Fall 2014
South Portland, Maine 04106
Biology DEPARTMENT
Title: General Biology
Catalog Number: BIOL 100-21
Credit Hours: 4
Lecture: 45 hours
Instructor: A. Lacertosa
Lab: 30 hours
Office Hours: By appointment
E-mail: alacertosa@smccme.edu
Course Syllabus
Course Description
BIOL 100 is a four-credit hour, one-semester survey course, designed to give students who
are non-science majors a solid foundation in the basic principles and unifying concepts of
biology. Students develop an understanding of science, the nature of scientific inquiry, and
how evolution explains the unity and diversity of all life on Earth. The course focuses on
common features that all organisms (living things) share, as well as their unique
characteristics. The “ basics” of living things are explored: their biochemistry, structure,
classification, ecological role, genetics, and evolution. Prerequisites: ENGL 050, ENGL 075.
Corequisite: MATH 050.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
1. apply the scientific method of inquiry.
2. communicate the relevance of science in society.
3. describe how evolution works as a theory to explain the unity and diversity of life.
4. perform hands-on and interactive lab experiments and activities using selected biology
lab equipment and proper safety practices.
5. demonstrate a basic understanding of the following topics: characteristics and basic
classifications of life, biochemistry, metabolism, cells, genetics, and ecology.
Learning Outcomes
This course is intended to meet all the competencies of the SMCC Science Outcome and to
introduce competencies of the Critical Thinking Outcome (more information at ‘Learning
Outcomes – General Education’ in the College catalog).
Topical Outline of Instruction
Characteristics and basic classifications of life: Domains of life, kingdoms of Eukarya,
organizational levels of life, virus, definition/explanation of “science,” science’s impact on
society, Darwin’s ideas and evolutionary theory
Biochemistry: Atomic structure, periodic table, compounds, water and pH, DNA structure,
macromolecules (biomolecules)
Metabolism: Active transport, energy transference, cellular respiration, DNA replication,
cell cycle, meiosis, protein synthesis, photosynthesis, evolutionary theory
Cells: Cell theory, cell structure and function, cell types, cell cycle, meiosis, biotechnology,
virus, evolutionary theory
Genetics: DNA structure, chromosome structure, chromosome abnormalities, Mendel’s
work, trait inheritance (dominant and recessive traits), evolutionary theory
Ecology: Populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, evolutionary theory
Instructor’s Policies:
 Assignments: All assigned reading is to be completed BEFORE class. Students are
responsible for obtaining classwork missed due to absence. This includes getting class
notes and arranging for make-up work at the instructor’s discretion. The reason for the
absence and the work missed will determine if make-up will be possible and allowed.
 Communication: At various times throughout the semester, it may be necessary for the
instructor to send a message to some or all of the members of the class. As such
communication will be made via email; students should check their school email
accounts regularly. If the student needs to initiate a communication with the instructor,
it should be done by sending him an email to the address indicated above.
 Behavior: Students will be courteous and respectful to all members of the class. This
includes avoiding disruptions by turning off their cell phone ringers during class.
 Attendance: Attendance will be taken during each class. In accordance with school
policy. If a student is absent 3 consecutive class days without notifying the instructor as
to the circumstances surrounding such absences, the student will be assigned an AF
(Administrative Failure) grade and removed from the class. Students with 6 or more
absences from class will receive a grade of F. If there are extenuating circumstances in
regards to excessive absences, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor.
Students are expected to be on time and remain for the entire class.
 School Policies: Specific policies of this course, such as those that pertain to cheating
and plagiarism; follow those stated in the SMCC Student Handbook. Students are
expected to become familiar with the policies.
Student Evaluation and Grading
Throughout the semester there will be 2 multi-unit exams, 10 single topic quizzes (each
worth 10 points) the total of which will count as a 3rd exam and a final exam. There will also be
weekly lab reports throughout the semester. The final grade for the course will be calculated as
follows:

The highest 2 grades out of the two multi-unit and the single topic “quiz” exams
will each count as 1/4 of the final grade. The lowest of those 3 exam grades will
be dropped.*
 The final exam will count as 1/4 of the final course grade *
 The average of the lab report grades will count as 1/4 of the
final course grade **
* There will be NO make ups for any exam, including the Final, except for extreme
circumstances which can be verified by the instructor. Any missed exam is averaged as a “0”
** Lab reports are due at the end of each lab class unless informed otherwise.
Lab reports that are submitted late will be penalized 1 letter grade, which is considered to
be 10 percentage points, for each class day that they are late.
