Angelina College
Division of Science and Mathematics
BIOL 1407 Biology for Science Majors II
Tentative General Syllabus
Spring 2014
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A. Course Description: BIOL 1407 – BIOLOGY FOR SCIENCE MAJORS II. Four
hours credit. The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals,
plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy,
physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals. The laboratory portion of the
course will reinforce study of the diversity and classification of life, including animals,
plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy,
physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals. Prerequisite: BIOL 1406. Three
lecture and two lab hours each week. Lab fee.
B. Intended Audience: Science Majors
C. Instructor
Instructor: Dr. Andrea Barrett
Office: S113A
Office Hours: As Given by Instructor
Phone: (936) 633-5262
e-mail: abarrett@angelina.edu or via blackboard messages
II.
INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Critical Thinking: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis,
evaluation and synthesis of information
2. Communication: to include effective development, interpretation and expression
of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of
numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
4. Teamwork: to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work
effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal
B. Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics,
micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
2. Describe and distinguish between phylogenetic relationships and classification
schemes.
3. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including
the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary
history, and ecological significance.
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4. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
5. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
6. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and
evolutionary trends.
7. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and utilize scientific tools such
as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
8. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in
the laboratory.
9. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations
III.
ASSESSMENT MEASURES
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives:
1. Critical thinking – Students will analyze, compare, and contrast published
scientific reports. Their findings will be presented to the class in the form of an oral
presentation. A written synopsis will be submitted to the instructor. Evidence of
critical analysis will be assessed using a standardized rubric.
2. Communication – Oral and visual communication will be assessed during the
class presentation of the findings from the critical analysis of scientific literature.
Written communication will be assessed based on the synopsis of findings as well
as documentation used in the presentation. Communication skills and abilities will
be assessed using a standardized rubric.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills – In comparing the assigned scientific
literature, students will compare and analyze the data presented in the articles.
Their findings will be presented orally and in written format. Empirical and
quantitative skills will be evaluated using a standardized rubric.
4. Teamwork – Students will be assigned to teams. Each team will be assigned
specific scientific literature to analyze and compare. Team members will work
together to define the roles of each member, will collaborate to share information
and generate a meaningful synopsis of the compared works. Team members will
evaluate the performance of one another using standardized rubrics.
B. Assessments for Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics,
micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
2. Describe and distinguish between phylogenetic relationships and classification
schemes.
3. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including
the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary
history, and ecological significance.
4. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
5. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
6. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and
evolutionary trends.
7. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and utilize scientific tools such
as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
8. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in
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IV.
V.
the laboratory.
9. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. This course is taught using a combination of lecture, online activities, and laboratory
exercises.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks and Recommended Readings, Materials and Equipment.
1. Biology: How Life Works by Morris, Hartl, Knoll, Lue. 1st Edition.
2. Biology 1407 Laboratory Manual (Available in AC bookstore)
3. Access to Blackboard (www.angelina.blackboard.com)
4. Access to http://www.whfreeman.com/launchpad/morris1e/372107
5. Scantron for all exams
B. Course Policies – This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in
the Angelina College Handbook.
1. Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser,
Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must selfidentify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary
information to do so. To report any complaints of discrimination related to
disability, you should contact Dr. Patricia McKenzie, Administration Building,
Room 105 or 936-633-5201.
2. Attendance – Attendance is required as per Angelina College Policy and will be
recorded every day. Any student with three (3) consecutive absences of four (4)
cumulative absences may be dropped from the class. Records will be turned in to
the academic dean at the end of the semester. Do not assume that non-attendance in
class will always result in an instructor drop. You must officially drop a class or
risk receiving an F. This is official Angelina College Policy.
3. Additional Policies Established by the Instructor
 Be prepared to begin class on time and do not prepare to leave before class
is over.
 No eating or drinking is allowed in class.
 Cell phones should be turned off during class time.
