Syllabus
Great Basin College
General Biology for Non-majors, Biology 100, On Line
Spring, 2014
Instructor: Pete Bagley
Email: WebCampus
Phone: 775-753-2229
Office Hours: Mon, Tue, & Wed 11:00-12:00;
Wed 2:30- 5:00. And by appointment.
Text:
Texts: Biology of Humans. 5th ed. Goodenough and McGuire.
(includes MasteringBiology access code)
Digital ISBN: 9780321901262
ISBN 0321794257
Mastering Biology – the online system included with new texts – contains online homework
(can be purchased separately online if you have a used textbook)
Catalog Description:
BIOL 100 General Biology for Non – Majors (3)
Basic biological concepts, interpretation and application of scientific methods, and effects of biological
advances on society. Core curriculum science course; cannot be used for credit toward field of concentration in
biology. Prerequisite: Must have completed MATH 96 or higher or attained satisfactory
score for placement into MATH 120 in ACT, SAT or placement tests.
Method of Instruction:
This is a fast-paced, rigorous internet course. Outlines will be available on WebCampus that coincide with
assigned reading material in the text and add clarification and examples to the material in the text. There will be
weekly quizzes and exercises that must be completed within the given time period. This is not a self paced
course!
Course Description & Objectives:
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General Biology for Non-majors is a three credit, freshman level laboratory science course designed for the
non-science major, that can fulfill the science requirement for most associate degrees at Great Basin
College.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the central ideas of the science of biology. Topics will
include chemistry as relevant to biology, the cell theory, energy transformations, genetics, evolution, ecology
and the uses of the scientific method. Many biological topics of current importance to humans will be
introduced with the goal of enriching the students’ civic and personal lives.
The GBC General Education Objectives (see below) are addressed in this class.
Measurement of Objectives:
Learning and general education objectives will be assessed with four distinct tools. Lecture exams will consist
of multiple choice questions that will test three types of knowledge: recall of factual information; definitions of
terminology; and conceptual and integrative thinking. On line quizzes and study aids will guide students thru
the subject material, as well as assess student learning. A written report on the video Intelligent Design on Trial
will assess written communication skills, as well as conceptual understanding of a critical concept in biology.
Finally, participation in on line discussions will measure student engagement in the subject material.
Grading System:
The grade for this course will be based on four components:
Two, timed, open book, MasteringBiology based, multiple choice exams
Fifteen on line MasteringBiology based quizzes/activities
keyed to each chapter
Written response to video
WebCampus Discussion participation
25%
50%
15%
10%
The grading scale is as follows:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
> 60% = F
You’re doing super! Keep up the good work. Have you considered a career in
the life sciences?
Excellent! Continue what you’re doing, but consider asking questions on the
finer details in the text.
Adequate. You’ve got it under control, but don’t get complacent. Review your
notes and the text carefully. Ask questions to clarify important topics.
Danger zone. All is not lost, but you are at risk. You need to carefully work
through the materials and resources available to you. Attend regularly, and work
on your note taking skills. Make sure to ask questions for help.
Failing. Definitely contact me so we can work on a strategy for your
improvement.
A student may receive a “W” grade only if withdrawal occurs before the official course drop deadline of
March 24. To withdraw, the student must inform the instructor verbally or in writing why the withdrawal is
taking place, and must formally withdraw through student services. Anyone who does not formally withdraw
and does not complete the course will receive an ‘F’ grade. ‘I’ grades for ‘incomplete’ will be given only under
the most extenuating circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the instructor.
Web Sites Used in This Course:
Two web sites will be used in this course, GBC’s own WebCampus, and MasteringBiology, provided by the
publisher of your text.(www.masteringbio.com).
WebCampus:
To log in, go to: https://gbcnv.instructure.com/login
Your WebCampus ID is your Great Basin College email address ID. If you don't have a GBC email address or
don't remember your address go to swami.scsr.nevada.edu or the Technology Help Desk
helpdesk@gwmail.gbcnv.edu, or 753-2167. Passwords will be sent by mail to students who register for their
course(s) 5 days before the semester begins. If you register after this time or did not receive a letter by mail,
contact the Help Desk as soon as possible.
MasteringBiology:
These instructions take you through the process of registering for MasteringBiology.
Step 1:
Go to www.masteringbiology.com and click on “New Students” under Register.
To the question, “Do you have an access code” click on YES. Click Continue.
Read the License Agreement and click “I accept” if you agree to the policies.
Answer “No” to the question “Do you have a Pearson Account.” Create your own
username/password. This can be whatever you use to log into other systems or it can be
something completely different. Make sure to use a username/password that you will
remember. Enter the Access Code that came with your new book or that you purchased online.
It will look similar to this: PSSMC-FONDA-UPEND-KANZU-CRUSH-TUNES
5. Enter your personal information, school information (including Great Basin zip code 89801)
and create a security question that you can answer if you forget your username/password. Click
Next.
1.
2.
3.
4.
You are done with Step 1 and can Click on “Log In” to enter your course.
