BIOL1224_401_402_11574_11567_201610_BryanCoppedge
SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College, West Campus
Fall Semester 2015
Course: BIOL 1224 – Intro to Biology for Majors
Section Nos.: 401 and 402
Course record no.: 11574 and 11567
Day(s) and Time(s) for 401: Lecture:
Lab:
Mon./Wed.
Wednesday
9:30-10:50am
1:00-3:50pm
Room S-264
Room S-256
Day(s) and Time(s) for 402: Lecture:
Lab:
Mon./Wed.
Monday
11:00-12:20am
1:00-3:50pm
Room S-264
Room S-256
Course dates: August 17-December 13, 2015
Course format: Lecture and Laboratory (on-campus)
Instructor: Dr. Bryan Coppedge (bryan.coppedge@tulsacc.edu) Office Hrs: Mon.: 8:30-9:30am/4:00-5:30pm
Wed.: 8:30-9:30am/4:00-5:30pm
Office: S-276 Phone: 918.595.8186
(Tues.: 8:30-1:30pm) or by appointment
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE
Division: Science and Mathematics
Associate Dean: Prof. Terry McDevitt (interim)
Office: West Campus S-160
Phone: 918.595.8193
OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS
HELP DESK 918.595.2000
Distance Learning Office 918.595.7282
TCC Operator 918.595.7000
West Campus Testing Center 918.595.8060
COURSE PREREQUISITES: none.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introductory biology course for majors with lab. This course includes an in-depth study of
fundamental biological concepts, including metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, evolution, and ecology at the sub-cellular, cellular
and organismal levels. It provides the foundation for other advanced courses in the biological sciences.
NEXT COURSE(S) IN DISCIPLINE SEQUENCE: BIOL 1404, 1604, 2134, 2154, 2164.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS, SUPPLIES AND OTHER RESOURCES:
1. Campbell: Biology in Focus; by Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky, Jackson, Reese; Pearson.
2. Lab Manual: Intro to General Biology Laboratory Manual for Majors; by Phillips et al.; 8th Ed.; McGraw-Hill.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE:
1. Plan to spend 3 to 5 clock hours doing coursework for every credit hour in which you are enrolled.
2. Technology is NOT perfect! Don't depend on it always being there at those crucial times when you will really need it. Print off
a hardcopy of this syllabus and keep it where you can easily find it in case you need to contact me. Post the course
schedule where you will see it often to serve as a reminder of when exams are to be taken. Have a backup plan in place!
Know when and where you can access another computer and printer in case yours breaks down!
3. E-mail: Please be aware that in this age of e-mail spam, we all have to watch out for computer viruses. When you e-mail me,
use proper English, spelling, and punctuation; put your name and class in the subject line, and again in the body of the
message.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES:
1. EXAMS (400 points): Students will be administered 4 unit exams. Each exam will be worth 100 points, and will consist of
multiple choice questions and a few short answer essay questions. A 5th comprehensive final exam of the same general format will
be given during finals week. Make-up exams are not offered. However, only the 4 best exam scores out of the 5 will be counted
towards the final course grade (lowest exam score will be dropped).
2. QUIZZES (50 points): 6 quizzes worth 10 points each will be administered to students over lecture material at the beginning of
selected class meetings throughout the semester. Quizzes will not be announced; quizzes cannot be taken beforehand for
anticipated absences, or made-up if missed. Only 5 quiz scores will be counted towards the final grade (50 points total). However,
any student who completes all 6 quizzes may keep the points from the 6 th quiz as bonus points.
Page 1
BIOL1224_401_402_11574_11567_201610_BryanCoppedge
3. LAB REPORTS (100 points): Students will complete at least 10 lab exercises, and submit lab reports at the conclusion of each
lab session. Reports will be worth 10 points each, and missed lab exercises cannot be made-up. Thus, 100 points from lab reports
are part of the final grade scale. However, 12 total lab exercises will be offered during the course, and students who complete
more than the minimum of 10 may keep any points earned from the additional labs as bonus points.
4. ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION (100 points): Enrolled students will be given 110 points at the beginning of the
course. A merit-demerit system will be used to evaluate students and thus affect the 110 points. Merit, earned by punctual
attendance, answering questions posed by the instructor over the reading assignments and previous lecture material, will preserve
points. Demerits, given at 5 points each, will detract from this point total. Demerits will be given for absences, tardiness, and
failing to answer questions posed to an individual student. As students cannot control every facet of life, including getting sick,
stuck in traffic or car trouble, 2 “free” demerits are incorporated into the beginning point total before actually affecting a student’s
point total relative to the grading rubric. To insure equal opportunity at answering questions, student names will be drawn at
random during the lecture period until the entire roster has been exhausted, then the drawing will begin anew, again at random. If
a student never receives a demerit, any extra points remaining will count as bonus points.
5. ASSESSMENTS (50 points): As part of TCC’s efforts in institutional accountability, accreditation requirements, and to insure
effective student learning, all academic programs and disciplines participate in self-assessment activities. For Biology, this
assessment takes place in the form of comprehensive pre- and post-instructional tests. Each test consists of 50 multiple choice
questions. For this course, the pre-test scores will count for students strictly as bonus points and not as part of the points possible
during the course. However, the post-test score (50 points possible, 1 point per question) will count towards each students point
total for the semester. Student participation in both assessment components is mandatory and students may be administratively
withdrawn (AW) from the course for failure to complete both components as directed by the instructor.
Final grades will be calculated based on the total points earned during the semester from the total of 700 possible points as follows:
Final Grade Rubric
700-630 points = A
629-560 points = B
559-490 points = C
489-420 points = D
below 420 pts. = F
Grading Scale Points
4 Exams @ 100 points possible each = 400
10 Lab reports @ 10 points each
= 100
5 Quizzes @ 10 points each
= 50
Attendance
= 100
Post-test
= 50
TOTAL = 700
Possible Bonus Points
Pre-test
1 Quiz
2 Labs @ 10 points each
Attendance
= 50
= 10
= 20
= 10
TOTAL = 90
ATTENDANCE:
Please notify me of major crises that arise during the semester that may impede your progress in the course. But if personal issues
get to be too much or you get too far behind for any reason, I will probably suggest that you withdraw from the course. An
Excessive Absence Notice will be sent if I do not see you for 3 consecutive class periods. This will automatically notify Financial
Aid and Veterans services, if applicable. I reserve the right to Administratively Withdraw (AW) a student for a non-participation
period of 2 weeks or longer. I also reserve the right to request documentation for extenuating circumstances (serious illnesses or
medical conditions) for students requesting accommodations relating to such conditions, and will work with the Dean of Student
Services and the disabilities office to insure students needing accommodations have access to their rightful learning opportunities
while maintaining appropriate fairness, equitability, and academic standards.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
In the interest of safety, TCC encourages instructors to lock doors at the beginning of class. Therefore, frequent tardiness will not
be tolerated and tardy students will not be admitted to the room after the beginning of class. Unacceptable behavior including
offensive language, derogatory slurs, excessive chatting or laughing, eating or drinking, and any activity or condition deemed
distracting or disruptive by the instructor or other students will not be tolerated. Disruptive students will be dismissed from class if
the instructor deems it necessary to preserve the learning environment. The instructor reserves to right to make assigned seating in
classrooms and labs in the interest of classroom order and student learning. Food and drink are not permitted in either classroom
or lab. The instructor will direct and accompany students to the appropriate areas during fire or inclement weather drills or alarms
or emergency situations.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE (STUDENT CONDUCT POLICY):
Consistent with the TCC Student Code of Conduct, students will conduct themselves in a polite, courteous and respectful manner
when dealing with the instructor or any other college staff member, whether in an online or on-campus class, whether on the
phone, in writing, via email, or in an online forum. Disrespectful, rude, aggressive, physically or verbally threatening or abusive
behavior of anyone in any form will not be tolerated. Students exhibiting such behavior as judged by the instructor will be
dismissed from the class. Disciplinary action may also be pursued as outlined in the Code of Conduct in cooperation with the
Academic Associate Dean and the Dean of Student Services.
