Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title:

General Zoology

Course Prefix & Number: 

BIOL 1413

Section Number: 

100

Semester/Year:

FA 2018

Semester Credit Hours:

4

Lecture Hours:

48

Lab Hours:

48

Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

Fundamental biological concepts relevant to animals, including systematics, evolution, structure and function, cellular and molecular metabolism, reproduction, development, diversity, phylogeny, and ecology. (This course is intended for science majors.)

                                                       

Course Prerequisite(s):

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Animal Diversity, 8th ed., Hickman

ISBN  978-1-259-75688-7

             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Jaime Noles

Campus/Office Location:

Gainesville, room 408

Telephone Number:

940-668-7731 ext 4930

E-mail Address:

jnoles@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:30 –9:30am

8:00 – 11:30am

8:00 – 9:00am

8:30 – 11:30am

 

 

 

 

2:00 – 3:30pm

 

ALL OTHER TIMES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

 

 

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. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of animals.
  2. Describe the characteristics of life and the basic properties of substances needed for life.
  3. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
  4. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
  5. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on animals, including the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.
  6. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
  7. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in respiration.
  8. Describe the unity and diversity of animals and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.
  9. Describe the reasoning processes applied to scientific investigations and thinking.
  10. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
  11. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
  12. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

 

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. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of animals.
  5. Describe the characteristics of life and the basic properties of substances needed for life.
  6. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
  7. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
  8. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on animals, including the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.
  9. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
  10. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in respiration.
  11. Describe the unity and diversity of animals and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.
  12. Describe the reasoning processes applied to scientific investigations and thinking.
  13. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
  14. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
  15. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Point Values

 

Percentage

3

Lecture Exams (100 points each)

Final exam is Exam #3

300

60%

2

Laboratory Exams (50 points each)

100

20%

Multiple

Lab Quizzes/Assignments/Attendance

50

10%

1

Project

50

10%

 

TOTAL

500

100

 

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

THIS IS A TENATIVE SCHEDULE AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Week

Dates

 

 

1

8/27 – 8/31

General Description of Subject Matter, Overview of Zoology and Evolution (Ch. 1) Role of Animals in Ecology (Ch. 2)

Introduction to Lab, Safety Orientation, The Microscope

2

9/3 - 9/7

Animal and Animal-like Architecture (Ch. 3) and Taxonomy (Ch. 4)

Microscope, Animal Architecture & Taxonomy

3

9/10 - 9/14

Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoans (Ch. 5)

Cells, Tissues & Mitosis

4

9/17 - 9/22

Porifera ( Ch. 6)

Protozoans

5

9/24 – 9/28

Exam 1 Covers Chapters 1-5

Porifera & Cnidarians

6

10/1 - 10/5

Cnidarians and Ctenophores (Ch. 7), Bilateral Animals (Ch. 8), Body forms (Ch. 9)

Platyhelminthes, Nematodes,  & Annelids

7

10/8 - 10/12

Mollusca (Ch. 10), Annelida (Ch. 11)

Review

8

10/15 – 10/19

Nematoda (Ch. 12), Echinoderms (Ch. 14)

Lab Exam #1

9

10/22 – 10/26

Arthropods (Ch. 13)

Mollusca & Echinoderms

10

10/29 – 11/2

Exam 2 Covers Chapters 6-14

Arthropods

11

11/5 – 11/9

Characteristics of Vertebrates (Ch. 15)

Chordates & Fish

12

11/12 – 11/16

Fish (Ch. 16), Amphibians (Ch. 17)

Amphibians, Reptiles, & Birds

13

11/19 – 11/23

Reptiles (Ch. 18)

Mammals & Review

14

11/26 – 11/30

Birds (Ch. 19)

Review for lab exam 2

15

12/3 – 12/7

Mammals (Ch. 20)

Lab Exam #2

16

12/10 – 12/14

Exam 3 is Final Exam which Covers Chapters 15-20.  Held on day and time determined by final exam schedule

 

 

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 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 8, 2017________.

 

Additional Course Information:

Students should attend class regularly to stay current on material and deadline.

In the event of an absence the student must contact the instructor in order to determine IF the absence is valid and material/assignments can be obtained.  If it is determined that a student has a valid absence, please note that quizzes/tests may be in a different format and must be completed at the time determined by the instructor.

 

Students should contact the instructor immediately upon encountering any issues with computer failure, course availability, etc. so that it does not interfere with pending deadlines.

 

Students who elect to quit working in the course or who decide to no longer attend are required to complete a drop slip with the Registrar’s Office.  Students who fail to complete a drop slip will accumulate a grade of “0” on all incomplete assignments which could lead to a final grade of F.

 

During exams/quizzes/lab exams: 

Students are not allowed to leave once an exam has started.  All electronic devices will be stored away during exams/quizzes.  If you utilize any device during an exam/quiz (lab or lecture), academic dishonesty procedures will be followed.

 

Laboratory Attendance:

Laboratory attendance is REQUIRED.  Students should be punctual; chronic tardiness is unacceptable. Students are expected to remain in the laboratory for the duration of the scheduled class period. Students who have schedule conflicts need to drop and enroll at a later date when they are able to attend the course for the duration of the scheduled period.  Students who cannot attend the laboratory regularly will be required to drop the course. DO NOT ASK TO ARRIVE LATE AND LEAVE EARLYStudents must be on time and present for the duration of the laboratory class.

 

Expectations for Laboratory Attendance/Behavior:

1.   You must be punctual. A roll sheet will be signed each time you attend lab. You must be present at the beginning of lab to sign the roll sheet.

2.   NO FOOD OR DRINK will be permitted in the laboratory. Students will store food or drink in their bags or leave them in their vehicle.

3.   STUDENTS ARE TO BE PREPARED WHEN THEY ARRIVE! You should have the proper materials for class and should have the material ready for the day. Do not arrive and then ask to go retrieve or print the necessary materials. Students will be instructed before each week what material should be studied prior to coming to the laboratory. This is intended to prepare the student to make the most of the time allowed in the laboratory session.  You must attend the lab section in which you are enrolled.

5.   Students are expected to clean their lab tables and area before exiting the room. Laboratory items (models, microscopes, etc.) should be returned to their proper locations neatly. 

  

THE INSTRUCTOR ALSO RETAINS THE RIGHT TO DISMISS ANY STUDENT WHO EXHIBITS BEHAVIORS DISTRACTIVE TO THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (i.e. talking while the instructor is providing instructions or lecture; entering or leaving room while the instructor is providing instruction/lecture, inappropriate use of cell phone, etc.).

 

PLEASE SILENCE YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES during lecture and lab.

PLEASE use CANVAS as your first method of contact for the course.

No guests are allowed in the classroom/laboratory.

 

 

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

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


  • Communication
  • Mathematics              
  • Life and Physical Science
  • Language, Philosophy & Culture
  • Creative Arts
  • American History
  • Government/Political Science
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Component Area Option

 


REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)


  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Empirical and Quantitative
  • Teamwork
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Social Responsibility


COURSE TYPE

  • Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)
  • Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
  • 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:

1)  The student will receive a failing grade (“0”) on the assignment. If the assignment is within a group in which the lowest assignment is dropped, the assignment will not be able to count as a dropped score. It will count as part of the grade.

2)  A “Scholastic Dishonesty Report Form” will be submitted regarding the incidence.

3)  Student may be dropped from the course with a failing grade (letter grade of “F”).

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Dr. Lisa Bellows

Office Location:

Gainesville Science Building Office 408

Telephone Number:

940-668-4252

E-mail Address:

lbellows@nctc.edu

 

There are no Handouts for this set.