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Biology 10 - Syllabus - Spring 2012

Welcome to Biology 10! Please read through the following information carefully. In this syllabus you will find descriptions of what you can expect from this course, from me as your instructor, and perhaps most important, what is expected of you.

Instructor: Mr. Nathan Norris
Office: SM 55E
Phone: (408) 741-2634
E-mail: Nathan Norris Click to Contact

Office Hours: Tue & Thu 12:30-2:00, and by arrangement.  If you cannot make the above times, feel free to drop by, or make an appointment.

As your instructor I am here to facilitate your education by (1) presenting you with the material that you need to learn, and (2) by assisting you in your learning of the material. I will try to make it fun and I will do everything I can to help you, however, I cannot learn it for you - that is your responsibility. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask. With effort you will learn and be successful - the effort, however, is up to you.


General Course Info | Texts | Student Learning Outcomes | Nature of the Course | Evaluation | Grading | Academic Dishonesty
Attendance | Dropping | Miscellaneous Notes | Tips for Success | Student Resources on Campus | Lecture Schedule | Lab Schedule

General Course Information (return to top of page)

Biology 10 is a four (4) unit, semester length lecture and laboratory course. You must be enrolled in both a lecture and a laboratory to complete this course. It is designed to meet general education lab science requirements and is accepted for credit by the University of California and the California State Universities (note: if you plan to transfer it is your responsibility to confirm with the transfer institution that this course meets their requirements, they have the final say). As a transferable course the academic rigor that students will be held accountable for will be comparable to a "university level" introductory biology course, however, it need not be overwhelming. The material will be presented from the perspective of this being the first college biology course you have ever taken.

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to many of the fundamental concepts in biology. The basic knowledge of biology gained from this course will allow you to make educated decisions about health related issues, environmental issues, and a variety of other biological issues that will likely come up during your life. To do this we will cover a tremendous breadth of material over the semester.

Lectures will introduce you to the principles of biological study and our current understanding of biology while lab activities are designed to provide hands-on exploration of the topics discussed in the lecture. Each laboratory covers one or more key topics from your lectures using materials for you to observe and/or use in experiments. The lectures and the labs are designed to complement each other and combined will provide you with a richer understanding of the world of biology.

The pursuit of understanding in biology, and the sciences in general, may be thought of as an ongoing process. The breadth of biological knowledge is continually growing and changing as new observations are made. What is thought to be understood today may be shown to be incomplete tomorrow. As such biology requires you to keep an open mind, to think and ask questions, as you will see in the weeks to follow. Much of what we will talk about you probably have or will experience at some point your life. Think about what you have observed and have confidence in what you know. Throughout the course you will find that biology is a science based on observation, a skill that you will be encouraged to refine during this course.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. However, students are expected to read and write at the college level and know enough mathematics to use and understand graphs and charts.

Note: 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. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify the Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP) at 741-2010 or (TTY 741-2658) of any special needs.

Texts and Support Materials (return to top of page)

Required:

Sylvia S. Mader. Biology. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, New York, NY, 2010.
ISBN 978-0-07-352543-3

Biology Department. Biology 10 - Laboratory Manual. 6th ed., Wiley Custom Services.

Note: a reduced cost paperback version of the textbook is available in the West Valley College Viking bookstore. The lab manual is only available from the bookstore.

Optional:

Griffin, Robert D. Biology Coloring Book. HarperResource, New York, NY. ISBN: 0-064-60307-5

Borror, Donald. Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms. Mayfield Publishing Co. Palo Alto, CA. ISBN: 0-874-84053-8

Web Pages:

Instructors Bio 10 Course Page: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/norris/10home.html
Biology Dept Bio 10 Page (overview): http://instruct.westvalley.edu/svensson/B10Main/index.html
Textbook: http://www.mhhe.com/maderbiology10

Note: Computers with internet access are available in the Technology Center for all currently registered West Valley College students. Students wishing to use the Technology Center must bring their West Valley College ID with a current semester's sticker. There is currently no fee for the use of the Technology Center but there is a charge for printing.

The text (Mader) will be an important reference for the material covered in this class. It is important that you read the assignments prior to coming to class and I strongly recommended that you bring your textbook to class each day. You will also find the questions at the end of each chapter helpful in preparing for the exams and quizzes.

In addition to the text you must purchase a current copy of the Biology 10 Laboratory Manual and bring it to lab every day. This manual is revised every year so be sure you have the correct version. You must have a manual by the second lab meeting and bring it to lab every day. Be sure to read through the lab prior to coming to class.

