SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College
Fall, 2013
Course: Honors Biology 1224-Biology for Majors
Section #: 203
CRN#: 20150
Day and Time: Lecture-online; Lab M 9:00am – 11:50am
Start and end dates: Aug 19 – Dec 9
Course Delivery Method: Blended
Course format: Lecture (online) and Lab (face-to-face)
Instructor: Jennifer Kneafsey, M.Ed., M.S.
(Pronounced ‘neef-see’)
Office Location: NE 2106
Office Hours: M 8:30 – 9:00am, 1:30 – 4:00pm
T 8:30 – 9:00am, 1:30 – 4:00pm
W 8:30 – 9:00am, 1:30 – 4:30pm
TH 8:30 – 9:00am
Office Email: jennifer.kneafsey@tulsacc.edu Office Phone: (918)595-7490
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Science, Math, & Engineering
Associate Dean: Dave Sollars
Office: NEC 1130
Phone Number: (918)595-7542
TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS SERVICES:
Director: Dr. Mike Limas
Office: NEC A153
Phone: (918)595-7474
COURSE PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course includes an in-depth study of fundamental biological
concepts, including metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, evolution, and ecology at the subcellular,
cellular, and organismal levels. It provides the foundation for other advanced courses in the
biological sciences. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
NEXT COURSE(S) IN SEQUENCE: Depends on your degree program
TEXTBOOKS, SUPPLIES, & OTHER RESOURCES:
Title: Biology in Focus
Edition: 1st Authors: Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky, Jackson,
Reece
Publisher: Pearson
ISBN: 978-0-321-81380-0
Note: The textbook is packaged in the TCC bookstore with online Mastering Biology access,
access to the e-book, and access to my Panopto recorded lectures. Biology professors from 3 TCC
campuses negotiated our buying strength with the publisher to keep the price for the book, online
assignment system, and recorded lectures to approximately $100.
Mastering Biology Website—You will need access to this website to complete assignments for this
class. If you purchase a new book from the bookstore, a Mastering Biology access card is
included. The access card will also give you access to the recorded lectures. I will give you more
specific information about Mastering Biology access during the first lab session.
SCANTRON forms: Each student will need one SCANTRON form 882-E for each of the 4 learning
assessments. These are available for purchase in the NEC Bookstore for approximately $1 for a
package of 6 forms.
Textbooks and supplies may be purchased at: NEC Bookstore or online
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COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to—
o Identify and describe the structure and functions of cells as a beginning of molecular
organization necessary for life.
o Explain the nature of science and it’s methods by describing and utilizing the Scientific
Method
o Explain that organisms are made up of integrated groups of small units, giving consideration
of this organization from the molecular to the organ systems levels of development.
o Analyze the basic ecological concepts governing the biosphere.
o Demonstrate an awareness of the biotic world during a time in which its very existence may
be threatened.
o Describe the diversity as it appears in all phyla as a function of evolutionary development
with consideration given to the genetic mechanisms involved.
TEACHING METHODS: Lecture material will be covered through postings on the Internet,
including lecture notes, animations, and use of the website provided by the textbook publisher.
Lab is scheduled for three hours each week. The lecture material and laboratory material correlate
with each other as closely as possible. Computer presentations, web resources, and web
discussions may be used to supplement the lecture, lab and reading materials.
The method of instruction will be primarily via the Blackboard course site using the assigned
reading material in the text and external sites and resources online as supplemental sources of
information. Hands-on and large scale models will be used in lab to assist with student
understanding in the laboratory. The student is responsible for ALL lecture, lab and assigned text
material.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Students must wear goggles and protective gloves during
designated labs. These will be provided for you. Both latex and vinyl gloves will be available. Lab
coats or aprons are recommended during some lab exercises but are not required. These are also
available for your use in the lab room. If you prefer to provide your own safety equipment, please
be aware that goggles, gloves, lab coats and aprons are available for sale at local vendors.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES: Students will be evaluated through quizzes, exams, discussion
presentations, LearnSmart assignments and virtual labs in addition to work completed during class.
Details are provided below in this syllabus.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance in lab and participation online are integral parts of your success in
this course.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK: If you encounter a problem that will prevent you
from completing work on time, please contact the instructor by phone or email to discuss the
situation. Late work (other than Mastering assignments) will only be accepted if there has been a
documented emergency. If you know in advance that you will be absent, please let me know as
soon as possible so that we can discuss the possibility that work can be completed ahead of time.
There will be no make-up exams unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.
No make-up quizzes or labs will be given.
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COURSE WITHDRAWAL: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the
duration of any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from
a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for
deadlines. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a
course grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student. Friday,
November 8th is the last day to withdraw with a “W” grade or to change from credit to audit.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated Outlook 365 email address
(ex: jane.doe@tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course
assignments will be sent to your TCC email address; and you must use your TCC email
to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
**You may choose to forward your TCC e-mail to another e-mail account!**
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates
gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education
and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical
Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions,
beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of
ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. If you must
use your cell phone to receive a call or text message that cannot wait until after class, please step
into the hallway to briefly take care of the problem. Cell phones must not make noise during class.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will
be notified of any changes to the syllabus in writing.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call
(918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE: Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance
with the Governor’s Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 11523 which prohibits smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor
workplace, and all vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and
instrumentalities. This Order includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not
limited to, all grounds, buildings, facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community College’s policy
includes a tobacco free environment on all campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit
or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police is responsible for ensuring compliance with the
Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations of the policy may be addressed through issuance of
campus or state citations.
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of
others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is
not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa
Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to
the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the
dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a
faculty member may:

Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;

Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;

Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;

Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request
that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook,
and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC
website: www.tulsacc.edu
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Work through each lesson by:
•Reading and taking notes over the chapter material
• Performing virtual and actual lab activities
• Using web resources available with text, including tutorial quizzes and flash cards
• Participating in group discussions
• View all assigned animations and websites
TENTATIVE EVALUATION TECHNIQUES—Subject to change at the instructor’s
discretion:
ASSIGNMENTS
Blackboard Orientation – Each student is required to complete the Blackboard orientation
during the first week of class. Access Blackboard from the TCC homepage; www.tulsacc.edu .
Use the link to complete the orientation, then e-mail the codeword to me to complete your first
assignment. This must be completed before any other points can be earned. Students are
expected to use the TCC Blackboard system throughout the course to access course information,
including announcements and assignment details. Log on to Blackboard using your college-wide
ID number (without the T in front of it) and your password (usually your 6 digit birthdate), then
select the Honors Biology 1224 course.
Quizzes - There will be 5 announced online quizzes, valued at 20 points each. The dates for
these quizzes are listed in the timeline at the end of this syllabus. The quizzes will be taken online
via the Mastering Biology website at your convenience during the dates specified.
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Learning Assessments – There will be four learning assessments valued at 100 points each.
Each learning assessment will consist of a combination of multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill
in the blank, and short answer questions. Approximately 40% of the value of each learning
assessment will come from the non-multiple choice portion. The other approximately 60% will be
multiple choice questions. Some Learning Assessments will be given during the scheduled lab
times and others will be taken in the NE campus testing center at your convenience during the
testing window. Learning Assessments are cumulative in that you must continue to build upon the
information gained as the class progresses.
Mastering Biology—This is a tutorial and practice system provided by the publisher of your
textbook, Pearson Publishing. For this class, you will have assignments to complete in Mastering
Biology for most topics we cover. I will help you register for Mastering Biology during our first lab
session. Or, follow these directions:
 Sign into your school's Blackboard system. Go to your instructor's course. Click the "Pearson Mastering
Biology" menu button on the left side of the screen. Click on the "Pearson Mastering Course Home”
button. Follow the on-screen directions from there. **Note—there is a free, temporary trial available if
you don’t have a book or a Mastering Biology access code yet. You can get started on the free trial,
then insert or purchase a code within approximately 2 weeks to continue.

