BIO 101L General Biology Lab Syllabus – Fall 2016
Required Lab Manual:
1.
General Biology Laboratory Manual, 6th Edition, 2015, Biology Faculty Rio Hondo College
Course Description:
General Biology 101 is a general education course, open to all students, and is designed to provide an introduction to
concepts and principles of modern biology. Topics covered will include cell structure and function, energy relationships,
genetic control mechanisms, concepts of evolution, biological diversity, and 34 ecosystem function. The laboratory
component of the course emphasizes the application of the scientific method as a tool to understanding living systems.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):
Definition: a behavioral change that describes what a student will be able to do or know at the conclusion of the course.
Student Learning Outcomes for Biology 101:
1.
Given an example of qualitative data, displayed graphically, representing the effect of varying pH and
temperature on enzyme function, students will be able to evaluate the relationship between enzyme function and
varying conditions.
2.
Identify cell structures, their constituent molecules and describe their functions.
3.
Students evaluate quantitative and/or qualitative data and develop a reasonable hypothesis based on these
results.
4.
Demonstrate an understanding of evolution and its relationship to the unity and diversity of living things.
5.
Students critique and interpret data presented in appropriate graphical and/or verbal formats.
Assessment:
Mastery of Student Learning Outcomes will be assessed by the students’ ability to answer embedded questions and perform
tasks.
Resources:
•
Required Laboratory Manual: General Biology Laboratory Manual (+ get a 3 ring binder)
•
Also bring the lecture notes & text to each lab meeting (required).
•
Pencils are required for laboratory drawings. Colored pencils are ok and may be helpful.
•
A basic function calculator may also be useful. (No phone use in lab room.)
Evaluation:
13
Quizzes (15 given, lowest 2 dropped) (10 pts each)
130 pts total
15
Lab Work (written work and participation)
120 pts total
(8 pts each)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
250 pts possible: 90% -100% = A; 80% - 89% = B; 70% - 79% = C; 60% - 69% = D; 0% - 59% = F
Course Schedule (Tentative):
Week
LAB
Required Reading
1
Introduction to the laboratory & the Scientific Method
Chapter 1
2
Quiz #1
Lab 1- Life Survey - Bacteria, protists and fungi
Chapter 16 & 17
3
Quiz #2
Lab 2 - Life Survey - Bacteria, Plantae and Animal
Chapter 17 & 18
4
Quiz #3
Lab 3 - Introduction to the Metric System
Appendix 1
5
Quiz #4
Lab 4 – Introduction to the Microscope
Chapter 4
6
Quiz #5
Lab 5 – Introduction to Microscopic Cells
Chapter 4
7
Quiz #6
Lab 6 – Chemical Composition of Cells
Chapter 3
8
Quiz #7
Lab 7 - Membrane Transport Processes
Chapter 5 (pgs 74-79)
9
Quiz #8
Lab 8 - Enzymes
Chapter 5
10
Quiz #9
Lab 9 - Photosynthesis
Chapter 7
11
Quiz #10 Lab 10 - Respiration & human systems
Chapter 6 and pgs 420-421
12
Quiz #11 Lab 11 – Cell Division Mitosis
Chapter 8
13
Quiz #12
Lab 12 – Cell Division Meiosis & Development
Chapter 8
14
Quiz #14
Lab 14 – Natural Selection
Chapter 8 & 9 & 10
15
Quiz #15
Lab 14- Natural Selection
Chapter 13
FINAL
EXAM
Quiz #15 given at time of lecture final,
No lab meeting
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Thursday Dec 8th 11:15 AM –
1:15 PM
Academic Integrity:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please familiarize yourself with all definitions of academic
dishonesty to ensure compliance on the Academic Integrity Web Page located at
http://www.riohondo.edu/student-affairs/academic-integrity/ . This page includes the following important
statement: “Rio Hondo College expects that you will make choices that reflect integrity and responsible
behavior. No matter what level of stress you may find yourself under, the college expects you to approach
your work with honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating, plagiarism, or obtaining or
attempting to obtain credit for work by the use of any dishonest, deceptive, fraudulent, or unauthorized means
or helping someone else to commit an act of academic dishonesty.” A student found cheating will receive a
score of zero for the assignment and will be referred to Academic Affairs for further assessment.
Disabled Students Programs and Services:
Students that have a disability or who think that they may have a disability, are encouraged to contact
Disabled Students Programs and Services. Students who need or think they may need accommodations are
urged to contact the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) in a timely manner in order to allow time
for such accommodation(s) to be met. You may contact the Disabled Students Programs and Services office
in person at SS330, by phone at (562) 908-3420, or through their web contact form located at
https://www.riohondo.edu/dsps/.
Class Policies

Mutual respect – you are expected to make every effort to refrain from being a distraction to your
classmates, as well as your instructor. This includes the following:
o Showing up late or leaving early
o Use of technology that is unrelated to the material presented in class at that time
o Cell phones are to be turned off and out of site
o Make up activities / quizzes / exams will not be granted unless there has been a mutually agreed
upon arrangement made prior to the absence. In cases in which an absence can be attributed
to an unavoidable emergency or medical issue, the instructor may allow a deviation from this
policy on a case-by-case basis, provided that the circumstance can be satisfactorily
substantiated with proper documentation.
Important Dates:
Academic Holidays:
Full-Term Dates August 20, 2016 – December 10, 2016
Labor Day – September 5
Last day to add with code – August 31, 2016
Veterans Day observed – November 11
Last day to Drop and to receive refund – August 31, 2016
Thanksgiving – November 24 and 25, 2016
Last day to Drop without receiving a ‘W’ – September 11, 2016
Winter Break – December 22, 2016 through
Last day to Drop and receive a ‘W’ – October 25, 2016
Pass / No Pass Petition Due – September 22, 2016
Final Exam Week – December 05, 2016 – December 10,
2016
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January 2, 2017