Kanchan Bodas - Biology Instructor

This is a one-quarter introductory biology course intended for non-science students, or returning students needing a refresher course. The following topics will be discussed:

• Basic concepts of biological science and the organization of nature
• The molecules of life
• Cell structure and how cells work
• Protein Synthesis and DNA
• The molecular basis of heredity
• Cell Reproduction
• Mendelian Genetics & Patterns of Inheritance
• How populations and biological diversity evolves
• Ecosystems and  human impact on the environment

A variety of instructional methods will be used: traditional lecture, group work/discussions, and individual as well as group presentations.

None, but each of the following are needed for success in this class:

• 2 hours of study time outside of class for every hour in class
• Good reading, writing, oral communication, and critical thinking skills
• Good study habits, a curious/active mind, and an interest in biology are strong assets

The following course materials are available in the GRCC bookstore:

• Textbook: Essential Biology, 3rd edition
• Biology 100 Lab Packet (required)
• Floppy disk formatted for a PC or a USB Flash Drive
• 3-ringed notebook for lab packet, handouts, notes, etc.
• Optional: simple scientific calculator, 6 inch ruler, small pocket stapler for stapling assignments in class (there is not  a stapler available in the lecture room.)

There are 3 major goals for this course:

• Biological Concepts — Since this is a survey course, it is important that we cover the major areas of biology listed above. However, biology is a large field so we will concentrate on the major concepts involved, rather than try to cover everything superficially. To pass this course, students will need to demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts of cellular biology and genetics, particularly as they relate to human health, human behavior, and the environment.
• Skills — It is important for all citizens to be scientifically literate, whether or not they are in a science profession. Part of literacy is the ability to find information, evaluate the information and communicate or act on that information. In this course we will help you learn to find reliable information related to biology, evaluate the quality of that information and communicate that information to your peers and instructor.
• Process of Science — We think that it is important for all people, not just scientists, to understand the process of science and how to do science. To learn to be a better scientist you will read papers from various sources (including original research papers) and discuss not only the findings, but also how science is conducted (e.g. funding, peer review, conferences, etc.). You will DO science whenever possible including such scientific methods as hypothesis testing (this can even occur in lecture), controlled experiments and observational studies.

The student:

• Summarizes the steps of the process of science.
• Explains the role of the environment in natural selection.
• Identifies the functions of the four classes of biomolecules and the monomers of each class.
• Identifies the structure and function of cellular organelles.
• Solves Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetic problems.
• Summarizes how DNA controls the phenotype of cells by encoding information for the production of protein.

These outcomes are demonstrated by three or more of the following:

1. Active and respectful participation in small and large groups,
2. Successful achievement on quizzes and exams,
3. Short and long writing assignments,
4. Case studies analysis,
5. Field and laboratory studies and associated reports, and
6. An ever improving knowledge of the subject material through exemplification, illustration, and elaboration.

Written Communication

1. Student demonstrates involvement with the material by expressing a clear sense of purpose, unity and focus in his/her writing.
2. Student demonstrates clear organization of his/her thoughts in written form.
3. Student demonstrates well-organized and logical writing with correct grammar and spelling.
4. Student’s writing illustrates the connections between concepts developed in the course and topic specific applications.
5. References are reported in standard format.

Quantitative Reasoning

1. Student demonstrates problem-solving abilities in individual assignments and in assignments, which involve working in groups of variable size.
2. Student translates real-world data into symbolic representations, extracting and interpreting data from symbolic representations of real-world data.

• These outcomes are demonstrated by 1) data acquisition, summarization, and analysis, 2) case study analysis, 3) lecture/discussion.

Responsibility

1. Student demonstrates knowledge of and a willingness to accept stated/agreed upon expectations, policies, behavior, and procedures.
2. Student demonstrates preparedness for class discussion of assigned readings.
3. Student demonstrates an ability to understand and respond respectfully to perspectives offered by other students.
4. Student shares knowledge and opinions with others in general class discussions.