Or, use this Jing video to see the process:
http://screencast.com/t/dPVlaG2U
After your initial registration, you can move between Blackboard and Mastering without logging in separately.
Due dates for Mastering assignments are listed on the calendar on our course’s Mastering home page. Late work is
penalized 15% per day for Mastering assignments. Quizzes in Mastering cannot be taken after the due date.
Mastering Biology will help you practice major concepts and will test your understanding of these concepts. The
percentage of point you’ve earned from Mastering Biology chapter assignments will be multiplied by the 250 total
points possible. For example, if you’ve earned 86% of the points possible in the Mastering system, 0.86 x 250 = 215
points would be added to your total grade. There are personalized Adaptive Follow up assignments that will be made
based on your performance in mastery. Completing these or testing out of them (scoring 95% or higher on the
original chapter assignment) will increase your overall Mastering Biology score.
Lab Exercises/Reports - Lab exercises and reports will be submitted for evaluation. These will
vary in point value, but the total point value for all labs will be 250 points. Some labs will be
assessed individually and others will be completed in groups.
News To Use Presentation – Each person will present a short (approximately 2 - 4 minute)
summary about a newsworthy item or current event in Biology related to the chapter that student
has been assigned. Research must come from valid .gov or .edu sources, or from peer-reviewed
journals. A written copy of the summary, including references, must be submitted at the time of
the presentation. This assignment is worth 25 points.
The final grade will be determined according to the following system:
Learning Assessments, 4 @ 100 points…...…….….400 points possible
Quizzes, 4 @ 25 points……………………………………..100 points possible
Lab Exercises & Reports……………………….…………255 points possible
LearnSmart Assignments……….…………………..……250 points possible
News to Use Presentation……………………………….20 points
Total = 1025 points possible
*Note that there are 1025 points possible in the class, but your grade is based on 1000 points
possible. This 25 point difference is to account for an unplanned life event that might cause you
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to miss a quiz or a lab. It is still possible to earn a perfect score in the class, even if you miss one
quiz or one lab.
GRADING SCALE:
All scores will be added together for a cumulative grade. The final grade is determined from the
following point scale:
A = 900 - 1020 points
B= 800 - 899 points
C= 700 - 799 points
D= 600 - 699 points
F= 0 – 599 points
The instructor is available to any student who needs extra instruction. It is the student’s
responsibility to make the instructor aware of his/her academic difficulties at the immediate point
at which assistance is needed. The instructor is available during office hours or by special
appointment. There are also many free on-line tutorials available to you for extra assistance.
TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR:
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Week 1
Aug 19
Topic:
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Lab
Thinking like a scientist, Chemistry review
Intro: Evol & the Foundations of Biology
The Chemical Context of Life
Mastering Registration, Metrics & Scientific Method (15 pts)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 2
Aug 26
Topic:
Making macromolecules, How cells work
Ch. 3
Carbon & the Molecular Diversity of Life
Ch. 4
Tour of the Cell
Lab
Macromolecule Lab (15 pts)
Quiz #1—Online in Mastering Biology—covers through Ch. 4, due 9/1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 3
Sep 2
Topic:
n/a
Ch. 5
Lab
How do molecules get into and out of cells?
TCC Closed—Labor Day Holiday
Membrane Transport
None—TCC Closed
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Week 4
Sep 9
Topic:
Ch. 6
Lab
How is energy transferred in Biology?
Intro to Metabolism
Osmosis Lab (15 pts)
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Week 5
Sep 16
Topic:
Ch. 7
Lab
Learning Assessment #1 (Ch. 1 – 6), in class
How do our cells use a loaded baked potato?
Test Results/Cellular Respiration
Lab Report Formatting and Rubric
Measuring cellular respiration in peas (15 pts)
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Week 6
Sep 23
Topic:
Ch. 8
Lab
From sunlight to a loaded baked potato…
Photosynthesis
Spec 20 Photosynthesis Lab (15 pts)
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Week 7
Sep 30
Healing paper cuts & what happens when cells lose control
Cell Cycle & Development
Cancer & Stem Cells
Pop Bead Chromosomes, Part 1 (15 pts)
Lab Report Drafts Due for Peer Review
Quiz #2-Online in Mastering Biology-covers through Ch. 16, due 10/6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 8
Oct 7
Topic:
Ch. 9
Ch. 16
Lab
Topic:
Ch. 10
Lab
Why sperm & eggs have their own system to make more
Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Pop Bead Chromosomes, Part 2 (15 pts)
Lab Reports Due (30 pts)
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Week 9
Oct 14
Topic:
Ch. 11
Lab
How’d you get Aunt Beulah’s eyes?
Test Results/Mendel and the Gene Idea
Genetic Traits & Disorders Lab (15 pts)
Set up Petri dishes
Learning Assessment #2—Covers through Ch. 11--Take at NE campus Testing Center (must
have photo ID) between October 14 and 19. Check www.tulsacc.edu/testing for hours and details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week 10
Test results
Oct 21
Topic:
Analyzing DNA—large scale and small scale
Ch. 12
The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
Ch. 13
The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Lab
Prep for Gel Electrophoresis
DNA Replication Simulation (15 points)
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week 11
Oct 28
Topic:
Ch. 14
Lab
One amino acid, two amino acids, three amino acids….
Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein
Gel Electrophoresis of DNA (15 pts)
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Week 12
Nov 4
Topic:
Ch. 15
Lab
Communication is critical!
Regulation of Gene Expression
Gel Electrophoresis Analysis (15 pts)
pGLO set up and pre-lab
Quiz #3-Online in Mastering Biology-covers through Ch. 15, due 11/10
**Friday, November 8th—last day to withdraw with a “W” or to change from credit to audit**
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Week 13
Nov 11
Topic:
Ch. 17
Ch. 24
Lab:
They’re everywhere! Why aren’t we sick all the time?
Viruses
Bacteria
pGLO bacterial transformation (15 points)
Learning Assessment #3—covers through Ch. 24--Take at NE Campus Testing Center (must
have photo ID) between Nov 11 and Nov 16; check www.tulsacc.edu/testing for hours and details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week 14
Test results
Nov 18
Topic:
Genomics—the hot new trend in Biology
Ch. 18
Genome Evolution
Lab:
pGLO analysis
Microscope Lab (15 points)
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Week 15
Nov 25
Topic:
19
Lab
The “E” word
Descent with Modification
Tour of OSU’s Sim-Bio Med School Lab (15 points)
*Date subject to change; get update/map in class or on Bb*
Quiz #4-Online in Mastering Biology-covers through Ch. 19-due 12/1
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Week 16
Dec 2
Topic:
Ch. 40/41
Ch. 42/43
Lab
The BIG picture! Let’s tie this all together!
Population Ecology/Species Interactions
Ecosystems & Energy/Global Ecol. & Conservation Biology
Case Studies in Ecology (15 pts)
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Final Exam Week
Dec 9
Learning Assessment #4—cumulative--in class (Final Exam) – 9:00 am
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