Biology 40: Organismal Biology

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Organismal Biology

Summer 2023 Biol 040- 52703                           

Lecture asynchronous

Lab Mon-Thurs 12:45-1:45 PM

Welcome to Introduction to Biology! As your instructor this semester, I am here to guide you through the wonderful world of Biology. I am committed to helping you learn and succeed in this adventure. If you need help please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You may contact me through the following:

Lecture Instructor:  Leticia Gallardo        Office: SM 55H Phone: 408-741-2416

Instructor Webpage: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/gallardo

Office Hours: M-TH 1:45-2:15PM PM, or by appt.                        e-mail:leticia.gallardo@westvalley.edu                                                                             

Required Texts & Materials:

*Freeman et al. Biological Science 7th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. 2019. ISBN-978-0134678320 (Note loose leaf OR etext OR 6thedition are also acceptable)

* Adams and Crawley. Van De Graaf’s Photographic Atlas for the Biology Laboratory 8th edition. ISBN- 978-1617317651

*Biology 040 Organismal Biology Lab Manual. Summer 2023. Xanedu Publishing. ISBN 9781711472195.

*Reliable internet access, a computer with an activated camera & audio, Chrome browser, & ability to scan documents.

Contact the office of student needs for assistance with obtaining reliable computer or internet access.

 

Important Dates to remember

Important Dates to remember

Last date to add:  6/27/23                      Last day to withdraw w/ a “W”: 7/24/23
Last day of class: 7/27/23                      Final Exam: 7/27/23
July 4th Holiday: 7/04/23

 

General Description: This course 4-unit course, intended for biology majors, is a survey of the basic biology and diversity of unicellular and multi-cellular organisms. It emphasizes general biological principles, classification, structure, function and evolutionary adaptations of organisms (including plants, fungi, animals, and unicellular organisms) to their environments. Transfer CSU/UC.  Prerequisites: Math 106 or 106R. Students are expected to read and write at the college level.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate the relationships of organisms to each other and their environments.
  • Explain the elements of life, major hypotheses for life’s history, and mechanisms for the diversification of life.
  • Compare and contrast the development, life cycles, anatomical and physiological characteristics of major taxa of organisms.
  • Describe, identify key characteristics and classify representative specimens down to representative phyla.
  • Apply the processes of scientific inquiry, phylogenetic analysis, and experimental design to the diversity of organisms.

 

Course Expectations: This biology course fulfills 4.25 hours per DAY of required coursework. In addition to the scheduled class meetings and assignments, plan on spending additional study and homework time DAILY. To get the most out of this class you should expect to devote study time outside of class. The amount of time you spend in and outside of class will, in a large part, determine how well you do in the course. Students are expected to attend and participate in all synchronous meetings. Any student absent from 4 or more class sessions may be dropped from the course by the instructor. Students are encouraged to remain active participants in class. Class involvement will not only make the course more interesting, but will also facilitate student understanding, learning and retention. All students are expected to arrive to class on time, having reviewed the related material relevant to lectures.

Conduct: Our course is a safe and respectful space for everyone. Please be respectful of the environment and of your classmates and instructor. Disruptive conduct in class will not be supported. In this spirit, please arrive on time, avoid disruptive or disrespectful talk, ringing cell phones, pagers and ipod use while in class. Please be sure to mute your audio during Zoom sessions unless you are actively asking a question or participating in an activity. Disruptive students will be asked to leave and will lose participation points. Continued disruptive behavior will result in disciplinary action. Students violating conduct or academic integrity policies will lose any extra credit points offered/earned. Thank you for being respectful of our course community.

COVID-19 Safety

Part of creating a respectful and safe environment is to contribute and respect everyone’s health and safety. We will practice all West Valley College and Santa Clara County COVID-19 safety protocols in our classroom. Please review the COVID safety guidelines in the course module “WVC Biology Department COVID Information and Guidelines.” Students must show the instructor a completed Cleared to Enter green checkmark for the day of the meeting to participate in any face-to-face class meetings. Any individual not adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols will be asked to leave and risks losing course points for missed activities.