To calculate your final grade for the course, average the 4 grades described above
Course Grade 100-93 = A
92-90 = A89-87 = B+
86-83 = B
82-80 = B79-77 = C+
76-73 = C
72-70 = C69-67 = D+
66-63 = D
62-0 = F
Texts:
Lecture: Krogh, D. 2011. Biology: A guide to the natural world. 3rd custom edition for
SMCC. Pearson Custom Publishing.
ISBN: 9781256744108
Laboratory : Tarbox, B. and Willink, W., 2005. General biology lab manual. SMCC
Student printing policy:
This policy identifies the cost per page for black and white as well as color printing in
varying page sizes. Specifics of the policy are outlined below:
Per Page Costs
Each semester students receive a $20 printing credit. The balance resets at the end
of the semester and any remaining credits are removed. The cost varies depending
upon page size and whether printing is done in black and white or color.
a. There is a $0.10 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” black and white
documents.
b. The reverse sides of duplex (double-sided) documents are free.
c. There is a $.50 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” color documents.
d. There is a $.20 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) black
and white documents.
e. There is a $1.00 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) color
documents.
Duplex charges (printing on both sides of a page) work in the following fashion: One
page is $0.10, two pages are $0.10, three pages are $0.20, and four pages are
$0.20, etc. The flipsides are free, but another sheet of paper is $0.10. Please be
aware that a document with any color at all (when printed to a color printer) will by
default be printed in color. You are responsible for setting the print job to print black
and white if you do not need color.
For directions, please go to the IT Help tab in My SMCC.
How does it work?
The College’s pay-for-print system monitors printing on all printers (including those
in general access labs, library printers, the Academic Achievement Center, Noisy
Lounge and technology labs). Students can check the number of pages they have
printed by using the Printing Balance tool available on SMCC computers (located in
the lower right corner of the screen, near the clock). Departments with work study
students who need to print documents for the department should contact the
HelpDesk at 741-5696 to have a special account set up.
Refunds
Print jobs are eligible for a refund in the event of mechanical or electronic error on
the part of the printer, print server, or software used to submit the job. Jobs are not
eligible for a refund in cases where the job was not set up correctly, was submitted
multiple times, or the student is not satisfied with the result. To request a refund,
please bring the offending print to the IT Department in the basement of the Ross
Technology Center. Refunds will be granted in the form of a credit to the student’s
account.
Why is SMCC charging for printing?
The pay-for-print system is an effort to control escalating printing costs. Charging for
printing helps offset the increasing cost of supplies and encourages students to
conserve resources. To find ways to reduce your printing charges, please go to the IT
Help tab on My SMCC. If you have questions about the pay-for-printing policy or
your printing charges, please contact the HelpDesk at 741-5696 or send an email to
helpdesk@smccme.edu.
Be sure to log OUT of the system when you’ve finished your printing, to prevent
unauthorized access to your account.
ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) Statement
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution
and employer. For more information, please call 207-741-5798. If you have a disabling
condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the
programs and services offered by SMCC, you must register with the Disability Services
Coordinator, Sandra Lynham, who can be reached at 741-5923. Further information about
services for students with disabilities and the accommodation process is available upon
request at this number. Course policies about online testing are modified to suit each
individual’s accommodations.
3. Drop/Add:
Students who drop a course during the one-week “drop/add” period in the fall and spring
semesters, and the first three days of summer sessions, receive a 100% refund of the
tuition and associated fees for that course. Please note any course that meets for less than
the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated drop/add period. There is no
refund for non-attendance. IMPORTANT: Remaining enrolled after Drop/Add week means
you understand and accept the requirements, policies, and instructions spelled out here,
and in Blackboard.
4. Withdrawal:
A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered
for that course. The withdrawal period is the 2 nd through 12th week of the fall and spring
semesters and the 2nd through 9th week of 12-week summer courses. This period is prorated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a student must complete and
submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center
(no phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student
has officially withdrawn. A course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely
affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or ceasing to attend class does not
constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal.
