BIOLOGY 1406 – BIOLOGY FOR SCIENCE MAJORS I LECTURE
COURSE
BIOL 1406
Biology for Science Majors I (lecture)
(3-3-0)
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. Prerequisite: Students
must be TSI complete. Corequisite: BIOL 1406L Biology for Science Majors I Lab. F, Sp, Su
(2601015103).
INSTRUCTOR
Aimee C. Law, M.S.
Instructor, Biology
Biological Sciences Department
Phone: (903) 983-8269
Office: Canterbury Engr. Science Bldg. (ES), 107
Email: alaw@kilgore.edu
COURSE RATIONALE
This course meets the requirement for lab science component of the core curriculum for
every state supported institution of higher education in Texas. This course also meets the
science requirements for the A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. degrees at Kilgore College.
EDUCATION MATERIALS
Textbook: Reece, J. B., L. A. Urry, M. L. Cain, S. A. Wasserman, P. V. Minorsky, and R. B.
Jackson. Campbell Biology, 10th ed. 2014. Benjamin Cummings, with Mastering Biology.
(eText is acceptable) Instructor code: MBLAW1406SP
EVALUATION
Mastering Biology homework = 10%
Four lecture exams = 10% each
Comprehensive final exam = 10%
Lab grade = 30%
Genetic Disorder Research Paper = 5%
Group Project = 5%
Final grades will be based upon the following: A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%,
F=59% and below.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
A. Bring material for taking notes and data collection.
B. Pay attention and be courteous to your fellow students. Disruptive students will be
asked to leave.
C. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. This will result in an F in the course.
D. Due to the nature of labs, many cannot be made up. If you have an excused absence, as
detailed in the Kilgore College Student Handbook, contact your instructor arrange a substitute. If
you are unsure if an absence is excused, ask your instructor.
E. Students are responsible for all material covered in lecture, homework, or the assigned
reading. Students with excused absences will need to contact the instructor to find out what
material they missed.
F. No make-up exams are allowed unless prior arrangements have been made.
DISCLAIMER
The instructor reserves the right to make modifications in this syllabus. These changes may
include additional assignments, changes in grading policy, changes in grading scale, etc. If
any changes are made, students will be clearly notified. The instructor also reserves the right
to remove or drop a student for classroom disruption or excessive absences.
COMMON COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
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
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 via DNA.
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.
Throughout the semester the following Core Curriculum Objectives will be addressed:
1. Critical Thinking Skills – may include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and
analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.
2. Communication Skills - may include effective development, interpretation and
expression of ideas through written and visual communication.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills –may include the manipulation and analysis of
numerical data or observable facts/data resulting in informed conclusions.
4. Teamwork – includes the ability to consider different points of view and to work
effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
Lecture Exam Dates (subject to change)
Exam #1: 2/10/15
Exam #2: 3/17/15
Exam #3: 4/02/15
Exam #4: 4/28/15
Final Exam: Week of May 5-8, 2015
Genetic Disorder Research Paper Due 4/23/15
Topic Deadline: 4/2/15
Email the instructor about the desired Genetic Disorder selected by the above
mentioned date. This will count towards the final grade. Late submission of disorder will result in
point deductions from final report.
Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Works Cited
Detailed information regarding disorder
Take Home
Approximately 1000 words
Include a cover page, works cited page, page numbers
Pictures or additional add-ins are encouraged but should not be included in total
page amount
7. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation is required. Points will be deducted for
grammar mistakes.
More information to follow.
Group Project: TBA
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Please inform the instructor at the beginning of the course if you require special accommodations
to provide equal access in the course. Students should contact Hollyann Davis (903-983-8682)
for questions and to submit documentation.
Tentative Lecture Schedule, Dates subject to change at the discretion of the instructor
Introduction
Chemistry
Water
Carbon
Macromolecules
Test #1: 2/10/15
The Cell
Membrane Structure
Metabolism
Respiration
Photosynthesis
Test #2: 3/17/15
Mendel and the Gene Idea
The Chromosomal Basis for Inheritance
The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein
Regulation of Gene Expression
Test #3: 4/02/15
Phylogeny and the Tree of Life
Bacteria and Archaea
Protists, Plants, Fungi
Animal Diversity
Invertebrates
Vertebrates
Test #4: 4/28/15
Cumulative Final, May 4-8, 2015