Angelina College
Science and Mathematics Division
Instructional Syllabus
BIOL 1406 Biology for Science Majors I
I.
BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Description (as stated in the bulletin, including necessary pre-requisite courses, credit
hours) Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and
chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification.
Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included.
B. Intended Audience: This course is intended for science and mathematics majors
C. Instructor: Jason Douglas
Office – Science and Mathematics 120 – C
Phone – 633-5319
Email – jdouglas@angelina.edu
Office Hours – Posted on door
II.
INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES
A. Core Competencies (Basic Intellectual Competencies)
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 lecture portion of the course, students will:
1. Describe the characteristics of life.
2. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists.
3. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules needed
for life.
4. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses,
prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
5. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a
membrane.
6. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
7. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
8. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
9. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural
selection.
Upon successful completion of the lab portion of the course, students will:
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1. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as
microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
2. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the
laboratory.
3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
4. Describe the characteristics of life.
5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
6. Identify the basic properties of substances needed for life.
7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses,
prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a
membrane.
9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural
selection.
III.
ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives
a. Critical thinking – Students will analyze, compare, and contrast natural scientifically
explained phenomena versus pseudoscientific thinking on that topic (i.e. HIV as the
cause of AIDS versus HIV/AIDS denialism). Evidence of critical analysis will be assessed
using a standardized AC rubric.
b. Communication – Oral and visual communication will be assessed during a five to seven
minute YouTube video or in class presentation.
Written communication will be assessed based on an accompanying report to the
presentation where students will present the bulk of their data or analysis.
Communication skills and abilities will be assessed using a standardized AC rubric.
c. Empirical and quantitative Skills – In comparing the assigned phenomena, students will
compare and analyze the data presented in scientific articles. Students will also design
an experiment to test underlying scientific theory where applicable. Their findings will
be presented orally and in written format. Empirical and quantitative skills will be
evaluated using a AC standardized rubric.
d. Teamwork – Students will be assigned to teams. Each team will be assigned specific set
of scientific /pseudoscientific phenomena and use the scientific literature available 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 AC rubric.
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B. Assessments for the Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections
Assessment for the Course Learning Objectives will use embedded test questions on
quizzes and the two (2) major exams
IV.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
This course will be taught using a combination of lectures and laboratory exercises that
complement and supplement lecture material. Audio-visual materials, models, and laboratory
experiments will be employed to enhance lecture and laboratory presentations.
V.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment
Biology: How Life Works, Morris, Hartl, Knoll, Lue 1st edition
Textbook’s web portal access
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/morris1e/689272
Biology 1406 Laboratory manual (Available in the AC bookstore)
B. Additional Text (s) and Supplementary Materials for the Individual Instructor
C. Course Policies – (This course conforms to the policies stated in the AC Handbook.)
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 self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will
assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Attendance – All students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and examinations and to
be on time. Students who know they will be absent in advance should contact the instructor as
soon as possible by e-mail (preferred) or telephone. The instructor will determine whether or
not an absence is excused. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO DROP THE COURSE to avoid
a potentially failing grade, however any student with 3 consecutive, or 4 cumulative absences
may be dropped by the instructor regardless of the potential end of semester grade. The last
day to drop the course with a “W” is (insert drop date).
Attendance Policies Established by the Individual Instructor
Insert personal course and attendance policies.
Course Conduct
1. Absolutely no cell phone use is allowed during labs or class.
2. No Food, drinks, or tobacco in class.
3. Courteous and respectful behavior will be expected in class at all times.
VI.
TESTS, QUIZZES, AND EXTRA CREDIT
Exam Format: Exams will be a mixture of short answer, multiple choice, matching and essay.
Testing Procedures: On exam days students will only be allowed their Scantron, and pencil. All
other belonging will need to be placed at the front of the class room
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* STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN SCANTRONS (FORM 882-E) FOR EACH
EXAM!
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given periodically throughout the semester and will count as much as
one exam.
Extra Credit: Insert course specific extra credit policies & procedures.
VII.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Lecture Points
Homework
Random Quizes (10)
Exams (2)
Midterm
Final
550
100
100
100
100
150
Lab
250
Exam 1
Exam 2
Genetics Report
100
100
50
Pseudoscience Group Assignment
Research Paper
100
Presentation
100
Peer Review
50
Points Total
1050
*Points are points. it does not matter where they come from, they all count equally.
TOTAL PERCENTAGE FINAL GRADE
90+ %
A
80 – 90%
B
70 – 80%
C
60 – 70%
D
*Point values will be adjusted in the event of utilizing embedded questions or modified activity.