Page 2
BIOL1224_401_402_11574_11567_201610_BryanCoppedge
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING CLASS IS NOT ALLOWED. STUDENTS WILL
BE DISMISSED FROM CLASS FOR REPEATED PHONE USE AND FREQUENT CALLS OR TEXTING LEADING TO
CLASS DISRUPTIONS. ANY USE OF SUCH DEVICES DURING EXAMS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN, AND THEIR USE
DURING EXAMS WILL BE CONSIDERED CHEATING.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty or misconduct (including but not limited to cheating, copying, and/or plagiarism) is not condoned nor
tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Academic dishonesty is behavior in which a deliberately
fraudulent misrepresentation is employed in an attempt to gain undeserved intellectual credit, either for oneself or for another.
Academic misconduct is behavior that results in intellectual advantage obtained by violating specific standard, but without
deliberate intent or use of fraudulent means. Academic dishonesty or misconduct cases are governed by the Campus Student
Rights and Responsibilities Code (see Student Conduct Handbook).
INSTITUTIONAL SYLLABI CONTENT
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT:
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student Code of Conduct
Policy Handbook, and semester information listed in the Class Schedule. This information is posted on the TCC website
(www.tulsacc.edu).
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 1-1523 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.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
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.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED UNLESS APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION IS
PROVIDED TO THE EDUCATION ACCESS CENTER TO SUPPORT THE NEED. THE INSTRUCTOR HAS THE RIGHT
TO REFUSE REQUESTED ACCOMODATIONS IN THE INTEREST OF FAIRNESS AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL:
The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed ¾ the duration of any class. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for the
deadline that applies to your course(s). Begin the withdrawal process with a discussion with the faculty member assigned to the
course. Contact the advisement office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course (“W” grade) or to change from
credit to audit. Withdrawal and/or change from credit to audit after the drop/add period can alter the financial aid award for the
current and future semesters. Students may receive an outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC.
Students who stop participating in a course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F”, which may have negative
financial aid consequences for the student.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated “Outlook” email address (example: jane.doe@tulsacc.edu). All communications to
you about TCC and course issues will be sent to your Outlook email address, and you must use Outlook to send email to, and
receive email from the instructor regarding the course.
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
TCC rarely closes. But if extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to
local radio and television stations. This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu) and the general number
(595-7000).
Page 3
BIOL1224_401_402_11574_11567_201610_BryanCoppedge
SYLLABUS CHANGES:
Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary, especially to the schedule of topics and related activities. Students will be
notified of changes in syllabus and course policy, course or classroom/lab policies or procedures, or evaluation techniques in
writing. However, changes to the schedule below will only be announced verbally during class.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES
Unit 1:
Science & Cells
1 – Science and Biology
3 – Organic Molecules
5 – Cell Membranes
4 – Cell Structure
7 – Respiration
8 – Photosynthesis
Week of . . . .
Unit 2:
Reproduction & Genetics
9 – Mitosis
10 – Meiosis
11– Mendelian Genetics
12 – Chromosomes
13 – DNA
14 – Genes
Lecture chapters
Unit 3:
Evolution & Diversity
19 – Evolution and Diversity
21 – Population Genetics
17 – Viruses
24 – Bacteria
25/26 – Protists and Fungi
27 – Animals
Notable events
Unit 4:
Plants & Ecology
26/28 – Plants
40 – Populations
41 – Communities
42 – Ecosystems
40 – Biomes
43 – Conservation
Lab Topic
1. August 17
1, 3
No lab
2. August 24
5, 4
1-Scientific literature (Pre-test)
3. August 31
7
3-Metric system
4. September 7
8
5. September 14
9, 10
5-Microscope & Cell Structure
6. September 21
11, 12
6-Diffusion and Osmosis
7. September 28
13, 14
10-Cell Division
8. October 5
19
9. October 12
21, 17
11-DNA Isolation
10. October 19
24, 25, 26
Population Genetics (Handout)
11. October 26
27
15-Bacteria, Fungi etc.
12. November 2
26
13. November 9
28, 40
18-Everyday Botany
14. November 16
41, 42
16-Zoo and World Biomes
15. November 23
40
16. November 30
43
17. December 7
LABOR DAY– Sep. 7/UNIT 1 EXAM
UNIT 2 EXAM
UNIT 3 EXAM
THANKSGIVING – Nov. 25-29
UNIT 4 EXAM
FINAL EXAM
Page 4
No lab
12-Mendelian Genetics
Animal Diversity (Handout)
No lab
(Post-test)