Allegany College of Maryland
Principles of Biology - 100
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fall 2011
(This syllabus is subject to modification by the Instructor)
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A.
B.
Course: Biology 100- Principles of Biology
This is a four-credit laboratory science course. There are three hours of lecture and three
hours of laboratory a week. There are no prerequisites.
C. Materials required: (available at the College bookstore)
 Mader, Sylvia S., Inquiry into Life. 13th edition, Boston, MA, McGraw-Hill, 2011, Special
Edition for Allegany College of Maryland.
 Mader, Sylvia S., Darrell S. Vodopich, and Randy Moore, Inquiry into Life Laboratory
Manual for Allegany College of Maryland, 13th edition, Boston, MA, McGraw-Hill, 2008.
 Supplemental Laboratory Handouts, provided by laboratory instructor.
 Gloves (latex/nitrile).
D. Optional materials:
 Sackheim, George I., An Introduction to Chemistry for Biology Students, 9th edition,
Boston, MA, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2008.
E. Lecture & Laboratory Instructor: Mrs. Michèle Barmoy
F. Lectures meet: MWF 12:00-12:50 in S-29 or T&Th 11:00-12:15 in S-28
Laboratory Sections: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 2pm or Thursday at 8am in S21
G. All students must also be registered for a laboratory section.
H. Instructor office is room S68B in the Science Building.
I.
Instructor office hours:
Monday........ 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.
Additional times may be arranged.
J. Instructor office phone number: 301-784-5071
K. Instructor email: mbarmoy@allegany.edu
Type Bio 100 in the subject area for all emails.
L. Contact Ms. Roberta Mills, Office Manager/Faculty Secretary, Room S50, 301-784-5255 if you
need to reach the Instructor quickly.
M. Text companion website: www.mhhe.com/maderinquiry13
N. Class On-Line Learning Center: http://blackboard.allegany.edu
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION
A. Purpose of Course:
A course primarily designed for the student who needs background information for more
advanced biological science courses. The main objective of this course is for the student to
learn the basic scientific principles related to cellular physiological biology. Topics addressed
place emphasis on the biochemistry and significance to humans and include scientific method,
characteristics of life, scientific tools and techniques, physical principles, inorganic and organic
chemistry, cell structure, enzyme biology, biochemical pathways, genetics, and vertebrate
anatomy. The laboratory work involves the dissection of a pig and its comparison to humans.
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B. Course Objectives
1. Describe the characteristics, classification, and organization of life.
2. Demonstrate the methods of Biological investigation using the Scientific Method.
Method.
3. Describe the chemical behavior of atoms and how it is influenced by atomic structure.
4. Identify the four elements that make up 96% of living matter.
5. Explain the properties of water and how it supports life.
6. Describe acids, bases, the pH scale, and buffers.
7. Compare and contrast the four major classes of macromolecules and their functions.
8. Understand why there are limits to cell size.
9. Describe the structure and function of organelles within a cell.
10. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
11. Distinguish between plant and animal cells.
12. Describe the Fluid Mosaic Model.
13. Explain the movement of molecules and ions across cell membranes.
14. Explain in detail the flow of energy through living organisms.
15. Identify the different modes of cell reproduction.
16. Explain the processes of replication, transcription, translation, and mutation.
17. Distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction.
18. Identify the stages of development.
19. Elaborate on the structures and functions of the human reproductive system including
hormonal control.
20. Identify techniques used to control fertility.
21. Describe sexually transmitted diseases.
22. Demonstrate knowledge of Mendelian genetics by working genetic problems.
23. Describe how traits are inherited and passed on from one generation to another.
24. Distinguish among various human genetic disorders.
III. COURSE POLICIES
In addition to the following policies, college policies in the Student Handbook regarding academic
standards and student conduct apply.
A. Attendance:
1. Students are required to attend every lecture session except in cases of emergency, illness, or
US Armed Service Reserve duty.
2. The student is required to promptly notify the instructor in such an emergency.
3. Students arriving late by 15 minutes or more will be recorded as absent.
4. After 5 or more absences, the student will be dropped from the course. Being dropped for
lack of attendance can occur without prior warning or notification. Therefore, students are
responsible for keeping track of their absences.