Purchasing Course Books:
    West Valley Campus Bookstore: You can Purchase all of the books listed in the greensheet directly from the bookstore located on West Valley campus. The bookstore also provides an online service in case you do not want to go there in person (WVC bookstore). You can reserve the books to pick them up later or make arrangements for home delivery. Note: bookstore profits help fund the campus center - purchasing your books from the campus bookstore will help support the campus center.

    Ordering online (new or used): I am aware that book prices are high and that this can place an undue burden on student budgets. One option to save money is to order books online from discount suppliers. The down side to this option is that, depending on the vendor, it can take several days, or possibly weeks, for your books to arrive, and you will need the "required books" on the first day of class. Consequently, unless you have ordered your books several weeks in advance, this option may better serve you for the purchase of the "recommended and optional books" listed in your syllabus.  The following online vendors may prove to be good resources:


    Other Local Bookstores: A less commonly successful but useful alternate is to search the local new and used bookstores in the area (including other campus bookstores) for the books you need. I have periodically found useful resource books at a significant discount at used bookstores.
Several options are available to you.

Student Learning Outcomes (return to top of page)

The topics covered in this course provide an introduction to the basic concepts and everyday problems in the biological sciences. The objectives of the course are to assist each student in their understanding of general scientific and biological principles so that the student may apply these principles and make informed decisions. Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that the student will be able to:

  1. Design an experiment using the scientific method,
  2. Make biologically informed decisions regarding health, wellness, biotechnology and environmental/ecological issues based on information learned in this course,
  3. Recognize how evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of life.

These are very broad goals that encompass a great variety of topics. The topics that have been selected for discussion in this course are listed on the schedule found in this handout. If other topics are of interest to you please feel free to discuss them with me. Suggestions of additional topics are welcome. Every effort will be made to make this class as useful to you as possible.

Nature of the Course (return to top of page)

Lecture:

During lecture the concepts of Biology presented in the textbook will be discussed, and expanded on where appropriate. Although this portion of the course will follow a traditional lecture format, questions and class participation are encouraged. If, during the lecture you have a question raise your hand and I will try to get to you (If you don't understand something it is likely that others don't also). Asking questions not only ensures that you get the information you need, it also can help create a more dynamic and interesting lecture. Your participation, in effect, can enhance the lecture and your interest in the course.

To best prepare for each class meeting it is expected that you read through the assigned reading in your text and/or supplementary material prior to the class meeting time and that you take good notes. To assist you with this you will be provided with lecture outlines with study questions to use as a guide to the assigned reading and to the lectures. Lecture outlines used effectively can be a beneficial study aid. I highly recommend that you use the lecture outlines and answer all of the study questions. Lecture outlines are available online at: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/norris/10handouts.html.

If you feel it will be helpful you may tape the lectures, however, I have found that students who tape the lectures often do not listen as attentively and must spend additional time listening to the taped lecture again. Your time would most likely be better spent reading the assigned material and studying your notes rather than listening to a lecture you have already heard. If you do choose to tape the lectures, DO NOT substitute the tapes for attentive participation and note taking in class.

Finally, be considerate of other students in the class. Please turn off cell phones & pagers and refrain from talking during the lecture (other than to ask questions). Even minor disturbances can significantly impact the ability of others to concentrate on the lecture and such behavior is inappropriate for a college level course

Laboratory:

Our current understanding of biology comes primarily from laboratory and field investigation. While lectures will introduce you to the principles of biological study and understanding, lab activities are designed to allow you hands-on exposure to many of the topics discussed in the lecture. Each laboratory will cover one or more key topics from your lectures using materials for you to observe and/or use in experiments. At the end of each lab you will be expected to answer the questions in your laboratory manual based on what you learn from your reading and lectures, what you observe and record in lab, and from your own experience.

Thoughtful, disciplined hands on work in the lab is often the most effective method for learning biology, in fact for most students this is where things start to make sense. How much you gain from this depends on your involvement and participation.

It is expected that you read through the lab activities and any assigned reading prior to the lab. This will enable you to get the most out of the lab (and possibly finish sooner). You may even be able to start answering some of the questions before coming to lab. Note that these lab reports are intended to serve as your guide to understanding important principles and to support and reinforce what is presented in lecture. Thus it is to your advantage to make every effort to understand the material and thoroughly answer the questions. Working as a group with the other students at your table is encouraged

For more information about the laboratory see the biology departments Biology 10 Laboratory web page.

Note: Eating, drinking, and smoking within the lab room is strictly prohibited. No visitors in the lab.

