rlBio102_Syllabus



**COLLEGE IN THE CLASSROOM** **BIOL 102 COURSE SYLLABUS**


 * **Instructor:**Ms. Heather Fogell || **Course Name:** Biology 102 ||
 * **Class Location:** A304 || **Term & Year:** Spring 2015 ||
 * **Email Address:** __Fogellh@rlasd.net__ || **School phone:** 717-246-1611 ||
 * **Email Address:** __Fogellh@rlasd.net__ || **School phone:** 717-246-1611 ||

Basic energy reactions of living things; metabolism, and life functions of animal systems; detailed examination of organ systems which, in the mammal, support homeostasis; principles of heredity, reproduction, and embryology; evolution as a process; structure, function, and classification of major phyla of the animal kingdom.
 * __Course Description__**

BIOL 101 or the equivalent. A minimum grade of C is required.
 * __Prerequisite Course(s) Required__**

__Campbell Biology, 8th Ed.__ by Jane B. Reece et al, Pearson-Benjamin Cummings, 2007. ISBN: 0321543254 (The school has a limited quantity for students to borrow for the semester) __General Zoology Laboratory Guide, 14th Ed.__ by Charles F. Lytle & John R. Meyer, McGraw-Hill, 2004. ISBN: 007234900X (The school has a limited quantity for students to borrow for the semester) __Lab Notebook__: You must bring a bound sketchbook (8-1/2 x 11-inches), with unlined or quadrille ruled (graph) paper, to lab every week.
 * __Text(s), required__**

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
 * __Learning Outcomes__**


 * List at least two hypotheses regarding the origin of life on earth
 * Define evolution and microevolution
 * Describe six characteristics associated with prokaryotic organisms
 * Explain at least two criteria used to classify prokaryotes
 * Explain the endosymbiont theory
 * Differentiate between protostomes and deuterostomes
 * Explain the importance of cephalization to animals
 * List the four categories of animal tissues
 * Construct a punnett square
 * Describe the meaning of the variables in the Hardy-Weinberg equations
 * Solve a genetics problem involving sex-linkage
 * Describe the basic structure of the DNA molecule
 * Describe the flow of genetic information from DNA to gene product
 * Contrast external and internal fertilization in animals
 * Describe two types of animal eggs
 * List the embryonic tissues of diploblastic and triploblastic animals
 * Prepare a literature research paper in standard scientific format
 * List three differences in the physiology of carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores
 * Correctly identify zoological organization, structure, and function
 * __Methods of Evaluation__**
 * __Methods of Evaluation__**

__Lecture Exams__ – Four lecture exams will be given throughout the semester. Each lecture exam will be worth **100 points**. Exams are based on lecture material and associated chapters from the text. Reading assignments in the textbook are designed to improve a student’s understanding and provide additional information. Exams will consist mainly of multiple-choice, but may contain a combination of fill-in-the-blank, matching, and short answer questions. The exams are NOT cumulative and only test on the material from the most recent section of the course.

For each lecture exam, you have the option of preparing and using //one// **4 x 6-inch index card** that contains any information you feel would be helpful to you. You may use one or both sides of your card. Loose-leaf paper will not be accepted in place of an index card. All info must be **hand-written** or **hand-drawn** directly on your card, with nothing taped or stapled onto it. Computer printed or typed info is NOT permitted. I will remove any card that violates these rules!

__Vocabulary Pop Quizzes__ – Four pop quizzes will be given throughout the semester. These will be based on vocabulary words that have been assigned for each chapter. Each pop quiz will be worth **25 points** and be in the multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank format.

__Laboratory Exams__ – Each laboratory exam will be worth **100 points**. These practical exams will require that a student answer a question or identify a specific structure identified by a numbered tag on a model, diagram, microscope slide, or experimental set-up. The student may also be required to give functional or conceptual information about the structure being identified. These exams will be based on material from your laboratory manual, laboratory notebook, and laboratory reports.

