SURVEY OF BIOLOGY
(5015 BIOL& 100-HOL) Spring Quarter, 2015
Instructor:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Adriene Brown
253-566-5060 (secretary)
abrown@tacomacc.edu (best way to reach me)
15-128L
12:00-1:00 PM Saturdays (or by appointment)
Meetings:
9 AM-12 PM, Saturdays,
Main Campus, Bldg. 15 Room 128L
Course Description: An introduction to biological principles. Topics
include: scientific method; scientific literacy; basic cellular anatomy and biochemical processes;
evolution and genetics; diversity of life; and ecology and environmental issues. Laboratory included.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of ENGL 095 with a minimum grade of C and either completion of
MATH 090 or MATH 093 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent assessment in these areas.
Note: BIOLOGY 100 DOES NOT SATISFY ANY PRE-REQUISITE FOR UPPER LEVEL
BIOLOGY COURSES.
Course Overview: Biology is the study of life. This class provides a survey of the biological sciences
while enforcing the interconnectivity of life. John Muir, a famous naturalist, once said “When we try to
pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe”. Students should see
how the connection between living things is the key to how our world functions.
Degree-Related Learning Outcomes
 Core of Knowledge (COK): Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas
(Written Communication, Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences and Social
Sciences; or, as applicable, specific professional/technical programs), integrate knowledge
across disciplines, and apply this knowledge to academic, occupational, civic and personal
endeavors.
 Communication (COM): Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and
technological means to make connections between self and others.
 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CRT): Compare, analyze, and evaluate information and
ideas, and use sound thinking skills to solve problems.
 Information & Information Technology (IIT): Locate, evaluate, retrieve, and ethically use
relevant and current information of appropriate authority for both academic and personal
applications.
 Living & Working Cooperatively/Valuing Differences (LWC): Respectfully acknowledge
diverse points of view, and draw upon the knowledge and experience of others to collaborate in
a multicultural and complex world.
 Responsibility & Ethics (RES): Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes responsible
and ethical behavior toward individuals, the community, and the environment.
Program Learning Outcomes for Natural Sciences
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
 Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life (COK, COM, CRT, IIT,
RES).
 Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and
distinguish between the scientific process and other human endeavors (COK, COM, CRT).
 Communicate the primary principles and processes underlying at least one natural system
(COK, COM, CRT).
 Perform and effectively communicate the results of scientific investigations, and explain how
research is done in science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
 Demonstrate the safe and proper use of scientific instrumentation, measuring devices, chemical
reagents, media, and/or other tools of science in a laboratory or field setting relevant to specific
disciplines of science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
Detailed course outcomes
1. Demonstrate the process of science. PLO: 1, 2, 4
2. Describe the characteristics of living things. PLO: 1, 3
3. Explain the levels of biological organization from the atomic level to the ecosystem level. PLO:
1, 3
4. Explain fundamental chemical principles as they relate to the course topic. PLO: 3
5. Describe the structures of different types of cells and cite the functions of common organelles.
PLO: 3
6. Compare how different organisms capture and convert energy. PLO: 3
7. Describe fundamental concepts of genetics and relate them to current topics. PLO: 1, 3
8. Describe the basic tenets of evolution. PLO: 3
9. Compare the major taxonomic groups of organisms and their evolutionary relationships. PLO: 1,
3
10. Define basic principles found in community and ecosystem ecology. PLO: 1, 3
11. Identify issues of sustainability in topics such as energy, ecology, and conservation. PLO: 1, 3
12. Demonstrate laboratory and/or field skills related to the content of the course. PLO: 2, 4, 5
13. Work safely in the laboratory and/or the field as a member of a lab team. PLO: 1, 3, 4, 5
14. Gather, analyze and critically evaluate scientific data, and communicate scientific results using
appropriate vocabulary. PLO: 1, 2, 4, 5
Required Text: Phelan, Jay. What is Life? A guide to Biology, 2nd Edition, Freeman.
