COURSE SYLLABUS
BIOLOGY 212
ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WINTER 2014
INSTUCTOR: KEVIN MARX CULHANE
2014 Winter Term: January 6 – March 21
Jan 6
Winter Classes Begin
Jan 20
MLK, Jr.’s birthday - no classes
Feb 17
President’s Day - no classes
Mar 19
Lecture class – Final exam
Check out the RCC Science Department on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/rogueccscience
Instructor: Kevin Culhane
Contacts: Phone (541) 245-7621
Office: HEC 301-G
E-mail: kculhane@roguecc.edu
Office Hours: Also by appointment if students are unable to make the posted
hours.
Monday
noon – 1 pm and 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Tuesday
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursday
11:00 am - noon
Students who are having trouble with this course, should please seek
assistance before it becomes too late. I encourage you to come to my office
and talk with me. I can help you with the material, give study tips,
encouragement, or whatever else it takes to lead you on the right track to
success in Biology.
Prerequisites: MTH 60, RD 30, BI 211; CHEM 104 is highly recommended
Course Description:
This sequence of biology is primarily for the professional student majoring in the
biological sciences, science education, nursing, and allied health fields.
This course serves as an introduction to both the organization and diversity of
bacterial, protist, and animal kingdoms as well as how natural changes occur
over time.
It will include lectures on the major taxonomic groups of each kingdom and will
stress the evolutionary relationships between them.
Lab work will involve the use of laboratory tools, dissection, classification
terminology, observation of preserved specimens, and the use of compound and
dissecting microscopes. Please note that there is some dissection of organisms
required.
Required Materials:
Text:
Biology Campbell & Reece. 9th edition, 2011
Lab manual: Biology Lab Manual Custom Version for RCC 10th edition
McGraw-Hill
“iClicker”: RCC approved clicker device – available in the RCC bookstore.
Safety Goggles: students are responsible for purchasing and using approved
safety goggles meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989/2003 with polycarbonate lens
and indirect venting (optional fog-free lens). Welding supply stores carry
comfortable goggles that meet the safety standards but cost a few dollars more.
Students must also supply nitrile gloves for lab. The bookstore carries all of
these.
Recommended Materials:
You may want to purchase a dissection kit. Be sure it is one with disposable
blades.
I strongly recommend that you purchase the dissection aid, Photo Atlas for
General Biology, 2nd edition by Strete & Vodopich available in the bookstore.
It’s a great visual aid and supplementary reference book for the labs.
Suggested book: Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms by Donald
Borror
Items to Leave at Home (or turned off):
Cell phones, noisy pagers, game devices, beeping watches, pets, kids, etc.
Winter closures: Consult either the College’s website or dial (541) 245-7500
or (541) 956-7500 for the most up-to-the-minute closure info. We have up-to-theminute direct control over these two sources
.
Objectives will be met through the following methods of evaluation:
Lecture and lab exams that require the synthesis of material, analysis of and
conclusions to be drawn from data.
Weekly reading quizzes, lab write-ups, and class participation.
Lecture make-up exams will be allowed only if they are arranged prior to the inclass exam and are entirely composed of essay questions.
Lecture: There will be three exams each worth 100 pts. These exams are not
accumulative but previously learned material may be needed to answer
questions on the current exam. The exams are tentatively scheduled for January
29th (due date) , February 26th, and March 19th. Exams will be returned to the
instructor and may be reviewed in the instructor’s office. Old exams will be
shredded two weeks into the next term.
Lab: there will be two lab practicum exams during the term, each worth 75 pts.
The exams are tentatively scheduled for February 12 and March 19.
Lab practica are to be taken independently – not with lab partners.
Lab attendance is required since lab sessions cannot be made up. As this is a
lab science course, at least 70% of the labs must be accomplished, with a “C”
grade or better in order to get a passing grade for the course. For example, if
you had an 80% in the class, but only turned in 50% of the lab reports, you would
still receive a failing grade for the course.
The student is free to leave when the lab has been completed, the work area is
cleaned, and the instructor has given his stamped approval of work completed.
Five lab quizzes will test for pre-reading of that week’s lab.
Labs, quizzes, and lab exams CANNOT be made up as set-up time, materials,
and shared lab space do not allow for it.
Research assignment: One research assignment worth 50 points will be given
this term. This will be discussed further in lecture. Typed up one page outline of
research topic due February 12th (half page description); and the final report will
be due March 5th (five pages typed). Late papers will be docked 20 points.
Reading Quizzes:
a) There will be a take home reading quiz given each week during the first day
of lecture. The quizzes will cover reading material for the next week. They are
due each Monday in lecture, or Wednesday lecture if there is a Monday holiday.
One reading quiz on Phylogeny will be worth 10 extra credit points and is
optional but highly recommended.
b) There will be in class clicker questions given most weeks during lecture.
More will be discussed about these during the first lecture.
Biology in the News: a reading assignment will be given on a topic related to
the textbook material. This will be worth 10 pts.
