General Biology
BIOL 1004
4 credit hours
Tuesday and Thursday
Lecture: 1:00 – 2:30pm
Lab: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Sherri Townsend
Science Department
stownsend@northark.edu
All emails will be answered within 24 hours.
If I will be away from a computer for more than 24 hours then I will
post an announcement on portal.
Office Hours
M171 (391-3279) – Tuesday noon – 1pm
I am also available during or after lab.
Catalog Description
This is a general overview of biology for students who may or may not be majoring in science.
This course relates man to his environment and to the living organisms around him. This is a
course in the biological sciences that helps fulfill the laboratory science requirements of some
transfer programs. Honors section available. Prerequisite: RED 1003 with a “C” or better or ACT
Reading score of 19 or higher (81 on Compass)AND CP 0633 with a “C” or better or Math ACT of
15 or higher (19 or higher on Compass Algebra).
Rationale
To convey to the science and non-science student a cross-section of the living world, its
content, inter-relationship and how humans as living organisms are inter-related with other
species on planet Earth. This course fulfills the requirement of four hours of laboratory science
credit.
Audience
See catalog description and rationale above.
General Course Goals
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the steps in the scientific process and list the importance of biology to
society and their everyday life.
2. Understand the themes and characteristics of life.
3. Describe the complexity of cell structure and function.
4. Compare and contrast different methods of energy production and explain the
importance of energy to sustain the organizational levels of life.
5. List the components and complexity of heredity and explain how its accuracy is
maintained.
6. Understand diversity to compare and contrast the interactions of life forms, their
responses to the environment, their adaptation-evolution, and their behavior.
General Education Objectives
1. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2. Apply life skills in areas such as teamwork, interpersonal relationships, ethics,
and study habits.
3. Students will be able to communicate clearly in written and oral formats.
4. Students will use technology appropriate for learning.
5. Students will learn of the importance of discussing and understanding issues
of a diverse global society.
Assessment Procedures
1. Pre-test at the beginning of the course and a post-test as part of the final
exam.
2. Series of study guides that will be filled out by students, evaluated by the
instructor, and discussed in small groups by students.
3. 2-minute papers to describe understandings of the topics. Unclear subjects
will be discussed more thoroughly.
4. Muddiest-point papers will be written by students and then discussed in
greater detail.
5. Daily questions or quizzes will be given periodically to assess comprehension
and retention of information.
6. Empty outlines and flow charts will be used to assess the synthesis of
information.
Specific Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. define biology and identify characteristics common to all life forms.
2. list and recognize each component of the scientific process.
3. explain the basic chemical composition and processes occurring in living
organisms.
4. identify cell components and their functions.
5. identify and describe the process and individual reactions of photosynthesis and its
relation to energy
6. identify and describe the process and individual reactions of
fermentation/respiration and its relation to energy
7. identify Mendelian genetics, work problems and compare Mendelian genetic
principles with other patterns of inheritance.
8. compare normal and abnormal patterns of inheritance.
9. describe the basic concepts of Biotechnology and its impact on everyday life.
10. define mitosis and meiosis; identify each step in the processes and
compare/contrast the two processes.
11. define natural selection, adaptation and evolution. Identify support for these
processes and give examples.
12. describe various systems of classification and basic properties of organisms found in
each Domain or Kingdom.
13. compare and contrast characteristics of plants, animals, fungi, protista, bacteria,
viruses and sub-viral entities.
14. define ecology, describe each component of an ecosystem and explain the energy
flow through ecosystems.
15. select and operate basic laboratory equipment and demonstrate knowledge of
laboratory skills in specific laboratory settings required for gathering, analyzing and
interpreting data in a scientific manner.
Student Responsibilities
1. Read the college catalog and all materials you receive during registration. These
materials tell you what the college expects of you.
2. Read the syllabus for each class. The syllabus tells you what the instructor expects
of you.
3. Attend all class meetings. Something important to learning happens during every
class period. If you must miss a class meeting, talk to the instructor IN ADVANCE
about what you should do.
4. Be on time. If you come in after class has started, you disrupt the entire class.
5. Never interrupt another class to talk to an instructor or a student in that class.
6. Be prepared for class. Complete reading assignments and other homework before
class so that you can understand the lecture and participate in discussion. Always
have pen/pencil, paper, and other specific tools for class.
7. Learn to take good notes. Write down ideas rather than word-for-word statements
by the instructor.
8. Allow time to use all the resources available to you at the college. Visit your
instructor during office hours for help with material or assignments you do not
understand; use the library; use free tutors, tapes, computers, and other resources
in the learning assistance center.
9. Treat others with respect. Part of the college experience is being exposed to people
with ideas, values, and backgrounds different from yours. Listen to others and
evaluate ideas on their own merit.
10. No cell phones allowed in class! If your cell phone rings (or vibrates audibly) in class
then you will be dismissed for the day – as an unexcused absence. You will not be
able to make up any missed work for the day. If your cell phones rings during an
exam, you will receive a ‘0’ on that exam.
Resources Needed
o
Personal computer - The student is expected to have access to a computer with the system
requirements listed on portal. If you have any problems with your computer, ie, computer
crashes, internet goes down, or etc., it is your responsibility to have a backup plan.
o Email Account—A Northark email account was issued to you automatically when you
enrolled in your classes. To access your email, navigate to Northark’s Web site at
www.northark.edu. On the Students tab, you should see a link Student Email. You may
also access your email from web.mail.northark.edu. Your email address will be your
username@mail.northark.edu
o Textbook: Concepts of Biology; Sylvia S. Mader. 2009. McGraw-Hill.
(ISBN: 978-0-07-340345-9)
o Lab book: Exploring Biology in the Laboratory; Pendarvis and Crawley, 2011. Morton.
(ISBN: 978-0-89582-799-9)
Campus Resources
o Resources on the north and south campus include the library, computer labs, and the
Learning Assistance Center (math & science tutors, writing lab, testing center)
Assistance for this Course
If you are having logon problems, then contact Brenda Freitas. If you are having any
other issues in your course, the first person you should contact is your instructor by
email.
Brenda Freitas (Northark IT department)
bfreitas@northark.edu
870.391.3275
Method of Instruction
The primary method of instruction will be lecture presentations coupled with student
cooperative learning techniques. Student learning will be enhanced through small group
discussions of relevant topics and presentations and/or discussions before and in the class. Key
components of topics will be reinforced using quizzes. Presentations and discussions attempt
to relate concepts presented to our own lives, society in general, and/or the environment when
possible. Internet assignments, article summaries, and homework assignments made up of
critical thought questions, thinking like a scientist and science, technology, and society
questions will also be used.
Course Requirements
Lecture: Five 100 point exams will be given during the semester. The final exam will be 100
points and will consist of comprehensive materials. The final can be used to replace a low test
grade. You will do 4 essays worth 20 points each (80 points). Homework will add an additional
170 points. The lecture will be worth 750 points. This will be 75% of the total course grade.
Laboratory: There will be daily quizzes worth 10 points each (with a bonus quiz). There will be
also be points for participation, attendance, and lab reviews. The lab will be worth a total of
250 points. The lab grade will make up 25% of the final course grade.
Course Evaluation/Grading Procedures
Final course grades will be assigned by the following grading scale:
Grade
Percent
Points
A
90-100
895 and up
B
80-89
795 to 894
C
70-79
695 to 794
D
60-69
595 to 694
F
<60
Below 595
As soon as I know your grade I will post it on the Portal. I will also return all papers to you when
I get them graded and recorded. If you wish to dispute any grade you must submit to me the
papers that are in question.
Attendance policy
o Lecture is held on the Northark campus and it is your responsibility to attend class. If
you cannot make it to class then you must inform your instructor as soon as possible
before a missed class. All homework must be turned in prior to your absence (you may
email it if necessary).
o Labs will be held on the Northark campus – attendance is mandatory. If you miss a lab
you will not be able to make it up.
o All exams will be taken on the Northark campus. If you miss an exam you will not be
able to make it up.
o If you do not plan to finish the course then you need to officially drop the course
through the registrar’s office. The instructor will not drop you from the course, which
could result in an ‘F’ on your transcript.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic fraud and dishonesty are defined as follows:
Cheating: Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials,
information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
Facilitating academic dishonesty: Intentionally or knowingly helping or
attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty.
Test tampering: Intentionally gaining access to restricted test booklets, banks,
questions, or answers before a test is given; or tampering with questions or
answers after a test is taken.
Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly representing the words and ideas of
another as one's own in any academic exercise.
Academic dishonesty will not be permitted. It shall be at the instructor’s discretion to
fail the student for that assignment, remove the student from the class, reduce the
student’s grade or petition to have the student suspended from the college.
Provision for Changing the Syllabus
If there are changes in the syllabus – you will be notified by the instructor. Notification will be
sent as an email to all students and it will also be posted as an announcement on portal.
Lab Safety
Laboratory experiments may utilize dangerous materials. In most cases, the laboratory
instructor will handle/manipulate these materials. All students must read and follow the safety
instructions described in the laboratory manual and set forth by the instructor at the beginning
of each laboratory. Handle all chemicals carefully, wear safety glasses and gloves when
instructed, and dispose of materials in a manner described by the instructor. In the event of a
spill, notify the instructor immediately.
Accommodations for Students with Special Needs
North Arkansas College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special
accommodations should make their requests in the following way: (1) talk to the instructor
after class or during office hours about their disability or special need related to classroom
work; and/or (2) contact Student Support Services in Room M188 or call 870-391-3338 and ask
to speak to Kim Brecklein.
Suggestions for Success
I. Tutoring: A tutor is available (first come/first served) in M154.
II. Computer Instruction: A web site for this course is available to all students on Portal. This
site contains the syllabus, lab notes, web links, assignments, and office hours. The instructor
will tell you how to gain access to this website.
Website: portal.northark.edu
Username:
Password:
A number of web sites contain excellent Biology articles. The instructor will provide
these for you periodically, or feel free to ask for suggestions.
The website associated with your textbook also has valuable resources.
III. Instructor: I am always available to you when I am not in class or a committee
meeting. Office hours are posted on my door and I am more likely to be
available during these times. Feel free to drop by at any time other than
regular office hours. My office number, phone number, and email address
are on the front of this syllabus. (Email is the best way to reach me!)
IV. Other Students: Find a ‘study buddy’ or ‘study group’. Your understanding of the material
is likely to increase by discussing it with and/or explaining it to others.
V. Helpful Hints
1. Review notes while fresh on your mind.
2. Skim (read headings, study bold words, look at pictures) the text before you watch
the videos and do the assignments.
3. Use the text to clarify unclear lecture notes.
4. Seek help when necessary! (In other words…come talk to me if you
feel you are confused or falling behind!)
Incomplete Grades
As a general rule, an instructor will not assign a grade of Incomplete (“I”) unless the
student has completed approximately 80% of the course but has not been able, because of
illness or other reason beyond his/her control, to finish the work assigned in the course. The
student must contact the instructor to request and Incomplete and make arrangements for
completing the course. The instructor determines the requirements for making up the
incomplete. An incomplete grade not made up within one semester automatically becomes
and “F”.
Course Schedule

