BIOLOGY 3
Los Angeles Mission College - Summer 2009
Lecture: MTWTh 7:45 - 9:10 AM - INST 2001
Lab: MW 9:20 AM - 12:30 PM - INST 2019 (section 0110)
Lab: TTh 9:20 AM - 12:30 PM - INST 2019 (section 0111)
Mike Reynolds (lecture instructor)
email:
voicemail: 818-364-7695
office hours: MTWTh 12:30 - 1:00 PM Faculty Offices INST
Dr. Stephen Brown (lab instructor)
email:
voicemail: 818-364-7665
office hours: MTWTh 12:30 - 1:00 PM Faculty Offices INST
Important Dates
last day to be added to course - June 25
last day to drop without fees - June 25
last day to drop classes without a W - July 1
last day to drop classes with a W - July 16
Course Description: This introductory biology course is for transfer students who are not biology majors. Topics include basic molecular and cellular biology, genetics, the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, the diversity of life, evolution, and ecology. Current environmental issues, new developments in biological science, and bioethics are discussed. Laboratory experiences are integrated and stress scientific methodology and critical thinking.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course a successful student will be able to:
· Discuss the scientific method, including identification of dependent, independent, and standardized variables, and the role of a control group.
· Apply the metric system of measurement: gram, liter, meter, and degree Celsius.
· Explain the theory of evolution by means of natural selection, and evidence across biological disciplines.
· Interpret the Linnean system of taxonomical classification.
· Identify properties that distinguish living and non-living things.
· Compare prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
· Describe the structure of atoms and the rules underlying the formation of molecules.
· Discuss the unique properties of water and the concept of pH.
· Illustrate the structure and function of major biological molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and how to perform simple qualitative tests in the lab.
· Describe cell structure: including major organelles of eukaryotic cells.
· Operate the microscope to view living things on the cellular level.
· Explain the role of enzymes in the control of chemical reactions in organisms, and how to assay enzyme activity in a laboratory setting.
· Distinguish endergonic and exergonic reactions, and the role of ATP in cell metabolism.
· Compare the similarities and differences between cellular respiration and photosynthesis in energy metabolism, and how to model these processes in the laboratory.
· Explain the cellular basis of asexual and sexual reproduction, and the processes of mitosis and meiosis, including examination of the mitosis in the microscope.
· Identify simple Mendelian patterns of inheritance and the use of Punnet squares in the analysis of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
· Discuss the modern concept of a gene, and the processes of transcription and translation.
· Compare the basic structure and function of angiosperms and gymnosperms.
· Describe the structure and function of important human organ systems, including at least: digestive, circulatory, and reproductive
Student Learning Outcome:
Biology 3 students will work together as a laboratory team to answer questions, in writing, on laboratory techniques learned in the course and design a simple experiment using those methods.
Required Books and Materials:
Biology: Concepts & Connections; Campbell et al, 6th ed. 2008 Pearson-Benjamin Cummings ISBN 10: 0321622642 (unbound version), 0321489845 (bound version)
Symbiosis: LA Mission College Custom Biology 3 Lab Manual; 2007 Pearson Custom Publishing
ISBN 10: 0-5361-9565-X
4 SCANTRON 882-E forms; 20 SCANTRON 815-E forms; No. 2 pencils
Course EVALUATION:
Your Course Grade will be weighted as follows: 67% Lecture – 33% Laboratory.
Lecture Quizzes: (15 points each = 120 points) There will be 8 lecture quizzes given as indicated. The quizzes are intended to make sure you keep up with the course material and will cover topics presented in the lectures and readings. At the end of the semester your lowest quiz score will be dropped and the average of all quizzes taken will be added to your final point total as extra credit. Quizzes cannot be made up if you are not present. The quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class so be sure you come to class on time.
Lecture Midterm Exams: (100 points each) There will be 3 lecture midterm exams. At the end of the semester, the score earned on your lowest exam will be replaced by the score earned on your second lowest exam, unless the scores are the same. If a student has an excused absence, the percentage earned on the next exam will count for the missed exam score. Exams cannot be made up.