Step 2:
1. After you have clicked “Log in Now” or returned to www.masteringbiology.com enter the
username/password you recently created under Log In. You no longer need to register.
2. On the next page, ignore “Book in Use” and “Student ID”. Only enter the Course ID:
MBBAGLEY89195. This will then give you access to the materials available with Krogh’s
book.
3. To view the videos, click Study Area on the left and then find the videos on the next page.
Begin accessing these, as well as exploring the other resources available through
MasteringBiology!
Need help? Contact MasteringBiology Support:
 Call us: 888-547-4415 (Hours are Mon-Fri, 12pm-8pm EST)
 Live-chat with us: www.247pearsoned.com
 (Hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Timely completion of the weekly online quiz is required for this course. Assignments will be based on chapters
assigned in the text. The first assignment is due the first week of class. You are responsible for having access to
a functioning computer and for completing and turning in of the assignments on time. Late work is not
accepted.
I do not have the capacity to help you with computer-technical issues this semester. You will receive much
faster and more knowledgeable assistance from the GBC Help Desk for use of WebCampus. Please go to
them for technical assistance.
The online homework system is provided and maintained by the textbook publisher (Pearson, Benjamin
Cummings). I am only able to set up the assignments – this means that I cannot help with technical issues. You
must get help from the publisher if you think that there is something wrong.
You bear the responsibility for getting the technical aspects of the course to function properly so that you can
participate fully.
Online homework assignments will be assigned each week through MasteringBiology. They will be made
available on Monday morning and they are due the following Sunday at 11:00PM. The homework
assignments will focus on the reading assignments for the week. This will require you to read the textbook
before hand yourself in order solve these problems.
Miscellaneous Policies:
Attendance Policy:
It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up to date with reading, assignments and exams. It is the
student’s responsibility to complete exams and turn in assignments on time.
Hints for Success:
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Pay close attention to the outlines or PowerPoint presentations.
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In order to pass this course you MUST actively participate in your education and study!
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Keep up to date on reading.
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Log in to the class website frequently to check for updates.
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Ask questions if you are confused about content related material.
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Take MasteringBiology quizzes and WebCampus exams from a computer with a speedy and reliable
internet connection.
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Complete the MasteringBiology quizzes promptly as they become available to prevent last minute
complications.
Additional Course Information:
 The instructor will reply to WebCampus emails during posted office hours. If you have an urgent
question requiring a timely response during school hours, call the instructor directly at 775-753-2229.
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In case your book hasn’t arrived by the start of semester, the first three chapters on the schedule are
available via WebCampus.
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If you are unable to secure a book by the end of the second week of class, the instructor recommends
withdrawing from the course and taking it another semester.
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Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC Helpdesk.
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Extra credit opportunities are not available.
OK! - This Page is Important!!
Reading Assignments and Exam Dates
Week/Quiz
1
2
3
4
5
6
Opens
Jan 21
Jan 27
Feb 3
Feb 10
Feb 17
Feb 24
Closes
Feb 2
Feb 2
Feb 9
Feb 16
Feb 23
Mar 2
Chapter
1
2
3
4
5
6
Topic
Humans in the World of Biology
Chemistry of life
Cells
Body Organization & Homeostasis
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Exam I Opens Feb 24, & Closes Mar 2!!
7
8
9
Mar 3
Mar 10
Mar 17
7
8
12
Neurons
Nervous System
Cardiovascular System
Spring Break – No Quiz (Note: Quiz 9 is extended thru break)
Mar 24
10
11
12
13
Mar 9
Mar 16
Mar 30
Mar 31
Apr 7
Apr 14
Apr 21
Apr 6
Apr 13
Apr 20
Apr 27
15
20
21
22
Digestive System
Genetics
DNA
Evolution
Watch Video: Intelligent Design on Trial
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/intelligent-design-trial.html
Written Response to Video due: Friday, May 9, at 11:00pm
14
15
Apr 28
May 5
May 4
May 11
23 Ecology & Us
24
Human Population
Exam II Opens Friday, May 11, & Closes Thursday, May 15!!
Reading assignments and exam dates are tentative, and may be changed at the discretion of the instructor. Any
changes will be announced in class.
Note: The weekly assignments at the MasteringBiology web site open on Monday, and close the following
Sunday at 11:00 pm.
Note: In the event you are unable to obtain access to MasteringBiology online during the first week of class, the
chapter 1 assignment will be available until the second Sunday, 2 February, at 11:00 pm.
Reading assignments and exercise/exam dates are tentative, and may be changed at the discretion of the
instructor. Any changes will be announced on WebCampus.
Written Response to Video:
Your response to the video Intelligent Design on Trial (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/intelligentdesign-trial.html) will use the format given below. In the report I will be looking for evidence that you
understand the subject and controversy, and can clearly communicate that your understanding. Your
demonstration of knowledge of natural selection and the evidence and issues surrounding it will be subject to
grading, not your personal opinion. The report must be typed, double spaced. The report should follow the
following outline:
Introduction Give the background to the topic or problem. Briefly explain why it is important.