Coming to Campus? Follow The West Valley 5: 

  1. Download the West Valley Go app. 
  2. Complete the Health Self-Assessment
  3. Always wear a face-covering 
  4. Maintain a safe distance from others.
  5. Not feeling well? Stay home or go home. (COVID-19 Reporting Form)

Land Acknowledgment: We pause to acknowledge that West Valley College sits on the land of the Muwekma Ohlone. For thousands of years, these natives occupied this land and used this beautiful location as their home. Let us give an enormous debt of gratitude to the Muwekma Ohlone tribes. By offering this Land Acknowledgment, we remember that the Muwekma Ohlone people are still connected to this region.

WVC Non-discrimination Statement: The district, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, courses, and programs without regard to national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he/she/they is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Health/ Stress Management:  All of us benefit from support during times of struggle. You are not alone. There are helpful resources available on campus and an important part of the college experience is learning how to ask for help. Asking for help is a smart and courageous, albeit sometimes difficult, thing to do- for yourself and for those who care about you. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, I strongly encourage you to seek support. You may reach out to your instructor for guidance to campus resources or contact West Valley College Health Services for free confidential personal counseling. Call 408-741-2027, drop by the Health Services office M-Th 9:00 am- 4:30 pm. http://www.westvalley.edu/services/counseling Additionally, the Office of Student Needs offers student support in the form of the Computer Loan, Emergency Loans, Free Lunch & the Food Bank Programs. https://www.westvalley.edu/services/student-needs/

 

Special Accommodations: If you have a learning or physical need that will require special accommodations in this class you will need to notify me in writing of your accommodation needs. Please notify me following the first class if you require any special accommodations for learning or physical impairments. This will allow me to best meet your needs and allow us ample opportunity to provide suitable accommodations. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students with DESP accommodations must adhere to guidelines set by their specified accommodation, which includes discussing and scheduling any accommodation with the instructor in advance (minimum of 48hrs). Depending on accommodation exams may be proctored live on Zoom with DESP personnel and should be scheduled at the same time as scheduled for the class. DESP Rescheduling of exams and assignments remains in the purview of the instructor. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request. Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.

 

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for student success. State & district policy mandates that students missing more than 10% of class hours without a district approved documented absence will be dropped- this is roughly equivalent to 4 class periods. Note that a lecture and lab period each count as separate class periods/absence, so missing 2 days of class accounts for the 10% allowed absences. Missing this much class is very detrimental to success in the course, so it is not advised to miss this much class time if you would like to be successful. It is the student’s responsibility to attend ALL classes and labs. Classes will start on time and will run the entire time. Schedule doctor appointments, dental appointments, baby sitters etc. accordingly. If you are absent for any reason, please notify me as soon as possible. If a student misses a lecture, it is his/her/their responsibility to obtain any handouts and information provided. Again, if a student is absent from more than four class sessions he/she/they will be DROPPED from the course. A portion of your grade will be determined by your in-class participation, so it is important that you attend all class sessions to earn all possible points. Students repeatedly missing class forfeit any and all extra credit points.

 

Online Course Time Requirements: Summer school is naturally fast-paced due to condensing a 16-week semester into 6 weeks. Additionally, students report feeling like they have less time with online courses due to having to self-pace and learn material independently without in class guidance. Please be forewarned- on average, students need to spend 4.25+ hours of class time daily (M-TH) on Zoom class meetings and lab work, and additional time on assignments, reviewing Powerpoints and the text and studying. If you cannot commit to this demanding schedule, perhaps you should consider taking the course when you have more time to allocate to the course. Be realistic in your expectation in what it will take to be successful in this course.

