OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE
Principles of Biology
Course Outline
Spring 2013
Course Number and Title:
Professor David Werner, Instructor
BIOL 114 -1. Principles of Biology
Course Hours – 4.0
Contact Hours– 5.0
Class Meeting Schedule:
Wednesday 5:00 PM – 9:20 PM
MATES building, Room 201 (Lecture), Room 114 (Lab)
Email: dwerner@mail.ocvts.org (Work)
dwerner@occ.mailcruiser.com (Required)
Contact Phone: 609-978-8439 x4003
Catalog Description:
Major concepts discussed in this course include cell structure, biochemical reactions, energy
relationships, and evolution.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites:
High School Chemistry is recommended
Maximum Class Size: 22
Justification:
This course is recommended for transfer into Liberal Arts Degree Programs
This course satisfies the need for increased literacy in the Biological Sciences
This course is a prerequisite for BI 130 and BI 161.
Textbook/Laboratory Manual:
Starr, C. & Taggart, R. (2006). Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life.
12th ed. Thompson/Brookstone Publishers: New York.
Starr, C. & Taggart, R. (2006). Evolution of Life. 12th ed. Thompson/Brookstone
Publishers: New York.
Starr, C. & Taggart, R. (2006). Student Workbook. 12th ed. Thompson/Brookstone
Publishers: New York.
Course Objectives:
Students enrolled in this course will develop an understanding of the basic tenets of biology that
apply to all living organisms, the origin of life and evolution, cellular and bio-molecular
concepts, reproduction, and basic genetics. Familiarization with terminology and research
techniques related to the Biological Sciences.
1. Understanding of the major theories of the evolution of life on earth, and the merits of
each.
2. Comprehension of the structure and function of biological molecules and the processes
associated with the function of these molecules.
3. Awareness of the structure and function of the cell, both in single and multi-cellular
dimensions.
4. Comprehension of the taxonomical and evolutionary relationship of all living things;
specifically the evolution and development of bacteria, fungi, and plants.
5. Application of scientific principles – research and theory – through the review of current
information published in scientific literature and web sites.
Overview of Course Content
I. Principles of Cellular Life
Molecules of Life
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Membranes
Cellular Metabolism – Photosynthesis and Respiration
II. Principles of Inheritance
How Cells Reproduce – Mitosis and Meiosis
Patterns in Inherited Traits
Genes, Chromosomes, and Human Inheritance
From DNA to Protein
III. Principles of Evolution
Evidence of Evolution
Micro evolutionary Processes
Evolutionary Patterns, Rates, and Trends
Life’s Origin and Early Evolution
Instructional Delivery Methodology
The methods of instructional delivery that will be employed in this course include class lecture,
discussion, and library/web-based research. In addition, laboratory sessions will stress a
tactile/discovery approach to scientific investigation.
Ocean County College Grading Scale:
All student assessment methods will be measured using the Ocean County College grading scale. The
grading scale is:
90 to 100
87 to 89
80 to 86
77 to 79
70 to 76
60 to 69
Less than 60
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Above Average
Average
Passing, but below average
Failure
Student Assessment Methodology:
Lecture/Exams/Projects
75%
Four Hourly Examinations
15%
Projects
15%
2
Laboratory
Laboratory Exercises
Attendance
20%
20%
5%
Reading Your Textbook:
1. Before you read anything in any chapter of our text, please read the Study Outline at the end
of each chapter. This will help you to acquire a general overview regarding the contents of
each chapter, and how my lectures fit with each chapter.
2. Do not start reading a chapter – instead, go to the chapter sub-headings and compose a
question that will stimulate you to become an active reader. Remember what, where, when,
why, who and how are the six words for composing questions.
3. When you are ready to read, read at as brisk a rate as is possible – predict what the author is
about to say. Use the margins to annotate and highlight the key points of each chapter or just
for general notes. Make reading an active process, do not attempt to study intensively for
more than 10-15 minutes without a 1-5 minute break – this allows you brain time to process
and consolidate newly acquired information.
4. After you have read a sub-topic within a chapter, try to rephrase the topic in your own words
– if you cannot do this, you must go back and re-read the material.
5. Review the selected Terms at the end of each chapter, and check the Chapter Objectives at
the beginning of each chapter to make certain that you understand them.
Website: Please log on to the website to get class notes and announcements.
Course Requirements:
It is assumed for any reason, if a student is absent for an exam or laboratory session, it is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor before the missed class if possible to make arrangements to for a
make-up session.
Examinations: Examination format will include multiple choice and true/false questions, which will
your knowledge of material presented in lecture, readings, and discussion. Each exam will constitute
17% of your final grade.
All examinations must be taken on the date scheduled except in case of an emergency. In case of the
above, the instructor must be notified in advance that an examination is going to be missed. No make-up
exams will be provided if you fail to notify and discuss your situation with the instructor. No extra credit
work will be made available to make-up for an examination test grade.
Laboratory Requirements: The laboratory component of this course has specific requirements. First, it
is important to maintain a clean, safe working environment; therefore the following safety rules must be
observed:
1. No food or drink is allowed in the laboratory.
2. No sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed in the laboratory.
3. Hand washing and other hygienic methods must be employed to ensure that there is no
contamination to each other or to the specimens.
4. Microscopes must be cleaned before they are returned to the microscope cabinets.
5. All waste must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacle.
3
6. The laboratory must be cleaned and all instruments returned to their appropriate storage
container before the class is dismissed.
General Policy Statements:
It is my responsibility as the instructor to create an environment that is conducive to learning. This
begins with commencing and ending class on time. If you are late to arrive and/or need to leave early
please do so in the least disruptive manner. Take a seat close to the door, remove your coat prior to
entering or after leaving the classroom, have your notebook in hand and/or pack up once you have left
the classroom. Please do not ask your neighbor what you missed – see me after class and I will fill you
in.
Please do not conduct personal business during class – this includes all types of personal conversations
(live, text messaging, phone calls, etc.). In fact please turn all electronics off.
Statement about Civility: Ocean County College defines civility primarily as the demonstration of
respect for others, basic courtesy, reciprocity (treating others as we wish to be treated), and behaviors
that create a positive environment in which to learn and to work. [See www.ocean.edu/civility.htm]
Attendance: During each class meeting I will distribute an attendance sheet please place your initials
next to your name. It is your responsibility to sign-in.
Anyone who withdraws from this class must acquire the appropriate paperwork from the Registrar’s
Office to “officially withdraw”. Non-attendance does not count as an official withdrawal and will result
in a grade of “F” for this course.
Academic Honesty: “Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to plagiarism, cribbing and
cheating on examinations, quizzes, class projects or papers. Any student aiding another student in any
form of dishonesty is considered equally guilty.” OCC Student Handbook, pg. 35.
Cheating is not acceptable and will result in a grade of 0 for that examination and will be turned over to
the appropriate College source for disciplinary action.
Please review policy #5180 in the student handbook for the penalties associated with plagiarism and
cheating.
Campus Resources and Services: Student Success Seminars are scheduled each week and are posted
on the College website under “Campus Resources and Services.” More information on College Services
can be found by using the A-Z index on the College website (for example, under “T” for tutoring, “C”
Career Services, etc.).
Statement of Accommodation: If there is any student in this class who has special needs because of
learning disabilities or other kinds of disabilities, please feel free to come and discuss this with me or a
staff member for Disability Services.
Disclaimer: Reasonable changes to this course outline may be made exclusive of course requirements,
course calendar, and grading procedures.
4
Week
Topics
Readings/Assignme
nts
Ch.1
Lab Exercises
Microscope Lab #5/Atoms
& Molecules #2
Present Cell Project
Osmosis & Diffusion #3
Session 1 – 1/23
Introduction to Course/Invitation to Biology
Session 2 – 1/30
Life’s Chemical Basis/
The Nature of Molecules
Cell Structure and Function
A Closer Look at Cell Membranes
Exam #1 (Ch.1-4)
Ch.2 & 3
Where it all Starts – Photosynthesis
& Cellular Respiration
How Cells Reproduce (Mitosis)
Meiosis
Exam #2 (Ch.5-10)
Ch.7 & Parts of 8
Photosynthesis #8
Ch.9 & Parts of 10
Mitosis/Meiosis #11/12
Ch.11 & 12
Human Variation #16
Session 9 – 3/20
Observing Patterns in Inherited Traits
Chromosomes & Human Inheritance
DNA Structure & Function
Ch.13
DNA #10
Session 10 – 3/27
NO CLASS
SPRING BREAK
Session 11 – 4/3
Exam #3 (Ch.11-13)
Session 12 – 4/10
Session 13 – 4/17
Intro to Evolution and symbiotic
Relationships
Evidence of Evolution
Present DNA
Project
Ch.17
Session 14 – 4/24
Session 3 – 2/6
Session 4 – 2/13
Session 5 – 2/20
Session 6 – 2/27
Session 7 – 3/6
Session 8 – 3/13
Ch.4 & 5
Ch.17
Natural Selection #26
Invertebrate Evolution
Ch.25
Session 15 – 5/1
Vertebrate Evolution
Ch.26
Animal
Observations/Dissections
Animal
Observations/Dissections
Session 16 – 5/8
Exam #4 (17, 25, 26)
Turn In Fish
Evolution Project
This is a tentative schedule. Due dates and topics may change throughout the course of the semester.
5