OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE
Professor's Syllabus
Professor Marc LaBella
Hiering Science Building, Toms River Campus, Room 134
(732) 255-0400 X2331 Cell: 609-548-3307
This course is intended primarily to serve the needs of transfer students as well as those wishing to develop an understanding of biology at the college level. Students enrolled in this course will develop an understanding of the basic tenets of biology that apply to all living organisms, the origin of life and evolution, cellular and bio-molecular concepts, reproduction, and basic genetics. Emphasis will be placed on the Moneral, Fungal, and Plant Kingdoms.
1. Familiarization with terminology and research techniques related to the Biological Sciences.
2. Understanding of the major theories of the evolution of life on earth, and the merits of each.
3. Comprehension of the structure and function of biological molecules and the processes associated with the function of these molecules.
4. Awareness of the structure and function of the cell, both in single and multi-cellular dimensions.
5. Comprehension of the taxonomical and evolutionary relationship of all living things; specifically the evolution and development of bacteria, fungi, and plants.
6. Application of scientific principles – research and theory – through the review of current information published in scientific literature and web sites..
Raven, P. H., Johnson, G. B., Losos, J. B., and Singer, S. R. (2007) Biology (Eighth Edition), McGraw Hill Higher Education: New York, New York. (Lecture Text with access code to Web-CT).
Vorndam, Margaret E. (2006). General Biology Independent Laboratory Exercises Laboratory Manual and Lab Kit (BK-@A) available through Hands-On Labs Inc., Denver Colorado. www.athomescience.com : order through the Ocean County College Bookstore if you are receiving financial aid.
Microscope available from Hands-On Labs Inc: order through Ocean County College Bookstore if you are receiving financial aid.
Students are required to purchase both the laboratory kit and microscope at least three weeks before the semester begins, and these materials are available (rush delivery is an option) from the above web link.
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Mid Term Exam (Modules 1 – 4) |
20% |
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Final Examination (Modules 5 –8) |
20% |
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Laboratory Examination (Based on Lab Reports) |
20% |
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Writing Assignments (5) |
20% |
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Laboratory Reports (8) |
20% |
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Embedded Course Assessment (Five Points Added to Your Final Exam Grade) |
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At the end of each course, each student is assigned a final grade as follows:
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Grade |
Quality Points |
Point Range |
Interpretation |
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A |
4.0 |
90-100 |
Excellent |
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B+ |
3.5 |
87-89 |
Very Good |
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B |
3.0 |
80-86 |
Good |
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C+ |
2.5 |
77-79 |
Above Average |
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C |
2.0 |
70-76 |
Average |
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D |
1.0 |
60-69 |
Below Average |
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F |
0.0 |
59 & below |
Failure |
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I |
0.0 |
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Incomplete |
Course Topics and Objectives
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Topics |
Topic |
Subtopics |
Objectives |
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1 |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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Examinations: Examination format will include multiple choice and true/false questions, which will your knowledge of material presented in lecture, readings, and research. The Mid- Term and Final Examination will each constitute 20% of your final grade.
Writing Assignments: Each module will have, as part of its requirements, short papers and web-based research projects. These activities will require you to extend your knowledge beyond the “walls” of virtual classroom through web-based research and critical analysis. These projects will center on the topics of each successive module, but will address issues that (such as cutting-edge research on leukemia or the ethics of stem cell research) and are designed to provide the learner with a deeper understanding of the topic at-hand. Interactive learning and cooperation are crucial to the success of these activities. A more detailed description of these activities (as well as scoring rubrics for them) will be presented in the each topic module of this course. These activities will constitute 20% of your final grade
Laboratory Requirements: The laboratory component of this course has specific requirements, as the laboratory exercises will be performed in your home and in a virtual environment. First, it is important to maintain a clean, safe working environment; therefore the following safety rules must be observed:
The academic requirements of the laboratory are the following::
One Laboratory Examination, which will constitute 20% of final grade), and
Laboratory Reports (20%): based upon exercises completed in the laboratory
manual..
It is my responsibility as the instructor to create an environment that is conducive to learning. Please do not conduct personal business during class – (in threaded discussions or in the interactive area of this course; this includes all types of personal conversations).
Attendance: Attendance is crucial to the success of a course that is taught on line. Attendance in the context of this course does not simply mean logging on for a certain amount of time each day. In fact, attendance and participation are so closely related in this course that your interaction with your fellow learners (threaded discussions, webliographies, or any other interactive activity) will be graded in lieu of the time that you actually spend in our learning environment. Specific rubrics for attendance/participation will be given to you in the introductory module of this course. Anyone who withdraws from this class must acquire the appropriate paperwork from the Registrar’s Office to “officially withdraw”. Non-attendance does not count as an official withdrawal and will result in a grade of “F” for this course.
Academic Dishonesty: dishonesty includes, but is not limited to plagiarism, cribbing and cheating on examinations, quizzes, class projects or papers. Any student aiding another student in any form of dishonesty is considered equally guilty” (OCC Student Handbook, pg. 35). Cheating is not acceptable and will result in a grade of 0 for that examination and will be turned over to the appropriate College source for disciplinary action. Please review policy #5180 in the student handbook for the penalties associated with plagiarism and cheating.
Campus Resources and Services: Student Success Seminars are scheduled each week and are posted on the College website under “Campus Resources and Services.” More information on College Services can be found by using the A-Z index on the College website (for example, under “T” for tutoring, “C” Career Services, etc.).
Statement of Accommodations: If there is any student in this class who has special needs because of learning disabilities or other kinds of disabilities, please feel free to come and discuss this with me or a staff member for Disability Services.
Disclaimer: Reasonable changes to this course outline may be made exclusive of course requirements, course calendar, and grading procedures.
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Copyright 2008 Ocean County College All Rights Reserved. College Drive, P.O. Box 2001 Toms River, N.J. 08754-2001 Call 732-255-0400 |