 

Withdrawing from the Course: Anyone not present in the beginning of the semester will be dropped. After the first class it is the responsibility of the student who registered to withdraw, even if he/she/they has stopped attending class.  Do not assume that if you stop coming to class that you will automatically be dropped. Students who fail to attend but do not inform the instructor and officially drop the course will receive a failing grade.

 

Websites: This course will have TWO active website pages which can be used to review lecture schedule and general class policies throughout the semester. This section has an instructor webpage designed to provide students information relevant to the course. Instructor’s syllabus with polices and lecture PowerPoint presentations will be made available to students weekly. These materials are highly beneficial to focusing your study time and if used properly will aid in your success in this course. Please keep in mind these resources are a privilege and not a right and may be discontinued at the instructor’s discretion. Students are also responsible for logging into the Canvas webpage daily to complete any homework assignments and check for course announcements or email updates. You will need to login to Canvas using your username and password. Instructions for logging on are provided on the following webpage.https://wvm.instructure.com/login/canvas  Supplemental course materials will be available on the instruct webpagehttp://instruct.westvalley.edu/leticia-gallardo/

 

Canvas: Students are also responsible for logging into course management system- Canvas webpage to submit daily homework/lab assignments and check announcements and email updates relevant to the course. It is advised that students check this webpage daily. You will need to login to Canvas using your username and password. Instructions for logging on are provided on the following webpage.https://wvm.instructure.com/login/canvas

 

Study Time: For each hour spent in class, students should expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class studying in order to achieve an average grade (C). (Note this estimate is for the average student to earn an average grade for a fast paced 4-unit summer lecture/lab course class is 32 – 48 hours per week!) You should find yourself studying, reviewing and preparing for class and lab each day of the week!

Note: Be careful not to confuse quantity studying with quality study. Simply spending time with your books and materials will not earn you a better grade. Only hours of directed, motivated studying will work toward earning you a better grade! As you instructor, I am here to facilitate your learning by presenting the material and assisting in your understanding. I will do as much as I can to help you, but ultimately it is you who will earn your final grade!

Don’t forget that as your instructor, I am here to help you navigate through the course. Come to office hours or visit the tutoring center to get help. You are not alone, we are here to help you succeed! Please ask for help as soon as you begin struggling or are feeling overwhelmed so that we are best able to help you overcome the challenges you are facing before it becomes too daunting.

Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is MANDATORY. The college policy on cheating is clearly spelled out in the college catalogue and will be strictly enforced. Use of any method other than your knowledge and memory (such as notes, looking on other student papers, communication between students, using internet browsing, etc.) to answer questions on an assignment/exam/quiz constitutes cheating and will result in failure of the assignment/exam/quiz. Dishonest behavior also includes: all forms of cheating, tampering, fabrication, plagiarism, and assisting on any assignment/exam/quiz. This means that ALL YOUR WORK MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS AND BASED ON YOUR OWN LEARNING EXPERIENCE. Copying from Google, other students, textbooks, sites like Chegg or other internet or published sources are all considered dishonest behavior. Any student caught exhibiting dishonest behavior will be appropriately reprimanded. Therefore, be proactive; keep your work to yourself and be sure that all work is your own, and in your own words. This includes any assigned group activities, while you may be working as a team, you must all participate and summaries or reports must be completed individually, in your own words. Any students caught or implicated in dishonest behavior will be appropriately reprimanded. Students will receive an AUTOMATIC ZERO on that assignment/exam/quiz and all dishonest behavior will be reported to the Vice President of Student Services and will undergo review by the Disciplinary Action Committee. Resulting disciplinary action may include one or more of the following: academic probation, suspension, expulsion from the district colleges, and academic dishonesty transcript notation.  Testing procedures & policies are detailed below. Students violating conduct or academic integrity policies will lose any extra credit points offered/earned. Students caught cheating will also forfeit any and all extra credit points.

 

Due to several incidents of cheating very strict testing procedures will be enforced!

