BI 102 – General Biology
Jessica Friel
Phone: 503.316.3202
Email: jessica.friel@chemeketa.edu
Class Website: http://jfriel.wikispaces.com/BI102
COURSE INFORMATION:
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: None
CLASS TIMES:
Tuesdays/Thursdays from 1:304:20pm
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:
 Discovering Biology by Sihgh-Cundy et. al.
(2012, 5th Edition)
 General Biology (BI101) Lab Packet
 Access to Internet
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES:
General Biology is an introductory biology course that investigates the concepts of cell structure, cell division,
genetics as well as the principles of evolution. This course will also provide you with an introduction to modern
techniques in biotechnology with consideration for ethical implications. The general biology course is a laboratory
science course designed for students not majoring in science.
This course will be challenging but also rewarding!
Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:
1. Compare the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells listing their parts and giving functions of each.
2. Explain the molecular mechanisms of diffusion and membrane transport.
3. Diagram the principle events in the cell cycle including mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis and tell the role of
each process in living things.
4. Describe the patterns of inheritance demonstrated by classical Mendelian genetics and by non-Mendelian
traits.
5. Model the structure of DNA and explain how this determines the process of replication in cell division.
6. Utilize the processes of transcription and translation to trace protein synthesis from the structure of a
gene to a finished polypeptide.
7. Explain the mechanisms and processes involved in modern genetic engineering and applied
biotechnology.
8. Define the process of biological evolution and tell how microevolution and
macroevolution take
place.
9. Apply the impact of population size on maintaining genetic diversity to land management and
sustainability issues.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Lectures consist of presentations where I expect students to participate by asking questions, providing answers,
and offering comments. Lectures will often include additional elements such as group discussions and activities.
Students are expected to be prepared (e.g., read the book, complete the assignments, etc) and to actively
participate in lectures.
Labs are based on exercises in the lab packet. Students will work in groups in lab and cooperation is expected. Lab
exercises will consist of observation and / or experimental work. Critical thinking skills will be essential and
participation in lab activities is mandatory. Preparation for lab includes reading the lab packet and bringing
necessary materials (e.g. textbook, lab packet, etc).
EVALUATION:
Your grade will be determined by your overall performance on a series of assessments including laboratory work,
class activities, exams, reports, projects, and presentations. These assessments will evaluate your mastery of
course content but also your ability to use the scientific method of inquiry and critical thinking skills.
GRADING:
This is a graded course and your grade will be based on the following (tentative) assessments:
Lecture Assignments
Points
Lab Assignments Points
Worksheets (9 @ 10 points each)
90
Pre-lab worksheets (7 @ 5 points)
35
Mid-term Exams (2 @ 100 points )
200
Post-lab worksheets (8 @ 10 points)
80
Other Class Work
??
Course Project
75
Final (cumulative)
150
Total
~440
190
The grading scale is a standard, firm scale as follows:
90-100%
80-89.9%
70-79.9%
60-69.9%
Less than 59.9%
A
B
C
D
F
ASSIGNMENTS:
Exams – Exams consist of multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions based on lecture material. Mid-term
exams are not cumulative with the exception of certain concepts that will be emphasized throughout the course
(e.g., the scientific method). The final exam is cumulative.
Pre- and Post-Labs- Pre-labs are due before work on the lab begins. Post-labs should be attached to the lab sheets;
ALL of the lab must be completed to get ANY points on the Post-Lab.
Course Assignments – A variety of assignments will be given throughout the course including homework, quizzes,
and other projects related to the course. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
Course Project – The course project is a chance for you to explore ethical questions related to biotechnology. A
detailed description of the course project is provided in the lab packet.
EXPECTATIONS:
Students will be held responsible for all assigned readings and material presented in class. It is expected that
students are prepared, on-time, and ready to participate in all class sessions. Furthermore, students should
conduct themselves in a respectful manner.
Students should expect the instructor to be available, present material in an organized and effective manner,
provide appropriate guidelines and feedback in a timely manner, and to be respectful of students and their needs.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is expected, although points are not allotted for attendance. However, attendance will be monitored,
late assignments are not accepted, and repeated absences are very likely to significantly affect your grade as well
as your learning. You are responsible for all material, announcements, and assignments provided in class whether
you are present or not.
Withdrawal from the course is considered the responsibility of the student; otherwise the student may receive a
failing grade in the course.
If you are unable to attend any lecture or laboratory session because of a legitimate problem (e.g., illness,
emergency), contact the instructor as soon as possible (within 24 hours of absence), then provide written
documentation for your absence at the next class session. Lecture or lab points may be earned by completing an
assignment as specified by the instructor for excused absences only. Make-up assignments for excused absences
must be completed within one week of the absence.
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PUNCTUALITY:
Punctuality is crucial. Late assignments are generally not accepted with the exception of certain circumstances
(e.g., illness, emergency). You must notify the instructor as soon as possible and provide written documentation of
the circumstance. Late assignments without documentation may be accepted but with a point deduction (-10% per
day late). Assignments are due at the beginning of the specified class session (unless otherwise noted) and are
considered late thereafter.
If you are late for an exam or quiz, you will have the remainder of the time given to the class for completion. For
example, if you are 10 minutes late to a 60 minute exam, you will have the remaining 50 minutes to complete the
exam. Tardiness to class will not only affect your personal learning but also the learning of group members.
