BIOLOGY 1010

        LECTURE SYLLABUS

Fall 2008

 

DESCRIPTION:     BIOL 1010 - An introduction to the biological sciences with an emphasis on basic concepts of the "building blocks of life" at the molecular and cellular levels.  Functions of cellular organelles, including synthesis, genetics, cellular respiration, and cell reproduction will be emphasized.  Viruses will be discussed, as well as Evolution.  The Kingdoms Monera, Protista, and Fungi will be surveyed phylogenetically; Animalia and Plantae will be introduced.  Three lecture, two laboratory hours per week.

 

Credit in this course will not apply toward a major or minor in biology, nor will it satisfy any part of the science requirements for pre-professional health science majors.  Recommended for elementary teacher preparation and other programs requiring a sequenced, 8 hour Science.  (For additional information, refer to the remarks concerning course offerings at the beginning of the Biology section in the college catalog.)

 

INSTRUCTORs:  

             JOE SCHIBIG       Office:   MATTOX 118E   Phone:  615-230- 3270

             RUFUS DARDEN  Office:  LIVINGSTON      Phone:  931-823-7065 ext.  5240

             Adjunct LinnAnn Welch      Phone:  615-230- 3261    

             

                                                     

OFFICE HOURS WILL BE POSTED OUTSIDE THE OFFICE DOOR.  Please contact your instructor to make an appointment. You may also reach your instructor via email ( joe.schibig@volstate.edu; linnann.welch@volstate.edu; rufus.darden@volstate.edu or through the Math and Science Division at 615-230-3261.

 

• Biology, 9^th edition, Sylvia S. Mader

• Laboratory Manual For the Biological Sciences, VSCC Biology Faculty (printable from BIOL webpage:  Your Technology Fee at work for you!)

• Photo Atlas for Biology, Perry and Morton  (Recommended/ Optional)

THESE MATERIALS MAY BE PURCHASED IN THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE AND/OR ORDERED THROUGH THE INTERNET.  CONTACT BOOKSTORE FOR DETAILS.

 

Introduction to Biology I and II are designed to fulfill the eight-hour natural science general education requirement by providing scientific information and instruction in the thought processes involved in the scientific method of inquiry.  

 

Upon successful completion of this course the student will have demonstrated mastery of an acceptable level of biological principles and fundamental concepts, mastery of factual scientific information, the ability to gather and interpret scientific information through laboratory work, and a utility in the processes of scientific inquiry.

 

The course will seek continued development in communication skills, problem-solving skills, and critical skills for value assessment.

 

 

Upon completion of BIOL 1010 the student will have demonstrated the ability to:

 

        I.  Identify the usage and meanings of word root derivations.

.    Design an experiment to test a given hypothesis by using the procedures and terminology of the scientific method.

.    Describe the characteristics of living systems.

.    Explain and illustrate the concept of homeostasis.

 

II. Discuss the organization of an atom explaining the behavior of their subatomic particles.

.    Describe the chemical and physical characteristics of water and suggest how each is important to life.

.    Describe the pH scale, explain how substances increase or decrease the pH of water and how constant pH is maintained in a living system.

.    Utilize simple chemical models to describe and explain ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonding. 

.    Summarize the three general types of chemical reactions and give a biologically important example of each.

 

III. Differentiate between organic and inorganic compounds.

.    Describe the four biologically important groups of organic compounds as to structure and function and identify each by general formula.

.    Associate basic functional groups with the appropriate organic compound and relate the group to particular characteristics of the compound.

.    Explain the mechanism for enzyme‑substrate activity.

 

IV.  State the cell theory and discuss its origin.

.    Compare the prokaryotic cell and the eukaryotic cell citing similarities and differences in structure.

.    Relate the importance of the plasma membrane to its chemical and physical structure.

.    Describe in words (or through the use of a diagram) the component parts and corresponding functions of both plant and animal cells.

.    State the capture theory and explain its origin.

.    List and describe the cellular structures that provide for both structural support and for transport into and out of the cell, and structures that make movement possible.

.    Discuss the nucleus, its envelope and its contents, explaining its controlling functions.

.    List and describe the structures of synthesis, storage, and cytoplasmic transport, noting interrelationships where they exist.

 

V.  Utilize and apply a vocabulary pertaining to physical phenomenon in describing cell behavior and predicting behavior in hypothetical situations.  For instance, predict cell response under various osmotic conditions.

.    Explain the mechanisms by which substances move across cell membranes actively and passively.

VI.  Discuss nuclear content and organization of a eukaryote.

.    Clarify the relationship among the terms DNA, chromosome, and chromatin, and chromatid.

.    Describe the cell cycle summarizing the events of each phase.

.    Discuss the purpose and importance of mitosis and summarize the events of each phase.

.    Present an overview of meiosis, summarizing the principle events in each stage.

.    Explain crossing over and the significance of genetic recombination.

.    Compare meiosis in human males and females, explaining the purpose and fate of polar bodies.

.    Discuss similarities and differences among the three life cycles exhibited in nature.

 

VII. Describe the chemical structure of a DNA and RNA nucleotides and explain their assembly into polymers.

.    Describe the double helix assembly of DNA, explain base pairing and its significance to DNA structure.

.    Discuss the process of DNA replication in eukaryotes.

.    Explain the events of translation and transcription in protein synthesis, and apply the events of transcription and translation to   given DNA segment to determine the amino acid sequence (given the appropriate information) of the resulting polypeptide.

 

VIII. Identify Gregory Mendel and his contributions to genetics.

.    Define and utilize a vocabulary of basic terms relating to genetic inheritance.

.    Relate the inheritance of genetic traits to the behavior of chromosomes in meiosis.

.    Discuss the basis for dominance and recessive genes providing examples of how alleles interact.

.    Use ABO blood groups to discuss and explain the hereditary patterns produced by multiple alleles.

.    Solve genetic problems involving monohybrid and dihybrid crosses by applying Mendel's laws.

 

IX.  Explain the relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

.    Give the balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration/photosynthesis.

.    Describe the structure, cellular role, and manner of cycling of ATP.

.    List several significant ways in which respiration differs from photosynthesis.

.    Discuss several sources of energy used by muscles during physical activity.

.    Prepare a summary of glucose metabolism including ATP yields.

 

X.   Discuss the history of evolutionary thought with emphasis on Darwin.

.    Discuss organic evolution in genetic terms.

.    Explain the terms: mutation, genetic recombination, natural selection, and adaptation.

.    Discuss major evidence for the theory of evolution.

.    Discuss some mechanisms of speciation.

.    Describe the function of adaptation in promoting perpetuation of a species.

 

XI. Identify Carolus Linneaus and his contributions to classification.

.   Explain the terms: taxonomy, homology, binomial nomenclature, classification, and species.

.   Write scientific names correctly.

.   Classify humans according to the current scheme.

.   Name the five kingdoms specified in the current scheme and identify major constituents of each kingdom.

 

XII. Identify reasons for the exclusion of viruses in current taxonomic schemes.

.    Describe the general structure and life pattern of a virus.

.    Discuss methods of counteracting viral infections in mammals.

 

XIII. Name the phyla of the Monera kingdom, identify members, and list major characteristics noting biologically and environmentally important roles.

.   Describe the structure, shapes, and colonial patterns for eubacteria.

 

XIV. Discuss the taxonomic problems of the Protist kingdom.

.    Name the Protist phyla, identify a representative member, and provide principle characteristics as to structure, nutrition, reproduction, ecological significance.

 

XV.  Name the divisions of the Fungi kingdom, identify a representative prototypical member, and provide principle characteristics including structure, reproduction, life cycles, nutrition, biological significance.

 

XVI. Survey the Plant kingdom identifying major taxa and representative members.

.    Discuss the characteristics defining members of the Plant kingdom.

 

XVII.  List the characteristics common to (most) animals and using these characteristics develop a brief definition of an animal.

.    Discuss the classification and relationship of the animal phyla on the basis of (a) symmetry, (b) type of body cavity, and (c) pattern of embryonic development.

.    Identify the phyla of the animal kingdom, identify a representative member, and provide principle characteristics of each as to nutrition, reproduction, life cycles.

.    Describe the chordate characteristics.

.    Identify the classes of vertebrates, identify members, provide primary characteristics of each class and discuss the theoretical course of their evolution.

ASSESSMENT: Outcomes of the primary goals of this course will be determined by the degree to which specific course outcomes have been mastered.  In addition, the course will be assessed through faculty evaluation.
 

 

NOTE CONCERNING BIOLOGY 1020:  Mastery of Biology 1010 outcomes provide the basis for continued study in biological science.  It is the student's responsibility to review as necessary the material contained therein.  As with any course, failure to achieve facility in the outcomes of the prerequisite course will severely impede if not prevent success in the subsequent course.