  1. Students will NOT be allowed to leave the testing “room” for any reason once the exam has been administered. This includes: using the restroom, answering cell phones, etc.
  2. If you must leave the room you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time. I will only grade the portion of the exam that you have completed.
  3. Be on time! Once the first person leaves the exam room, no one arriving late will be allowed to start the exam.
  4. All notes, books, and personal belongings will be either left outside the room. Internet browser/windows other than the exam page must be closed
  5. Cell phones/pagers must be turned off during the exam and placed in backpacks or purses. Ringing cell phones and/or pagers during exams may result in failure of the exam. If, for any reason, you answer a cell phone or pager during an exam you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time.
  6. Absolutely no papers (other than those provided by the instructor) are allowed on or around the student’s workspace.
  7. Cheating will result in a zero on the exam and probable expulsion from the class. All extra credit points will be forfeited.

If circumstance precludes you from adhering to these policies you must speak to your instructor PRIOR to the exam

 

Course Format:

Lecture Format: Lectures will be used to present, clarify, and expand on information that is presented in your book and laboratory manual. Although we will follow a typical recorded lecture format, class participation and involvement is encouraged. If you have a question reach out by email, ask during a course meeting, or come visit during office hours. You are required to know all of the information presented in the class lectures whether the material is in the text or not.

Lecture material will be presented in a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas and during synchronous ZOOM meetings M-Th. Your attendance is mandatory and you should plan your schedule accordingly.

 

Lab Format: Laboratory scores are typically based on two things; lab reports and exams. Note: attendance and completion of laboratory exercises in class are required in order to earn lab points. Lab will be presented in a hybrid modality. Introduction to lab will be presented in a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas and during synchronous ZOOM meetings M-Th and you will have activities or observational work that will be completed independently. Most lab materials will be provided, however some fresh items may need to be purchased for select lab activities. Lab reports (found in course lab manual) will be completed, scanned and submitted daily on Canvas.

 

Evaluation:

Participation: 5% Participation will be evaluated through attendance records and participation & performance in Zoom class meetings and completion of assignments. Some ways in which to earn participation points are: 1) completing class activities; 2) attending class; 3) participation in discussions; 4) being preparation for in-class activities; 5) constructive behavior in class.

 

Assignments and homework: 35% A variety of lecture and lab assignments will be given throughout the course to reinforce concepts covered in class. The goal of these assignments is to enhance the student learning experience and concept check to make sure you are understanding key objectives. You will be responsible for completing assignments independently according to the instructions provided. Assignments will be accessible on Canvas. You may be completing assignments directly on Canvas or write your responses on a document which you will submit on Canvas. Once completed you will be responsible for scanning any written assignments as a single document and submitting it through Canvas.  You may need a scanning app such as “notes” or “genius scan” to scan hand written or drawn assignments. Note: For written work please write legibly, coherently, and in your own words- my standard policy is if I can’t read it, I can’t assign points! It is your role as a student to convey what you have learned and show that you understand the concepts, this should be clear in your responses.   Students are responsible for checking the Canvas webpage for assignment updates.

 

Completed lecture assignments, lab reports, and homework will be submitted daily. All questions and exercises must be completed unless otherwise instructed. You will be responsible for completing labs and homework independently according to the instructions provided. COPYING is considered CHEATING and all parties involved will receive a zero grade. You will write your responses in your purchased hard copy of the lab manual. Once completed you will be responsible for scanning your completed lab as a single document and submitting it through Canvas. You will be responsible for obtaining a scanning app such as “notes” or “genius scan.” Most lab materials will be provided for you to complete activities or virtual species observations. Some dissection items may need to be purchased by the student. If financial constraints are a problem, please contact the instructor in advance for a scholarship. Lab assignments and homework will be due the following day by class meeting start time. Late work will lose 10% of the point value per day (including weekends). Late work will be accepted for partial credit up to the date of the exam on the corresponding unit. No late work will be accepted after July 25th.

