Biology 1406
Introductory Biology Class
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
Dwight Rhodes
S-216
E-MAIL:
PHONE:
[email protected]
281-756-5669
Posted on Blackboard and outside of S-216
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Biology 1406 is a survey of biology that includes a primary emphasis on levels of
organization in biology organisms, distinguishing characteristics of biological Domains,
Kingdoms, and Phyla, to understand from the cellular level to the organism level by
studying cells, tissues, organs and organisms, compare prokaryotic cells to eukaryotic
cells, a comparative survey of the Kingdom Animalia including human anatomy.
Course Topics:
1. Biology as a Science
2. Cells
3. Cellular Processes
4. Cellular respiration
5. Survey of the Kingdom Animalia
6. Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
7. Genetics and Patterns of Inheritance
8. DNA and Protein Synthesis
9. Human Anatomy and Physiology
COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course the student will be able to:

Understand the basic cell structure and function

Understand basic chemistry of cellular processes

Compare and contrast the major phyla of the animal kingdom

Identify and know functions of the major anatomy systems of humans
PRE-REQUISITES/CO-REQUISITES READ-0309,
TEXTBOOK
The ISBN and other textbook information for this course may be found at http://www.alvinccstore.com/. From
this website, the textbook can also be purchased online and mailed directly to your residence. The textbook
may also be purchased at the ACC bookstore, room E-112, which is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bookstore hours can vary during holidays so please call 281756-3681 for more information.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR
The preferred method of communicating with your instructor is through the ACC email at
[email protected], MyBlackboard e-mail or you may call me at 281-756-5669. Explain what you need
to discuss with me and leave your first and last name, a phone number or e-mail address where I can contact
you. I will normally respond within 24 hours Monday-Thursday and by the next business day on Friday-Sunday.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an
education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register with the
Office of Disability Services, A 136, (281)756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until
the proper process has been followed.
DISCLAIMER
The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes
using the ACC e-mail or MyBlackboard e-mail or announcements.
LATE COURSE WORK POLICY
Students are expected to have their assignments completed by the due dates. Late work will not be accepted.
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) – Letting someone know
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving community
safety through a proactive, collaborative, coordinated, objective and thoughtful approach to the prevention,
identification, assessment, intervention and management of situations that pose, or may reasonably pose, a
threat to the safety and well-being to the campus community.
College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate concerns to the BIT by email,
[email protected], or through an electronic reporting option located on the BIT page of the college
website, www.alvincollege.edu/bit.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge
through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of
academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity
is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves
with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be
tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES:
1. The ACC Library website: http://www.alvincollege.edu/library/default.htm. The ACC Library is an
excellent source of assistance for writing the required research paper.
2. The ACC Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of services including
tutoring (math, writing papers, and other disciplines); computers and printers; a testing facility; and
tables/carrels for studying. Learning Lab hours are M-TH 8:00am – 9:00pm and F 8:00am – 4:00pm. Testing
hours are M-TH 10:00am – 7:30pm (Tests must be completed by 8:30pm) and F 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tests
must be completed by 1:00pm). Call 281-756-3566 for more information.
3. MyBlackboard - Any technical problems or issues with MyBlackboard should be directed to the Distance
Education Department at [email protected]. Include your first and last name, student ID number and a
description of the problem. Students will not be penalized if there is an interruption in MyBlackboard service
and the instructor is notified of such an issue by the Distance Education Department.
4.
WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Labs- contact the IT Dept. Help Desk at 281-756-3544.
Course requirements:
Lecture:
The lectures will be for three hours per week and cover the materials listed
on the SIP. The lectures will embellish upon any materials introduced.. It will also
expand upon the learning objectives listed in your document for that unit. If you
are unclear about one or more areas of the material covered please request
clarification from your instructor. If you must miss a lecture session, handouts and
study guides can be obtained from classmates or your instructor. It is the student’s
responsibility to keep up with all class work.
You are expected to maintain good class notes. Abbreviated power point slides,
grades and announcements will be posted on Blackboard and can be used to assist
with note taking .You access Blackboard at www. Alvincollege.edu and use your
name and password.
Laboratory:
Each of the units will be introduced with an hour and 20 minute laboratory period.
The lab will emphasize specific unit topic(s). Students will label diagrams and
answer the questions found in their lab manual as assigned Please bring your