Lecture Final Exam: (100 points) The Final Exam will be comprehensive with half of the questions pertaining to new material, and half to previous material. The final exam cannot be made up so make all personal and vacation plans accordingly.
Case Study Essay: (30 points) Students will write a short essay pertaining to a controversial issue related to the modern life sciences. The essay will emphasize the writing of a coherent and well-argued response to the issue. The side of the argument taken is not important - the thoroughness and clarity of the argument is the key.
Lab: There will be 14 lab sessions. At the end of each lab there will be a short quiz covering that day’s material. Your 2 lowest lab quiz scores will be dropped. Lab worksheets are due at the start of the next laboratory session. Late or incomplete lab worksheets will receive only partial credit.
12 (of 14) Lab Quizzes (10 points each)
Lab Practical Exam (100 points)
Lab Worksheets (80 points total)
Lab Participation (80 points total)
Grading Scale: The grading scale is based upon percentage of final total points earned.
100 - 90% A
89 - 80% B
79-70% C
69-60% D
59% - below F
Note: Total course points could change depending upon circumstances during the semester.
Attendance:
Roll will be taken. There is a strong correlation between poor attendance and poor grades. You are responsible for information, exam announcements, date changes, etc. presented in class, whether or not you are present.
Cheating/Academic Dishonesty:
Each student is expected to do his/her own work on all assignments, reports, examinations, etc. Cheating in any form will at a minimum result in ZERO points for the assignment or test, and may result in an "F" for the course.
Here is a list of some actions that are considered cheating:
Talking during an exam
Copying answers from someone else's paper
Using notes of any kind during an exam
Showing a fellow student your exam or passing information
Turning in someone else's work
Providing your work for someone else to copy
Taking a call on your cell phone or text messaging (all phones should be off!)
If you have a question during an exam, quietly walk up to the instructor and whisper your question. Translation dictionaries are not permitted during exams. Students must ask permission to leave the room for personal reasons.
Recommendations for Success:
This is a demanding class covering a lot of information. Here are some suggestions:
· do NOT fall behind in the course, keep up with the material on a weekly basis
· each time you study, spend a few minutes reviewing previous lessons
(this is the secret to long term memory)
· read the relevant chapters in your textbook, hi-lite pertinent lines and add
these notes to your class notes (always write as you read)
· use associations, acronyms to help you remember things
· create flash cards and form study groups if you find that helpful
· know the key terms (you can’t answer questions correctly if you don’t!)
· at a minimum, you should learn the course material 3 times in order to
retain it well for the exams and quizzes:
1) comprehend the class material during the lecture
2) read the corresponding material in the text while reviewing your notes
3) review your notes and key terms before the exams
***If you don’t do at least this much, you won’t do well in this class***
GENERAL COMMENTS
Do not be shy. I am here to help you learn and it is a pleasure for me to give extra help when requested.
You must study to pass this course. Just showing up and listening will not work.
Do not fall behind! This is a fast-paced course that covers a lot of material in very few class meetings. It is incumbent upon every student to do the readings on time, participate actively in the lab, and study at home.
Do not fall behind! This is a fast-paced course that covers a lot of material in very few class meetings. It is incumbent upon every student to do the readings on time, participate actively in the lab, and study at home.
Do not fall behind! This is a fast-paced course that covers a lot of material in very few class meetings. It is incumbent upon every student to do the readings on time, participate actively in the lab, and study at home.
Work together! It is phenomenal what two or more people can learn at a lab table working together compared to one lonely, lost soul trying to isolate a cheek cell on a slide. Come to class prepared to help one another.
Ask questions! There is no such thing as a stupid question. The chances are that if you don't know what is going on, 80% of the class is sitting there as ignorant as you, waiting for someone to ask. We have all been there before. So speak up!
