Angelina College
Science and Mathematics Division
BIOL 1409 - General Biology
Tentative Instructional Syllabus
Fall 2013
I.
Course Description: BIOLOGY – BIOL 1408 – GENERAL BIOLOGY I. Four hours
credit. This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on
humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology.
A.
Intended Audience
Business, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Child and Family Development, and certain
liberal arts and fine arts majors.
Instructor
Instructor: Jason Douglas
Office: S120-C
Office Hours: As Given by Instructor
Phone: (936)633-5319
e-mail: jdouglas@angelina.edu or via blackboard messages
B.
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. Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and
macroevolution, and speciation.
2. Describe 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 the
laboratory.
9. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
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III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives:
1. Critical thinking – students will be asked to 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
To be provided at a later date.
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 dissection of specimens will
be employed to enhance lecture and laboratory presentations.
IIV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks and Recommended Readings, Materials and Equipment
1. Campbell Biology: Concepts and Connections by Reece, Taylor, Simon, and Dickey,
(Pearson: Benjamin Cummings) 7th Edition.
2. Introductory Biology: A Laboratory Exploration of Life by Pfluger and Hall,
(Kendall-Hunt) 1st Edition.
3. Access to Blackboard (www.angelina.blackboard.com)
4. Access to www.masteringbiology.com
5. Scantrons for 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
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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. 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
a.
b.
c.
d.
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.
e. 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 office hours.
ATTENDANCE
To be considered present for a class period, the student must be present when roll is taken.
MAKE-UP EXAMS
There will be no make-up exams; however, the score on the comprehensive final exam may
replace your lowest test grade.
STUDENT CONDUCT
A positive environment for learning will be maintained by students being courteous to each
other and to the instructor. 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. Regular attendance is also expected as
per college policy. Cellular phones or pagers must be turned off or placed on the silent
mode.
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1409 Lecture
Lecture Number
1
2
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7
8
9
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Chapter
Topic
Chapters 1
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Exam 1
Chapter 18
Introduction to Biology
Natural Selection
The Origin of Species
Tracing Evolutionary History
Chapters 13-15
Evolution if Invertebrates Diversity 1
Evolution if Invertebrates Diversity 2
Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity 1
Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity 2
Animal Form and Function
Digestion and Nutrition
Chapters 18-21
Gas Exchange, Circulation
Control of Temperature & Water Balance
Endocrine System
Animal Reproduction
The Nervous System & Senses
How Animals Move
Chapters 25, 26, 28-30
Evolution of Plant Diversity 1
Evolution of Plant Diversity 2
Plant Growth, Structure and Reproduction 1
Plant Growth, Structure and Reproduction 2
Plant Nutrition and Transport
Chapters 17, 31, 32
The Biosphere
Behavioral Adaptions to the Environment
Communities and Ecosystems and Review
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Exam 2
Chapter 22, 23
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28, 29
Chapter 30
Exam 3
Chapter 17
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Exam 4
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 37
Exam 5
Final Exam
Chapters 34, 35, 37
Comprehensive
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
The lecture portion of the course accounts for two-thirds of the course grade. The lab counts for one-third
of the course grade. Lecture grades are based on four regular exams, one comprehensive final exam,
Mastering Biology homework, and a group research assignment and presentation. Lab grades are based on
lab exams and other assignments as directed.
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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. The score of the final exam may replace the lowest
regular test grade.
Lecture Homework: Homework assignments will be given throughout the semester via
www.masteringbiology.com. Collectively, they are worth a possible 100 points.
Lab Grades: There will be two regular non-comprehensive lecture exams that will be given as shown on
the class schedule. Each exam is worth 100 points. Students will be required to complete lab reports
during the lab period. All lab reports are worth a total of 100 points
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.
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.
SYLLABUS MODIFICATION: 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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