textbook with you to the lab as it will be referenced for addition information. Upon
successful completion of the laboratory exercise(s), you will be awarded points for
that laboratory unit as assigned .
You are expected to attend each laboratory session.
Lab assignments are due the NEXT lab period and will not be accepted after
that date.
Optional credit
For lecture
A. Article summary: there are many things going in biology these days. Choose
4 current journal articles relating to topics covered in biology.1406, read and
write a summary about the article. The article must be current (years 20052010), 1-2 pages in length and apply to the topics we are covering in Biology
1406. The summary is to be at least 100 words or half page. A copy of the
original article must be attached to your summary. You will turn in the
summary and a copy of the article. Each article will be worth 5 pts. You must
complete all 4 articles to receive the points. You must turn in an article before
each of your four test.
B. For Lab:
A paper will be handed out in lab explaining the extra credit you can receive for
lab. The project will be 20 points
COURSE EVALUATION:
A. Your lecture grade will constitute 2/3 of your total course grade. This grade
will be based upon 4 lecture test, each will be worth 100 points, each given
throughout the semester. If you miss a lecture test you must make-up the
test within 48 hour or you will receive a ‘0” for the test. It is your
responsibility to notify me before the time of your regularly scheduled test
in order for you make-up the missed test.
Each student must complete the Mastering Biology assignments as part of
their lecture grade. The points added to your lecture grade will be assigned
according to the following guide;
100-70% overall in Mastering Biology; a student will receive 20 points
added to their lecture grade;
69-40 % overall in Mastering Biology, a student will receive 10 points added
to their lecture grade;
39-0% overall in Mastering Biology, a student will receive 0 points added to
their lecture grade.
Attendance will be taken in lecture and lab and part of your grade will be
based upon your attendance. 0.5 points will be credited to your grade for
each day you attend lecture and lab.
B. Your lab grade will be 1/3 of your total course grade. Your lab grade will
be comprised of 3 lab practicals ( 100 points each), and weekly lab
assignments worth a maximum of 100 points total
C. Points for class;
Lecture:
4 test x 100 points /test
Bonus in Lecture;
400 points
Mastering Biology
4 reports x 5 points per report
20 points
20 points
3 lab practical’s x 100 points
Weekly lab Quizzes
300 points
100 points
Lab:
Bonus for lab: Report
20 points
D. 10% of your final course grade will be based upon a written assignment.
You will receive more information on this assignment in class.
E. Grading System; Course grade
880-792 --100% -90%  A
791-704 -- 89% - 80%  B
703 -616 --79% - 70%  C
615-528-- 69% - 60%  D
527< below 59%  F
Tape recorders are allowed in class.
During lecture and lab do not use computer’s except for class work;
no talking or texting on cell phones and please silence them.
If you must use your cell phone during class, quietly remove yourself from
the room and return once you are finished. Excessive use of this privilege
may lead to disciplinary actions.
Accessing any electronic device during a test or lab practical will result
in an automatic ‘0’ on that exam or practical.
Week
1
2
3
4
Lecture Material
Ch. 1 - An Introduction to Life on Earth
Ch. 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Life
Ch. 3 - Biological Molecules
Labor Day
Ch. 4 - Cell Structure and Function
Ch. 5 - Cell Membrane Structure and Function
Test 1
6
Ch. 6 - Energy Flow in the Life of a Cell
Ch. 8 - Harvesting Energy: Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration
Ch. 11 - DNA: The Molecule of Heredity
7
Ch. 12 Gene Expression and Regulation
5
TEST 2
8
9
11
12
Ch. 9 - The Continuity of Life: Cellular Reproduction
Ch. 10 - Patterns of Inheritance
Ch. 31 - Homeostasis and the Organization of the Animal Body
Ch. 23 - Animal Diversity I: Invertebrates
Ch. 23 - Animal Diversity I: Invertebrates
Ch. 24 - Animal Diversity II: Vertebrates
Ch. 24 - Animal Diversity II: Vertebrates
TEST 3
13
Ch. 32 - Circulation
14
Ch. 33 - Respiration
Thanksgiving
Ch. 34 - Nutrition and Digestion
Ch. 36 - Defenses Against Disease
15
16
TEST 4
Ch. 31 - Homeostasis and the Organization of the Animal Body
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Lab Material
Ch. 4 - Microscopy
Ch. 7 - Histology - Muscular Tissues (pgs. 98-101)
Ch. 7 - Histology - Epithelial Tissues (pgs. 90-93)
Labor Day
Ch. 7 - Histology - Connective Tissues (pgs. 93-98) & Nervous Tissues (pgs. 101-102)
Ch. 6 - The Structure and Function of Cells & Ch. 9 - Cellular Transport Mechanisms
Ch. 12 - Omnis Cellula e Cellula: Mitosis
Ch. 13 - Ensuring Genetic Variation: Meiosis
Lab Review 1
Lab Practical 1
Ch. 29 - Understanding Animals I - Porifera (pgs. 519-530)
Ch. 29 - Understanding Animals I - Cnidaria (pgs. 530-547)
Ch. 30 - Understanding Animals II - Platyhelminthes (pgs. 553-572) & Rotifera (pgs. 573-574)
Ch. 30 - Understanding Animals II - Mollusca (pgs. 575-590)
Ch. 30 - Understanding Animals II - Annelida (pgs. 591-601)
Ch. 31 - Understanding Animals III - Nemotoda (pgs. 609-619) & Tardigrada (pgs. 620-621)
Ch. 31 - Understanding Animals III - Arthropoda (pgs. 621-650)
Ch. 32 - Understanding Animals IV - Echinodermata (pgs. 653-664)
Ch. 32 - Understanding Animals IV - Chordata (pgs. 666-734)
Lab Review 2
Lab Practical 2
Ch. 33 - Understanding Human Biology I - Organ systems of the Human Body (Table 33.1) & major organs o
Ch. 33 - Understanding Human Biology I - Nervous system: Brain (pgs. 747-755), Ear (pgs. 759-761), Eye (p
Ch. 33 - Understanding Human Biology II - Circulatory system: Heart (pgs. 775-783), Vessels and Blood Flow
material)
Ch. 33 - Understanding Human Biology II - Urinary system (pg. 788) & Reproductive system (pgs. 789-792)
Thanksgiving
Pig Dissection
Lab Review 3
Lab Practical 3