Biology for Non-Science Majors Laboratory I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-1108-DC005 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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Hours

(1 sem hr; 2 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ None - Required.

\ Optional: Life Science I Lab Book.  Porter and Hines 2003

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Supplies

\ Computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free down loads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

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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

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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.

\ 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.

\ 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.

\ 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 email a written explanation which must include: 1) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number)
\ QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to resets the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the quiz.
\ EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately.  The instructor will reset only one exam due to a technical problem or any other reason.  After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop.  If your computer or connection is weak. please use a reliable computer or connection.  Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the exam.

Grading Criteria

\ EVALUATION : Exams will count for 80% and Quizzes will count 20%of the course grade.

\ GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
\ 89.5 - 100 = A
\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B
\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C
\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D
\ 00.0 - 59.4 = F

\ QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
\ There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will  be DROPPED.
\ If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.
\ NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.  IMPORTANT!! Quizzes and other assignments will be due by 11:59 PM on Tuesdays.

\ EXAMS: 80% of the total grade for the semester.
\ Two exams (Midterm and Final), 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM. 
\ Exams will be due by 11:59 PM on Tuesdays.

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

Additional Information

\ My school email is: heather.funderburg@dumas-k12.net Please email me if you have any questions. Thank You.

\ EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Fridayby 5:00 PM. Emails after 5:00PM will be checked the following day. The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and week ends. Remember instructors teacher numerous other courses. Be patient.

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