**There is an electronic e-book which is significantly cheaper**
Instructional Methods & Technology
1. This course includes a combination of lectures, labs, discussions, small group activities, and
field trips.
2. This is a hybrid online class. Hybrid online courses combine online learning with traditional
classroom (on campus) instruction. Face to face (f2f) meetings are on Saturdays 9 AM – noon.
3. You must be computer literate to the point that you can maneuver the online classroom and
complete your assignments in the proper format. You should have access to a computer that has
the computer system requirements needed to run Canvas, send email and communicate in online
discussion boards as well as virtual chat rooms. You should have read the information on TCC’s
ELearning website and have a general understanding of what an HOL class is. If you have
technical issues, you should email ELearning for assistance (best to copy me so that I know
there is an issue but I cannot fix technical problems). You will also need to print some
documents. You must check into the online classroom during Week Zero.
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BIOL&100-5015 HOL Syllabus
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4. You must maintain your TCC email address. This means checking it at least every other day
and especially before coming to the f2f meetings.
5. Poster board and supplies (copies, markers, other decorative items, etc) may be needed for some
assignments if you choose that option. You may also choose PowerPoint or any other media
we/you have available to you for these assignments as long as the classroom (both online and
f2f) has the technology to present the assignment.
6. Assignments must be completed in a program that is compatible with MS Word, Excel, or
PowerPoint.
General Organization:
1. The class week starts on Monday. Students are responsible for finishing the required readings,
lectures, learning objectives and pre-labs at various points before the Saturday f2f meetings.
a. Required readings are from the required text with very few exceptions posted in the
lecture section as external links or Word documents.
b. Lectures are posted within each weekly module of the online classroom.
c. Pre-labs will be associated with most labs to ensure you have read the material prior to
arriving. Each pre-lab is due before 9 AM Saturday. These will be posted within each
weekly module. (5 points each)
d. Learning Objectives are posted as a discussion board within each weekly module. Each
student chooses one objective and replies with an answer. Each objective can be
answered by only one person. The reply should start with the # and the title of the
objective and then give the answer (so that at a glance others can see which ones have
been answered already). Learning objectives are due by midnight on Wednesdays. (10
points each)
2. Labs take place every f2f meeting on Saturday and vary in form (experiments, hikes, organism
viewing and presentations). Due to department policies, labs cannot be made up. Labs will be
posted within each weekly module of the online classroom. You should print and read the lab
(and then complete the Pre-lab) and then bring that printed lab with you to the f2f meeting. After
performing the lab (mostly performed as a group), each individual turns in a completed lab
paper but only one of the four will be graded and all members will receive that grade. Labs are
worth 25 points if there is a pre-lab and 30 points if there is not a pre-lab.
Outdoor labs will take place regardless of weather conditions. Please always
come prepared for the worst and wear appropriate clothing. Labs will only be
cancelled in the event of extreme or unsafe conditions and I will notify you as
soon as possible in those instances.
3. Active Learning Exercises (ALEs) will be posted within the online classroom. These will most
likely include: Discussion forums, worksheets, thought topics, videos, or other assignments.
Point values and due dates will be posted on the assignment and CANVAS. Most are 5 points
each.
4. Exams will be given in class throughout the quarter. They may consist of all or a mixture of the
following: multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false, matching, ordering and essay questions.
Each exam is worth 100 points and will also cover the same material the exam immediately
prior covered. Approximately 65 points will be from the latest material, and 35 points from the
prior exam. Therefore, every exam with have 35 points of cumulative material. The third exam
will follow the same format of the previous exams. Make-up tests will only be given with prior
arrangement or extenuating circumstances with evidence (i.e. you are deathly ill and have a
doctor’s note stating as such).