__Laboratory Quizzes__ – Laboratory quizzes are given to inspire each student to keep up with course material, as well as to gauge how well the student is succeeding. Each laboratory quiz will be worth **10 points**. They are given at the beginning of the laboratory period, and will cover material from the previous week’s lab. If a student is not doing well on the quizzes and finds them difficult, then this is a sign that a new study approach is needed. Laboratory exam week will have no quizzes. Missed lab quizzes cannot be made up.

__Laboratory Reports__ – Each laboratory exercise will require a laboratory report, which consists of application questions and drawings. All written work must be in your own words. Your textbook and lab manual are the best resources for completing your lab reports, but you may also search for information online. Regardless of the source, you must always write your answers in your own words and site all sources using correct MLA 2009 format (for guidelines and examples visit []). Any work that is plagiarized and/or has been shared or copied will earn a grade of “0”. The grade for the report will be lowered by 10% for each day that it is late up to 2 days, Late assignments will NOT be accepted after 2 days.

1. An extra credit assignment may be handed out before each exam. Each student is encouraged to complete the assignment and turn it in when he/she comes to take the exam. A lecture exam can be upgraded by 5 – 10 points (depending on the assignment) if the extra credit assignment is completed appropriately. If a student misses the exam for any reason (excused or unexcused), he/she will not be able to submit the extra credit assignment.
 * __Extra Credit__ –

2. Look for extra credit on quizzes and exams.

__Total__ 4 Lecture Exams 100 pts ea 400 pts 4 Vocabulary Pop Quizzes 25 pts ea 100 pts 15 Laboratory Quizzes 10 pts ea 150 pts 2 Laboratory Exams 100 pts ea 200 pts 15 Laboratory Reports / Write-ups 10 pts ea 150 pts Homework Assignments pts vary __100 pts__ 1,100 pts
 * __Grade Distribution__**


 * Extra credit points will be added to the student’s total points earned and then divided by the total points possible (1,100 pts) to determine the student’s final grade.


 * __Grading System__**

90 - 100 % = A 80 - 89 % = B 70 - 79 % = C 60 - 69 % = D 0 - 59 % = F

In order to be successful in this class, students must have good reading skills and must be able to commit time to reading and studying every day. A general rule of thumb is that for every hour spent in the classroom, at least 2 hours should be spent reading the text book and studying. A student who doesn’t miss class, and sets up an effective, consistent study program should do well. Please feel free to talk to me if you have any questions or need extra help. **//I will always make time to assist a student who is having some difficulty, just ask me!!//**
 * __Expectations of Students__**


 * __Study Suggestions__**
 * Attend all lecture and labs, and come prepared by reading ahead.
 * Take notes and participate in classroom discussion.
 * Review and outline your notes as soon as possible following the lecture.
 * Read your textbook and other assigned materials.
 * Take advantage of internet resources.
 * Study with fellow classmates. Start a small study group consisting of 2-4 students (remember… “see it, do it, TEACH IT” is an excellent way to learn.
 * Stay organized. Use a 3-ring binder to organize your lecture and lab notes.
 * Don’t get behind! Keep up with the work. Don’t wait until just before the exam to master all the material!
 * Take advantage of all learning opportunities.
 * Know yourself and your best study conditions. Take advantage of your best study times.
 * Ask for help if you’ve done all of the above and still don’t understand the material.