Other Resources:
http://www.mybiologyplace.com
-this is the publisher website corresponding to your textbook
-here you can find supplemental study material, practice quizzes, etc
http://www.lamission.edu/lifesciences
-this is the LA Mission College life science department website
-here you can find download the notes and other course materials
Lecture and Laboratory Schedule
Note:
* Not in the lab manual. These labs and the worksheets for all other labs can be purchased as an inexpensive shrink-wrapped package in the bookstore or downloaded from the department website at www.lamission.edu/lifesciences
** Not in the lab manual. Copies of these labs and worksheets will be provided for you in the lab.
Date Lecture/Laboratory Reading/Lab Exercise Quiz & Test
Week 1
Lab 1 - The Scientific Method
Mo 6/22 Intro to Course - Scientific Method Chapter 1
Tu 6/23 Atoms, Molecules and Water Chapter 2
Lab 2 - Scientific Notation, Metric System, Graphing
We 6/24 Biological Macromolecules Chapter 3 Quiz #1
We 6/25 Membranes and Transport Chapter 5.1-9
Week 2
Lab 3 - Chemistry, Water and pH **
Mo 6/29 Cell Structure Chapter 4
Tu 6/30 Energetics and Enzymes Chapter 5.10-16 Quiz #2
Lab 4 - Macromolecules **
We 7/1 Cellular Respiration Chapter 6
Th 7/2 Photosynthesis Chapter 7 Quiz #3
Week 3
Lab 5 - Microscopy and Cell Structure
Mo 7/6 Examination #1 Chapters 1-7
Tu 7/7 DNA Structure and Replication Chapter 10.1-5
Lab 6 - Enzymes
We 7/8 Gene Expression Chapter 10.6-16
Th 7/9 Biotechnology Chapter 12
Week 4
Lab 7 - Respiration
Mo 7/13 Cell Division - Mitosis and Meiosis Chapter 8 Quiz #4
Tu 7/14 How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy Chapter 6
Lab 8 - Photosynthesis
We 7/15 Genetics - Single Gene Inheritance Chapter 9.1-12
Th 7/16 Genetics - Multiple Gene and Sex-Linked Chapter 9.13-23 Quiz #5
Week 5
Lab 9 - Cell Division - Mitosis and Meiosis *
Mo 7/20 Evolution and Natural Selection Chapter 13.1-6
Tu 7/21 Molecular Basis of Evolution Chapters 13.7-12; 14.1-5 Quiz #6
Lab 10 - Basic Genetics and DNA Purification *
We 7/22 Examination #2 Chapters 8-10; 12-14
Th 7/23 Tissues and Organ Systems; Nutrition and Digestion Chapters 20 and 21
Date Lecture/Laboratory Reading/Lab Exercise Quizzes
Week 6
Lab 11 - Advanced Genetics and Gel Electrophoresis *
Mo 7/27 Circulatory and Respiratory Chapters 22 and 23 Case Study due
Tu 7/28 Reproductive Systems Chapter 27.1-8
Lab 12 - Natural Selection **
We 7/29 Animal and Human Development Chapter 27.9-17 Quiz #7
Th 7/30 Prokaryotes, Protists, Fungi and Plants Chapters 16 and 17
Week 7
Lab 13 - Digestion
Mo 8/3 The Animal Kingdom Chapters 18; 19.1-8
Tu 8/4 Examination #3 Chapters 16-23, 25, 27
Lab 14 - Circulation
We 8/5 Flowering Plant Structure and Reproduction Chapters 31 and 32
Th 8/6 Populations Chapter 36
Week 8
Lab 15 - Flowering Plants and Reproduction
Mo 8/10 Biological Communities Chapter 37.1-13 Quiz #8
Tu 8/11 Ecosystems Chapter 37.14-23
Final Laboratory Practical Exam
We 8/12 The Biomes of Earth Chapter 34
Th 8/13 Final Examination 50% 31,32, 34, 36, 37 - 50% other