BioSci 100 General Biology
Section 12461/12462
College of the Canyons
Fall 2014
Who, what and where?
Instructor: Prof. Kelly Burke
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 362-5313
Office: ALLB-207
Office hours:
T/TH 11am-12pm in the MESA Center (ALLB-114);
W 1pm-2pm, Office(ALLB-207) and by appt.
Class Times and Locations:
Lecture: MW 11:15am-12:35 ALLH 101
Lab: M or W 8am-11:05am BYKH 201
What do we hope you will learn?
Course Description: A non-majors, general education biology course (4 units). The goals of this course are to
familiarize the student with the nature of science, and basic biological concepts. We will cover major topics in biology
and explore the structure, function and development of living systems from cells to ecosystems.
Student Learning Outcome (Lecture):
Characterize the nature of science and scientific inquiry, and describe and analyze biological concepts from
cells to ecosystems on a basic level.
Student Learning Outcome (Laboratory):
Evaluate and analyze data and observations based on standard methods of scientific inquiry.
What will you need?
Texts and materials:
Required:


Lecture Textbook: Campbell Essential Biology; Simon, Dickey and Reece; 5th ed.
Laboratory Manual: Biosci 100 Lab Manual: Building Knowledge Through Experiments, 2014
Please note that there are additional online resources for lab: The Biology Dept. website Bio 100
page contains all the links to the reading assignment URLs listed in the lab manual. Bookmark the
webpage below instead of typing all the URLs manually to get to the reading assignments.
http://www.canyons.edu/Departments/BIOSCI/Pages/BIO_100_Manual.aspx

