Biology 160 – General Cell Biology
Tacoma Community College
Summer 2011
Instructor: Erik McDonald
Course Description:
An introductory cell biology course for students preparing for health professions. Major
concepts of cell biology will be introduced, including the chemistry of life, the structure,
reproduction and metabolism of cells, genetics and evolutionary biology. Laboratory included.
Prerequisites (completed with a “C-” or better):
At least 2 hours of study time per contact hour
English 95 (“C” or better)
Math 90
Reading 95
Course Rooms & Hours:
Section C (#5062):
Lecture (Rm. 15-304) = M - Th: 10:40am – 12:00
Lab (Rm. 15-128) = Monday: 12:00 – 2:50pm
Section D (#5063):
Lecture (Rm. 15-304) = M - Th: 10:40am – 12:00
Lab (Rm. 15-128) = Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:50pm
Office Hours: Room 15-132
M & W: 9:30-10:30am Or by appointment
Contact Information:
E-mail: emcdonald@tacomacc.edu (I will respond Monday-Friday 8am-5pm)
Office Telephone: (253) 566-5060
Voicemail: (253)460-2000 (Ext. 7030)
When leaving telephone messages speak clearly and slowly. Give your full name, course and telephone
number at the beginning of the message.
Faculty & Course Website:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/home/emcdonald/
Mastering Biology: Course ID (Summer 2011): MBMCDONALD15330
Mastering Biology (www.masteringbiology.com) is an online tutorial and homework program that
accompanies your NEW textbook and will be utilized in this course. USED TEXTBOOKS AS WELL AS
NEW BOOKS PURCHASED FROM A LOCATION OTHER THAN THE BOOKSTORE WILL NOT CONTAIN
AN ACCESS CODE. You can either purchase the access code from masteringbiology.com ($38.50
without e-book) or you can return your current textbook and purchase a new book from the
bookstore. *Weekly or biweekly homework assignments will be completed using this great tool. The
score provided by masteringbiology is the score that goes into the grade book (no exceptions), so be
careful. The access code is NOT THE SCRATCH CODE; it will come as a separate leaflet inside
your book. * The practice quizzes are NOT MANDITORY. You may need to use a different computer,
update your flash player, or change your browser if you are having problems accessing mastering
biology. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DUE DATES and TIMES (there will be no extensions).
A Note to the Students
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
-William Butler Yeats
What is learning and why is it important?
Learning is an active process that requires students to reflect upon, apply, and discuss
information in a way that leads to long-term retention. Successful learning requires the student to
manage time wisely (i.e., studying on a regular basis rather than cramming the night before the
exam), ask questions, and connect the material to cognitive structures (prior knowledge). I really
want to emphasize the power of learning; it is literally a life-changing event. I hope, by the end of the
quarter, that you have an appreciation for science and learning that inspires you to become a lifelong
learner.
Why and how do I teach?
I teach biology because I have a thirst for understanding the processes that occur in nature,
knowing how life functions (i.e., how it responds to different stimuli), and how living organisms are
connected to each other. Biology is applicable to every person in that we deal with it every day of our
lives. It is our actions, whether positive or negative, that shape life on earth. My passion in life is to
introduce you to the fascinating world of biology, which will allow you to make more informed
decisions thus improving your lives as well as the lives of others.
I use PowerPoint, animations, and demonstrations to help convey the information in many
ways. I incorporate inquiry-based teaching into lecture and lab to help you gain critical thinking skills
(See “College Learning Outcomes” and “Course Objectives”). Homework often includes questions
from material we will cover during the next lecture(s). This is very beneficial for you because 1) you
are reading ahead and can bring any questions that arise to class, 2) by the end of class you will have
been exposed to the same material twice, and 3) you get practice articulating the material we will
cover before having to do so in a major scoring event (i.e., an exam).
What are some tips for studying biology?
- Former students have almost unanimously suggested that the most effective study method
involves teaching the material to someone else (i.e. spouse, roommate, class mate(s), friend,…).
This is especially beneficial if it can be done on a regular basis.
- Draw pictures of processes that we discuss (This is a great idea for those visual learners).
- Look through other biology textbooks (some can be found in the library). Sometimes a tricky or
unclear topic is better worded in another text.
- Do the questions at the end of each chapter and check your answers.
- Do the web activity problems provided by the publisher (usually need an access code, which is
located in the first few pages of the book)
- Find animations on www.youtube.com or elsewhere online
- Watch relevant lecture-style videos at www.kahnacademy.com
- Rewrite notes using different colors of ink (this appears to positively impact retention)
- Use note cards (go to http://ichi2.net/anki/ to download digital note cards; designed for daily use)
- Study DAILY
- Set up group study sessions with other classmates
- Go to www.biologybinder.com for animations and quizzes related to the material covered in class.
- See ME: please stop by my office anytime you have any questions.
What are my expectations of the students?
This is not a class where you just show up and get an „A.‟ I recommend you study a minimum of ~ 2
hours for every one hour of lecture. This should be done daily for the best results. I expect a lot
of detail in both assignments and exams (See „student recommendations‟ posted on the website). I
set high expectations with the best of intentions. Through experience, I know that the increased
effort you put forth will result in a better understanding of the material. Thankfully, biology is such a
fascinating topic that the added effort will not be such a chore.
College Learning Outcomes
Tacoma Community College has identified six college-wide learning outcomes that form the
foundation of our educational emphasis: 1) communication (COM), 2) critical thinking (CRT), 3)
responsibility & ethics (RES), 4) information & information technology (IIT), and 5) living and working
cooperatively (LWC).
Course Objectives
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Understand and participate in the scientific method. (COM,CRT, LWC)
Explain the levels of organization from the molecular level to the ecosystem level (COM, CRT,
LWC)
Understand what atoms are and how they combine to form molecules (CRT)
Understand the different kinds of chemical bonds. (CRT)
Comprehend how atoms combine to form carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.
(CRT)
Understand the relationship between monomers and polymers. (CRT)
Understand the chemical properties of water. (CRT)
Visualize prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using a light microscope.(LWC, COK)
Understand the evolutionary connection between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. (CRT)
Understand the structure and functions of cell organelles. (CRT)
Understand and explain the structure and functions of the plasma membrane. (COM)
Explain what enzymes are and what they do. (CRT)
Understand the basics of metabolic activities such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
(CRT)
Comprehend the cellular basis of reproduction and inheritance. (CRT, RES,LWC)
Understand the chromosomal basis of inheritance. (CRT, RES)
Explain mitosis and meiosis (CRT)
Recognize and understand the structure and function of DNA and RNA, including replication,
transcription and translation. (CRT)
More competently research, interpret, critique, and present biological information. (COM,
RES, IIT, LWC)
Understand some of the concepts of gene expression and DNA technology. (CRT, COM)
Understand some basic concepts of evolution.
Instructional Methods
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Lectures are presented primarily with Microsoft PowerPoint, which can be found on the course
website.
Small group work and class discussions may also be incorporated into lectures.
Labs are designed to reinforce the lecture material with hands-on activities.
Required Textbook
Campbell, Reece, Taylor, Simon & Dickey. 2009. Biology: Concepts & Connections with
Additional Readings. Custom Edition for Tacoma Community College. Pearson/BenjaminCummings.
Grading Policy
Evaluation is based upon cumulative percentage of total points derived from:
Weekly Knowledge Parties (AKA Quizzes) (6 @ ~60 pts. each)
Cumulative Final Knowledge Party (1 @ ~150 pts)
Weekly Homework Assignments (9 = 135 pts. TOTAL and found @ www.masteringbiology.com)
Lab Reports/assignments (10-15 pts. each)
A
92-100 = A
90-91 = A-
B
88-89 = B+
82-87 = B
80-81 = B-
C
78-79 = C+
72-77 = C
70-71 = C-
D
68-69 = D+
62-67 = D
60-61 = D-
E
0 – 59 = E
Although participation is not graded, it may be used to increase your overall grade in this course.
Knowledge Parties & Labs
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Use the restroom before the knowledge party starts. If you have to leave to use the restroom,
then you will need to turn in your work without the opportunity to finish upon return.
No electronic devices of any kind may be used during a knowledge party.
Plan to take the knowledge parties when they are given.
o Questions originate from lecture, animations/videos, and lab.
o One missed knowledge party may be made up during the quarter (excluding the final
knowledge party). The makeup opportunity will be granted only under extenuating
circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor. You must contact me on or
before the day of the knowledge party to be eligible for this opportunity. The
student loses this opportunity once the graded KPs are handed back to the class (no
exceptions).
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o The final knowledge party will be cumulative. In other words, you will be tested
on the major concepts covered throughout the quarter.
Students will need access to computers with internet to complete some pre-lab assignments.
Lab reports/assignments are due exactly one week after the period in which we perform that
lab. There will be pre-lab assignments that must be completed BEFORE the lab is performed.
o Late lab reports/assignments will only be accepted ONCE.
o ** Late work will be graded according to the following:
 10% per day for 5 days; >5 days= NO CREDIT
** ALL lab reports and assignments are due at the beginning of the lecture/lab period. The
assignment is due on that day even if you don’t show up to class. If you send me an email with the
homework attached and it is turned in before the due date/time, then you will not be penalized.
 Labs require a lot of prep. time, so NO LAB MAKEUPS WILL BE AVAILABLE
(no exceptions).
All students must follow the biological science lab safety procedures and standard operating procedures
established by Tacoma Community College, the Science & Engineering Department, and the instructor.