 Children and other guests are not permitted in the classroom. Children are
not allowed to wait in the hall unsupervised. See Student Services for
child-care problems.
 Students are expected to participate in the instruction through courteous,
relevant comments and questions during class. Behavior that interferes with
the learning environment will not be tolerated. Conferences outside of class
are available by appointment during the instructor’s posted office hours.
 ATTENDANCE: To be considered present for a class period, the student
must be present when roll is taken.
 STUDENT CONDUCT: A positive environment for learning will be
maintained by students being courteous to each other and to the instructor.
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VI.
Eating, drinking, sleeping, and distracting conversations during lecture will
not be allowed. Cheating on tests is not tolerated as per Angelina College
policy and may result in expulsion from the course.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grades will be the calculated from points earned in the lecture and the laboratory. There
will a total of 700 possible points in the lecture and 500 total possible points in the
laboratory. Grades for the course will be based upon the following guidelines (points from
lecture + lab):
Total Points
1080 – 1200
960 – 1079
840 – 959
720 – 839
Below 720
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
1. Lecture Exams: There will be four regular non-comprehensive lecture exams that
will be given as shown on the class schedule. The final exam is comprehensive and
will be given during the scheduled final examination period. Each exam is worth
100 points.
2. Missed exams: There will be NO make-up exams. The final exam grade may
replace the single lowest test grade or the grade for a missed exam.
3. Lecture Homework: Homework assignments will be given throughout the
semester via http://www.whfreeman.com/launchpad/morris1e . Collectively, they
are worth a possible 100 points.
4. Problem Sets: There will be five problems sets assigned throughout the semester.
The problem sets will be given be posted on Blackboard one week before each due
date, as shown on the lecture schedule. Collectively, they are worth a possible 100
points.
5. Lab Exams: There will be three regular non-comprehensive lecture exams that
will be given as shown on the class schedule. Each exam is worth 100 points.
6. Lab Reports: There will be post lab data and questions due after each experiment.
Collectively, they are worth a possible 200 points.
SYLLABUS MODIFICATION: The instructor may modify the provisions of the schedule to
meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
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VII.
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
COURSE OUTLINE: Description of the Course Activities including due dates,
schedules, and deadlines.
Day
M
W
M
Date
20
22
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
29
3
5
10
12
17
19
24
26
3
5
10-14
17
19
24
26
31
2
7
9
14
16
21
23
28
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
W
27
30
5
7
14
Description
MLK Holiday
Evolution: How Genotypes and Phenotypes change over Time
Species and Speciation
Evolutionary Patterns: Phylogeny and Fossils
Human Origins and Evolution
Eukaryotic Cells: Origins and Diversity
Being Multicellular
Bacteria and Archaea
Exam 1
Fungi: Structure, Function, and Diversity
Plant Structure and Function: Moving Photosynthesis onto Land
Plant Reproduction: Finding Mates and Dispersing Young
Plant Growth and Development: Building the Plant Body
Plant Defence: Keeping the World Green
Plant Diversity
Spring Break
Exam 2
Animal Nervous System
Animal Sensory Systems and Brain Function
Animal Movement: Muscles and Skeletons
Animal Endocrine Systems
Animal Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
Animal Metabolism, Nutrition, and Digestion
Animal Renal System: Water and Waste
Exam 3
Animal Reproduction and Development
Animal Immune Systems
Animal Diversity
Animal Behavior
Population Ecology
Species Interactions, Communities, and Ecosystems
Exam 4
Review Final Exam
Comprehensive Final Exam (8:00-10:00am)
Chapter
21
22
23
24
27
28
26 (PS1)
Exam 1
34
29
30
31
32
33 (PS2)
Holiday
Exam 2
35
36
37
38
39 (PS3)
40
41
Exam 3
42
43 (PS4)
44
45
46
47 (PS5)
Exam 4
Review
SCHEDULE MODIFICATION: The instructor may modify the provisions of the schedule to meet
individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
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Revised: 01/16/14
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