617-471-3989
S101
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides a foundation for the understanding of medical terms, their abbreviations, basic
anatomy and physiology as well as pathological conditions. It includes the study of prefixes and
suffixes and root/stem words as well as medical terminology terms with an emphasis on spelling,
pronunciation, definition and common usage. This course is similar to learning a foreign language and
involves memorization as well as the application of words/terms. The student will study and
demonstrate proficiency in spelling, pronouncing, definition and application of medical terms
REQUIRED TEXT:
Title: Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, Dickey, Reece & Simon (2013). Pearson.
ISBN: 0-321-77260-1
College Bookstore:
1357 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 773-4849
Website: www.gc.bkstr.com
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. List the features that distinguish living organisms on a cellular level.
2. Explain the relationship between cell structure and function.
3. Explain the process of metabolism.
4. Explain cell division.
5. Explain the correlation between genetic information and cellular behavior.
6. Describe protein synthesis.
7. Explain genetic engineering in terms of DNA and RNA and protein synthesis
8. Describe some of the evolutionary forces involved in biological diversity and history.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
We will use a powerpoint based lecture and open discussion approach. You are strongly encouraged to
contribute relevant information whenever appropriate and ask questions upon recognition by the
instructor. However, private comments and conversations are not allowed.
It is recommended that you read the chapter before class. During the lecture sessions or your studying,
fill in the lecture notes with any helpful hints for yourself. Both the text and lecture notes are intended
to help you decipher the information you have read in the chapter.
Questions about the material are encouraged at any time before, during or after class.
Additional methods will include discussions, classroom assignments depending on the chapter.
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Out-of-class assignments will be given to supplement your learning. Most of the quiz and test
questions will come from material covered in lecture and a few from the book.
Students are encouraged to email/meet frequently with the instructor for additional help with the course
material, study skills, test taking skills, and writing skills. Students are also strongly encouraged to use
the Nicastro Learning Center for individual and small group tutoring (by appointment or walk-in).
Students are also encouraged to use the interactive study guide that is packaged with your text.
If you wish to improve your grade - read, study, attend classes regularly, and study harder and
smarter... A well-planned schedule and regular studying can ensure a successful grade.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance and class participation through the course account for 10% of your final grade. You are
expected to attend all meetings of the course each week. An outgoing spirit of active participation is
your best assurance of success. If extenuating circumstances force you to miss (or be late or leave
early) a class, please inform me in advance (if possible) via email, or through someone, or upon your
return to class. You are responsible for making up any material missed. Attendance will be taken at the
beginning of each class session; therefore, you are expected to be present in the classroom at the
beginning of the class period. Please arrive early so we can get started on time.
CLASS PARTICIPATION:
You are expected to be actively involved in questions/answers, discussions during the class time rather
than being a passive participant. You will lose points if you have a poor overall non-academic
performance (participation, team work, regularity in assignment submissions, classroom behavior etc.)
in the class.
GRADING:
Your final grade will be determined by a series of quizzes, two exams (including the final) and,
attendance according to the following point system:
2 Quizzes (15 points each)
Class participation
Midterm (25 points)
Final Exam – cumulative (35 points)
Total =
Final grades will be determined as follows:
A
92.5+ %
C+
A90.0 % - 92.4 %
C
B+
87.5 % - 89.9 %
CB
82.5 % - 87.4 %
D
B80.0 % - 82.4 %
F
30%
10%
25%
35%
(100%)
77.5 % - 79.9 %
72.5 % - 77.4 %
70.0 % - 72.4 %
60.0 % - 69.9 %
0.0 % - 59.9 %
Quizzes: There will be two (2) quizzes which will consist of a short series of multiple-choice
questions, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false etc. You lose points if you miss a quiz because of an unexcused
absence (zero score) or if you are late.
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The final exam will consist of a mixture of multiple choice questions, true/false, fill-in-the-blank,
definitions, labeling, and short/long answer questions.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Students are allowed to withdraw from a course during the first twelve weeks of classes (see academic
calendar for last date to withdraw). In order to receive a grade of “W”, students must officially
withdraw from a course by completing a withdrawal form. These withdrawal forms, also called
drop/add forms, are available in the Enrollment Services Office, at Newport Hall or at the Plymouth
front desk. Failure to attend classes does not constitute a course withdrawal. Students, who stop
attending class, without officially withdrawing, will receive an earned final grade, which may be a
failure, if requirements have not been met.
