Principles of Biology ─ Biology V01
Course Syllabus
Fall 2011
Access the class through your portal (my.vcccd.edu)
Class Info
Time: M W 1:00pm-2:15pm
Ticket Number: 70176
Room: UV-1
Grading
Exams 1-3 100 pts each
(300 pts total)
M. B. Homework/Pre-Tests 50 pts total
Into the Jungle Quizzes 50 pts total
Final 200 pts
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Total: 600 pts
Instructor Info
Instructor: Kammy Algiers
Email:
Phone: (805) 654-6400 x 1332
Office: SCI 327
Office Hours: M 2:30-4:00
Tu 1:00-2:20
W 10:00-11:20
Thu 12:30-1:20
Or by Appointment
Grading Scale
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
< 59% F
Course Objective
The course provides an introduction to the basic principles of biology and covers the biochemistry, physiology, morphology, behavior, genetics, evolution, taxonomy and ecology of living things. The companion laboratory course provides hands-on activities to illustrate these principles. This course is designed for non-biology majors.
Biology Program Student Learning Outcomes
Biology students should be able to:
• Contrast scientific and non-scientific ideas.
• Formulate and evaluate a hypothesis.
• Discuss the mechanisms of and evidence for evolution.
• Outline the basic processes of the central dogma of molecular biology.
• Demonstrate mastery of key biological terms, processes, and techniques.
• Identify key entities at multiple levels of biological organization.
For Core Competencies and Course Outline, visit the Biology Department website for Ventura College.
Biology Department Evolution Statement
In accordance with the AAAs, the AAUP, the NCSE, and other esteemed institutions, the life science faculty at Ventura College recognizes the Theory of Evolution as the unifying principle of the biological sciences. We support the teaching of evolution and other theories in our curriculum in an accurate and thorough manner. Science is a methodology for understanding the natural world through the formulation of testable hypotheses that have the potential to be falsified by experimentation or future observations. Because we respect the process of scientific inquiry, we do not support the teaching of non-scientific ideas such as Intelligent Design as viable alternatives to actual scientific theories; similarly, we do not support the teaching of refuted hypotheses such as vaccine-linked autism, or any other concept that does not meet rigorous scientific standards in a science classroom. We reject the "just a theory" and "teach the controversy" assertions on the matter, since these represent either a misunderstanding or an obfuscation of the scientific meaning of the word theory and therefore undermine the process of strict scientific inquiry. Rather, we strive to uphold true scientific standards by giving our students the tools they need to distinguish between untestable non-scientific ideas, testable scientific hypotheses, and authentic scientific theories.
Required Material
· Text #1 ― Biology Life on Earth with physiology by Audersirk, Audersirk, & Byers 9th edition
§ Our bookstore has the ‘2nd custom edition’ of the book, which is a condensed version of the full text. This book is fine.
You will need an access code for masteringbiology.com
(which comes with new books or can be purchased with used books)
§ The e-book + Access Kit for Mastering Biology can be obtained instead.
Go to masteringbiology.com to purchase.
· Text #2 ― Into the Jungle: Great Adventures in the Search for Evolution by Sean B. Carroll
§ Bundle deals with Text #1 and/or lab manual are available in the bookstore
· Calculator (cell phones or dictionary-type calculators will not be allowed on exams)
Lecture Exams
There will be three exams worth 100 points each. The final is worth 200 points. The final is accumulative, but will emphasize on the last chapters. You will need to turn into me one SCAN-TRON packet (with at least five SCAN-TRON forms E-882) with your name on the packet. You will need a #2 pencil for every exam. You will also need an eraser that works! There are no make-up exams/final.
In case of a rare emergency (ex: car accident, hospitalization) you must contact me BEFORE the exam and have verifiable proof of the emergency. In that case, you will have an essay written exam.
Mastering Biology Homework (Masteringbiology.com)
There will be a series of homework assignments and Pre-Exams through Mastering Biology website. These assignments are only open for several days before their due date and will not be accepted after their due date.
A total of 50 points can be obtained from these assignments. (See last page for instructions)
Into the Jungle Online Quizzes (my.vcccd.edu)
You will be given an online quiz on each chapter of the book “Into the Jungle” for a total of 50 points.
You must have access to our portal at my.vcccd.edu in order to take the Quizzes.
Attendance
Attendance is required in this class. I may periodically keep attendance throughout the semester. Lack of regular attendance may result in a letter grade of “F” in Biology 1, even if you have taken all the exams. Leaving during class on a regular basis can also reflect on your grade.
Withdrawal Policy
Any student that misses more than two class meetings before the official census will be dropped without penalty. If you decide to drop the class after the census, it is YOUR responsibility to drop the class in person through the campus Admission Office, by phone, or on-line. After the census date, I may not drop you; if you are still on the roll sheet, you will receive an “F” in Bio V01.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) is forbidden & will not be tolerated in this class. If you are caught cheating your indiscretion will be reported to the college & you will receive an “F” in biolv01
Some examples of cheating are: talking to another student, looking at another student’s paper, sharing your answers with another student, or using notes during the exam. It is your responsibility to cover your answers during an exam and quizzes. Other students cheating off your work can have a negative impact on your grade. See Course Catalogue for more info.