 

Labs will be graded based on completion and accuracy. Note: attendance and completion of laboratory exercises in class are required in order to earn lab points

Lab reports will be graded based on the following rubric:

10 pts   All questions/activities answered with correct, thorough, and well thought out responses

 8 pts    Most questions/activities answered with correct, thorough, and well thought out responses

                        (one or two mistakes or unanswered questions)

 7 pts    Most questions answered with correct, thorough, and well thought out responses

                        (three or four mistakes or unanswered questions)

 

COMPUTER PROBLEMS ARE NOT A REASONALBLE EXCUSE for not submitting assignments on time. You should use a reliable computer and Wifi when completing your assignments. Contact the office of student needs for assistance with obtaining reliable computer or internet access. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3BteSB95bUOiGuUSSPijiAvoPqKmB66OE_Wd1A7HUyPID9Q/viewform

 

Exams: 60% exams will comprise the bulk of the student’s class points. Students are responsible for all material presented in lecture and lab, whether it can be found in the text or not. Each exam is a combined dual lecture and lab exam. Exams will be timed and consist of a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answer, labeling, and identification questions. Exams will be timed and held DURING our scheduled class 12:45-1:45pm and will be completed on Canvas LMS. Attendance of scheduled exams is mandatory. There are NO make-up exams. Exams scores will not be dropped or substituted. Exams will begin promptly, please be sure to log in on time and note that you will not receive extra time to compensate a late arrival. All students must take the final exam during the assigned time period.

 

COMPUTER PROBLEMS ARE NOT A REASONALBLE EXCUSE for not submitting exams on time You should use a reliable computer and Wifi when completing your exams. Contact the office of student needs for assistance with obtaining reliable computer or internet access. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3BteSB95bUOiGuUSSPijiAvoPqKmB66OE_Wd1A7HUyPID9Q/viewform

 

Due to several incidents of cheating very strict testing procedures will be enforced!

  1. Students will NOT be allowed to leave the room for any reason once the exam has been administered. This includes: using the restroom, answering cell phones, etc.
  2. If you must leave the exam you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time. I will only grade the portion of the exam that you have completed.
  3. Be on time! ID portion will be proctored at the beginning of the exam period.Once the first person completes the exam room, no one arriving late will be allowed to start the exam.
  4. All notes, books, and personal belongings should be put away and out of line of sight
  5. Cell phones must be turned off during the exam and placed out of line of sight
  6. Absolutely no papers (other than those provided by the instructor) are allowed on or around the student’s workspace.
  7. Cheating will result in a zero on the exam and probable expulsion from the class.

If circumstance precludes you from adhering to these policies you must speak to your instructor PRIOR to the exams.

 

Grade Calculations:

A 4- unit combined lecture (3-unit) and lab (1-unit) grade will be assigned for the course. All points earned in lecture section will be converted into a percentage score (pts earned ÷ pts possible).

Exams ……………………………………………………………………..…………60%

Assignments and homework.………..…………………………………….35%

Participation……………………………………………………………………..…..5%

Total Lecture Points Possible                                                      100%*

*If complications in projects cause assignments to be discontinued or if additional assignments are given, the percent scale of the adjusted points will be used to calculate grades.

Your final course grade will be based on the following scale:

      A (90-100%),  B (80-89%),  C (65-79%),  D (55-65%),  F (below 55%)

Periodically I will post your grades. This gives you the opportunity to confirm where you stand in the class

 

Places to seek Additional Help:

Office Hours:   M-TH 1:45-2:15PM, or by appt.

