Course Syllabus
BIOL 160 – GENERAL BIOLOGY
SPRING QUARTER 2020 SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE
Instructor: Tunde Akinyeke Lecture: 8-8:50 MW
Office: SAM 213 Zoom Conference Call
Telephone: 206.934.4076
Laboratory: 8-9:50 TR
Online
Seminar: 8:8-50 F
Zoom Conference Call
email: tunde.akinyeke@seattlecolleges.edu
Office Hours: By appointment via Zoom
COURSE MATERIALS:
Text: “Concepts of Biology” Openstax College
* https://www.openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/concepts-of-biology/get
Lab Manual: Labster website and Canvas
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for non-science majors and consists of lecture, discussion, video, laboratory, reading and writing activities. We will look at biological concepts common to all living organisms with the focus on life’s unity and diversity as seen through a study of ecology, cells, inheritance, evolution, biotechnology and other current issues.
COURSE OUTCOMES (Upon completion students should be able to):
- Apply the scientific method by formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and analyzing data.
- Identify the properties of macromolecules that are the foundation of living organisms.
- Demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of light microscopy by demonstrating the ability to focus on a specimen at high power.
- Sketch a diagram to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, detailing the basic structures and their functions.
- Describe how genes are passed from parents to offspring.
- Explain how genes determine an organism’s traits.
- Explain the supporting evidence for common ancestry and natural selection
- Outline ecological hierarchy and describe species interactions and energy flow through trophic levels.
- Locate and evaluate sources of scientific information.
- Articulate arguments about current issues related to biology. Support those arguments with evidence.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS: The entire quarter will be done online so having a working computer and a reliable internet source is mandatory. I expect you to attend class daily (via Zoom), to read the assigned textbook and lab material prior to meeting, and to ask questions when you don’t understand the material. This class requires your daily participation and quizzes will be given during class. Many assignments and activities will be announced in class and will require active class participation; some may involve group activities. Meet deadlines. Material that is turned in late will be docked 10% per day late.
Be on time for class. During Zoom sessions please be presentable as if you were physically in lecture.
STUDY HELP:
Seek assistance with the course material. I am available by appointment to help students. Free tutoring is available in Biology open labs. The schedule for open labs is determined early in the quarter and will be posted outside all labs on the 3rd floor of SAM. I strongly recommend that you form study groups. The publisher’s website has numerous practice questions, animations and other resources.
LABORATORY:
Since we won’t be meeting face to face this quarter, we will be using Labster’s online laboratory simulations and dry labs (via Canvas).
TESTING:
Three mid-term exams and a comprehensive final will be given during the quarter. Dates of the exams are indicated on the schedule on the next pages. There are no makeup exams, unless I am notified before the exam is given, and only if the absence was the result of an unavoidable serious accident, a death in the family, or a serious illness. Exceptional circumstances must be verified by an appropriate third party, i.e. police report, a funeral notice, or a note form the student's doctor stating the patient's inability to take the test. Make-up exams will be more difficult than the exam administered in class.
If you take issue with how a question was graded, we can discuss this within one week of the date that the exam was returned. I will not, under any circumstances, address complaints about grading criteria the day that the exam is returned. I want you to think about what was missing from your answer before we discuss it. If you notice errors in my math, no waiting period is necessary, just bring it to my attention and I will correct the error.
EXAM POLICIES:
- Exams will be given via Canvas and will be timed. You will have one time to take it so again make sure that you have reliable internet service before you start the exam.
- Because you will have the opportunity to use materials during exams they will be significantly harder this quarter.
QUIZZES:
Quizzes worth approximately 10 points each are given online. Some “pop-quizzes” may appear on other days without warning. Missed quizzes cannot be made up for any reason. If you are late for class, you will not be given extra time. Some quizzes may be replaced by group assignments/exercises.
HOMEWORK: Homework assignments will be explained as they are assigned during the quarter.
GRADING: (points may vary slightly, but will be indicated on each assignment)
Exams 3 x 100pts. 300 points
Final Exam (cumulative) 130 points
Quizzes 8 x 10pts 80points
Pre- and post-lab reports 175.5 points
Homework 50 points
Total 735.5 points
*I reserve the right to make small changes to shift the total point layout during the quarter*
Grades will be calculated according to the percentage of total points possible that you have earned according to the following scale. Decimal grades are reported at Seattle Central CC.