Policies
There are no make-up exams. You are responsible for any material missed which may show up on an exam.
You will need to obtain any notes that you miss from a classmate-I will not provide them for you if you are absent. Students who are habitually late or absent should not expect to pass this class.
Turn of all cell phones during class. If you are seen talking on the phone, texting, or being disruptive in any manner, you will be asked to leave the class. Please don’t come to class if you are not interested in being here.
CLASS SCHEDULE*
Date / Topic / Text Reading / AssignmentsAug 22 M / Class information; Intro. to Life on Earth / Chapter 1 / MB Extra Credit Opens
W / Atoms, Molecules, & Life / Chapter 2
Aug 29 M / Biological Molecules / Chapter 3
W / Biological Molecules / Chapter 3 / HW Extra Credit Due 9/2 (Fri)
Sep 5 M / Holiday: No Class
W / Cell Structure & Function / Chapter 4
Sep 12 M / Cell Membrane / Chapter 5
W / Cell Membrane / Chapter 5 / HW 2, 3, 4, Pre-Ex 1 due 9/16 (Fri)
Chp 1 Into the Jungle Quiz due 9/16 Fri)
Sep 19 M / Energy Flow in the Life of a Cell / Chapter 6
W / Exam 1 (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Sep 26 M / Population Growth & Regulation / Chapter 26
W / Community Interactions / Chapter 27
Oct 3 M / Community Interactions / Chapter 27
W / How do Ecosystems Work? / Chapter 28
Oct 10 M / How do Ecosystems Work? / Chapter 28
W / Earth’s Diverse Ecosystems / Chapter 29
Oct 17 M / Photosynthesis & Plants / Chapter 7
W / Glycolysis & Cellular Respiration / Chapter 8 / HW 26, 27, 7, 8, Pre-Ex 2 due 10/21 (Fri)
Chp 2 & 3 Into the Jungle Quiz due 10/21 (Fri)
Oct 24 M / Glycolysis & Cellular Respiration / Chapter 8
W / Exam 2 (Chapters 26, 27, 28, 29, 7, 8)
Oct 31 M / Cellular Reproduction (Mitosis, Meiosis) / Chapter 9
W / Cellular Reproduction (Mitosis, Meiosis) / Chapter 9
Nov 7 M / Pattern of Inheritance (Genetics) / Chapter 10
W / Pattern of Inheritance (Genetics) / Chapter 10
Nov 14 M / DNA: The Molecule of Heredity / Chapter 11
W / Gene Expression & Regulation / Chapter 12
Nov 21 M / Biotechnology / Chapter 13 / HW Chp 9 10, 12 13 & Pre Ex 3 due 11/21 (M)
Chp 8 Into the Jungle Quiz Due 11/21 (M)
W / Exam 3 (Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) /
Pre-Exam 2 Due 3/25
Nov 28 M / Principles of Evolution / Chapter 14
W / Principles of Evolution / Chapter 14
Dec 5 M / How Organisms Evolve / Chapter 15
W / How Organisms Evolve/Slideshow / Chapter 15 / HW Chp 14 15 Due 12/9 (Fri)
Chp 9 Into the Jungle Quiz Due 12/9 (Fri)
Dec 12 M / The Origin of Species / Chapter 16
W / The Origin of Species/Review / Chapter 16
Final MONDAY, Dec 19th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Final is Accumulative with Emphasis on New Material
*This is a tentative schedule. You are responsible for any changes.
To Access HW assignments, quizzes, study area with Pre and Post Exams for each chapter, flashcards, animation, etc.
What You Need
P A valid email address (pick one you want to use for class)
P A purchased student access code
(Comes in the Student Access Kit that may have been packaged with your new textbook or is available separately in the bookstore. You can also purchase access online at www.masteringbiology.com )
P The ZIP code for your school: 93003
P Your Course ID: Algiers70176 (This is for your section only; Each course has a unique ID)
P Your Student ID: 900______(your 900 # used at registration; also on your VC student ID card)
Register
· Go to www.masteringbiology.com à Register à Students à Yes I have Access Code à Accept à No Pearson Account à Create Login Name/PW à Enter Purchased Code à Your real name and an email address you use à United States à 93003 à Ventura College à Security Question à Log into Mastering Biology à enter Course ID (Algiers70176) to join course à enter Student ID (your 900 number)
Support
Access Customer Support at www.masteringbiology.com/support, where you will find:
· System Requirements
· Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
· Additional contact information for Customer Support, including Live Chat
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Important dates to remember
Aug 22 Classes Begin
Sept 5 Labor Day - No Class
Sep 16 Last day to drop without a “W”
Nov 11 Veterans Day - No Classes
Nov 23 Last day to drop with a “W”
Nov 24-25 Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes
Dec 15-21 Finals