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the
class in advance as to the changes being made.
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Biology 1406 Lecture Schedule
Class # Column1
Chapter #
Chapter Title
1
28-Aug Chapter 1
Life
2
2-Sep Chapter 2*
Molecules of Life
3
4-Sep Chapter 3*
Nucleic Acids and Encoding of Biological information
4
9-Sep Chapter 4
Translation and Protein Structire
5
11-Sep
Transcription and Translation Review
6
16-Sep Exam 1
Chapters 1-4
7
18-Sep Chapter 5
Organizing Principal
8
23-Sep
Organizing Principal
9
25-Sep Chapter 6
Making Life Work
10
30-Sep Chapter 7*
Cellular Respiration
11
2-Oct Chapter 8*
Photosynthesis
12
7-Oct Energy Review
13
9-Oct Midterm Review
14
14-Oct Midterm
Chapters 1-8
15
16-Oct Chapter 9
Cell Comunication
16
21-Oct Chapter 10
Cell Form and Function
17
23-Oct Chapter 11
Cell Division
18
28-Oct Chapter 12*
DNA Replication and Manipulation
19
30-Oct Chapter 13*
Genomes
20
4-Nov Chapter 14
Mutation and DNA Repair
21
6-Nov Exam 3
Chapters 9-14
22
11-Nov Chapter 15
Genetic Variation
23
13-Nov Chapter 16*
Mendelian Inheritance
24
18-Nov Chapter 17*
Beyond Mendel
25
20-Nov Chapter 18
The Genetic and Environmental Basis of Complex Traits
26
25-Nov Chapter 19
Genetic and Epignetic Ragulation
27
2-Dec Chapter 20*
Genes and Development
28
4-Dec Video Presentations and Review
29
9-Dec Video Presentations and Review
30
11-Dec Final Exam
Comprehensive (Starts at 8:00am)
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Angelina College
BIOL 1406 - General Biology
Laboratory Syllabus
The laboratory for Biology for Science Majors is designed to allow you to explore the world of biology
hands-on. You will be able to see many of the things discussed in lecture and learn more about them.
Attendance:
Lab will be promptly at the assigned time. I expect you to be present and on time for every lab. You are
required to stay in lab until you have completed all of the exercises for the assigned lab or until the lab
formally concludes at the scheduled time.
Lab Protocol:
Come prepared for each lab (see instructions below).
For each lab exercise, you may work with one or more students; however, I expect everyone to be a full
working participant. Any time an answer is requested in an exercise, you must answer it on your lab
write-up using your own words.
Instructions are provided for each lab exercise. Read them carefully and proceed at your own pace.
Answer all questions on the hand-outs given. Make any drawings requested in the lab manual, label all
applicable structures in the drawings you make and on the sketches included in the lab manual. Study
the demonstration materials available.
When you have finished the lab exercises, clean your work area. Prepare your microscope for storage
(see lab manual for instructions). Cover the microscope with the plastic bag/cover and return it to its
proper location in the storage cabinet.
Ask me any questions if you do not understand or are uncertain about any part of a lab exercise. I am
here to help you learn.
Lab Grade:
The lab grade is based on the average of the lab exam scores and any written assignments given.
Lab Preparation Requirements:
- Bring your lab manual to each scheduled lab.
- Be prepared to hand in your assignment over the previous week’s lab exercise.
- Each lab will begin promptly at the scheduled time.
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Biology 1406 Lab Schedule
T/W 11:00am-1:00pm
Week Date
1 8/26 & 8/27
2 9/2 & 9/3
3 9/10 & 9/11
4 9/16 & 9/17
5 9/23 & 9/24
6 9/30 & 10/1
7 10/7 & 10/8
8 10/14 & 10/15
9 10/21 & 10/22
10 10/28 & 10/29
11 11/4 & 11/5
12 11/11 & 11/12
13 11/18 & 11/19
14 12/2 & 12/3
Lab Activity
Introduction; Safety Training
Data Collection and Analysis
Chemical Composition of Cells
Protein Purification I
Protein Purification II and Electrophoresis
Proteins and Enzymes
Lab Exam 1
Cells and Diversity of Cells
Pigments of Photosynthesis and Cell Division
Bacteriophage Infection
Measuring Bacteriophage Replication
Transformation I
Transformation II
Lab Exam 2
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Ex #
1
2
3
Handout
Handout
4&5
6
7&8
Handout
Handout
11
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