5. If the 5th absence occurs after the last day to withdraw, the student is dropped and receives
a grade of “F” instead of “W”.
6. Inclement Weather. If inclement weather or an emergency causes the campus to close or
have a delayed opening, you may call the college at 301-784-5000, log onto the college’s
website at www.allegany.edu/weather, or use the link on the website to sign up for the
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esafe service. In the case of inclement weather, even if the college is open, you are
expected to use your best judgment in attending class. However, absences are considered
unexcused.
Please see the Student Handbook for more information regarding weather related
announcements.
Lab Attendance:
1. If a student is 20 minutes late, leaves, or misses at least 20 minutes during a laboratory, the
lab will be counted as an absence.
2. After the second unexcused lab absence or 3 total lab absences, the student will be dropped
from the Biology 100 course.
3. In the event the college opening is delayed, the affected laboratory will be cancelled.
Academic Regulations Policy on Attendance:
1. Students are required to attend every class session except in cases of an emergency or
illness.
2. Students usually cannot make up work from an absence, however, permission to make up
absences will be granted only at the instructor’s discretion.
3. Students must notify their instructors as to the reasons for an absence from a class session.
The instructor may require such evidence as he/she sees fit to justify an absence. Unexcused
absences may adversely affect a student’s grade in a course.
4. If an instructor does not appear in class within fifteen minutes of the scheduled staring time,
representatives of the class should attempt to locate the instructor by visiting the
instructor’s office, then the faculty secretary’s office, Room S50. If students cannot locate
the instructor by these means, students may consider the class session cancelled.
Attendance Policy Listed in the Allegany College of Maryland Catalog:
When the number of a student’s absences is such that the instructor believes that the
student cannot successfully complete the course in time remaining, the instructor may drop
the student from the class roll. If the student is dropped after the drop/add cutoff date, a
grade of “F” will be recorded. If the student has registered in an audit status a grade of “W”
will be recorded.
B. Participation and Behavior:
1. Students are encouraged to ask questions of interest, clarification, or share enrichment
experiences that are relevant to classroom discussions.
2. Students are expected to take legible notes. Audio taping of lectures is permitted and is
often helpful in acquiring missed information.
3. Students are to be able to use all scientific terms, laws, principles, and theories, both oral
and written with correct spelling. Misspelled key words will be treated as incorrect
answers.
4. Students are expected to participate in laboratory dissection of specimens, set up apparatus
for experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and clean the work area.
5. All electronic devices (cell phones, MP3s, etc.) are to be turned off and put away during
class time. If a student needs to have a cell phone or pager on during class, they must get
permission from the instructor, set it to vibrate, and keep it out of site. Cell phones must be
off and put away during exams. Students not compliant will be asked to leave.
6. It is the responsibility of all students to plan for adequate reading and study time and make
arrangements for assistance when having difficulty. Likewise, students are to secure notes
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when absent and make special arrangements for missed exams and assignments.
7. Please come to class on time, having taken care of any routine bathroom and dietary needs
beforehand. It is considered very disrespectful to leave in the middle of lecture.
8. If you know of others in the class who are having difficulty, be willing to offer assistance,
possibly forming a study group, or encourage them to talk with the instructor.
9. Students need to come to class prepared with all necessary materials (supply of pencils,
pens, etc) and during exams concentrate on their own work.
C. Assignments:
1. Most assignments are readings in the textbook and laboratory manual. Students are
required to read the day’s assignment for both lecture and laboratory prior to the class
session. Written assignments and group activities may be required. Reading assignments
are listed on the schedules at the end of this syllabus. Any other assignments will be
posted on the Blackboard website.
2. Laboratory: the student is required to complete the laboratory questions assigned for each
exercise. It is recommended that lab work be done in pencil.
3. Any “out of class” reports that are assigned need to be typed. Handwritten assignments
will not be accepted.
4. Absence is not an excuse for not knowing about an assignment. A penalty of 10% per day
will be issued for late assignments. If you know you won't be in class on the day the
assignment is due then arrange to have it to me beforehand.
5. Assignments more than 3 days late will not be accepted and given a score of zero.
D. Cheating and/or Plagiarism:
Cheating, in any form, will not be tolerated. Students found to be cheating, will be dealt
with severely and immediately according to the Policy Regarding Student Cheating as stated
in the College Student Handbook.
E. Evaluation:
1. Mid-semester and final grades will be computed on the following basis:
a. Lecture average……….…60%
b. Laboratory average...…40%
2. The lecture evaluation will be determined from 4 examinations, and a comprehensive fifth
exam. Lecture exams may be given outside of class time in the Student Success Center.
3. The laboratory evaluation will be determined from weekly quizzes. Each quiz will consist of
approximately 20-40 “fill-in-the-blank”, or short answer questions. Quizzes for anatomical
laboratories may follow a practical format. Each quiz covers the lab material from the
previous week. The lowest lab quiz will be dropped for the determination of the final lab
average. Laboratory reports and drawings may be assigned.
4. Further information will be provided during the laboratory session.
5. Grading Scale: %
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=59 and below
F. The Make –up of Missed tests:
1. Only students with excusable absences, approved by the instructor, are permitted to makeup
a lecture exam or laboratory quiz. Documentation, to justify the absence, may be required.
2. Arrangements for a makeup exam or quiz must be made by the student and approved by the
instructor prior to the scheduled exam, except in unavoidable emergencies. You should not
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wait until you return to class to make arrangements.
3. A zero will be recorded for missed exams or quizzes in all other circumstances.
4. Once an exam has been given out, students will not be permitted to leave the classroom until
they are finished taking the exam.
5. If a student is ill when an exam or quiz is to be given, he/she must inform the instructor of
his/her condition prior to receiving a copy of the exam. Once the student has received the
exam, no allowance will be made for the illness.
6. All make-up lecture exams will be given December 1 in the Academic Success Center.
7. Makeup exams contain essay and/or short answer questions.
8. Missed laboratory quizzes will follow the guidelines covered in the “Laboratory
Instructions” sheet, which is distributed during the first laboratory session.
G. The “X” Grade is not given in this course.
H. Extra Credit:
Traditionally extra credit is not given in a college level course. Students have enough opportunity
to succeed in the course with the given assignments. Therefore, extra credit is not given.
I. Strategies for Success:
1. Do the reading assignments! Be sure you know the vocabulary.
2. Form study groups!!! Develop multiple-choice questions and test each other. Make them
difficult.
3. Use the Blackboard website - check it frequently for announcements, post requests for study
groups, use the posted course documents, etc. Also use the text website, especially the
practice tests.
4. Do not wait until 2 days before the exam to study. Put knowledge into long-term memory!
5. Use study cards.
6. Do not fall behind, work ahead. Check the course outline for due dates.
7. Ask questions in class and make use of my office hours.
8. Get help when you need it - from the instructor, from other students, or from the Student
Success Center.
J. Tutoring and/or Extra Help Sessions:
1. Tutoring services are provided free of charge to those students who are having difficulty with
the coursework. Students who desire assistance should go to the Student Success Center
in the Humanities Building, Room H58 to make arrangements. All Tutors for the course are
approved.
2. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, Allegany College of Maryland
programs and courses will be accessible to students with disabilities. If you are a student
with a disability and may require accommodations for this course or your academic
program, please contact the Director of Learning Support and Disability Services, Dr. June
Bracken at (301) 784-5112 (H62), jbracken@allegany.edu.
K. Laboratory Safety:
1. Expectant mothers are strongly encouraged to confer with their physician prior to engaging
in the laboratory phase of this course. If a pregnancy should occur during the semester,
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consultation with the physician is also recommended.
2. All expectant mothers should inform the laboratory instructor so that proper precautions
can be taken to ensure a safe laboratory experience for you and your unborn child.
3. Students are required to report all accidents, regardless of how minor they may appear to
be, to the instructor immediately.
4. Students are required to purchase gloves for all labs that use chemicals.
5. MSDS (chemical data sheets) are available to students.
L. Laboratory Breakage:
1. Breakage of lab equipment under $40 is not paid by students. Students are required to pay
for all damages between $40 and $100. Any breakage worth over $100 will be charged the
maximum of $100.