5. Plagiarism:
Adherence to ethical academic standards is required. Plagiarism is cheating and is a serious
offense, whether it consists of taking credit for work done by another person or doing work
for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas or writings of
another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the
academic code as well as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in
any course in which s/he is enrolled has knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty
member should refer the matter to the College’s Disciplinary Officer and appropriate action
will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from
the course and a failing grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions
to the Disciplinary Committee under the terms outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
6. Early Alert and Academic Alert:
a. The first four weeks of the semester is the “Early Alert” period. Student progress is
monitored closely during this time. The 5th through the 9th week is the “Academic Alert”
period. Student progress continues to be monitored during this time. Students who are
doing below-average work during these time frames receive an Early Alert and/or Academic
Alert grade of “U” (unsatisfactory, below a C). These alerts are intended to raise students’
awareness about their performance.
b. Grades of “U” (unsatisfactory) are sent to your advisor, who will notify you about
scheduling a meeting to discuss strategies for improvement. Think about specific ways you
can improve your performance and take these ideas with you to the meeting. The Early
Alert and Academic Alert periods cover the first half of the semester. If you are still
performing unsatisfactorily at mid-term, it may be very difficult to earn a passing grade.
c. These alert grades do not change. They do not become part of your permanent
record and no other schools have access to them. They only reflect your performance for
those time frames. However, these grades DO affect your final course grade, obviously,
because your course grade continues to change as the semester progresses and you
complete more work. Your final course grade may be different from your Early Alert and
Academic Alert grades, i.e., higher, lower, or the same, depending on your performance.
You should calculate your grade often and know where you stand .
d. If your course grade continues to stay at C or above (satisfactory), keep up the
good work! You won’t receive an Early Alert grade or Academic Alert grade.
7. Administrative failure (grade of "AF"):
a. “Administrative failure” is the consequence of missing work for a one-week
period, OR not logging in at all for a one-week period, with no prior notification to the
instructor regarding the reason. (The time frame for this policy differs by course.)
b. A grade of AF is submitted to the Registrar immediately at the end of the two-week
period. Basically, an AF grade drops the student from the course. The student may then
contact the instructor to request reinstatement in the course. Reinstatement is at the
instructor’s discretion and is generally not granted because too much work has been missed
by that time. Late work is not accepted, and makeup work is not available.
c. A grade of AF is also assigned in cases of cheating and other inappropriate conduct.
In these cases, other consequences may be imposed on the student.
d. An AF student can contact the Registrar and request that the grade of AF be
changed to “W” (withdrawn) if done before the final drop date. Students earning an AF or
W are still financially responsible for the course.
8. End-of-course evaluation (online):
Students are asked to complete evaluations for each course attended at SMCC. Evaluations
are submitted online and can be accessed through the student portal site. Students can
access the course evaluation report beginning two weeks before the end of classes. The
deadline for submission of evaluations occurs 24 hours after the last day of classes each
semester. Instructors will announce when the online course evaluation is available.
Evaluations have no effect on your grade. Instructors don't see student comments until
grades have been submitted.
Weekly Assignments
Bio 100-21
Week Of
Monday
Wednesday
8/25
Introduction Pg. 3-17
Labs 1&2 Scientific Method
Labor Day
NO CLASS
Biochemistry Pg. 49-61
Lab 3 Microscope
Cells Pg. 76-88
Lab 4 Cells
Respiration Pg. 109-119
Lab 6 Respiration
Photosynthesis Pg. 140-149
Lab 5 Photosynthesis
Cell Division Pg. 161-171
Lab 7 Mitosis
Columbus Day
NO CLASS
Forensic Bio Pg. 275-277
Lab 9 DNA Fingerprinting
Genetics Pg. 191-201
Lab 8 Genetics
Genetics Pg. 212-228
Lab A3 Taxonomy
Exam 2
Lab A1 Fungi
Animals Pg. 421-426
Lab A6 Invertebrates
Review of Animal Kingdom
Lab A9 Vertebrates
Ecology Pg. 673-81, 698-702
Lab A8 Ecology
Macroevolution Pg. 318-331
Lab 10 Evolution
Chemistry Pg. 18-39
9/1
9/8
9/15
9/22
9/29
10/6
10/13
10/20
10/27
11/3
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/1
12/8
Biochemistry Pg. 43-48
Cells Pg. 64-76
Cell Membrane Pg. 92-104
Plants Pg. 444-451 and
Pg. 459-466
Cell Division Pg. 156-161
Exam 1
Protein Synthesis Pg. 244-252
Meiosis Pg. 175-187
Genetics Pg. 201-208
Taxonomy Pg. 328-334
Animals Pg. 417-421
Animals Pg. 426-435
Thanksgiving Recess
NO CLASS
Microevolution Pg. 300-313
FINAL EXAM