A 95-100% 4.0 C+ 76% 2.4
93-94% 3.9 74-75% 2.3
A-92% 3.8 73% 2.2
90-91% 3.7 C 71-72% 2.1
89% 3.6 70% 2.0
88% 3.5 69% 1.9
B+ 87% 3.4 C- 68% 1.8
86% 3.3 67% 1.7
85% 3.2 66% 1.6
B 84% 3.1 65% 1.5
83% 3.0 D+ 64% 1.4
82% 2.9 63% 1.3
B- 81% 2.8 62% 1.2
80% 2.7 D 61% 1.1
78-79% 2.6 60% 1.0
77% 2.5 F <60% 0.0
A grade of 2.0 or better is required to pass. Students who withdraw from classes before the deadline will receive W grades. The W grade is not factored into your GPA. The NC grade can be requested any time before the final, but requires that you are passing the class at that time you request an NC.
Academic honesty is expected. Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment or exam and may be subject to discipline.
Closures for Seattle Central Community College will be announced on the SCCC website and www.schoolreport.org
For any students who need access, there are two all gender, single-stall restrooms available on the 3rd floor of the Main Broadway Edison (BE) building. They are located down the Health and Services hallway, across from room 3216.
Tentative Lecture Schedule: (any necessary changes will be announced during the quarter). Monday and Wednesdays will be used for lecture of new material and Friday will be used as a seminar day to review materials during the week that you may not have grasped clearly. Exams will be taken during lab periods as indicated (Tuesday or Thursday)
|
Week |
Date |
Lecture Topics (8-8:50) |
Lab Exercises (8-9:50 T/R) |
Readings |
|
1 |
M 04/13 |
Course Introduction
|
Lab Safety; Course Introduction |
|
|
W 04/15 |
Scientific Method
|
Graphing |
CH 1
|
|
|
2 |
M 04/20 |
Basic Chemistry
|
Microscopy |
CH 2 |
|
W 04/22
|
Organic Molecules
|
Experimental Design |
CH 3
QUIZ 1 |
|
|
3 |
M 04/27 |
Cell Types & Structures
|
Cell Structure |
CH 3 |
|
W 04/29 |
Cell Types & Structures
|
EXAM 1
|
CH 4
QUIZ 2 |
|
|
4 |
M 05/04 |
Cell Metabolism
|
Food Molecules |
CH 5 QUIZ 3 |
|
W 05/06 |
Photosynthesis
|
Pigment Extraction |
CH 1-5
QUIZ 4 |
|
|
5 |
M 05/11 |
Mitosis
|
Cell Structure |
CH 6 |
|
W 05/13 |
Meiosis
|
Cell Division |
CH 7
QUIZ 5 |
|
|
6 |
M 05/18 |
DNA Structure & Replication
|
DNA Double Helix Movie |
CH 9.1,9.2 |
|
W 05/20 |
DNA Translation
|
EXAM 2 |
CH 9.3-9.5
QUIZ 6 |
|
|
Week |
Date |
Lecture Topics |
Lab Exercises |
Readings |
|
7 |
M 05/25 |
Genetics: Mendelian
|
Protein Synthesis |
CH 8 |
|
W 05/27 |
Genetics: Inheritance
|
Mendelian Inheritance |
CH 6-9
QUIZ 7 |
|
|
8 |
M 06/01 |
Evolution: Introduction
|
Evolution |
CH 11 |
|
W 06/03
|
Evolution: Speciation
|
Exam 3 |
CH 11
QUIZ 8 |
|
|
9 |
M 06/08 |
Population/Community Ecology
|
Trophic Levels |
CH 12
CH 13 |
|
W 06/10 |
Ecosystem Ecology
|
Experimental Design |
CH 14
QUIZ 9 |
|
|
10 |
M 06/15 |
Climate Change Review |
|
CH 15 |
|
W 6/17 |
Final Exam |
|
CH 19
QUIZ 10 |
* April 29th is the last day to withdraw from the class without receiving a “W” grade
** May29 is the last day to withdraw from the class
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the land on which we sit and occupy today as the traditional home of the Duwamish and Coast Salish tribal nations. Without them, we would not have access to this gathering and to this dialogue. We take this opportunity to thank the original caretakers of this land.
Adapted from language developed by the 2018 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE) Committee
Seattle Central College is committed to the concept and practice of equal & equitable opportunity for all its students and employees in education and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/immigrant status, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability.
Statement from the President & Civic Engagement Resources: https://www.seattlecentral.edu/about/leadership/campus-civic-engagement
Emergency Preparedness
This link provides information about workplace and classroom emergencies:
http://www.seattlecolleges.edu/district/emergencies/workplace911.aspx
Building Evacuation: In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation, all persons should observe the following procedures:
- Begin the evacuation process when a verbal or alarm notice is given.
- All persons shall move towards the nearest marked exit. Wheelchair occupants or persons with mobility impairments have first priority for the building elevators, but elevators should never be used in a fire or earthquake. Time permitting, take book bags, purses and personal belongings with you.