2. All damaged laboratory material must be paid for prior to the release of the semester
grade.
IV. BIBLOGRAPHY
A. Required texts and laboratory manuals:
1. Mader, Sylvia S., Inquiry Into Life. 13th ed., Boston, MA, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2011,
Special Edition for Allegany College of Maryland.
2. Mader, Sylvia S., Darrell Vodopich, and Randy Moore., Inquiry Into Life Laboratory Manual for
Allegany College of Maryland, 13th ed., Boston, MA, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2011.
B. Supplemental or Recommended Texts for Reference:
1. Sackheim, George I., An Introduction to Chemistry for Biology Students, 9th ed., Boston, MA,
Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2008.
2. The student is encouraged to peruse the library holdings in the subject area.
C. Supplemental Learning Resources:
The instructor has prepared supplemental handouts for the course which will be
distributed to the student at appropriated times during the semester.
D. Recommended Periodicals for Reference:
1. Natural History
2. Nature
3. Discovery
4. Science
5. Nature
6. Science News
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PRINCIPLES of BIOLOGY -100
Tentative Course Schedule
Fall 2011
Week
Topic
Reading Assignment*
1
Introduction
The Study of Life
Chp. 1
2
The Molecules of Cells
Chp. 2.1 – 2.2
3
The Molecules of Cells
Exam 1
Chp. 2.3 – 2.4
4
The Molecules of Cells
Chp. 2.5 – 2.84
5
Cell Structure & Function
Membrane Structure & Function
Chp. 3.1
Chp. 4
6
Cell Structure & Function
Chp. 3.2 – 3.4
7
Exam #2
Metabolism: Energy & Enzymes
Chp. 6
8
Cellular Respiration
Chp. 7
October 17-18 Fall BREAK
9
Exam #3
Cell Division
Cancer
Chp. 5.1 – 5.3
(5.3 covered in lab)
Chp. 25, pg. 517-520
10
October 27
Cell Division
Last Day to Withdraw from Class
Chp. 5.4 – 5.6
11
Reproductive System (human)
Chp. 21
12
Exam #4
Development and Aging
Chp. 22
Patterns of Inheritance
Chp. 23
13
14
Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
November 24-25 COLLEGE CLOSED
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December 9
Chp. 24
Final Exam (Exam #5)
Classes End
*Mader, Sylvia 2011, Inquiry Into Life, 13th ed., Boston, MA, McGraw-Hill Higher Education
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PRINCIPLES of BIOLOGY -100
Tentative Laboratory Schedule
Fall 2011
(Please bring your text to all classes with you)
Text: Mader, Sylvia S., Darrell Vodopich, & Randy Moore 2011, Inquiry Into Life Laboratory Manual for Allegany
College of Maryland, 13th ed., Boston, MA, McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Week
Topic
Exercise
Page
1
Introduction, Lab Safety
Equipment, Microscope
2.2-2.5
14-26
2
Metric System
2.1
9-13
3
Diffusion and Osmosis*
9.1-9.5 & 9.8
77-88
4
Chemical Composition of Cells*
3.1-3.3
27-40
5
The Cell*
4.1-4.10
41-56
6
Animal Organization
11.1
89-104
7
Chemical Aspects of Digestion*
12.1-12.3
105-112
8
Cellular Respiration*
9
Mitosis
5.1
57-64
10
Basic Mammalian Anatomy I*
External Anatomy: Mouth, Digestive,
Respiratory Systems
13.1-13.7
113-126
11
Basic Mammalian Anatomy II*
Urinary, Reproductive Systems
Cardiovascular System
15.1-15.4
141-154
14.1-14.4
127-140
12
Musculoskeletal System
18.1-18.3
171-184
13
Nervous System and Senses
17.1-17.4
155-170
handout
14
Embryology & Development
19.1-19.4
185-202
handouts
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Final Lab Quiz & Clean-Up
handouts
Notes:
1. If a lab session is cancelled, the missed quiz will be given the following session but the missed lab activities
will be skipped (prepare to do the exercises as scheduled on this syllabus).
2. * Denotes laboratories that require safety gloves and goggles.
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