Individuals that are late to class may be refused entry into the class or points may be deducted from their
assignments. Given an acceptable excuse for their tardiness (e.g., emergency), late individuals may be provided an
alternate assignment. Please note that work/traffic/parking/etc. are not acceptable excuses for tardiness.
STUDENT SERVICES:
Students with special needs should contact Disability Services (503.399.5192) for appropriate documentation of
necessary accommodations. If you have emergency medical information or need special arrangements, please
notify the instructor as soon as possible.
The following is a list of some of the services available to students at CCC:

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
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Computer Labs: Building 1/202; 503.316.3238;
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/computerlabs.html
Counseling and Financial Aid: Building 1; 503.472.9482
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/gettingstarted/advising.html
Disability Services: 503.399.5192 http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/disability.html
Language Center (Salem): Building 3/257; 503.399.5290
http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/international/english/
Library, Tutoring, Study Skills and Writing help: Building 1/200; 503.316.3238
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/tutoring.html
Testing Services Building 1/203; 503.316.3240 or 503.316.3284
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/testing.html
Student Life Building 1
http://www.chemeketa.edu/locations/yamhill/services/clubs.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
http://www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/studyskills/writing/resources/academichonesty/
Learning is built on the fundamental qualities of honesty, fairness, respect and trust. At Chemeketa Community
College, academic integrity is a shared endeavor characterized by truth, personal responsibility and high academic
standards. Any violation of academic integrity devalues the individual and the community as a whole. Violations of
academic honesty include but are not limited to the following: plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication /
falsification /alteration, unauthorized submissions, and sabotage / tampering.
Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.
Plagiarism consists of taking the words or substance of another work and either copying or paraphrasing without
giving credit to the source. Plagiarism is applicable to written, oral, and artistic work. The following examples are
only some of the many forms plagiarism may take:
1. Word-for-word copying of work written by someone else.
2. Failure to give proper credit for ideas, statements of facts, or conclusions derived by another.
3. Failure to use quotation marks when quoting directly from another, whether a paragraph, sentence, or
phrase.
4. Close and extended paraphrasing of another work without acknowledging the source.
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Definition of Cheating
Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest,
deceptive, or fraudulent means. The following are only some of the many forms cheating may take:
1. Copying another’s work on a test, paper, or project.
2. Using unauthorized materials in an exam or collaborating on work to be turned in for credit where the
instructor disallows such collaboration.
3. Taking an exam for another student, purposely allowing another student to copy during a test, or
providing coursework for another student to turn in as his or her own effort.
4. Fabricating, falsifying or misrepresenting data or results from experiments, interviews or surveys.
5. Submitting the same work in more than one class for credit without permission from the instructor.
By taking this course, you agree to adhere to the Academic Honesty Guidelines. Infractions, such as cheating or
plagiarism, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will be dealt with according to the policies of CCC. Any such infractions
will constitute a violation of the college policy and will result in an appropriate consequence (e.g., zero on the
assignment, an F for the course, etc.) at the discretion of the instructor and college officials.
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BI102 Lecture Schedule
Winter 2013
Week
Date
Lecture
Reading
Chapter
1
T: 1/8
Introduction & Cells
5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 6
2
T: 1/15
Membrane Structure &
Function
5.9, 7
3
T: 1/22
Cell Cycle and Cell
Reproduction
10.1-10.4
Pre-lab: Mitosis
Worksheet 2
4
T: 1/29
DNA & RNA Structure and
Function
5.10, 14
Worksheet 3
Mid-term 1
5
T: 2/5
Function of Genes
15
6
T: 2/12
Meiosis/ Chromosomal
Inheritance
10.5, 13
Pre-lab: Meiosis
Worksheet 5
7
T: 2/19
Mendelian Inheritance
12
Worksheet 6
Midterm 2
8
T: 2/26
How Evolution Works
17
Worksheet 7
9
T: 3/5
Evolution of Populations
18
Worksheet 8
10
T: 3/12
Speciation
19
Worksheet 9
Assignments Due
Course Forms
Worksheet 1
Pre-lab: Membranes
Worksheet 4
Pre-lab: Fingerprinting
Cumulative Final Exam
Wednesday, March 20, 12:00-1:50 pm
You can have one half sheet of paper, written on one side for the final only
SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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BI102 Lab Schedule
Winter 2013
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Date
TH:
1/10
TH:
1/17
TH:
1/24
TH:
1/31
TH: 2/7
TH:
2/14
TH:
2/21
TH:
2/28
TH: 3/7
TH:
3/14
Lab
Microscopes & Cells
Membranes
Mitosis
DNA Structure & Function
DNA Fingerprinting
Meiosis
Genetics
Group Work (computer lab)
Natural Selection
Group Project Presentations
Assignments Due
Pre-Lab: Cells and Microscopes
Biotech in the News
Post-lab: Cells
Biotech Topic List (1/group)
Post-lab : Membranes
Pre-lab: DNA
Post-lab: Mitosis
Biotech Research
Post-lab: DNA
Biotech Controversies List
Post-lab: Fingerprinting
Pre-lab: Genetics
Post-lab: Meiosis
Post-lab: Genetics
Biotech Controversy Research
Pre-lab: Natural Selection
Post-lab: Natural Selection
No Labs Finals Week!
SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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