Please check with enrollment office for exact dates.
MAKEUP POLICY
You must be present in the class to participate and earn credit. To succeed in this class, you should
attend each lecture.
Missed quiz: You will not be allowed to make up a missed quiz without prior approval so it will be
assigned a zero grade. However, the lowest quiz grade (not the zero quiz grade) will be dropped.
Missed exam:
 A missed final exam without instructor’s approval will not be made up or an ‘I’ grade given except
under extraordinary circumstances and by prior arrangement.
In any case, please inform me in advance if you know you will be missing a quiz or exam due to an
important appointment.
LIFE BALANCE COUNSELOR
Life Balance Counseling supports students, in confidence and with appropriate referrals, as needed, in
developing plans to overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals. Contact Susan Bossa at 617984-1656, email: sbossa@quincycollege.edu, or fax 617-984-1792
DISABILITY SERVICES:
If you are a student with a documented disability and would like to request an academic or other
accommodation, you first must register in the Disability Services Office. Please allow a reasonable
amount of time to process your request. Contact Ruth Bork, Disability Services Officer by phone: 617405-5915, email: rbork@quincycollege.edu or fax: 617-984-1792.
VETERANS BENEFITS
Students may contact the Director of Admissions and Advising, Lauren Folloni at 617-984-1773 or
lfolloni@quincycollege.edu for assistance with their GI Bill benefits. Those who are using the Post9/11 GI Bill may have their tuition and fees covered at their appropriate eligibility percentage.
However, any educational costs not charged as tuition or a fee at the time of registration cannot be
certified to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The book stipend is additional funding intended
to cover other educational costs including, but not limited to, books, uniforms, supplies, and lab
equipment. The Director of Admissions and Advising requires a copy of the student’s Certificate of
Eligibility to process education claims. Students can apply for eligibility at www.gibill.va.gov.
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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT
In keeping with our mission, Quincy College will foster a high standard of academic honesty for
students, faculty, and staff and will seek to preserve the rights of our entire College community. As part
of our academic integrity policy, all members of the college community will adhere to the basic values
of mutual respect and responsibility as well as individual and institutional integrity. Students will be
informed about those actions that constitute a breach of integrity and about those sanctions that may
result from academic dishonesty. In the interests of promoting the best environment for learning, we,
the community of Quincy College, pledge to advance the principles of honor and integrity in all of our
actions.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STUDENT GUIDELINES
Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the coursework they submit.
Therefore, to assist students in observing academic integrity, the following guidelines have been
developed.
1. Students must do their own work and submit only their own work, unless otherwise permitted by
their instructor. If appropriate citation guidelines are not stated on the syllabus, students are encouraged
to contact their instructor for guidance.
2. Students may collaborate or cooperate with other students on assignments or examinations only as
directed by the instructor.
3. Students must follow all written and/or oral instructions given by instructors or designated college
representatives for taking exams, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and other evaluative
instruments.
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
In keeping with the mission, Quincy College will foster a high standard of academic honesty for
student, faculty, and staff and will seek to preserve the rights of our entire College community. As part
of our academic integrity policy, all members will adhere to the basic values of mutual respect and
responsibility as well as individual and institutional integrity. Students will be informed about those
actions that constitute a breach of integrity and about those sanctions that may result from academic
dishonesty. In the interests of promoting the best environment for learning, we, the community of
Quincy College, pledge to advance the principles of honor and integrity in all of our actions.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are expected to shut off all electronic devices or not bring them to class. Cell phones, beepers,
and music devices cause disturbance during class distracting you as well as the instructor and your
fellow classmates. Text messaging is NOT allowed during the class nor is engaging in any kind of
social media (such as Facebook). The use of laptops, video recorders and tape recorders are allowed
only with the instructor’s permission.
COMMUNICATION WITH INSTRUCTOR
Preferred way of communication outside the class: Email, unless you setup a time & place with the
instructor to meet on campus.
