SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College
Spring, 2015
Course: Biology 1224-Biology for Majors
Section #: 201/202
Call #: 20148/20149
Day(s) and Time(s): Lecture T & TH 9:30 – 10:50am Start and end dates: Aug 19 – Dec 9
Lab- (201) T 12:00pm – 2:50pm
(202) TH 12:00pm – 2:50pm
Course Delivery Method: Face to Face
Course format: Lecture and Lab
Instructor: Jennifer Kneafsey, M.Ed., M.S.
(pronounced ‘neef-see’)
Office Location: NEC 2106
Office Hours: M 8:00 – 9:00am, 12:00 – 3:30pm
Office Phone: (918)595-7490
T 3:00 – 3:30pm
W 8:00 – 9:00am, 12:00 – 3:30pm
Office email: jennifer.kneafsey@tulsacc.edu
TH 3:00 – 3:30pm
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Science, Math, & Engineering
Associate Dean: Dave Sollars
Office: NEC 1130
Phone Number: (918)595-7542
TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS SERVICES:
Director: Dr. Mike Limas
Office: NEC A153
Phone: (918)595-7474
COURSE PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A presentation of selected principles in biological science for the science
major, including the cell concept, the organization of multi-cellular systems, plants and animals as
organized systems and man in relation to his environment.
NEXT COURSE(S) IN SEQUENCE: Depends on your degree program
TEXTBOOKS, SUPPLIES, & OTHER RESOURCES:
Title: Biology
Publisher: OpenStax College
ISBN: 978-1-938168-09-3
Note: The OpenStax Biology textbook is a FREE online textbook. This means you can take this
course with NO textbook cost. You can print pages from the online text if you like. You can also
purchase a printed copy at the bookstore if you choose. This is a double peer reviewed textbook
funded by many foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation. It is coordinated by Rice
University. www.openstaxcollege.org Click “students”, then “get my book”, then the Biology
(green) book.
WileyPlus Learning Space (WPLS)—Wiley Publishing has partnered with OpenStax College to offer a
companion site that our class will use. There are practice questions, tutorials, animations,
customized learning suggestions and a private CourseStream for our class that we’ll be using. This
semester, there is no cost for this product for our class, as it is new. I will help you get registered
and practice with the site during our first lab session.
Updated: 3/22/2016
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SCANTRON forms: Each student will need one SCANTRON form 882-E for each of the 4 learning
assessments. These are available for purchase in the NEC Bookstore at a cost of approximately $1
for a package containing 6 forms.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to—
o Identify and describe the structure and functions of cells as a beginning of molecular
organization necessary for life.
o Explain the nature of science and it’s methods by describing and utilizing the Scientific Method
o Explain that organisms are made up of integrated groups of small units, giving consideration of
this organization from the molecular to the organ systems levels of development.
o Analyze the basic ecological concepts governing the biosphere.
o Demonstrate an awareness of the biotic world during a time in which its very existence may be
threatened.
o Describe the diversity as it appears in all phyla as a function of evolutionary development with
consideration given to the genetic mechanisms involved.
TEACHING METHODS: There are two one and one-half hour sessions of lecture and three hours
of laboratory each week. The lecture material and laboratory material correlate with each other as
closely as possible. Hands-on activities, 3-D models, computer presentations and web resources
may be used to supplement the lecture, lab and reading materials.
The method of instruction will be primarily lecture using the assigned reading material in the text
and external sites online as supplemental sources of information. Hands-on and large scale models
will be used to assist with student understanding in both lecture and laboratory. Small group
activities for learning reinforcement are frequent during my lectures. Additional material may be
covered in lecture that is not present in the text, meaning attendance will be an important part of
the course. The student is responsible for ALL lecture, lab and assigned text material.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Students must wear goggles and protective gloves during designated
labs. These will be provided for you. Lab coats or aprons are recommended during some lab
exercises but are not required. If you prefer to provide your own safety equipment, please be
aware that goggles, gloves, lab coats and aprons are available for sale at local vendors.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES: Students will be evaluated through quizzes, exams, online
assignments and lab participation/reports. Details are provided in the timeline, which is located at
the end of this syllabus.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance and participation are integral parts of your success in this course.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK: If you encounter a problem that will prevent you
from completing work on time, please contact the instructor by phone or email to discuss the
situation. Late work will only be accepted if there has been a documented emergency. If you know
in advance that you will be absent, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can discuss
the possibility that work can be completed ahead of time. There will be no make-up exams or labs
unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. No make-up quizzes will be given.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the
duration of any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from
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a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for
deadlines. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course
grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student. Friday, April 10th,
2015 is the last day to change from credit to audit and is the last day to withdraw with a “W”
grade.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated Outlook 365 email address
(ex: jane.doe@tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course assignments
will be sent to your TCC email address; and you must use your TCC email
to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates
gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education
and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical
Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions,
beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of
ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of any
electronic device is at the discretion of the instructor. Cell phones must be set to a silent setting
during class. You should step outside the classroom or lab if you must take a phone call that
cannot wait until after class. There should be no text messaging during class or lab.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be
notified of any changes to the syllabus in writing.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call
(918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE: Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance
with the Governor’s Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-1523
which prohibits smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor
workplace, and all vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and
instrumentalities. This Order includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not
limited to, all grounds, buildings, facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community College’s policy
includes a tobacco free environment on all campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit
or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police is responsible for ensuring compliance with the
Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations of the policy may be addressed through issuance of
campus or state citations.
Updated: 3/22/2016
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others
about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not
condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa Community
College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty.
Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of
disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty
member may:

Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;

Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;

Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;

Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request
that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook,
and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC
website: www.tulsacc.edu
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Work through each lesson by:
•Reading and taking notes over the chapter material
• Performing virtual and actual lab activities
• Using web resources available with text, including assignments, tutorials and animations
• Participating in group discussions
TENTATIVE EVALUATION TECHNIQUES—Subject to change at the instructor’s
discretion:
ASSIGNMENTS
Learning Assessments – There will be four learning assessments valued at 100 points each.
Each learning assessment will consist of a combination of multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank,
labeling diagrams and short answer questions. Approximately 40% of the value of each learning
assessment will come from the short answer portion. The other 60% will be multiple choice
questions. Each learning assessment is cumulative, meaning that prior chapters provide the
foundation upon which you can understand the newer material.
Quizzes - There will be 4 announced quizzes, valued at 25 points each.
quizzes are listed in the timeline at the end of this syllabus.
The dates for these
Lab Exercises/Participation - Lab exercises and reports will be submitted for evaluation. These
will vary in point value, but the total point value for all labs will be 250 points. Some labs will be
assessed individually and others will be completed in groups.
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Wiley Plus Learning Space (WPLS)—This is a tutorial and practice system provided by the Wiley
Publishing. This new system offers diagnostic assessments and will personalize the practice you
need. It also offers a Facebook-like social media stream that is only for our class members to help
facilitate our learning community. There will be pre-lecture assignments and post-lecture
assessments. Your grade will be based on completion of the pre-lecture assignments and your
proficiency on the post-lecture assessments.
The final grade will be determined according to the following system:
Learning Assessments, 4 @ 100 points………….….400 points possible
Lecture Quizzes, 4 @ 25 points……………….……….100 points possible
Lab Exercises & Reports…………………………….…...250 points possible
WPLS assignments………………………………………….250 points possible
Total = 1000 points possible
*Note: There are 1000 points possible, but the grading scale is based on 980 points possible. This
20 point difference is to account for an unplanned life event that might cause you to miss a quiz or
a lab. It is still possible to earn a perfect score in the class, even if you miss one quiz or one 20
point lab.
GRADING SCALE:
All scores will be added together for a cumulative grade. The final grade is determined from the
following point scale:
882 – 980 or more = A
784 – 881 = B
686 – 783 = C
588 – 685 = D
0 – 587 = F
The instructor is available to any student who needs extra instruction. It is the student’s
responsibility to make the instructor aware of his/her academic difficulties at the immediate point
at which assistance is needed. The instructor is available during office hours or by special
appointment. There are also a number of free on-line tutorials available to you for extra assistance.
Please see the following page for tentative course calendar.
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TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR:
Date
Chapter(s)
Subject
Week 1
Jan 13
1
Lab
Syllabus/The Study of Life
Wiley Plus Registration, Pre-Test, Tour (10 pts)
Jan 15
2
The Chemical Foundation of Life
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Week 2
Jan 20
3
Jan 22
3
Biological Macromolecules
Sci Method, Metrics (10 pts)
Biological Macromolecules
Announced Quiz #1-covers Ch. 2 & part of Ch. 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 3
Jan 27
4
Jan 29
4/5
Cell Structure
Macromolecule Lab (15 pts)
Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes
*CTCA Speaker, Dr. Catherine Anderson, 11:00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 4
Feb 3
5/6
Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes
Concept Connection/Osmosis Lab (15 pts)
Feb 5
6
Metabolism
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Week 5
Feb 10
n/a
Learning Assessment #1-covers Ch. 1 - 6
Microscopes-Fresh & Prepared Slides (15 pts)
Lab Report Formatting and Rubric
Feb 12
7
Test Results/Cell Respiration
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 6
Feb 17
7
Cell Respiration
Spec 20 Photosynthesis (Lab Report Data Collection) (15 pts)
Feb 19
8
Photosynthesis
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Week 7
Feb 24
10
Cell Reproduction
Announced Quiz #2-covers Ch. 7 & 8
Pop Bead Chromosomes, Part 1 (15 pts)
Lab Reports Due (30 pts)
Feb 26
10/11
Cell Reproduction
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Week 8
Mar 3
11
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Pop Bead Chromosomes, Part 2 (15 pts)
Mar 5
n/a
Concept Connection
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week 9
Mar 10
n/a
Mar 12
12
Learning Assessment # 2-covers material through Ch. 11
DNA Extraction (15 pts)
Test Results/Mendel’s Experiments and Heredity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAR 16 – 20
SPRING BREAK—TCC CLOSED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week 10
Mar 24
12
Mendel’s Experiments and Heredity
Genetic Traits & Disorders Lab (15 pts)
Mar 26
13/14
Modern Understandings of Inheritance/DNA review
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Week 11
Mar 31
14
DNA Structure and Function
Announced Quiz #3-covers Ch. 12
Gel Electrophoresis of DNA (15 pts)
Apr 2
15
Genes and Proteins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 12
Apr 7
15
Genes and Proteins
Apr 9
n/a
Learning Assessment #3-covers material through Ch. 15
Gel ElectrophoresisAnalysis (15 pts)
**Friday, April 10th—last day to withdraw with a “W” or to change from credit to audit**
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 13
Apr 14
16
Test Restults/Genes Expression
Make A Protein Lab (15 pts)
Apr 16
17
Biotechnology and Genomics
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Week 14
Apr 21
18
Evolution and the Origin of Species
Biotech Take Home Lab (20 pts)
Apr 23
19/20
The Evolution of Populations/Phylogenies
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Week 15
Apr 28
44/45
Ecology and the Biosphere/Population & Community Ecology
Announced Quiz #4-covers Ch. 18, 19, 20
Concept Connection/ Predator/Prey/Biogeochemical Cycles/Post-Test (15 pts)
Apr 30
46/47
Ecosystems/Conservation Biology and Biodiversity
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Week 16
Tuesday, May 5
Updated: 3/22/2016
Learning Assessment #4—cumulative (Final Exam) – 9:30
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