NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	BIOL 1408 General Biology
Course Prefix & Number:	BIO 1408	Section Number:	840	Semester/Year:	FA 2021
Semester Credit Hours:	4	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	1
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):  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: Inquiry Into Life, 16th ed., Mader & Windelspecht (relevancy update) ISBN  9781260231700

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Elizabeth Williams
Campus/Office Location:	Pilot Point High School
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:	emcclinchie@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
7:30-8:30	7:30-8:30	7:30-8:30	7:30-8:30	7:30-8:30
3:30-4:30	3:30-4:30	3:30-4:30	3:30-4:30	3:30-4:30
Or by appointment

 

 

 

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:

Le 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.    LaLab Learning Outcomes U   Upon successful completion of this course, students will:  Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.  Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.  Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.  Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results. Identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.  Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
4 graded practice tests @25 points each	Available in CANVAS; may be taken unlimited times; highest score will be recorded	100 points
Lecture/lab packets 10 @ 20 points each	These will be submitted in lab	200 points
4 unit exams @ 100 pts each	These exams will be over lecture materials	400 points
3 Lab exams @ 100 points each	These exams will be over material covered in lab	300 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 TOPIC SCHEDULE

Date	Lecture	Topic	Lab (R/F)	Topic
M 08/23	Intro & Chapter 1	Biology of Life	Lab 1	Measurements
T   08/24   W  08/25	Chapter 1	Biology of Life
M 08/30  T  08/31 W   09/01	Chapter 2	Basic chemistry	Lab 2	Microscopes & LAB Practical EXAM 1
T  09/07	Chapter 2	Molecules of Life	Lab 3	Chemicals of cells
W  09/08 R  09/09	Chapter 3	Cells & Cell Theory
M  09/13 T   09/14	Chapter 4	Membrane Structure	Lab 4	Cell structure and Function
W  09/15	EXAM 1	Chapters 1-4
M  09/20	Chapter 6	Metabolism & Enzymes	Lab 10	Cellular Respiration
T   09/21 W   09/22	Chapter 6	Metabolism & Enzymes	Lab 10	Cellular Respiration
T   09/27	Chapter 7	Cellular Respiration	LAB EXAM	LAB Practical EXAM 2
W  09/28 R   09/29	Chapter 7	Cellular Respiration	LAB EXAM	LAB Practical EXAM 2
M  10/04	Chapter 8	Photosynthesis	Lab 11	Photosynthesis
T   10/05 W   10/06	Chapter 8	Photosynthesis	Lab 11	Photosynthesis
T  10/12	EXAM 2	Chapters 6-8	Lab 8	Mitosis and Meiosis
W  10/13 R    10/14	Chapter 5	Cell Division	Lab 8	Mitosis and Meiosis
M  10/18	Chapter 23	Patterns of Genetics	Lab 9	Genetics
T    10/19 W   10/20	Chapter 24	Chromosomes	Lab 9	Genetics
M  10/25	Chapter 25	DNA	Lab 5	Histology
T   10/26 W   10/27	Chapter 26	Biotechnology	Lab 5	Histology
T    11/02	Exam 3	Chapters 5, 23-26	Lab 5	Histology
W  11/03 R    11/04	Chapter 11	Human Organization	Lab 5	Histology
M  11/08	Chapter 12 & 15	Cardiovascular & Respiratory	Lab 6	Mammalian Anatomy
T   11/09 W   11/10	Chapter 13	Lymphatics	Lab 6	Mammalian Anatomy
M  11/15	Chapter 14	Digestive	Lab 7	Skeletal & Muscular
T   11/16 W  11/17	Chapter 16	Urinary	Lab 7	Skeletal & Muscular
M  11/29	Chapter 17	Nervous	LAB EXAM	LAB Practical EXAM 3
T    11/30 W   12/01	Chapter 20	Endocrine	LAB EXAM	LAB Practical EXAM 3
M 12/06	EXAM 4	FINAL EXAM

 

Grades WILL NOT be given out over the phone or via personal email; nor will be grades be discussed with any individual other than the student.  All grades will be recorded in CANVAS, so students can monitor their grades using CANVAS grades.

 

 

Science education should train students to BE scientists (wonder, question, gather data, draw conclusions) rather than only learn what scientists have discovered in the past; that’s called history.
-Allison Stuart

 

 

 

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 judgement 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 ______November 1, 2021_______.

 

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) 668-3300.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 111 in Gainesville.

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

o            Communication

o            Mathematics                

o            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

o                   Critical Thinking

o                   Communication 

o                   Empirical and Quantitative

 

o                   Teamwork 

o                   Personal Responsibility 

o                   Social Responsibility

 

 

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

o            Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course 

o            WECM Course

 

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

 

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:

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

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of chair/coordinator:	Dr. Lisa Bellows
Office Location:
Telephone Number:	940-688-7731 ext. 4346
E-mail Address:	lbellows@nctc.edu

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2021

 

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

 

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

 

·                Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

·                 Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.

·                 Notify instructors in advance of the absence.

·                 Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.

·                 Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.

·                 Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.

·                 Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.

·                 Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html