Course Grading Scale and Points:
Lecture Exams
300 pts
Lab Work & Exams
230 pts
Research assignment
50 pts
Clicker questions
60 pts
Biology in the News
10 pts
Lab Quizzes
25 pts
Reading Quizzes
100 pts
Total
775 pts
Attendance and Drop Policy: Introductory biology, while a fascinating subject,
is a difficult course. Students who attend classes only periodically will have a
very difficult time succeeding in this class. Students must sign the attendance
sheet each day of class to document their presence. It is the student's
responsibility to make sure that the attendance sheet is signed.
Students who have perfect attendance will be given 10 extra credit points on
the final grade.
Excused absences that do not affect the extra credit are verified and include: jury
duty, citizenship, funeral or medical emergencies (not normal illness, such as a
cold or flu unless verified by a doctor’s note).
Students With Disabilities: Any student that feels that he or she may need an
academic accommodation for any disability, such as vision, hearing, orthopedic,
learning disabilities, psychological or other medical conditions, should make an
appointment with the Support Services Office (located in the Wiseman Tutoring
Center on the Redwood Campus, or Wards/G-207 at the Riverside campus).
Student Responsibilities: It is each student's responsibility to be aware of all
college procedures, such as: how to add, drop, or withdraw from a class, and the
available student services.
For more information, refer to your Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, and
the Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibility Statement.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE COLLEGE
POLICY AND ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TAKES ALL INCIDENTS OF
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SERIOUSLY AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY.
THIS INCLUDES A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE OR EXPULSION
FROM THE COLLEGE.
Syllabus Disclaimer: A syllabus is designed to provide the student with a guide
to course procedures, requirements, and grading policy.
Sometimes it is necessary to alter the assignments or point totals due to
availability of materials, emergencies, or to create the most beneficial learning
program for the success of the student.
I reserve the right to alter the grade total + 10%, to change the assignments to
deal with situations or emergencies as needed, or to alter the suggested test or
lab schedule to create a more productive learning program for student success.
Optional field trips: Towards the end of the term, we will attempt to offer a field
trip to the coast which will have an optional write up of field observations for extra
credit or replacement of a low lab or reading quiz score.
This field trip is highly recommended as it coordinates the material in a hands-on
experience of observing the many organisms that we’ve studied in lab living in
their natural habitats. Identification, species interactions, and the affects of
varying environmental conditions will be examined and discussed.
The trip is usually held in late February or early March on a Saturday at a time
that would allow us to view coastal communities at low tide.
In addition, if there is sufficient interest, we may be able to visit a New Guinea
Singing dog breeder in Central Point to hear her hypothesis about dog origins. A
write up discussion will count towards replacing a low reading quiz or lab score.
EXAMINATION POLICY
There will be NO opportunity to make up missed lab practicum exams.
Make-up lecture exams will be composed entirely of essay questions, and, if
possible, the instructor should be contacted prior to the exam date.
Review the list of Study Skills suggestions on the next page.
Studying Skills:
Biology is a challenging and involved field of study that requires a considerable
effort on the part of the student. Due to time constraints, not all topics will be
covered in lecture, but students are still responsible to learn the material.
Students should commit a portion of each day for reviewing lecture and reading
notes. Nothing can take the place of good study habits; the following is a list of
helpful hints:
1. Read the text before the material is covered in class.
2. When reading new material, note a question mark alongside sections
that you do not understand.
3.
If the lecture or lab does not clear it up, ASK QUESTIONS!
4. Use office hours for one-on-one assistance or make an appointment to
see me.
5. Write down new or difficult words on 3x5 cards. Put definitions or
concepts on the back. Carry these flash cards and use them to quiz
yourself.
6. Carefully study diagrams and illustrations before you actually read the
text.
7. While reading, use markers to highlight key ideas.
8. Summarize what you have read. After finishing a paragraph restate
the main ideas in your own words.
9. Form study groups with your classmates and friends.
10. Take good notes! Compare notes during study sessions.
11. Review material on a daily basis: flash cards, reading, notes, and
review questions. DO NOT CRAM FOR EXAMS!
12. Answer the review questions at the end of the chapter, but dive deeper
to look for connections and relationships.
13. Build a mental image or model of what is discussed or read.
14. Employ mnemonic devices to remember material.
15. Use the textbook’s accompanying CD for review and additional
information
16. ASK QUESTIONS!
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANNOUNCED CHANGES IN THE
FOLLOWING COURSE SYLLABUS:
Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics & Readings for Bio 212
Week Date Chapter
1
1/6
22 (26)
1/8
22 & 23
Topic/Exam
Descent with Modification
Evolution of Populations
2
1/13
1/17
23
24
Evolution of Populations
Origin of Species
3
1/20
1/22
Holiday
24
No Class
Origin of Species
4
1/27
1/29
25
19
5
2/3
2/5
27
27/28
Bacteria and Archaea
Archaea / Protists
6
2/10
2/12
28
28
Protists
Protists lab practicum #1 & research outline due
7
2/17 Holiday
No Class
2/19 Lecture Exam 2: Chapters 19, 27, & 28
February 21st TENTATIVE Friday field trip: New Guinea Singing dogs
8
2/24
2/26
32
32
9
3/3
3/5
33
33
10
3/10
3/12
34
34
Vertebrates
Vertebrates
11
3/17
3/19
34
Vertebrates
Lecture Exam 3: Chapters 32, 33, & 34
and Lab Practicum #2
History of Life on Earth (Take Home Exam #1)
Viruses
Take Home Lecture Exam 1 due: Chapters 22 - 26
Animal Diversity
Animal Diversity
Invertebrates: Lophotrochozoans
Invertebrates: Ecdysozoans
(Research paper due)
March 8th TENTATIVE Saturday Coastal Field Trip
Tentative Schedule of Laboratory Topics for Bio 212
1
1/8
Lab #17 Understanding Evolution (petri dishes)
2
1/15
Handout Lab Activity: Horse Skull Fossils)
3
1/22
lab #18 on Diversity and Lab #19 Understanding Viruses
4
1/29
Lab 20 Bacteria
5
2/5
Lab #21 This Fine Mess: Protists
6
2/12
Lab Practicum Exam #1 – labs 17 – 21 & horse skulls lab
7
2/19
Lab #29 From the Sea: Animals Part 1
8
2/26
Lab #30 Lophotrocozoa: Animals Part 2
9
3/5
Lab #31 Ecdysozoans: Animals Part 3
March. 9th Saturday: Optional field trip to Crescent City Harbor, CA 4:00 pm low tide
10
3/12
Lab #32The Deutrostomes: Animals Part 4
11
3/19
Lab Practicum Exam #2 – labs 29 -32
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANNOUNCED
CHANGES IN THE LAB SYLLABUS
LAB DUE DATES
Lab assignments will be due at the beginning of the next week's lab. Labs must
be stamped BEFORE you leave the lab; unstamped labs will not be accepted.
No late work is accepted, unless extenuating circumstances are allowed for by
the instructor, and then the due date is the next lecture class.
2014 Winter Term
RIVERSIDE (RVC) TESTING CENTER HOURS
Monday
8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday
8:30am - 7:30pm
Wednesday
8:30am - 7:30pm
Thursday
8:30am - 7:30pm
Friday
8:30am – 3:00pm
All testing centers will be closed on the following days:




Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 17 – Presidents’ Day
March 21 – Last Friday of term
March 22-30 – term break
Intended Outcomes
Selected ILO Indicator
1. Students will be
responsible members of the
class.
2. Students will be selfconfident in their
relationships with instructors
and other students.
3. Students will arrive on
time to class and use class
time wisely.
4. Students will work in a
laboratory setting in groups
allowing for mutual support
and success.
5. Students will use the MS
Suite of programs to analyze
and communicate results of
laboratory exercises.
6. Students will be confident
and comfortable in class to
ask relevant questions.
7. Students will organize
research data as well as data
they collect themselves.
8. Students will understand
the implications of their
actions on the ecological
systems of the Earth.
9. Students will solve
problems using a
combination of experience,
new knowledge, and
available resources.
10. Students will use
mathematical tools to
develop relationships
between data sets.
11. Students will work
safely in lab.
Course Objectives
COM 3. Collaborate
effectively to achieve
course/learning goals.
Assessment Methods
Assessment rubric for
COM3 will be used to
measure student progress
toward mastery of COM3.
Assessment Methods
Course Objectives
Explain the fundamental concepts of the theory of
evolution including the species concept.
Assessment Methods
Class discussion, lab exams, quizzes and
exercises, lecture exams, homework.
Explain and use the current system of taxonomy.
Student use in discussion, on labs, exams
and other written exercises.
Lab exams, quizzes and exercises, lecture
exams, homework.
Understands, describes, draws, defines,
differentiates, list, identifies and/or diagrams:
 The structure, life cycle and importance of
viruses and prions
 The structure, reproduction and importance
of prokaryotes.
 Characteristics of Eubacteria and
Archaebacteria
Understands, describes, draws, defines,
differentiates, list, identifies and/or diagrams the
classification, structure, life style and importance of
the Protist Kingdom.
Understands, describes, draws, defines,
differentiates, lists, identifies and/or diagrams:
 The classification of animals on the basis of
shape, including symmetry and directional
terms.
 The different animal body plans including:
 acoleomates, pseudocoelomates, and
coloemates,
 diploblastic and triploblastic organisms
 radial and bilateral symmetry
 The embryological development plans
of the animal kingdom
Describe the important features, structures,
physiology, and characteristics found in the
following:
 protista
 sponges
 cnidarians and ctenophores
 flatworms, ribbon worms, and jaw worms
 pseudocoelomate animals
 mollusks
 segmented worms
 arthropods
 lesser protostomes
 echinoderms and lesser deuterostomes
 fish
 amphibians
 reptiles
 birds
 mammals
Lab exams, quizzes and exercises, lecture
exams, homework.
Lab exams, quizzes and exercises, lecture
exams, homework.
Class discussion, exams and quizzes lab
exercises, and homework.