**Academic Policies (HACC)**

Attendance is fundamental to understanding the material presented. One of the most common contributing factors to a student’s failure of this course is poor attendance. Attendance will be recorded during each class session, late arrivals will be recorded as an unexcused absence for that class session. **//Students are//** **//expected//** **//to attend all lecture and laboratory sessions//**. **//Laboratory sessions//** **//cannot be made up//**. Any points which might have been received at missed lecture and lab sessions will be lost. A student’s **//overall course grade will be//** **//lowered by one letter// //grade//** if accumulated unexcused absences have totaled 10% of the total class hours. If a lecture or laboratory session is missed, it is the **//student’s responsibility//** to obtain any notes, handouts, assignments, etc. from the instructor or from a classmate. Lack of responsibility in this matter will result in lost points which will impact your final grade.
 * __Attendance Policy__**

All lecture examinations must be taken. Make-up lecture exams will be given only if the absence is legal and a yellow admittance slip has been obtained from the attendance officer. In the event of a missed exam, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor within **//24 hours//** of the missed exam. **//If the student fails to contact the instructor within 24 hours of the missed exam, there will be no make-up exam, and a grade of “0” will be assigned for the missed exam.//** The make-up exams may be of a different format (i.e. oral/essay). **//A student will not be allowed to make up more than 1 exam during the semester.//** Remember, **//missed in-class quizzes and assignments cannot be made up//**.
 * __Make Up Policy__**

__Incomplete Grade Policy__
=== A grade of Incomplete (I) may be assigned when a student is not able to complete the course requirements due to extenuating circumstances. The Incomplete grade will be assigned only after a conference with the instructor and after a serious need is determined. The “I” becomes an “F” if the work is not completed before 8 weeks into the following semester. ===

The goal of this course is to provide students with an academic education as well as preparing students to become professionals in their field of study as well as how they interact with their fellow colleagues and in their community. Therefore, you are expected to act professionally in your classes and as you interact with your fellow classmates and instructors. Some of these professional behaviors are listed below:
 * __Classroom Etiquette:__**
 * Be polite, respectful, and courteous.
 * Arrive on time (or early) to class so you don’t interrupt the class with a late entrance.
 * Do not use electronic devices for recreational purposes during lecture or lab. **//Turn off or silence your cell//** //**phone**// at all times during the class. Vibrating cell phones are also distracting.
 * Be prepared for class.
 * Be attentive and participate in class activities and do not do work for other classes.
 * Limit social conversations to times just before and after class.


 * //Students will lose extra credit points and may be dismissed from class if they cannot adhere to the above behaviors.//**

**Academic Policies Continued (HACC)**

Student’s registered for HACC credit may drop this course at any time during the regularly scheduled classes up to the school’s official last day to drop a class by completing a Drop/Add Withdrawal form. After the refund period ends, the instructor’s signature is required and the student may receive a W or F grade depending upon the instructor’s assessment of the student’s performance. No credit is granted with a W grade. The last class date prior to exam week is the deadline for dropping a class.
 * __Withdrawal__**

In order to earn a W grade, the student must be regularly attending both lecture and lab, putting forth a genuine effort in class, regularly communicating with the instructor about their grade and/or situation, and has not missed any exams. **//A student who has stopped attending class for a period 3 weeks will be dropped by the instructor with the grade of F.//**

“Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or effort of another person, or uses unauthorized material or fabricated information in any academic work.” It includes, but is not limited to Academic integrity is expected of everyone. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Anyone found guilty of academic dishonesty will receive a zero for that grade and may receive a zero for the rest of the course. This student may also be asked to discontinue the course. Documentation of the incident will be forwarded to the Principal and Dean of Academic Affairs (If registered for HACC credit) and will become a part of the student’s permanent record. Cheating is a serious offense and the consequences are severe**//. Please be proud of your own work and proud of yourself! By cheating, you sacrifice your own integrity and reputation!//**
 * __Academic Honesty policy__**
 * 1) Cheating – giving or receiving answers on assigned material; using materials or aids forbidden by the instructor, unauthorized possession of examination
 * 2) Plagiarism – offering someone else’s work, words, or ideas as one’s own or using material from another source without acknowledgement.
 * 3) Interference – interfering without permission with the work of another student either by obtaining, changing, or destroying the work of another student
 * 4) Buying or selling of term papers, homework, examinations, laboratory assignments, computer programs, etc.
 * 5) Falsifying of one’s own or another’s records
 * 6) Knowingly assisting someone who engages in A – E above.