- Please familiarize yourself with the closest exit to this classroom. Use that exit in the event of evacuation. Assist physically impaired students.
Please contact Shiro Vance at Campus Security for more information. 206.934.5437 or in BE1108
(Include to remind/encourage students to inform faculty of specific possible needs)
If you have emergency medical information or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) (BE1112)
Students with documented disabilities requesting class accommodations, requiring special arrangements in case of building evacuation, or have emergency medical information the instructor should know about are asked to contact the disability support services office (DSS) in BE1112. Once the disability is verified with DSS the student will be given a letter of accommodation (LOA) to be handed to instructor.
Accommodation Process:
- If a student contacts the instructor about an accommodation request the instructor will refer the student to the Disability Support Service office in BE1112 for an appointment to discuss accommodation needs.
- If the DSS office determines that the student does indeed have a disability the student will be given a letter of accommodation (LOA) that will state the accommodation to be implemented.
- The student’s responsibility is to hand the LOA to the instructor. The instructor will sign the letter (if there is agreement with the accommodation) and give it back to the student. Student will return the LOA to DSS.
Student Complaint process
The Dean of Student Development is the designated campus complaints officer and is available to meet with students to discuss issues, devise problem-solving strategies, and if necessary, guide them through the formal complaints process. Make an appointment (206.934.3840) to meet for assistance, support and advice. For more information: https://www.seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/student-rights-and-responsibilities/complaint-process
All Gender Restrooms
There are three (3) locations for all gender restrooms on the Seattle Central campuses. Two single stalled restrooms are available on the 3rd floor of the Main Broadway Edison (BE) building. These are located across from room 3216, and open daily until the close of the building (10pm Mon-Thurs; 6pm Fri & Sat) for anyone affiliated with Seattle Central College. Additionally, there is an all-gender restroom located on the 3rd floor of the BE building, on the north end, near IT Services. The third is located in the Mitchell Activity Center (MAC) building, Level 1 next to the weight room.
For more information: http://www.seattlecentral.edu/maps/be/3rd-floor.php
Reflection Room (BE 3215B)
The purpose of the room is to support self-reflective practice for developing a healthy campus community by providing a safe and accessible space for meditation and reflection for students, staff and faculty. The Reflection Room is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday on a first come, first served basis. Please view the Reflection Room - Community Expectations.
For more information: Lyall Rudenskjold at lyall.rudenskjold@seattlecolleges.edu
Title IX
Seattle College District has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, discrimination, sexual violence, rape, bullying, or hazing. Please see District Policy and Procedure 419 for our process on investigating and responding to reports of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. If you have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination, sexual violence, or bullying, or are aware of an incident involving these violations, report it immediately to the Title IX Coordinator Christina Nelson at 206.934.4017, Christina.M.Nelson@seattlecolleges.edu) or to the District Compliance Officer (Jennie Chen at 206.934.3873, jennie.chen@seattlecolleges.edu ).
All Seattle Colleges faculty and staff are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
Undocumented Student Support (BE1103)
The Multicultural Services (MCS) office in BE1103 offers support for undocumented students at Seattle Central College. Students may contact DREAMer Support Navigator, Sahira Barajas, for more information at 206.934.4005 or by visiting the MCS office.
For more information: https://seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/dreamers
Veteran Support Services & Center (BE3201C)
As a veteran, member of active duty military personnel or dependent, you may qualify for a variety of resources to help you pay for your education as well as other services that may help you to achieve your educational goals. Students may go to the Veteran’s Support Center or visit the VetCorp Navigator in BE3204 to learn more information. This center assists veteran students, their dependents and partners with the tools and resources to successfully navigate the transition from military to college life.
Re-Entry Support Program (BE3215)
The Re-Entry support program welcomes, supports, and creates a responsive learning environment for all currently and formerly incarcerated students. This center offers a peer mentoring program for re-entry students, advocates for racial equity to address institutional racism within higher education, educates the campus community regarding the unique challenges faced by currently and formerly incarcerated students, and creates community through a student-led, organized club for re-entry students who experience barriers associated with having been in prison or jail. For more information: Nick Rankin at 206.934.4018 or Nicholas.Rankin@seattlecolleges.edu
MESA Center (BE3221)
MESA offers academic and professional support services to qualifying students who intend to transfer to 4–year universities in pursuit of STEM majors. Our overriding aim is to diversify the STEM workforce by addressing the challenges underserved students face in their educational and career development.
Resources available for students include: online orientation, career advising, transfer assistance, professional development & academic excellence workshops, and a study center.
For more information:
https://seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/mesa
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|