Form study groups: your fellow classmates are a valuable resource

Support Services: Please take advantage of the support services on campus- They are here to help you! Services contact information is listed below

Tutoring: Tutorial Services : All students are eligible for free on campus tutoring. If you wish to get help you MUST make the commitment to attend any scheduled tutorial sessions. If any student misses 2 non-cancelled tutorial sessions they will be dropped from the program. https://www.westvalley.edu/services/success-center/

Important Phone Numbers:

Disability & Educational Support Program (DESP.………………741-2010         Counseling Center……………………………….……………741-2009

Technology Center………………………………………….……….741-2666         Science and Math Division office …...………….……..…….741-2018

Student Health Services on campus………………………………741-2027         Bookstore…………………………………………………..…..741-2015

Tutorial Services……………………………………..…………..….741-2038         Safety Escort Service (Campus Police) ……………………741-2092

Extended Opportunity Programs & Service (EOPS)……..……..741-2010                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tentative Lecture & Laboratory Schedule

                             

 

DATE

LECTURE

LAB

CHAPTER

 

 

1

6/20

Holiday

Holiday

 

6/21

Introduction Scientific Process- Scientific literacy & methodology

Lab 1: Scientific Inquiry

Ch 1.5, B2, B16 & 25

6/22

Evolution

Lab 2: Taxonomy & Phylogeny

Ch 22 & 23, B13

6/23

Natural Selection & Phylogeny

Bacterial Diversity

Lab 3: Evolution

Lab 4: Microscopes & Bacteria

Ch 24

Ch 26

 

 

2

6/27

Introduction to Ecology

Lecture Exam Unit 1*

Get started on this week’s videos

Ch 49

6/28

Eukaryote diversification

Lab Exam Unit 1*

Lab 5: Eukaryota - Amoebozoa & Excavata

 

Ch 27

6/29

Eukaryote diversification

Lab 6: Eukaryota - Rhizaria, Alveolata & Stramenopila

Ch 27

6/30

Green Algae & Archaeplastida Evolution

Lab 7: Archaeplastida-Rhodophyta & Chlorophyta

Ch 28

 

 

3

7/04

Holiday

Holiday

 

7/05

Population Ecology &

Fungi

Lecture Exam Unit 2*

Lab 8: Opisthokonta- Fungi

Ch 51

Ch 29

7/06

Seedless plants- Bryophytes & Pteridophyta

Lab Exam Unit 2*

Lab 9: Archaeplastida- Bryophytes & Pteridophyta

 

 

Ch 28

7/07

Seed plants- Gymnosperm & Angiosperms

Lab 10: Archaeplastida- Gymnosperm & Angiosperms

Ch 28 & 38

 

 

4

7/11

Community Ecology

Lecture Exam Unit 3*

Get started on this week’s videos

Ch 52

7/12

Plant Form & Function- Roots, Shoots, Vascular Tissues

Lab Exam Unit 3*

Lab 11: Plant tissues

Ch 34

7/13

Introduction to Animals- Opisthokonta

Lab 12: Opisthokonta- Porifera & Cnidaria

Ch 30 & 31

7/14

Opisthokonta Diversity- Protostomes- Lophotrochozoans

Lab 13: Opisthokonta- Rotifera, Platyhelminthes, Annelida

Ch 31

 

 

5

7/18

Ecosystem Ecology & Climate Change

Lecture Exam Unit 4*

Get started on this week’s videos

Ch 53

7/19

Opisthokonta- Protostomes- Lophotrochozoans

Lab Exam Unit 4*

Lab 14: Opisthokonta- Molluska

Ch 31

7/20

Opisthokonta- Protostomes- Ecdysozoans

Lab 15: Opisthokonta- Arthropoda & Nematoda

Ch 31

7/21

Opisthokonta- Deuterostomes-Echinodermata & Protochordata

Lab 16: Opisthokonta- Echinodermata & Chordata

Ch 32

 

6

7/25

Opisthokonta- Fishes

Lab 17: Opisthokonta- Fishes

Ch 32

7/26

Opisthokonta-Tetrapod

Lab 18: Opisthokonta-Tetrapods

Ch 32

7/27

Lecture Final Exam*

 

 

7/28

Lab Final Exam*

 

 

*Exams during scheduled meeting time 12:45-1:45pm

 

Page created by Leticia Gallardo

 

 

 
last published: 6/8/23