Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:

BIOL 1408 Biology

Course Prefix & Number: 

BIOL 1408

Section Number: 

01

Semester/Year:

Fall 2020

Semester Credit Hours:

4

Lecture Hours:

3

Lab Hours:

1

Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.

 

Course Prerequisite(s):

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Lecture Book

Inquiry Into Life, 16th ed., Mader & Windelspecht (relevancy update)

ISBN  9781260231700

             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Alexandria Wells

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville High School

Telephone Number:

(940) 665-5528

E-mail Address:

awells@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9:05-10:00 am

9:05-10:00 am

9:05-10:00 am

9:05-10:00 am

9:05-10:00 am

3:05- 4:00 pm

3:05- 4:00 pm

3:05- 4:00 pm

3:05- 4:00 pm

3:05- 4:00 pm

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

 

Lecture Learning Outcomes

1. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.

2. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.

3. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

4. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.

5. Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each.

6. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

7. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

 

Lab Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.     Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.

2.     Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.

3.     Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.

4.     Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.

5.     Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.

6.     Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

7.     Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.

8.     Identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.

9.     Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

10. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

10 graded

Discussion posts

@15 points each

Available in CANVAS, consult Discussion Post etiquette and expectations for further details

150 points

8 graded

Chapter questions

@25 pts each

Available in CANVAS, submitted within appropriate module

200 points

10 Lab reports

  @ 20 points each

These will be submitted in CANVAS

200 points

4 unit exams @ 100 pts each

These exams will be over lecture materials

400 points

TOTAL points: 1000.  Grades are determined as follows: A= 900+ points; B= 800-899 points; C= 700-799 points; D=600-699 points F=<600 points

NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. The comprehensive final is optional and may be taken to replace the lowest grade of the previous four lecture exams.

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Unit 1: Cell Biology: cellular chemistry, cell structure and function, cell division and metabolism and reproduction

Lecture Assignments

Lab Assignments

Week 1: Aug 24-28

Week 1 Discussion Post

Ch. 1-3 Chapter Questions

 

Week 2: Aug 31- Sept 4 

Week 2 Discussion Post

Ch. 4-5 Chapter Questions

Lab 1: The Metric System

Week 3: Sept 8-11

-Ch. 6-7 Chapter Questions

-Week 3 Discussion Post

Lab 2: The Microscope

Week 4: Sept 14-18

  Exam 1

 

Unit 2: Plant Biology: photosynthesis and plant organization and function

 

 

Week 5: Sept 21-25

-Ch. 8 Chapter Questions

-Week 5 Discussion Post

Lab 3: Cell Structure & Function

Week 6: Sept 28-Oct 2

-Ch. 9-10 Chapter Questions

-Week 6 Discussion Post

Lab 4: Histology

Week 7: Oct 5-9

Exam 2

 

Unit 3: Patterns of genetic inheritance: simple inheritance, Mendel’s laws, DNA structure and sequence, chromosomal basis of inheritance, biotechnology

 

 

Week 8: Oct 12-16

-Ch. 23 Chapter Questions

-Week 8 Discussion Post

Lab 5: Mitosis & Meiosis

Week 9: Oct 19-23

-Ch. 24 Chapter Questions

-Week 9 Discussion Post

Lab 6: Genetics

Week 10: Oct 26-30

-Ch. 25-26 Chapter Questions

-Week 10 Discussion Post

Lab 7: Cellular Respiration

Week 11: Nov 2-6

Exam 3

 

Unit 4: Evolution and microbiology: theory of evolution, processes of evolution, the microbial world

 

 

Week 12: Nov 9-13

-Ch. 27-29 Chapter Questions

-Week 12 Discussion Post

Lab 8: Photosynthesis

Week 13: Nov16-20

-Ch.30-32 Chapter Questions

-Week 13 Discussion Post

Lab 9: Plant Form and Function

Week 14: Nov 23-27

THANKSGIVING BREAK

 

Week 15: Nov 30- Dec 4

Exam 4

Lab 10: Well’s choice

Week 16: Dec 7-11

Final

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgment by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Oct 30, 2020.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________          

 

o        Communication

o        Mathematics             

x        Life and Physical Science

o        Language, Philosophy & Culture

o        Creative Arts

o        American History

 

o        Government/Political Science

o        Social and Behavioral Sciences

o        Component Area Option

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

x          Critical Thinking

x          Communication

x         Empirical and Quantitative

 

x          Teamwork

x          Personal Responsibility

x          Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

x        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  • Academic probation for the rest of the semester
  • In the case of a 2nd offense, there will be immediate suspension for the semester

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Dr. Lisa Bellows

Office Location:

Gainesville Science Building Office 403A

Telephone Number:

940-668-4252

E-mail Address:

lbellows@nctc.edu

There are no Handouts for this set.