Textbook: Concepts of Biology; Sylvia S. Mader (ISBN: 978-0-07-340345-9)
o Chapter 1 – Biology, the Study of Life
o Chapter 2 – Basic Chemistry and Cells
o Chapter 3 – Organic Molecules and Cells

Exam 1 – 100 points
o Chapter 4 – Structure and Function of Cells
o Chapter 5 – Dynamic Activities of Cells
o Chapter 6 – Pathways of Photosynthesis
o Chapter 7 – Pathways of Cellular Respiration

Exam 2 – 100 points
o Chapter 8 – Cell Division and Reproduction
o Chapter 9 – Patterns of Genetic Inheritance
o Chapter 10 – Molecular Biology of Inheritance
o Chapter 11 – Regulation of Gene Activity
o Chapter 12 – Biotechnology and Genomics

Exam 3 – 100 points
o Chapter 13 – Darwin and Evolution
o Chapter 14 – Speciation and Evolution
o Chapter 15 – The History and Classification of Life on Earth
o Chapter 16 -20– Evolution of Microbial Life, Protists, Plants, and Fungi, Animals,
and Humans

Exam 4 – 100 points
o Chapter 36 – Population Ecology
o Chapter 37 – Behavioral Ecology
o Chapter 38 – Community and Ecosystem Ecology
o Chapter 39 – Major Ecosystems of the Biosphere
o Chapter 40 – Conservation of Biodiversity
 Exam 5 – 100 points
Lab Schedule
Date
August 20/22
August 27/29
Lab Experiment - Title
4 – Microscopy
5 – Chemistry
September 3/5
September 10/12
September 17/19
5 – Chemistry (Continued)
9 – Cell Transport
8 - Enzymes
September 24/26
12/13 – Mitosis and Meiosis
October 1/3
15 and 16.1 –Mendelian Genetics
October 8/17
October 15/10
October 22/24
15 and 16.1 –Mendelian Genetics
(Continued)
NO LAB
11 – Cellular Respiration
October 29/31
10 – Photosynthesis
November 5/7
November 12/14
22 – DNA Fingerprinting (make gels)
7 – Animal Organization
November 19/21
22 – DNA Fingerprinting
November 26/28
December 3/5
December 10/12
Thanksgiving – No Class
TBA
TBA
Homework Due
Lab Quiz Ex 5
Article Bonus Ch 1-3
Essay 1
Lab Quiz Ex 9
Lab Quiz Ex 8
Article Bonus Ch 4-7
Lab Quiz Ex 12/13
Essay 2
Lab Quiz Ex 15/16.1
Article Bonus Ch 8-12
Lab Quiz Ex 11
Essay 3
Lab Quiz Ex 10
Article Bonus Ch 13-15
Lab Quiz Ex 7
Essay 4
Lab Quiz Ex 22 (Bonus)
Article Bonus Ch 36-40
Lab Quizzes for each exercise are online and due BEFORE you come to lab for that
exercise! All other homework is due at the start of class on the assigned date.
You will also turn in a lab review before you leave lab each day. This will be
completed during your lab time.
Essays and Bonus work (Bonus work is optional) will be explained in detail on
Portal (and MUST be submitted through portal!).
Syllabus Acknowledgement
Return by File Exchange
Course: General Biology – BIOL 1004 Sections 1 and 2
Semester: Fall 2013
I acknowledge by filling in the information below that I have received and read
the syllabus for the course indicated above. I have reviewed the syllabus and
understand the objectives of the course. Further, I understand how my performance
will be evaluated and how my final grade will be determined. I am aware of my
instructor’s office hours, and I know how to contact her for help and/or clarification of
course contents or procedures
Date:
Student Name:
Preferred Name (what do you want to be called?):
Phone Number:
Have you taken an online course before?
Have you taken any science courses before? If so, give a brief list with dates.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Do you have any disabilities, prior commitments, or other issues that could interfere with
your ability to attend class or perform in this class?