Scantrons (4) Form 882, #2 pencils, erasers, 3-ring binder for the Lab Manual
The bottom line:
Course Grade: These points are approximate
Lecture-3 Exams
Quizzes/Assignments
Final Exam
Lab-Mini practicum
Final Practicum
Lab Exercises
Quizzes
Field trip
300pts
40pts
100pts
25pts
100pts
120pts
40pts
10pts
735 pts
Grading Scale: 90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
Below 59% F
Remember that the standard for an “A” is near perfection, and a “B” is above average!
Where can you find everything?
Blackboard online supplement site:
The log in site is: https://bb9.canyons.edu
Important policies!
Lecture: There are four exams. None of the exams are cumulative. There are no makeup exams except under
extreme circumstances which will require legal or medical documentation. Exams will include multiple choice,
matching, short answer and a few essay questions. You are responsible for the material covered in assignments and
text readings. There may be a few quizzes or short assignments worth 5-10 points each. These will be announced in
advance, though I reserve the right to have pop quizzes if needed. These can be avoided by reading ahead and
keeping up and participating in class!
Lab: You must attend lab every week; there are no make-ups for lab. Lab points include participation, completely
the lab manual questions and occasional (announced ahead of time) quizzes given on lab information from the past
week at the beginning of class. There are no make-ups for any missed labs or quizzes. A mini-practicum and final
practicum (cumulative) will be given and there are no make-up exams for these. There will be a required assignment
on animal behavior:
Field Trip (10 points):
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific
Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach CA 90802
Date/Time: TBA
Cost: $6/person (+$8 parking).
The $6 must be turned in to me to guarantee discounted rate.
Website: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org
We will meet at the aquarium entrance at 10am for a self-guided tour. You will complete and turn in a
handout during the visit for credit. If you cannot attend the field trip you may attend on your own (you will
have to pay the full admission price) or complete an alternate assignment. If you attend on your own you
must complete the handout and attach your admission receipt in order to receive credit. You must notify me
prior to the date of the field trip if you will not attend the date specified so that I can give you the handout or
alternate assignment.
Grading Policy: As a rule there are no make-up exams, quizzes, or laboratories. In extreme cases only, one must
have documentation (for ex. a Dr’s. or Lawyer’s note) for a valid excuse for any missed exam or lab. Please keep all
work until grades are posted at the end of the term (in the event of a discrepancy in assignments graded vs. missing
you will have to present the graded assignment to me in order to receive credit). I recommend keeping a folder at
home for each class with all completed and graded assignments.
Attendance and Tardies: Attendance is required per college policy—an instructor may drop you from the class if you
miss the equivalent of two weeks of class meetings. It is expected that you will be on time to class and lab sessions—
late arrivals disrupt class and are inconsiderate to the students and instructor. Absences will affect your grade
through missed lab information, in class assignments and quizzes.
Service Learning: Service learning can be a great experience and a way to actively participate in the biological
sciences. You may earn up to 2% extra credit on your final grade by doing a project. You will volunteer for a nonprofit organization related to biology. You must attend an orientation meeting, sign a contract, keep a reflection
journal, and briefly present your experience to the class. Let me know ASAP if you are interested! Here is their
website: (Click on Orientation to find out the orientation schedule and on Faculty to look up my list.)
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/sl/
Biology Computer Lab: Consider using computer lab in BYKH-211. It’s a great way to get the work done in our
class and a lab tech is available to help! 1% Extra Credit will be given if you complete 25hours in the lab--sign in
every time you go.
Plagiarism and Cheating: Any student caught cheating may immediately receive a failing grade for this course.
Cheating includes talking during an exam, passing notes during an exam, copying from another student's exam or
work, producing unoriginal work without citing, using cheat sheets, or other forms of unauthorized written or verbal
sources on an exam, receiving signals from another student during an exam, etc.
Extra Credit: Other than Service Learning or the Computer Lab, there is rarely extra credit. Any opportunities will be
announced. Do not count on extra credit to improve your grade!
Read and understand the Student Code of Conduct published in the COC Schedule of Classes, you are
responsible for knowing this information. Students must conduct themselves appropriately. Disruptive
behaviors are not acceptable and may effect a student’s participation grade or in severe cases, result in
removal from the class.
Turn off or silence pagers and cell phones and do not make/take calls during class.
Check out the COC website for paid and non-paid internships. Doing an internship can greatly enhance your
long-term career success.
Please know that it is my goal to help you be successful in this course. I hope that you will enjoy your
new knowledge and carry it with you to help you understand the science that is happening in our
everyday lives. So, try to enjoy the information in this course; think of ways it applies to your life.
Be assured that you are not alone! If you are having trouble—use the additional online features
provided on Blackboard, contact me, form a study group or study with a friend. Ask questions
during class, after class, or email me. Seek help as soon as you need it, the college and I have many
resources, don’t wait until it’s too late!
Important notes and resources
MSE Division Transfer Degrees:
Recent California Legislation guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community
college student who completes an “associate degree for transfer”. The Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)
in Math, Physics, Computer Science, and Geology, or the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) inGeography, is
intended for College of the Canyons students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU
campus. Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. The College also
offers associate degrees in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Math. For more information on the
suggested sequence of classes to be taken in order to obtain these degrees in two years, as well as information on
when these courses are guaranteed to be offered, please
visit:http://www.canyons.edu/Offices/MathScienceDiv/Pages/Classes.aspx
Disabled Students Program & Services(DSPS):
http://www.canyons.edu/Offices/DSPS/Pages/default.aspx
COC provides services for students with disabilities in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
This web site contains valuable information about the program, eligibility criteria, and procedures to follow for
accessing services. We have a Hi-Tech Center that offers adaptive access for students with disabilities, in addition to
tutoring in selected subjects.
We would like to encourage all students with disabilities to visit the DSP&S office located in Seco Hall, Room 103,
behind Financial Aid. We look forward to meeting with you and assisting you with your educational needs.
Jane A. Feuerhelm, PhD
Director, DSP&S
The Learning Center (TLC):
The Learning Center provides no-cost tutorial assistance for registered College of the Canyons
students in English, mathematics, and many other disciplines on a walk-in basis. In addition,
computers with Web development software (such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash), Microsoft
Office which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access along with many course-related
multimedia tutorials including nursing, English, math, and chemistry) are available for student use.
Tutors are available to assist students with any questions regarding the computers and software. We
also offer support for Blackboard. In addition, TLC Lab offers group workshops for Supplemental
Learning and individual Guided Learning Activities. The entrance to The Learning Center is located
on the west side of the Library. The Zone, the tutoring lab for student athletes, is located in HSLH-203.
COC Statement on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Approved by Academic Senate in May, 2010
Students are expected to do their own work as assigned. At College of the Canyons, we believe that academic
integrity and honesty are some of the most important qualities college students need to develop and maintain. To
facilitate a culture of academic integrity, College of the Canyons has defined plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
Due process procedures have been established when plagiarism or academic dishonesty is suspected.
At COC, we define plagiarism as follows: Plagiarism is the submission of someone else’s work or ideas as one’s own,
without adequate attribution. When a student submits work for a class assignment that includes the words, ideas or
data of others, without acknowledging the source of the information through complete, accurate, and specific
references, plagiarism is involved. This may include dual submissions of a similar work for credit for more than one
class, without the current instructor’s knowledge and approval.
To be specific, below are some of the situations that will be considered plagiarism at COC:

Use information from any source, online or in print, in one’s own writing without acknowledging the
source in the content and in the reference page of the assignment;

Simply list the sources in the reference page, without parenthetical citations in the body of the
essay;

Take more than one printed line of words consecutively from the source without putting quotation
marks around them, even though the student has put the author’s name in the parentheses or in
the reference page;

Turn in work done for other classes, regardless how big or small the assignment may be, without
the current instructor’s approval—this is considered “self-plagiarism,” which is a form of academic
dishonesty; or,

Turn in work by another student, even by accident.
In addition, COC has strict rules against using electronic devices during exams without the instructor’s approval. To
be specific, absolutely no cell phones or any electronic devices can be on the desk or in sight during test or exam
without the instructor’s approval. The presence of electronic devices in sight during exams may be considered as
intention to cheat and will be processed as a form of academic dishonesty.
Cases of alleged academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or cheating, will be referred to the Dean of Student
Services for investigation. See your syllabus for course specific policies, rules, and guidelines on plagiarism and
academic dishonesty.
BioSci 100 General Biology
College of the Canyons Fall 2014
I, _____________________________________________ have received a copy and read the course
(Print your name)
syllabus and class schedule for the Biosci 100 class with instructor Kelly Burke, Fall 2014. I understand and agree to
the course requirements, grading policy, and course information.
____________________________________________
(Signature)
_____________________
(Date)
BioSci 100 General Biology--Burke Fall 2014
Lecture Course Calendar
All dates subject to change.
Week
Topic
1 8/25
Introduction
Ch. 1: Intro. to Biology, Scientific Method
Ch. 2: Chemistry
2 9/1
Labor Day Holiday
Ch. 3: Biomolecules
3 9/8
Ch. 4: Cells
Ch. 5: Cells
4 9/15
Ch. 7: Photosynthesis
Ch. 6: Respiration
5 9/22
Exam 1
Ch. 8: DNA and Cellular Reproduction
6 9/28
Ch. 8: DNA and Cellular Reproduction
Ch. 9: Patterns of Inheritance
7 10/6
Ch. 10: Structure and Function of DNA
8 10/13
Ch. 11: How Genes are Controlled (Gene regulation)
Ch. 12: DNA Technology
9 10/20
Exam 2
Ch. 13 : Evolution and Diversity
10 10/27
Ch. 14: Evolution and Diversity
Ch. 15: Microbial Life
11 11/3
Ch. 16: Plants and Fungi
Ch. 17: Animals
12 11/10
Ch. 17: Animals
Handout: Animal Behavior
13 11/17
Exam 3
Ch. 18: Ecology and the Biosphere
14 11/24
Ch. 18: Ecology and the Biosphere
Ch. 19: Population Ecology
15 12/1
Ch. 19: Population Ecology
Ch. 20: Communities and Ecosystems
Lab Finals in Lab
16 12/8
Ch. 20: Communities and Ecosystems
Final Exam
Final Lecture Exam-Chs. 18-20
Deadlines:
Refund/Add Sept. 5
Drop w/o a W Sept. 5
Drop w/ a W Nov. 14
Notes
Exam #1--Chs. 1-7
Exam #2 --Chs. 8-12
Exam #3—Chs. 13-17,
Handout