 

Problem solving skills and critical skills for value development cannot be directly assessed.  To a limited extent, these skills may be evidenced by the ability to assimilate information for logical conclusion and also for external application.  Communication skills will be fostered in both giving and receiving information.  Each examination will contain a subjective component wherein specific content is anticipated but skill in written communication will vary thus affecting the assessed level of achievement.  Information receiving skills will be exercised through note taking and refinement.

 

Outcome statements will be assessed through a series of quizzes, lecture examinations, and practical laboratory examinations.  The weekly quizzes will indicate if small units of material have been mastered providing frequent diagnosis and evaluation of student progress.  Quizzes focus on scientific terminology and brief identification of concepts.  Lecture examinations are non-cumulative and cover larger units of related topics.  Examinations in addition to objective components will request definition and/or discussion of terms and/or concepts.  Practical laboratory examinations will assess the student's ability to identify and recall observed examples, scientific methods and equipment, and phenomena.

 

 

A.  GRADING:  There will be several examinations as determined by your instructor and a non-comprehensive final examination each of equal value.  In general, each examination will cover material discussed in lecture and the assigned material in the textbook beginning where the previous exam material stopped.  The final examination will be given during the scheduled final examination period as published.  (School policy mandates that final examinations will NOT be given early or late.)  Subjective factors may affect your grade in borderline situations. Be on time.  Be alert and participatory during lecture and lab.  Be polite and respectful of yourself, your peers, your surroundings, and your professors.

 

A series of announced quizzes may be given as determined by your instructor.  If given, the lowest quiz grade of the semester will be dropped and the average of the quiz grades will count as an additional lecture examination.

 

The grade for this course will be determined as follows:

 

          70% - Lecture examinations, final examination, and quiz average

          30% - Laboratory grade as determined by your lab instructor 

          EXAMPLE:    

The grades, grading scale, and symbols for this course are as follows:

          A = 90 - 100

          B = 80 - 89

          C = 70 - 79

          D = 60 - 69

          F = Below 60

          I = Incomplete - to be given at the discretion of the instructor when, for reasons acceptable to the instructor, the student has been unable to complete a minor portion of the coursework.  The student must contact the instructor prior to the assignment of final grades and make arrangements to complete the coursework.  The work must be completed three weeks prior to the end of the next semester or the grade will automatically become an F.

           N =  Audit - no credit

           W = Withdrawn from course 

 

NOTE:  THE INSTRUCTOR DOES HAVE THE RIGHT TO ADMINISTRATIVELY WITHDRAW A STUDENT FROM CLASS RESULTING IN THE SYMBOL OF W, BUT THIS IS NOT AUTOMATIC.  STUDENTS WISHING TO WITHDRAW MUST DO SO THROUGH THE RECORDS OFFICE.

 

B.  ATTENDANCE:  Leniency should not be expected in borderline situations where attendance has been poor.  Roll will be taken, and your attendance recorded.  Regarding attendance, two things should be noted:  1)  Students who fail to attend class on a regular basis seriously impair their ability to succeed in any course.  2)  The Volunteer State Community College Catalog provides that instructors have the option of requesting that the Vice President of Academic Affairs withdraw a student from the course in which (s)he is demonstrating poor attendance.  Your input in the classroom situation is of value to the instructor, yourself, and the other students.

 

C.  ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS OR QUIZZES:  Examinations and quizzes will be given only at the times scheduled by the instructor (unless a student is specifically excused by the appropriate Vice President).  Absence from one of the weekly quizzes will result in a grade of zero with no opportunity to make up the missed quiz.  This will be the dropped quiz grade.  If a second quiz is missed a grade of zero will be recorded which will not be dropped or replaced.  Absence from a lecture examination will result in a grade of zero which will not be dropped or replaced unless the student has made prior arrangements with the instructor or proper documentation is provided in case of an emergency.  Any make‑up exam will be given at a time determined by the instructor and may be given with your final examination.  Failure to take the final examination as scheduled will result in a grade of F for the course. 

 

NOTE:  Official absences from the college (absences excused by the appropriate Vice President) are not subject to these policies and will be handled individually.  Under these circumstances (official absences) arrangements MUST be made in advance.  SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR. 

D.  INCLEMENT WEATHER/HOLIDAY POLICY:  If VSCC is officially open, any Biology class or laboratory section will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due, and any scheduled quizzes or exams will be given. Any missed work will be subject to the make‑up policy as outlined in this course syllabus. 

If VSCC is officially closed, all lecture assignments will be due and any quizzes or exams will be given at the next regular class meeting.  Laboratory sections missed due to the closing of the school will be skipped.  You will not be held responsible for the missed laboratory.  Any laboratory quiz or exam will be given during the next regularly scheduled laboratory.  Skip the laboratory exercise missed and be prepared for the next laboratory in sequence unless directed otherwise by your instructor.

 

E.  MISCELLANEOUS:  No smoking, dipping, chewing, eating, children, or visitors in class please. 

 

A Note For Those Few Who Need It:  Unnecessary disturbances of class (lab or lecture) will result in a deduction of points from your final grade at the discretion of your instructor.  In addition, the biology faculty expects from each student unwavering integrity and honesty.  "Borrowing" information from another source will result in a zero for that quiz or examination; a repeated incident will result in a grade of F for the course.  According to the college catalog, conduct of an unacceptable nature (i.e., cheating) may be reason for dismissal from the college.

 

F.    TOPICAL OUTLINE and REQUIRED TEXTBOOK READING ASSIGNMENTS FOR BIOL 1010:

          

A View of Life	Chapter 1
Basic Chemistry	Chapter 2
Organic Molecules	Chapter 3
Cell Structure and Function	Chapter 4
Membrane and Function	Chapter 5
Cell Cycle & Reproduction	Chapter 9
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction	Chapter 10
Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance	Chapter 11
Chromosomal Patterns of Inheritance	Chapter 12
DNA Structure and Function	Chapter 13
Gene Activity:  How Genes Work	Chapter 14
Darwin and Evolution	Chapter 17
Process and Origin of Evolution	Chps 18-19
Metabolism:  Energy & Enzymes	Chapter 6
Photosynthesis	Chapter 7
Cellular Respiration	Chapter 8
Classification of Living Things	Chapter 20
Viruses, Bacteria, and Archea	Chapter 21
The Protists (Algae & Protozoans)	Chapter 22
The Fungi	Chapter 23
PREVIEW: Plant Kingdom	pp. 413-415
PREVIEW: Animal Kingdom	pp. 517-519

    

   BIOLOGY 1010 LABORATORY

 

DESCRIPTION:  The laboratory component of this course provides for practical hands‑on involvement in science and scientific inquiry.  Lecture topics are exemplified in the laboratory program to promote understanding and reinforce lecture material.  The laboratories are designed to parallel lecture material as closely as possible.  Exercises will be performed by individuals or small groups of students.  The instructor will provide an explanation of the work to be performed and be present during the laboratory period to guide and assist students.  The laboratory exercises are contained in an on-line laboratory manual authored by the VSCC Biology Department Faculty.   Some laboratory programs will be supplemented by video and/or field experiences.  The students will receive instruction and supervision in the use of scientific tools appropriate to introductory biology.  The scientific method of problem solving will be practiced in the laboratory.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:  All policies and procedures not described below are contained in the lecture section and will apply to the laboratory.

 

GRADING:  The laboratory grade, as determined by the laboratory instructor, will count 30% of the course grade.  It will be derived from three sources of equal weight:   

 

1.  Laboratory Examination I -     This practical examination covers labs  1, 2, 3, and 4.

2.  Laboratory Examination II -    This practical examination covers labs 5, 6, 7 and 8.

            3.  Laboratory Examination III -   This practical examination covers labs 9, 10, and 11.

 

ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS OR QUIZZES:  Absence from a laboratory has two consequences.  The instructor will record a zero for any missed quiz, and the student will not benefit from assistance in mastering the material presented in the lab.  There will be no make‑up session provided for the laboratory.  Laboratory examinations will be given only at the time scheduled by the laboratory instructor and may not be made up. 

 

NOTE #1:  Prohibited items include any electronic or other noise- or light-emitting device that can distract or disturb its owners or others, such as beepers, cell phones, palm pilots, laptop computers, games, and the like.  Cellular telephones are not to be used during class for any purpose, including making or receiving calls, photographs, or text messaging, or playing games. Students may not wear headphones or ear buds in class. The instructor may exclude from the class any student who is creating a disturbance. The student is responsible for any missed material and class assignments made during his/her absence. The student is encouraged to refer to the Volunteer State Community College Catalog and the Volunteer State Community College Student Handbook, which contain information pertinent to this course.

 

NOTE #2:  Official absences from the college (absences excused by the appropriate Vice President) are not subject to these policies and will be handled individually.  Under these circumstances (official absences) arrangements MUST be made in advance.  SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR.