Biology 10 – Introduction to Biology
Instructor: Paul Nagami
email: pnagami@peralta.edu
Office Hours: Between lecture and lab, B202; additional time available on request.
Website: In progress
Required Materials:
Essentials of Biology w/Physiology, Campbell
Laney College Bi 10 Lab Manual
A pack of plain 3" x 5" index cards
Description:
What can someone learn from a sample of your DNA? How can we tell whether a
vaccine is effective? And what is a "stem cell," and should we be allowed to harvest them?
To address these controversial questions, we need understand some biology. In this class
intended for non-Biology majors, you'll learn central principles of biology, how we come to
know them through scientific inquiry, and what they mean for your life in a changing world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES - What Should You Be Getting from this Class?
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
 Take an active role in your own education by taking personal responsibility for your
learning, explaining topics in your own words, and staying on top of the material.
 Explain the social significance of recent advances in biology, confidently applying
your scientific knowledge to interpret, analyze and form opinions about scientific
articles in essays and discussions.
 Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory in writing on exams.
 Discuss the principles of biology, including how living things pass down biological
information, transform energy and matter, function using specialized anatomy, and
evolve by natural selection.
 Take personal responsibility for your own understanding of the application of
science in lab.
 Cooperate and collaborate with group partners, delegating work as necessary.
 Use microscopes and other equipment correctly and care for them properly.
ASSESMENT OF THESE GOALS
Essays:
To help you tie the biology you've learned to real-world research, I assign three
essays. For each essay, you're asked to find and read an article describing a recent piece of
research that is relevant to material covered in class, then write two pages of analysis in
five-paragraph form. You should address the following points in an organized manner:
 What question were the researchers trying to answer?
 How does the research relate to the course material?
 Who conducted the research, and where?
 How was the research performed?
 What are some possible benefits of the research for the world?
These essays will be due the lecture day before the exam. However, to help keep
you on track, a mandatory outline of your essay is due two weeks or more in
advance. You may also turn in an optional first draft at least one week in advance.
Study questions:
To help you learn the material and prepare for exams, I'll release study guides for
each exam on the course website by August 28th. These will include questions to answer in
your own words, and each will be due on the day of the exam. Don't procrastinate!
Homework:
Some labs will require you to prepare in advance. To this end, there will be 2
assignments worth 15 points each to be printed from the website.
Lecture Exams:
Lecture exams exist to help you discover what you really know and don't know.
Questions about topics covered in class and in the assigned readings are fair game - as are
questions that ask you to apply what you know to new situations! Expect a mixture of
question types ranging from multiple-choice to short essay. No make-up exams are
given; if an emergency occurs, contact me ASAP.
You may re-earn half of the points you missed on one of the first two tests by
completing test corrections for the exam. For each incorrect question, explain the correct
answer biologically, then explain why you chose the answer you did. If you believe your
answer is correct and you can defend it using biology, do so! Corrections are due 1 week
from the date you took the exam.
Lab Work:
It's one thing to learn from lecture, and another to demonstrate that you can work in
a group to probe scientific questions! To receive full points for a lab session, you must show
me your completed lab (summary questions and all) before you leave each day. Be sure you
read the lab in advance, before you come to lab!
Lab Practicals:
To test your knowledge of what questions we addressed in lab and how we addressed
them, there are three lab practical exams. These exams consist of stations with questions to
answer within a limited time, as well as a few short-answer questions. I suggest making
vocabulary and activity lists for each lab.
Participation:
You're expected to attend class regularly and punctually, completing any in-lecture
assignments, such as index card activities. To earn the full participation score (20 points for
lecture, 30 for lab), you must be well-prepared, on-time, and responsible,. This includes
cleaning your lab area, contributing to group work, putting microscopes away correctly,
pushing in chairs, and being respectful of others.
How grades are earned:
Essay outlines (3 @ 5 points each)
Essays (3 @ 20 points each)
Study Questions
Homework Assignments (2 @ 15 pts)
Exams (3 @ 100 pts. each)
Lab work (5 pts/day)
Lab Practicals (3 @ 50 pts)
Participation/Effort (20 lecture/30 lab)
TOTAL:
Letter grades, by percentage:
15 pts
60 pts
30 pts
30 pts
300 pts
65 pts
150 pts
50 pts
700 pts.
A
B
C
D
F
90 – 100% (630-700 pts)
80 – 89% (560-629 pts)
70 – 79% (490-559 pts)
60 – 69% (420-489 pts)
below 59.9% (<419 pts)
***Late work will be penalized 2 points for each day of lateness. 1 wk. late =14 point loss***
Academic Integrity:
Don't copy quizzes, exams, homework, essays, anything. If you get information from
an external source in a circumstance where that makes sense, cite your sources and
rephrase in your own words. Don't talk during tests unless you're calling me over to ask a
question. Penalties range from lost points to an F in the course and a referral to the Dean.
Asking Questions/Asking for Extra Help:
I'm here to help! If you've a question during lecture, please raise your hand. If you're
having trouble in any way, contact me and we'll meet!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES
May change if necessary
Week
of
Lecture Topic
Chapter
Wednesday Lab
Friday Lab
8/19
Intro to Biology
1
Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Inquiry
8/26
Chemistry
2
Chemistry in Practice
Chemistry in Practice
9/2
Molecules of the Cell
3
Microscopy
Microscopy
9/9
Cell Structure & Function
4/5
Biological Molecules
Biological Molecules
9/16
Chemical Energy
6
Cells
Cells
9/23
Essay 1 due Wednesday
Lecture Exam Friday
Lab Practical 1 Wednesday
9/30
Cellular Reproduction
7/8
Why We Breathe
Oxygen
Why We Breathe Oxygen
10/7
Molecular Biology
9/10
Cell Reproduction
Cell Reproduction
10/14
Evolution
11/13
What Is DNA
What Is DNA
Evolutionary Processes
14
Essay 2 due Friday
Lecture Exam 2 Wednesday
Overview of Life
How Living Things
Change
How Living Things
Change
11/4
Unicellular Organisms
15/16
Microbes & Fungi
Microbes & Fungi
11/11
Fungus and Plants
17
Plant Evolution
Plant Evolution
11/18
Animal Phylogeny
18
Animal Survey
Animal Survey
11/25
Animal Phylogeny
19
Human Evolution
(home)
Thanksgiving Break
12/2
Animal Overview
Essay 3 due Friday**
21
10/21
10/28
12/9
Lab Practical 2 Friday
Lab Practical 3 Wednesday
12/13 Friday LECTURE FINAL EXAM
**last day to turn anything in!
Extra credit will be announced as the semester goes on! One extra credit assignment per
test, done before the test, may be added to that test's grade (even if that brings it over
100%). Once a test has been completed, you cannot get extra credit on it. Plan ahead!
If you intend to drop this class, it's your responsibility to do so in time! Please
don't get an F because you stopped coming.
Biology Writing Assignment Grading Chart
Name _________________________
1) Date __________2) Date__________3) Date __________
You will write three essays this semester evaluating recent articles that relate to specific topics we cover in
class. An essay is due the lecture day before each lecture exam. For each essay:
1)
2)
3)
Find a current article on a reasonably trustworthy science news website that relates to what we are
discussing in class.
Complete an outline on one of the OUTLINE SHEETS and turn it in two weeks before the essay is
due.
Write about 2 pages of analysis on your article following that outline. You do not need to strictly
adhere to your outline in every detail, but be sure to meet all the requirements of the essay.
Points
5 – go for this!
4
3
2
0
Relevance
of Article
Article is up-to-date
(from a daily
publication this
month), specifically
about an
application of a
class topic, and
well-tied to class.
Somewhat
well-tied to
class and upto-date, but
essay does
not make that
link as well
as it could.
Writing
relates to a
general class
topic, but not
a specific
idea covered
in class.
Vaguely
relevant to
biology.
Not relevant,
no analysis
Paragraph
Structure
Clear topic/thesis
statements, unified
paragraphs, solid
intro and
conclusion
Lacking in
one of the
previous
items
Lacking two
of the
previous
items
Lacking three
of the
previous
items
No intro,
conclusion
or topics
Summary of
Information
Presents research
question, research
source, research
methods/details,
and benefits of
research
Missing one
of the
previous
items
Missing two
of the
previous
items
Missing three
of the
previous
items
Missing all
of the
previous
items
Clarity and
Style
Writing is proofread
and spell-checked;
sentences are
grammatical and
progress logically
and clearly.
Writing may
be choppy or
have
grammatical
errors.
Writing is
vague,
disorganized,
and may
contain
numerous
errors.
Writing is
difficult to
follow.
Writing
cannot be
understood
at all.
Overall Point Total
Total Points ______/20
Comments:
** Turn in this exact sheet with each essay
Total Points ______/20
Total Points ______/20
Name:
Outline Sheet for 2-page Bio 101 Essay
Article title:
Article source:
Intro Paragraph Outline:
What will your thesis statement be? This is the "big picture" statement that says what your
essay is about, ideally in a way that expresses an opinion, and either begins or ends the first
paragraph (intro paragraph). For example: "The Fakename Group's latest discovery, a way to
diagnose disco fever with a genetic test, could change dancing forever."
Rough draft of your thesis statement:
What else might you put in the intro paragraph to catch the reader's attention?
Body Paragraphs Outline:
In middle three paragraphs of your essay, you'll provide information to back up your
thesis. Be sure to cover the following points, at the very least:
 What questions were the researchers trying to answer?
 How does the research relate to the course material?
 Who conducted the research, and where?
 How was the research performed?
 What are some possible benefits of the research for the world?
Don't address these points in a haphazard way. Instead, devote each paragraph to one
main idea, expressed in a topic sentence, and try to make your essay flow smoothly. In each
paragraph, support that main idea with two or three pieces of evidence. Don't quote word-forword; instead, explain the evidence in your own words.
The main idea of my second paragraph will be:
The main idea of my third paragraph will be:
The main idea of my fourth paragraph will be:
Finally, you'll need a conclusion paragraph. In this paragraph, you should wrap up your
discussion without bringing in any new information. You could restate your position, summarize,
link it to everyday life, or ask a possible follow-up question, but try to end on a conclusive note.
Good luck!
GRADE RECORD - This needs to be updated each time you turn in an essay
Lecture Exams
Lab Practical
Participation (20/30)
1)
1)
Lecture ______
2)
2)
Lab ______
3)
3)
Study Guides
(10 pts each)
Lab work (5 pts each)
Essay Outlines (5 pts each)
1)
11)
1)
1)
2)
12)
2)
2)
3)
13*)
* to be
completed at
home
3)
3)
4)
Essays (20 pts each)
Homework
(15 points each)
5)
1)
6)
1)
2)
7)
2)
3)
8)
9)
10)
Lab work total
1)
2)
3)
Overall Total
Extra Credit
% grade
1)
2)
3)

To find your %, divide the points you’ve earned by the total possible
FALL 2013 SEMESTER SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Aug 19
TUESDAY
Aug 20
WEDNESDAY
Aug 21
inquiry
THURSDAY
Aug 22
FRIDAY
Aug 23
inquiry
Aug 27
Aug 28
chemistry
Aug 29
Aug 30
chemistry
Aug 31
Sep 4
microscope
Sep 5
Sep 6
microscope
Sep 7
Sep 11
Molecules
Outline Due
Sep 12
Sep 13
Sep 14
Classes begin
Aug 26
SATURDAY
Aug 24
Saturday classes begin
Sep 2
Sep 3
HOLIDAY (Labor
Day)
Census Day
Sep 9
Sep 10
Sept 1: Last day to add
& to drop w/o W
molecules
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
cells
Sep 19
Sep 20
cells
Sep 21
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 26
Oct 1
Sep 27
Lab meets Weds
Lec Exam 1
Oct 4
breathing oxygen
Sep 28
Sep 30
Sep 25
Practical 1
Essay Due
Oct 2
breathing oxygen
Oct 7
Oct 8
Oct 9
making new cells
Oct 10
Oct 11
making new cells
Oct 12
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 17
Oct 18
DNA
Outline Due
Oct 19
Oct 3
DNA
Oct 5
Last day to file for
AA/AS
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 23
changing DNA
Oct 24
Oct 25
changing DNA
Essay Due
Nov 1
Practical 2
Oct 26
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 31
Nov 4
Nov 5
Oct 30
Lab meets Friday
Lec Exam 2
Nov 6
microbes & fungi
Nov 7
Nov 8
microbes & fungi
Nov 9
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
plant evolution
Nov 14
Nov 15
plant evolution
Nov 16
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
animal survey
Outline Due
Nov 23
Nov 27
Human Evol.
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
HOLIDAY
Thanksgiving
HOLIDAY
Thanksgiving
NO SAT. CLASSES
HOLIDAY (Vet's Day)
Nov 18
Nov 19
animal survey
Nov 25
Nov 26
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Practical 3
Dec 5
Dec 6
Essay Due
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Final Exam
Finals
Finals
Finals
Finals
Finals
Nov 2
Attend. Verif. Day
Last day to drop with
W
Dec 7
Sat. class Finals
Dec 14
Week 1 Checklist
Due on Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Please get the following tasks done by Wednesday, August 28th. If there's a problem,
don't hesitate to contact me! Check off each line to show you've done what's asked for, and
sign the bottom of the page when you're done. Bring this completed checklist to lab.
NOTE: Wait-listed students should not complete this checklist until they are
enrolled in the course!
______
Read the syllabus and calendar carefully.
______
Based on what you've read/seen, write down one question you have about
this class in the space below:
______
Find a copy of Campbell's Essential Biology with Physiology. Any edition will
do. Share if you must, but be sure you can do all the assigned readings in time.
______
Read Chapters 1 and 2 of the text. If you can't do this in time, make a note
of that at left and get it done by Friday; you'll still get credit if you compete the
rest of this checklist.
______
Buy a copy of the Biology 10 Lab Manual from the bookstore.
______
Buy a set of 3" x 5" blank index cards and bring them to every class.
______
Send an e-mail to pnagami@peralta.edu from your preferred e-mail address.
I've finished the above tasks and have read the syllabus carefully.
___________________________
Name (Print legibly)
__________________________
Signature
__________________________
Date