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BIOL&100-5015 HOL Syllabus
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5. Body Parts Assignment: This three-part assignment involves both individual and group effort
and will be conducted over the course of the quarter. Details of this assignment will be posted in
the online classroom. (100 points)
+Critique: each student will critique all final presentations (10 points)
+Partner Evaluations: each student will evaluate themselves and their peers
regarding the presentation assignment. (40 points)
6. Questions discussion boards are found within each weekly module to ask any questions you
have throughout the week. You would not sit through 3-4 lectures per week in a class that meets
daily without asking questions. The same is expected in this class. Use f2f class time to ask
questions as well but know that the majority of our f2f time will be spent performing lab; f2f
time is not a lecture setting. There is also a General Questions discussion board posted within
the online classroom for you to ask any questions that are not related to weekly content.
7. Participation is critical to your success! Your reward is greater understanding, social activity,
and better scores. To further encourage you to participate, 50 points of your total grade will be
dedicated to participation. Coming to class prepared and on time, logging adequate time/hits in
the online classroom, working on task, respecting and helping others, respectful involvement in
online and in class discussions; see the ‘Participation Self Evaluation’ sheet in the online
classroom and the attached Student Understandings for a more detailed list of expectations.
8. Extra Credit: You are allowed to earn up to 30pts in pre-approved extra credit projects related
to biology or ecology that you are not already doing for another class. These must be organized
activities and ideas include: attending a restoration/planting event, attending a university lecture,
guided field trip, panel discussion, or workshop conducted by experts. For each activity you
attend/complete, you will earn up to 10 extra credit points. Extra credit activities will require a
write-up or documentation so I can judge your effort and what you learned. Please let me know
before the 7th week of the quarter that you are going to attend an extra credit event so that we
can discuss what kind of documentation I would like from you.
Grading:
Approximate distribution of points (subject to change)
Pre-labs (9 @ 5)
Learning objectives (9 @10)
Labs (9 @ 25)
ALEs (9 @ 5)
Exams (3 @ 100pts)
Body Parts Assignment
Critique of presentations
Partner Evaluations
Participation
Total points
Extra Credit (3 @ 10)
45 points
90 points
225 points
45 points
300 points
100 points
10 points
40 points
50 points
905 points
30 points
Grading scale
A
92-100 = A
90-92 = A-
TCC Spring 2015
B
88-90 = B+
82-88 = B
80-82 = B-
C
78-80 = C+
72-78 = C
70-72 = C-
D
68-69 = D+
60-68 = D
BIOL&100-5015 HOL Syllabus
E
0 – 60 = E
Page 4 of 8
YOU MUST KEEP ALL ORIGINAL GRADED ITEMS for future use and verification. The grade
entered into CANVAS is the reported grade unless an original (hard copy or saved file with instructor’s
comments saved) stating otherwise is presented for verification. Your grade in this class is based on the
percentage of points you have out of the total available points.
Classroom Policies:
Student Understandings: You will be required to print, sign and date a ‘Student Understandings’
document (attached to this document). It will be due the at the first f2f meeting after we review safety.
Late Work: Assignments turned in after the due date and time will be considered late. If turned in
within the first 24hrs they will be docked 10% of the grade. Thereafter, a further 20% will be docked
each day. CANVAS assignments will close 5 days after the original due date and will not receive any
points. If you have a legitimate reason to miss a class, please notify me well in advance. Any
assignments due that day will have to be turned in ahead of time.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have submitted your work correctly on CANVAS. That
means you check that it has been submitted, the file is in the correct file format, and it is the correct and
most up-to-date file. All due work turned in to the secretary in building 15 must have an official
date/time stamp that shows the work was turned in on time.
Missed Labs or Exams: You will not be allowed to make-up labs or exams and a grade of zero will be
applied. No exceptions. Labs can be turned in to the Building 15 secretary (must be date/time stamped)
or can be emailed (scanned and attached) to meet due dates.