• These outcomes are demonstrated by:  1) pre-class clearance documents (stamped assignments), 2) active and meaningful participation in lecture/discussions, 3) handing in assignments in a timely fashion, 4) attitudes and behaviors in the class which will be reflected in the overall class grade.

Critical Thinking

1. Student recognizes and uses essential components of effective reasoning to evaluate information and to improve the quality of his/her own thinking.
2. Student provides reasons for the conclusions they reach and assess the relevance and adequacy of those reasons.
3. Student demonstrates active listening and close reading skills.
4. Student connects past learning with current topics.

• These outcomes are demonstrated by: 1) active and meaningful participation in seminars, 2) portfolio, 3) case study analysis, 4) class and group discussions, 5) short and long writing assignment.

Aesthetic Awareness

1. Student demonstrates the ability to produce work that is neat in appearance.

• This outcome is demonstrated by: 1) short and long writing assignments

Your instructor will work hard to make this a course from which you can learn much and develop important skills. Suggestions are welcome from you at anytime about things you think could be done to improve the course. In return, we ask that you arrive at lab and lecture on time and stay until class is over without making unnecessary noise that could distract your classmates. In short, we promise to respect you as students and as individuals, and ask that you return that respect to your instructor and to your classmates.

We want you to learn and to do well in the course, but academic dishonesty will not tolerated. If you find yourself in trouble or if you are aware of academic dishonesty occurring, please talk to the instructor. Personal crises do happen. If you are having difficulties that are interfering with your ability to do well in the class, please tell the instructor as soon as possible. We may be able to refer you to someone for help or to make special arrangements if the need is real and if you have done your best to deal with the situation in a timely manner.

Academic Honesty — Students are expected to produce original work.  The use of another person's ideas, data, graphics, or text may be used with permission from the original sources and the original source given credit. Any unauthorized use of another person's intellectual work is cheating (copying on exams, copying work/assignments, falsification of data or calculations, etc.). Cheating will not be tolerated and can result in failure of this course and a letter sent to the Dean.  WAC 132J-125-200

Inappropriate Conduct — will be addressed verbally as a first warning.  The second offense will be addressed in writing to the student and the Dean.  The third offense may result in permanent removal from class.  WAC 132J-125-210

Anti-discrimination — Discriminatory/derogatory language or actions regarding race, gender, ethnic/cultural background, sexual orientation, and physical/mental abilities will not be tolerated.

Safety

1. Notify the instructor immediately when injury occurs.
2. Immediately discuss with the instructor any situation, which you feel may be dangerous or cause you discomfort.
3. Use proper, safe techniques regarding personal safety.
4. Use equipment for its intended purpose only, as instructed by the instructor.
5. While enthusiastic participation is encouraged, the class will remain an academic environment in which learning can take place.

Attendance is an important factor for your success in this class. I don't process excuses for missing class or turning in or stamping assignments late. While I am sure there are lots of good excuses for not being in class, not getting the assignment, or not getting an assignment done, the fact remains that you weren't in class and the concepts and ideas discussed in class are an important aspect of this class that require your presence for understanding. You will be earning points for attending the class regularly.

Since this is a lab science course, lab attendance is required to pass the class. Some Lab experiments and many of the group activities done during class time may be difficult to make up. Therefore, strive not to miss lab!  If for an extraordinarily good reason you do miss lab, you must make arrangements with your instructor to make up the missed lab assignment during the week that it was assigned. The materials for any given lab activity is only available and maintained for student use through the end of the week that the lab was done by the class. On Fridays, all lab materials for that week are put away.

Grades are determined according to GRCC Biology Department policy on percentage of total points possible:

• Students that earn less than 62%, or who stop coming to class without officially withdrawing according to GRCC policy, will receive a grade of 0.0 This grade will be included in college GPA calculations.
• Keep track of your grades!!!! It is strongly recommended that you keep track of all of your grades throughout the quarter on the grade record sheet found towards the end of this packet. There are two excellent reasons to do this:
  
  -  If you keep track of your grades on individual assignments, you can calculate your class grade at any point in the quarter.
  
  -  Instructors have been known to make record keeping mistakes. Protect yourself by keeping good records.