Discussion Explain the details of the situation, show that understand what is being described. What do you
recommend doing in this situation?
Conclusion Briefly reiterate both the problem and your conclusion.
Grading criteria for the report are identical to those used by the English department:
1. Focuses and develops ideas effectively, showing creativity and insight.
2. Organizes ideas in a purposeful and logical manner, moving the reader (listener) smoothly through the
text (subject).
3. Uses sentence structure and word choice effectively with a sense of control.
4. Commits few, if any, errors in grammar/usage and mechanics.
This assignment must be turned in via WebCampus to the appropriate assignment dropbox, on or prior
to the due date (Friday, May 9, at 11:00pm), in Word Format. Assignments will not be accepted via snail
mail, email, fax or other means. Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC
Helpdesk.
Miscellaneous
Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of Higher
Education (NSHE) outlined on pp. 28-32 of the 2007-2008 GBC Catalog. Because this is an online class,
students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other
students and the professor in their online communications such as e-mail messages, discussion postings, and
written assignments.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to be
outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom behavior
(determined, as they would be in a regular classroom, by the instructor) will not be tolerated” (29).
Pay particular attention to those last four words. Any student who behaves rudely to another student or to the
instructor will be dropped immediately. During the first week of class, students will be required to respond to an
email from the instructor acknowledging that they have read the Student Conduct Policy and understand that
they will be dropped from the class for violating it.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as, cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the instructor AND
Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic suspension, or expulsion.
All tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the student’s OWN work. Plagiarism is
presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that includes the
words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete,
accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In
academically honest writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:

Another person’s actual words are quoted
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Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in the student’s
own words
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Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is common
knowledge
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: GBC supports providing equal access for students with
disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the
ADA Officer (Julie Byrnes) at 775-753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate
accommodations.
This syllabus does not in any way represent a contract. It is a reflection of the intent of the instructor, but do
recognize that it is an organic construct that may change as the semester progresses. Any changes will be
announced in class.
General Education Objectives and Assessment:
Student Outcomes
Communications Skills Objective
Students will have several opportunities to exercise written essay and text discussion communication
skills throughout this course.
Measurement of this objective: lecture exams (students will be able to read and answer exam questions
in written form), written response essay (students will clearly communicate scientific information in written
form, see “Written Response” above for grading rubric), online discussions (students will be able to
communicate scientific ideas).
Critical Thinking Objective
Quantitative Ability- Students will use mathematical principles and quantitative methods to complete
the assignments.
Reasoning and Independent Thought- Students will use reasoning and independent thought to
complete online experiments and answer exam questions.
Scientific Understanding- Students will comprehend workings of molecular-biological and cellular
systems and the process by which the scientific knowledge is discovered. They will also develop the ability to
understand molecular-biological and cellular information and how it relates to them.
Measurement of this objective: exams (students will be able to answer quantitative questions related to
cell and molecular biology on exams, many questions on the exams will require the student to examine data and
make an independent conclusion), online activities (students will be able to answer quantitative questions
related to biology on exams), written essay, online class discussions (ungraded)
Personal and Cultural Awareness Objective
Sense of the Individual in Society- Students will gain an understanding of molecular and cellular
biology and how this affects them and society.
Sense of the Past- Students will gain an understanding of how biological knowledge was discovered and
how this knowledge has changed society and their lives.
Sense of Accountability- Students will comprehend the consequences of human discoveries in
molecular and cellular biology and their implications.
Appreciation of Fine Arts- Students will develop an understanding of the value of biological diversity
and individual curiosity and creative thought.
Measurement of this objective: exams (students will be able to answer exam questions on the importance
and place of cell and molecular biology in society, on the history of biological research, and how their actions
affect them and their environment), online class discussions (students will be able to discuss the importance and
place of biology in society and how their actions affect them and their environment)
Personal Wellness Objective
Students will develop skills in determining the consequences of their actions in relation to the
environment and their personal health. They will gain knowledge needed to make important decisions involving
personal health.
Measurement of this objective: lecture exams (students will be able to answer exam questions on the molecular
basis of human health), class discussions (students will discuss the molecular basis of human health,)
Technological Understanding
Students will gain knowledge of how advancing technology in the field of biology will affect their lives
and their personal health.
Measurement of this objective: exams (students will be able to answer exam questions on technology in
cell and molecular biology, and human health), written essay (students will present, in written form, the use of
technology to discover knowledge in the area of biology and human health)
Summary of the Assessment of Objectives:
Learning and general education objectives will be assessed with four distinct tools. Lecture exams will
consist of multiple choice questions that will test three types of knowledge: recall of factual information;
definitions of terminology; and conceptual and integrative thinking. On line quizzes and study aids will guide
students thru the subject material, as well as assess student learning. A written report on the video Intelligent
Design on Trial will assess written communication skills, as well as conceptual understanding of a critical
concept in biology. Finally, participation in on line discussions will measure student engagement in the subject
material.