Attendance: This class requires commitment and discipline. It is your responsibility to attend every
class meeting, view online lectures and participate in online discussions. If you miss a class meeting, it
is your responsibility to obtain all missed information and get caught up. You can do this by scheduling
a meeting with me, staying for office hours or getting the information from a reliable classmate outside
of class time. Please do not show up early to f2f class without scheduling a meeting with me with the
expectation of receiving my help as that is my prep time. Office hours are available after class. Do not
take class time away from other students by trying to obtain missed information during class time. You
will lose participation points for not attending class meetings and for misuse of class time. Your online
viewing and discussion participation will be monitored for participation points as well.
Laboratory Safety & Emergency Procedures: Please review the Biology Laboratory Safety &
Emergency Procedures document located in the Week Zero module. We will review this at the first f2f.
I also require you to sign and date the student understandings page at the end of this document.
Cell Phones and texting: These devices are annoyances if they interrupt the classroom environment.
Please remove yourself from the classroom before using such a device during breaks, before class and
after class. Most definitely do not talk on them or leave them on to ring during class time. Participation
points will be deducted for non-compliance. Any use during an exam will be considered an academic
honesty issue.
Electronic Dictionaries/translators: These devices are not allowed in the classroom. It is your
responsibility to learn the needed vocabulary and be able to apply it. Scientific vocabulary is new to
most students. English is the primary language used in this class and everyone is expected to write,
speak, and understand English. A grade of ‘B’ or above in English 91 is recommended.
Withdrawals/ Schedule Changes: While faculty permission is not required, a completed add/drop
form must be submitted to Registration and Records to complete drops. The instructor must sign the
form or send an e-mail to Registration acknowledging the withdrawal. If the instructor is not available,
a signature from a full-time advisor in the Advising Center is an acceptable substitute. A grade of “W”
will then appear on your transcript. Incompletes (I) will be granted only in unusual circumstances and
only at the request of the student. The decision to grant the “I” will be made by myself, based on the
student’s performance and attendance in the class. At least 75% of the course work must be complete
for an incomplete request to even be considered.
Dishonesty: No dishonorable conduct will be tolerated. Any form of academic dishonesty on quizzes /
assignments will result in a 0 grade for that assignment / quiz. Other forms of dishonesty or misconduct
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during an assignment/exercise will also result in a 0 grade. Second offenses of any type of academic
dishonesty will result in an E for the course and the student is asked to not return to class. Dishonorable
conduct includes:
Cheating (to violate rules): Honesty is expected in all endeavors.
Plagiarism (to present the ideas or words of another as one’s own or to not properly cite a
source when using adapted words or ideas): Tables, figures and words should never be copied
directly from a book, Internet, another student’s paper or any other works. Be extra careful —it
is easy to do but not acceptable. To make it easier, no quotation marks will be allowed in this
class. Students must use their own words and use in-text citations according to APA format
rules when applicable.
Lying (to be untruthful or false): There is no reason to lie to an instructor. Be truthful and take
responsibility for your own actions.
Stealing (to take and carry away without permission): Permission is required to borrow any
materials from the classroom.
Other violations: A student that is in violation of any college policies or other forms of
dishonesty/conduct will be asked to leave the class upon the first offense, will lose all points for that
period and will be reported to the Associate Vice President for disciplinary proceedings. Each student
will be required to sign and date a ‘Student Understandings’ sheet and will be expected to follow each
of the understandings. Any student that is in violation of an understanding will be asked to leave the
class upon the first offense and will lose all points for that period. Upon a second offense, they will be
reported to the Associate Vice President for disciplinary proceedings.
Classroom Concerns/Disputes: If you have questions or concerns about this class or with the
instructor, the first step is to talk with the instructor in private about your concerns. If you are
unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair of the Program/Department, Rebecca
Sliger, room 15-134 (253) 460-4428. The Chair can assist with information about additional steps, if
needed.