Pass/No Credit Grade Option

Students may elect to be evaluated on a "Pass" or "Non-Credit" basis rather than by decimal grades by filing a petition with the registrar no later than the end of the 5th week of the quarter.  For students who qualify, the registrar will convert the decimal grade submitted by the instructor either to credit (P) or to no credit (NC).  Any student who does not inform the registrar by the deadline may not choose the P/NC option.

• There will be four non comprehensive exams: 4 midterm exams. There is no final exam. The midterm exams, each about 60 minutes long and multiple choice/short answer and/or essay type answer in nature, will be given in class. These exams will cover material from all aspects of the course, including lectures, labs, homework, and your readings. Your homework assignments will help you concentrate on the reading material that we think is particularly important. The exams will be designed to probe deep understanding of the concepts and principles involved, and an ability to apply these concepts to novel situations rather than a memorization of detail. Your class notes, lab assignments, and homework (ALE's) will also be useful in helping to determine the main concepts to focus your attention on when studying.
• Exam dates are subject to change.
• If you are absent on a test day, you must produce a doctor's note in order to re-schedule your test.  You must contact me within 24 hours of the test time to notify me of your absence.  If you do not contact me about a missed test, a grade of zero will be recorded and will not be changed.  If you are aware that you will be unable to take a test at sometime during the quarter due to a planned absence, contact me as soon as possible to re-schedule your test prior to your planned absence.

• Lab day is Wednesday (Sec. C) or Friday (Sec. D): in SC-255
• Do not miss lab! Since this is a lab science course, lab attendance is mandatory to pass this class.
• Some lab assignments may be turned in at the end of each lab, others on a date announced in class.
• Lab assignments are worth 20 points each.
• Most labs cannot be made up because they involve additional materials. If you miss a lab because of an illness, contact your instructor as soon as possible to see if you can make up the lab.

Lab Assignment Grades

Scored as 0-20 points

20 points — Exceptionally well done — work is of the highest quality; questions are answered fully, creatively, and correctly. Work is neat, pages are in the correct order, and a professional and conscientious effort is evident.

Penalty points will be taken away for less than high quality, incomplete, incorrect, and/or late work.

Total Points = 160

Each of you will work with a group on an issue related to biology. You will choose your issues project topic during approximately the 4th week and work on the project during the entire term.  We will discuss this project in class. The project is worth 110 pts or 13% of your grade and consists of three parts:

• Acquisition of reference material (individual grade: 10 points) which will be evaluated on the quality of the references
• Rough Draft of Project: (30 points)
• Final Issues Project: (50 points)
• Group - Issues Project presentation+ poster or PowerPoint (60 points)
  
  Total Points = 150
  
  NOTE:  This is a group effort, which requires Teamwork with your lab group.  Your overall success is dependent upon your Team’s success.

Misc. notes: Each group will present their poster in lab during the final week of class. Late posters will not be accepted. Failure to participate in the poster presentation will adversely affect your poster grade (50% penalty).

Turn your work in on time! Late work will be penalized as follows: 10% off per day late—maximum 4 days late. No credit if more than four days late.

• Bonus Points — You can also earn bonus points by writing and submitting brief reports on current scientific events or research trends. OR creating a small project relating to your course work. Each report or project will be graded for 10 points. Maximum 50 bonus points are allowed.

It is recommended that you use the table below to keep track of your grades as the quarter progresses. Ensure that you totals agree with the instructor’s at the end of the quarter.

If you believe you qualify for course adaptations or special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is your responsibility to contact the Disability Support Services Coordinator in the Lindbloom Student Center and provide the appropriate documentation. If you have already documented a disability or other condition that would qualify you for special accommodations, or if you have emergency medical information or special needs I should know about, please notify me during the first week of class. You can reach me by phone at (253) 833-9111, extension 4923. Or, you can schedule an office appointment to meet me in the SC Office Building, office number SC-202 during my office hours or at another mutually determined time. If this location is not convenient for you, we will schedule an alternative place for the meeting. If you use an alternative medium for communicating, let me know well in advance of the meeting (at least one-week) so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged.