Biology for Non-Science Majors Laboratory I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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N/A

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Course

BIOL-1108-008 Biology for Non-Science Majors Laboratory I

Prerequisites

Course Description

This laboratory-based course accompanies BIOL 1308, Biology for Non-Science Majors I. Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function and reproduction.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Life Science I Lab Book.  Porter and Hines 2003

Supplies

\ First and foremost, YOURSELF.  Writing utensil and paper.

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

1. Describe the metric system and demonstrate conversions within the International System and conversion of Standard English System measurements to SI.

2.. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
3. Describe the steps of the scientific method and how to generate hypotheses.
4. Describe the structure and function of the microscope, to include TEM and SEM.
5. Discuss the basic chemistry of living organisms, to include pH, buffers, and properties of water.
6. Describe the components and functions of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
7. Describe the characteristics of cellular membranes, to include active and passive transport mechanisms.
8. Explain enzymatic energetics, to include the laws of thermodynamics, endothermic, and exothermic reactions.
9. Describe the properties of the different photosynthetic pigments and the importance of each in the biochemical pathway.
10. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include the stages of mitosis and meiosis.
11. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics, to include the laws of dominance, independent assortment, and segregation; and predict genetic outcome probabilities.

12. Describe the structure of DNA and how it is related to genetics.
13. Compare and contrast the process of DNA Fingerprinting and DNA profiling.
14. Discuss current issues and techniques in biotechnology, to include micropipetting, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis.

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved the student may proceed to the Department of Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

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\ WITHDRAW: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date.  You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

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\ FINAL GRADE CHANGES:The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time Biology Faculty Committee. Request must be in writing.

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\ TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please contact me.  Since I have a drop grade for quizzes, I DO NOT give make-ups for quizzes.

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Grading Criteria

lab quizzes-----------------------35%

homework------------------------25%

lab practicals--------------------40%

 

After the first week, a quiz will be given each, with exceptions of the weeks of and after the lab practicals.  I will drop both your lowest quiz and homework grade.  I reserve the right to give two quizzes a per lab.  Should I catch you cheating, not only will I zero your work, but the zero can NOT be dropped.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.

Calendar

 

Week

Date

Lab

1

Aug. 29

Lab 1: The Metric System

2

Sep. 5

Labs 2 & 3: pH and Buffers; The Mircoscope

3

Sep. 12

Lab 4: The Scientific Method

4

Sep. 19

Lab 6: Osmosis and Diffusion

5

Sep. 26

Labs 5 & 8: Cell Structure; Enzymes (set-up only)

6

Oct. 3

Labs 7 & 8; Mitosis; (read Enzymes lab)

7

Oct. 10

Lab Practical

8

Oct. 17

Burning Food Lab

9

Oct. 24

Lab 9: Plant Pigment Separations

10

Oct. 31

DNA Structure

11

Nov. 7

Human Genetics

12

Nov. 14

Labs 11 & 12: DNA Extraction; Micropipetting Techniques

13

Nov. 21

Lab 13: DNA Fingerprinting

14

Nov. 5

Lab Practical

 

Labs with numbers  are found in the Lab book that you purchased.  Labs without numbers will be under Lessons on AC Connect.

 

 

Additional Information

I may be reached easiest by contact me through AC Connect.  In case of inclement weather, contact me!  My home phone number is 356-8443.

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM