Biology I

Professor's Syllabus

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE
Professor's Syllabus

Biology 161 Biology I - DL
Summer 2008 – 10 Week Session
Course Syllabus

Contact Information

Professor Marc LaBella

Hiering Science Building, Toms River Campus, Room 134

(732) 255-0400 X2331 Cell: 609-548-3307

mlabella@ocean.edu

Course Description

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.

Course Objectives

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..

Course Texts and Supplies

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.

Course Assessment Methodology

Mid Term Exam (Modules 1 – 4)	20%
Final Examination (Modules 5 –8)	20%
Laboratory Examination (Based on Lab Reports)	20%
Writing Assignments (5)	20%
Laboratory Reports (8)	20%
Embedded Course Assessment (Five Points Added to Your Final Exam Grade)

Course Evaluation Criteria

At the end of each course, each student is assigned a final grade as follows:

Grade	Quality Points	Point Range	Interpretation
A	4.0	90-100	Excellent
B+	3.5	87-89	Very Good
B	3.0	80-86	Good
C+	2.5	77-79	Above Average
C	2.0	70-76	Average
D	1.0	60-69	Below Average
F	0.0	59 & below	Failure
I	0.0		Incomplete

Course Topics and Objectives

Topics	Topic	Subtopics	Objectives
1	Introduction to Biology	Characteristics of Living Things The Biosphere Classification of Living Things	Compare and contrast living and non-living things. Describe the biosphere and assess the effect of the human population on it. Classify living things into categories based on different criteria.
2	Cellular Chemistry	Chemical Composition of Cells Metabolism Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration	Describe the chemical composition of cells and recognize the interactions between the constituent elements. Analyze the chemical reactions and energy transformations in a cell. Summarize the process of photosynthesis. Associate chemical reactions with different sub-processes in cellular respiration.
3	Cell Biology	Cell Structure Cellular Division	Identify the different types of cells and their characteristics. Analyze the structure of cell components with respect to their functions. Contrast the stages of the cell cycle. Distinguish between mitosis and cytokinesis.
4	Genetics	DNA Structure Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Patterns of Inheritance	Describe the structure of DNA and its modes of replication. Summarize the process and phases of meiosis. Describe the theory of Mendelian patterns of inheritance and examine it for lapses and shortcomings. Compare and contrast the Mendelian and chromosomal patterns of inheritance.
5	Genomics and Biotechnology	Genes: Activity and Mutations Applications of Biotechnology Genomics	Describe and differentiate between gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Explain the process of gene mutations and its effects. State the various applications of biotechnology. Identify the applications of genomics and gene therapy.
6	Plant Evolution and Diversity	Microbiology Plant Evolution Classes of plants	Discuss microscopic organisms like viruses and bacteria. Compare and contrast fungi and plants. Trace the evolution of plants to current forms. Classify plants into different categories.
7	Plant Biology	Physical Structure of Plants Nutrition Plant Responses to Stimuli	Analyze the physical structure of a plant. Analyze the process of intake and transport of nutrients by plants. Associate movements and changes in plants to the corresponding stimuli.
8	Plant Reproduction	Strategies for Reproduction Types of Fruits and Seeds Dispersal Mechanisms Asexual Reproduction	Analyze the reproductive strategies of angiosperms. Distinguish between types of seeds and fruits. Explain seed dispersal mechanisms in angiosperms. Elaborate on asexual reproduction in plants and its application in tissue culture and genetic engineering.

Course Standards

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:

Hand washing and other hygienic methods must be employed to ensure that there is no contamination to each other or to the specimens.
Microscopes must be cleaned before they are put away.
All waste must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacles in your home.
The laboratory area in your home must be cleaned and all instruments returned to their appropriate storage containers.

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..

General Course Policy Statements

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.

Revised: August 2008

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Ocean County College – Biology I