Biology for Majors
Biology 4
Winter 2015
Web: http://instruction2.mtsac.edu/cshannon/
Instructor: Dr. Cindy Shannon
Office: 60-2104
Phone: (909)594-5611, 4551
Email: cshannon@mtsac.edu
SYLLABUS
Required Textbook: Campbell Biology, 10th edition, 2014 Authors: Reece et. al.
Course Objective: An exploration of the core principles in biology required for advanced
study, including concepts of cellular and molecular biology, bioenergetics, genetics,
reproduction, evolution, biodiversity and ecology.
YOU MUST BE ENROLLED IN BOTH THE LECTURE & LAB. This is a 4 unit
course. NO BEEPERS (PAGERS) OR CELLULAR PHONES ALLOWED!--Points
will be subtracted for violations of this rule!
ATTENDANCE: Since most lecture test questions will come from lecture material, it is
critical that students attend all class meetings. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to
get the notes from a fellow student. If you have any questions after that, see me. POOR
ATTENDANCE WILL REDUCE YOUR GRADE!
If your number of absences exceeds the number of hours the class meets in three weeks, you
will be dropped from the course, unless I hear otherwise directly from you.
After the last day to withdraw, you cannot officially be dropped from the class (last day is
January 28th, 2015).
THE LAST DAY TO RECEIVE A "W" (WITHDRAWAL) IS January 28th!!! After
that you must be given a grade in the course.
If you are late to class, it your responsibility to report it to the instructor at the end of class, or
it will be counted as an absence. Three times late to class counts as one absence.
GRADING: Your course grade will be comprised of your lecture and your lab grades.
There will be 4 hourly exams given in lecture, and one cumulative final exam. Each hourly
exam is worth 100 points, and the lowest of these four exam scores will be dropped. (You
may not drop the final exam.) THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS (although any
exam may be taken early.)
The exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, definition
and short essay.
Supplies: For lecture you will need 5 scantron form #882 and a No. 2 pencil for all! YOU
MUST TURN IN THESE SCANTRON FORMS TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR NO LATER
THAN JANUARY 14, 2015, in order to keep attending lecture.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Anyone cheating may receive a failing grade (F)
for the assignment, for the course, or the student may be dropped. Additional disciplinary
action may be taken--see section on cheating in Schedule of Classes and
Biological Sciences Department Policy on Student Cheating. A copy of the department
cheating policy will be distributed and signed by each student the first week of classes.
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BASIS FOR YOUR COURSE GRADE:
Three Hourly Exams.................................................................300 pts
Final Exam................................................................................120 pts
Scientific Paper (Lab 1)..............................................................50 pts
Assignment (Ecology Lab).........................................................50 pts
Lecture Quizzes/Homework.......................................................25 pts
Laboratory.................................................................................230 pts
_______________________
Total Possible
775 pts
FINAL GRADES:
A=
B=
C=
D=
698 points & above (90-100%)
620-697 points
(80-89%)
543-619 points
(70-79%)
465-542 points
(60-69%)
HOLIDAYS !
January 19 (Monday).............................Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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BIOLOGY 4 TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
The following is the approximate schedule for the semester. The chapters in Campbell
corresponding to each topic, should be read before that subject is covered in class.
DATE
TOPICS
January
5
6
7&8
12
13
14
15
19
20
21
22
26
27
28
29
February
2
3
4
5
9
10
11
12
CHAPTERS
Introduction/Scientific Method
Chemistry
Bioenergetics/Enzymes
Cell Structure & Function
Membrane Transport
Exam #1
Photosynthesis
Holiday!
Cellular Respiration/Metabolism
DNA /Protein synthesis
Paper #1 Due!
Cell Communication/Mitosis/Meiosis
Mendelian Genetics
Gene function & regulation
Exam #2
Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering
Population Genetics
Reproduction
Embryology
Exam #3/Origin of Life
Taxonomy & Biodiversity
Evolution & Speciation
Ecology & Biomes
Exam #4
Population, Ecology: Interaction,
Communities
Paper #2 Due!
Extinction & Conservation
(Covered on final)
Final Exam
1
2,3,4,5
8
6
7
10
9,40,44
16,17,18
11,12,13
14,15
20,21
23
38,46,47
25
26,29,30,32,33,34
22,24,52
53,54
55,56
Course Student Learning Objectives:
view at
http://www.mtsac.edu/instruction/outcomes/sloinfo.html
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