All email communication between Quincy College faculty and enrolled students must occur via the
College issued email account or through the Quincy College Portal. If you don’t have a working
Quincy College email please contact Information Technology at: ITsupport@quincycollege.edu
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CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event of a planned class cancellation, you will be informed in advance in the class or via email.
In the event of an unplanned class cancellation, you will be informed via email. Please check QC
website and your QC portal frequently for updates.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE AND PROFESSIONALISM:
Since the classroom is a learning community, students are expected to show mutual respect and
consideration. I see students as professionals, and treat them with the respect I would my colleagues. In
return, I expect that I am treated with professionalism and courtesy, and that students treat their
classmates with respect as well. Disruptions (including late arrivals) are unfair to students who are here
to learn and will not be tolerated. After the instructor informs you of inappropriate or distracting
behavior, you will be allowed to modify your actions. Each subsequent offense may result in the
lowering of your average by 2% points.
Students are expected to:
1. Be on time for class. If late arrival was unavoidable, get prepared before you enter the room
accordingly: remove notebook, pen/pencil etc. from your bag before you come in and sit as close to
the door as possible. If you know you must leave early-talk to the instructor before class, sit as
close to the door as possible and exit quickly and quietly.
2. Refrain from talking or whispering with others (REGARDLESS OF TOPIC) or interrupting the
instructor, this is rude to others as well as the instructor
3. Raise your hand to ask a question
4. Treat others the way THEY wish to be treated
5. Confine trips to the pencil sharpener, trash or restroom to before or after class
6. Refrain from talking, interrupting, disturbing the class with electronic devices etc. Turn off all
electronic devices such as mobile devices, iPods, and pagers before the beginning of class.
7. Audio (not video) taping of lectures is allowed with permission.
NOTE TO STUDENTS:
In order to help you succeed, Quincy College would like you to know that 3-credit lecture courses
require 3 hours of in-class time per week of a 15-week semester. These courses also require a minimum
of 6 to 9 hours of study/homework time on average per week. This time may vary week to week,
depending on the schedule of the course (e.g. weeks where there are exams or other assignments due
may require you to put in more time in order to be successful). Further, writing intensive courses and
STEM courses often require even more study/homework time and should be planned accordingly.
A 1-credit laboratory course generally meets for 2 hours per week of a 15-week semester and requires
that you spend an additional 2 to 3 hours of study/homework time per week. Please take this
information into consideration when forming your schedule and allow yourself enough time to do the
work to earn the grade you desire.
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Tentative schedule:
WEEK DATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1/16
1/21
1/23
1/28
1/30
2/4
2/6
2/11
2/13
2/18
2/20
2/25
2/27
3/4
3/6
3/11
3/13
3/18, 3/20
3/25
3/27
4/1
4/3
4/8
4/10
4/15
4/17
4/22
4/24
4/29
5/1
5/6
5/8
5/13
5/14-5/20
CONCEPTS / LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Introduction to the course
1/21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No Class
Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology, The Process of Science
Chapter 2: Chemical Foundation of the Cell
Chapter 3: Organic Molecules
Chapter 4: Cell Structure, Organelles
Chapter 5: Energy, ATP, Enzymes & Membranes
2/18: President’s Day – No Class
2/20: Quiz 1 (Ch. 1-4)
Chapter 6: Cellular Respiration
Chapter 6: Cellular Respiration
Chapter 7: Photosynthesis
Chapter 8: Cell Division: Mitosis & Meiosis
Review for Midterm
3/13: Midterm (Ch. 1-8)
Spring break – No class
Chapter 9: Patterns of Inheritance
Chapter 10: The Structure & Function of DNA
Chapter 11: Gene Regulation
4/15: Patriots Day – No Class
Chapter 11: Gene Regulation
4/22: Quiz 2 (Ch. 9-11)
Chapter 12: DNA Technology
Chapters 13 & 14: Evolution & Diversity
Chapter 15: The Evolution of Microbial Life
Review for final
Final Exam (Cumulative) – Date TBA
Note:
 The schedule is subject to change(s) in case of bad weather/cancelled classes or any unforeseen
emergencies. You will be notified in the class or via email.
 There may be times when content may vary based upon sequence and length of time allocated to
individual class and instructor needs.
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