BI 103 – General Biology
Jessica Friel
Phone: 503.316.3202
Email: jessica.friel@chemeketa.edu
Class Website: http://jfriel.wikispaces.com/BI103
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 plant and animal structure and function with an
emphasis on homeostasis, nutrition, reproduction, internal transport, gas exchange, and defense systems. This
course will also allow you to research and make a public service announcement to educate others on a specific
health decision. The general biology course is a laboratory science course designed for students not majoring in
science.
Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:
1. Identify basic animal tissue types and give their functions.
2. Diagram and label the parts of the following several systems in humans (other animals covered in less depth).
3. Use an example to explain how organ systems and tissues interact to sustain internal homeostasis in the face of
a variable environment.
4. Relate the structure of the parts of several animals systems to the overall function of those systems.
5. Describe the sequence of changes in embryonic and fetal development of animals with emphasis on humans.
6. Diagram and label the basic structure of a vascular plant
7. List and describe the structure and function of basic plant tissue types.
8. Relate the structure of plants and plant tissue to the overall function of a plant.
9. Correlate observations made in natural settings (field trips) with the structure and function of evolutionary
adaptations that allow plants and animals to maintain homeostasis.
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 (8 @ 5 points)
40
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
195
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
ACCESSING YOUR GRADE THROUGHOUT THE TERM:
When you would like to see your grade email me and ask to see your grade report. I will reply within 1 business
day with your current scores.
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 an organ system and disease. 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 reduced 10% each day, 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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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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BI103 ScheduleSpring 2013Subject to Change
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Lecture
Reading
Lab
Date
Due
T
Course Forms
4/2
26
R
Pre-Lab: Microscopes & Homeostasis
4/4
T
Worksheet 1
Plant Structure,
Internal
4/9
Nutrition, and
35
Transport in
R
Pre-Lab: Internal Transport in Plants
Support
Plants
4/11
Post-Lab: Homeostasis
Friday, April 12: Last day to drop with refund
Monday April 15, 8:30: Field trip registration begins (see website for CRNs)
T
Worksheet 2
Internal
4/16
PSA: Getting Started
Animal Circulation
28.1-28.2
Transport in
R
Pre-Lab: Internal Transport Animals
Animals
4/18 Post-Lab: Internal Transport in Plants
T
Midterm 1
4/23
Worksheet 3
Gas Exchange in
Aquatic
28.3-28.5
Animals
Analysis
R
Pre-Lab: Aquatic Analysis
4/25 Post-Lab: Internal Transport Animals
T
Worksheet 4
Plant
4/30
PSA:
Group Research
Plant Reproduction
Reproduction
36
and Development
and
R
Pre-Lab: Plant Reproduction
Development
5/2
Post-Lab: Aquatic Analysis
T
Worksheet 5
Animal
Animal
5/7
PSA: Individual Research
Reproduction
Reproduction and
33
and
R
Pre-Lab: Animal Reproduction
Development
Development
5/9
Post-Lab: Plant Reproduction
T
Midterm 2
5/14
Worksheet 6
Nervous
Nervous System
30
System
R
Pre-Lab: Nervous System
5/16
Post-Lab: Animal Reproduction
T
Worksheet 7
5/21
Defense Against
Immune
32
Disease
System
R
Pre-Lab: Immune System
5/23
Post-Lab: Nervous System
Friday, May 27: Last day to drop without grade
T
Worksheet 8
5/28
Animal Hormones
29
Group Work
R
Post-Lab: Immune System
5/30
T
Worksheet 9
Animal Nutrition
Group Project 6/4
27
and Digestion
Presentations
R
Group Project Presentations PPT (sent
6/6
by email before 12pm)
Introduction to
Biology, Internal
Organs, and
Homeostasis
Microscopes
&
Homeostasis
Cumulative Final Exam: Wednesday, June 12, 12:00-1:50 pm
You can have one half sheet of paper, written on one side for the final only
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