Biology 3: Introductory to Biology
Lecture: Tuesday: 7:00-10:00 p.m. (Room LS-102)
Lab: Tuesday 7-10 p.m. (Room LS 101) or Thurs 7-10 p.m. (Room LS-101)
Instructor: Professor Sean Phommasaysy
Office Room: Life Science 202
Office Hours: Wed. 3-6, 4-6 p.m. TTh. 4-6 p.m. or arrange w/ instructor
Email: phommas@lacitycollege.edu
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2795
Course Description:
This is a general biology class for students not majoring in the life sciences. Biological themes
and topics covered in this class include a general description and discussion of Cell Biology,
Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy/ Physiology, and Ecology. In addition to lectures, students are
required to participate in a three hours weekly laboratory exercises and demos. Lab exercises and
demos will include watching videos and performing experiments that reflect important biological
concepts/ themes.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a general understanding of the
major principles and concepts fundamental to biology. This understanding of biology will enable
students to comprehend the role of humans as a living organism and its relation to other living
organisms, and the environment. Students will also be able to integrate that understanding to
current events and issues that impact and influenced their daily lives.
Required Texts and Materials:
Biology Concepts and Application, (any edition) by Cecie Starr
Four 882 scantrons and 7 mini-scantrons
Course Requirements:
Quizzes: Lecture quizzes will be given in lab at the beginning of the class and they will be
announced ahead of time. The quizzes will cover materials from the previous lecture / lab and/or
any other assigned reading and students may use their lecture notes. These 15 points each quiz
will serve as study guides for all exams including the final, and will count for a significant portion
of your course grade.
Exams: There will be 3 exams and one final exam. Exams will cover materials from lectures and
assigned readings. Each exam will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and/ or short essays.
Note, the final exam cannot be dropped and all students must take the final exam.
Lab: There are twelve 8 points lab activities / demos. All students must complete and turn in all
lab activity before leaving the classroom. Late assignment is not accepted or may be subjected to
a 50% point reduction per assignment. Point reduction also applies to assignments turned in
without a name.
Field Trip: All students must attend one field trip to a museum or other pre-assigned destinations.
A worksheet will be provided at the site and to receive credit, students must turn their worksheet
on the due date stated. It is the student’s responsible to make the necessary work and family
arrangement in order to attend the field trip.
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Grading:
3 Exams (100 pts ea.)
1 Final Exam
7 Lecture Quizzes
12 Lab Exercises (8 pts ea.)
2 Lab Exams
1 Field Trip
Total points possible
90%
80%
70%
60%
0%
and higher
to 89%
to 79%
to 69%
to 59%
300 points
150 points
105 points
96 points
100 points
25 points
776 points
=A
=B
=C
=D
=F
Class Policies:
Tardiness: Frequent tardiness will result in a significant reduction in points and grade.
Any tardiness more than 20 minutes is considered as an absence and 3 absences can result in the
student being drop from the class.
Exams: Quizzes and exams will be given promptly at the beginning of class. Students who arrive
late will not be given extra time to take the quiz/exam and there is absolutely no make up, except
under extreme cases. No one is allowed to leave an examination until they have handed in their
test. Rest rooms should be visited before the exam.
Cheating / Plagarism: the academic honestly policy of L. A. City College will be strictly
enforced. Anyone found cheating will forfeit their grade for that quiz / exam and will have a
record file with the Dean of Students. A second offense can / may lead to failure in the course or
dismissal from the college.
Food and clothing: No food or drinks allowed in the classroom. Shoes and appropriate attire must
be worn at all times in the classroom.
Student behavior: students are expected to behave like adults and be respectful of others.
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in the student’s expulsion from the class
and/or failure in the course.
Electronic devices: Turn off all disruptive electronic devices during class. Repeated offenses will
result in reduction in points or grade. Refrain from texting during class.
Disability: Students with a verified disability who may need reasonable
accommodation(s) for this class are asked to notify the teacher and contact the
Office of Special Services (ext: 2270) as soon as possible. All information will remain
confidential.
Adds / Drops: Students are solely responsible for adding or dropping the class by the due date as
stated in the class catalog. Failure to do so may result in the student not receiving a grade or
receiving an F in the class.
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LECTURE SCHEDULE
Date
Topics Covered
Feb. 10
Chemical Foundations for Cells / Carbon Compounds in Cells
17
Cell Structure and Function / How Cells Acquire Energy
24
Exam I / Mitosis and Meiosis
March 3
Chromosomes and Human Genetics / Patterns of Inheritance
10
DNA Structure and Function / From DNA to Proteins
17
Recombinant DNA / Catch Up
24
Exam II / Prokaryotes / Viruses
31
No Class (Cesar Chavez)
Apr. 7
Spring Break (No Class)
14
Protist / Fungi
21
Evolution / Video
28
Exam III / Nutrition
May 5
Digestion / Blood and Circulation
12
Circulation / Respiration
19
Endocrine System / Animal Reproduction
26
Human Impact on the Environment
June 2
FINAL EXAM
Important Dates
Feb. 21 – Last day to add class
May 8 – Last day to drop class w/ a W
“ Some succeed because they are destined to; most succeed because they are determined to. “
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