Disabilities: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these
requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact
the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328). They will require you to present formal,
written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been
completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The
disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the
accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Non-class time: Students should spend AT LEAST three hours each week in the online lecture area or
with the downloaded lecture. Beyond that, it is recommended by Tacoma Community College that you
spend at least 3 hours of outside preparation time/study time for every credit hour (15 hours for this 5
credit class). Therefore, you should have at least 18 hours a week to devote to outside study/prep for
this class. You may want to rethink your schedule if you do not have this time outside of class to
dedicate to this class.
Study Tips: Please read (at least skim) the study tips/guides at the following addresses for tips on how
to be a great student
http://www.studygs.net/
http://www.lions.odu.edu/%7Ekkilburn/dr_mom_home.htm#top
Communication: Keep in mind that communication is the key to your success. The instructor cannot
read your mind or know what is going on in your world so you must keep them informed if you don’t
understand or have any issues. Utilizing office hours are highly recommended.
Support Services: You have many services available to you on this campus. If you are having trouble
(or you want to avoid trouble), seek advice from one of the following. The Learning Resource Center
(Library, Media Services and Listening Language Lab), Tutoring Center, Writing Center, Computer
Assisted Learning Lab and Computer Lab. Check the college web page (resources and services) for
hours, locations and specific services.
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Final Grade Access: Students can access their final grades after the grades have been posted to student
transcripts by signing onto the ‘my e-services’ area of the TCC website and using the SID plus student
inquiry pin to see the student’s unofficial transcripts.
Final Work Return: Students may make an appointment with the instructor to pick-up their final work
or they may provide a self-addressed stamped envelope the last f2f in which the instructor can mail the
final work. Please inform your instructor on the last day if you plan to use either of these options. All
work will be disposed of promptly or used for examples in future quarters if the instructor has not heard
otherwise from you.
Changes in policies: There may be changes in the course calendar/schedule, assignments or grading
throughout the quarter. These will be discussed in class. It will be your responsibility to stay updated.
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SURVEY OF BIOLOGY
(5015 BIOL& 100-HOL) Spring Quarter, 2015
Student Understandings
1. I understand the standards in this course and that I am responsible for my own learning, attitude,
time and performance.
2. I understand that I should be computer literate and that the majority of this class will be in an online
setting with much work to be completed online or via the computer.
3. I understand that when we are working in small groups I am responsible to take an active part in
advancing and completing the assigned work of the group. I also understand that the group will
receive one grade for their efforts but that I will be graded based on how my peers thought I
performed within the group as well.
4. I understand that I will be held responsible for assessing my own work and other student’s work
using criteria and standards discussed in class.
5. I understand that if at any time in the quarter I feel unsure about my ‘grade’, I may request an
assessment from the instructor but that I am required to keep a log of all recorded grades. I also
understand that CANVAS is the official grade book of this class.
6. I understand that every class period will have something due and that several weekly postings in the
discussion board are required.
7. I understand that I should come to class prepared (readings completed, assignments finished, and
ready to be turned in (stapled, etc), questions formulated, quizzes complete, etc) and ready to work.
8. I understand that assigned reading should be completed BEFORE coming to class and that I should
be spending at least 3 hours in the lecture area every week besides the 15 hours I should be spending
in regular preparation/study.
9. I understand that the work of the course requires consistent classroom attendance and active
participation both online and in the f2f meetings (see participation self-evaluation sheet).
10. I understand that I should seek assistance when it is needed because the instructor is not omniscient.
11. I understand that the choice is mine, not the instructors (asking the instructor if you may turn in an
assignment late, miss class, cheat, etc is futile—it is your choice, not the instructors). Refer to the
classroom policies stated within the syllabus to understand the consequences of your actions.
12. I understand that rules and directions are formulated for reasons and that I must follow the lab safety
rules presented in the lab introduction at all times.
13. I understand that I should treat the course and all participants with dignity and respect.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------By signing the document below, you are stating that you have read and understood the above statements.
Print Name: ________________________________
Sign Name: ________________________________