Students who repeatedly or willfully violate these procedures may face sanctions, including removal from the
course, a failing grade, and referral to the college for action under the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities. The departmental safety procedures for biological science are available at
www.tacomacc.edu/academics/mathematicssciencesandengineeringdivision/science/safety.aspx
Academic Assistance
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I am one of many resources available to help you succeed in this class. Here are some other
resources.
o Study Group- You should join or form a small study group for this class. A study group
is an excellent source of help.
o Tutoring Center- Biology tutors are available at no additional cost in the Tutoring Center
on the second floor of building 11. Appointments can be made in person or by calling
253.566.6032. For more information see www.tacoma.ctc.edu/stuonline/tutoringcenter.
o Counseling Center- The Counseling Center staff in Building 7 can help you address
personal difficulties that interfere with your studies. This includes things like test
anxiety. Call 253.566.5122 to make an appointment.
Supplementary Materials
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Required:
Exam (form#882-E) scantrons
Suggested:
calculator
Cost for all materials and supplies besides handouts, tests, quizzes, labs, etc. (including
printing and copying) are to be born by the student.
Incompletes and Withdrawals
Students may withdraw from class before the 50th calendar day. See the college schedule for
complete information on withdrawal dates. Withdrawals (WI) and Incompletes (I) will be given on a
case-by-case basis. The decision to give a “WI” or “I” is contingent upon the student’s performance
in class up to that point (i.e., attendance, late or missing assignments, and participation).
Accommodations
Students with Special Needs:
Students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these
requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability,
please contact the Access Services office in Building 18 (253) 566-5328. They will require you
to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional.
When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable
auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access
Services must be given to me before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate
arrangements can be made.
Academic Dishonesty
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As stated in the TCC catalog, “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their
academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty
corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students.”
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My academic dishonesty policy is as follows:
o The student will receive an F in the course and the student services may be contacted
for further potential disciplinary action. Ignorance does not excuse the act.
The complete Administrative Process for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC
website at: www.tacomacommunitycollege.com/stuonline/policies/start.htm
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Conduct
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If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while
you were absent.
Please arrive promptly. Your instructor reserves the right to restrict entry into the class or lab
room 15 minutes after class has begun
Please contribute to the learning atmosphere, clean up after yourself, and come prepared to
succeed.
Class participation is expected.
Only those students who are enrolled in this course may be in the classroom. Please do not
bring children, friends, visitors, etc. to class with you.
During lab, you will perform experiments or exercises designed to illustrate some of the
principles of Biology. This may include (but not limited to) working with delicate equipment,
chemicals, preserved specimens, dissection equipment, etc. Always conduct yourself in a
safe and appropriate manner during the lab sessions.
Food or Beverages are not permitted in the lab room. You may have food or drink in
the lecture halls as long as it doesn’t become disruptive.
ALL TCC students have e-mail accounts and should check them regularly for class
announcements.
Set pagers & cell phones in silent mode before you enter lecture or lab! You will
lose 10 points each time your cell phone or pager ringer goes off in class!
Etiquette for Classroom Dispute Resolution
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me first. If
we are unable to resolve your concerns, you should next talk with the Chair of the Natural Sciences
Department, Ralph Hitz, room 29-234 (253) 566-5297. The Chair can assist with information about
additional steps, if needed.
Bio 160 – Course Schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Dates
T 7/5
W
Th
M 7/11
T
W
Th
M 7/18
T
W
Th
M 7/25
T
W
Th
M 8/1
T
W
Th
M 8/8
T
W
Th
M 8/15
T
W
Th
Chapters
1
2
3
3
4, 16
5
Lectures
Lab
Intro
Chemistry
Macromolecules
Weekly KP
Scientific Method
Inside the Cell
Membranes
KP # 1 – lecture follows
Diffusion and Osmosis
KP # 2 – lecture follows
6
7
Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
Cell Respiration and
Photosynthesis
KP # 3 – lecture follows
8
9
Mitosis and Meiosis
The Cell Cycle (Mitosis)
KP # 4 – lecture follows
10
11
DNA
Gene Expression
Genetics
KP # 5 – lecture follows
12
DNA Technology
PCR
KP # 6 – lecture follows
13
Evolution
Final Exam Review
Comprehensive Final KP
This syllabus and schedule may be subject to change.
Any changes will be announced.
Mastering Biology Assignment Calendar
It is your responsibility to know when these assignments are due. Check this table regularly. No
extensions will be granted.
Assignment #
Intro to M.B.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Contents
How to use M.B.
Ch. 1-3
Ch. 4-5
Ch. 6-7
Ch. 8-9
Ch. 9
Ch. 10
Ch. 11-12
Ch. 13
Due Date and Time
Friday 7/8 @ 5pm
Friday 7/8 @ 5pm (Yes, both
assignments are due on the same day)
Friday 7/15 @ 5pm
Friday 7/22 @ 5pm
Friday 7/29 @ 5pm
Monday 8/1 @ 5pm
Friday 8/5 @ 5pm
Friday 8/12 @ 5pm
Wednesday 8/17 @ 5pm