Evaluation (return to top of page)

Lecture: the points you earn in lecture will account for 75% of your grade

Quizzes:

There will be eight (8) quizzes given during the lecture (usually at the start of lecture). Tentative quiz dates are indicated on the schedule. The quiz questions are primarily multiple choice with some fill-in questions and will cover all material presented in class since the preceding quiz. Note that quizzes will allow you to determine how well you understand the material before the exam is given. If you are doing poorly on the quizzes be sure to request help before the exam. Note: your one lowest quiz score will be thrown out.

Exams:

There are three non-comprehensive exams and one comprehensive final (approximately 70% new material and 30% comprehensive) that will be given during the lecture. The dates of these exams are listed on the schedule. The exam questions are primarily multiple choice with some fill-in questions and will cover all material presented in the class. You will have the entire lecture period to complete the exams. Please bring a scantron (form #882) and #2 pencils to each exam. They can be purchased at the bookstore.

Exam Guidelines:


Warning: DO NOT miss an exam! Make up exams are NOT normally offered. To qualify for a make up exam you must contact the instructor immediately and provide a documented reason for missing the exam (i.e. doctors note). At the instructors discretion and convenience a make up exam may (or may not) be offered. All assignments must be completed in order to successfully complete the course. Missing an exam will most likely result in failure of the course. No exams will be dropped.

Misc. Assignments:

Several short activities will be assigned at random times throughout the semester. These activities will vary in format but will rarely be worth more than 5-10 points. Some assignments will be completed during class while others will be take home activities. Missed and/or late assignments cannot be made up.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit assignments are not offered. If you are not performing as well as you would like, increasing your workload with extra credit assignments will not help. If you are having trouble please come see me and we can discuss possible alterations in your current study practices that may help.

Laboratory: the points you earn in lab will account for 25% of your grade

Laboratory scores are typically based on three things; quizzes, pre-labs, and lab reports. Although the precise nature of the lab evaluations may vary somewhat between lab instructors, lab scores will count towards 25% of your course grade.

Grading (return to top of page)

You are not entitled to a passing grade, you must earn it. You will be graded based on how well you do, not on how hard you work. Effort is expected, not rewarded. Your course grade will be based on lecture and lab points earned (actual point values may vary).

Lecture Point Breakdown (example): Points:   Note: Exact point values may vary
  Quizzes (10 points each) 70    
  Misc. Assignments 25     Points earned will be converted
  Midterm Exams (3 at 125 pts. each) 375     to a percentage score as follows:
  Final Exam (comprehensive)   150     (pts. earned / pts. possible) x 100 = %
  Total Lec Points Possible: 620    

The percentage of the total points possible that you earn in the lecture will be combined with your laboratory percentage to determine your course grade as follows:

(0.75 x lec percent) + (0.25 x lab percent) = course percentage

Example: assume you earn 72% of the possible points in lecture and 88% in lab.

(0.75 x 72%) + (0.25 x 88%) = 54% + 22% = 76% ("C")

Note: because the lecture is weighted more heavily than the lab, your lecture score will more closely approximate the final grade that you will earn.

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%)
Warning: failure of the lab will automatically result in failure of the course.


Following each exam I will post your grades. This gives you the opportunity to confirm where you stand in the course, if you are missing any work or if I have made any errors recording your grades. Be sure to look it over. If you have any questions regarding any grade you receive and/or the grading method please feel free to talk to me. Note: you will need to provide a "secret identity" for posting of your grade.

Remember, you are not entitled to a passing grade, you must earn it…make the effort and you can be successful.

Academic Dishonesty (return to top of page)

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 students papers, communication between students etc...) to answer questions on an exam or quiz constitutes cheating and will result in failure of that exam or quiz and/or failure of the course. Such behavior is disrespectful of other students and more importantly, of yourself. No dictionaries of any kind may be used during the exams or quizzes.

Attendance (return to top of page)

It is your responsibility to attend ALL class meetings. Class will start on time and last the entire time. It is expected that you are present at the start of class and attend the entire period. Your success depends on your attending regularly, taking good notes and studying. Please do not schedule appointments during scheduled class time or plan on leaving early. Unexcused absences may result in a loss of points and/or failure of the course. Failure to attend the equivalent of 10% or more of class (more than 3 lectures or 3 labs) for ANY reason may result in disqualification from the course (i.e. failure).

It is critical that you come to class prepared, having read the assigned material ahead of time, and that you take good notes. Failure to attend lecture or lab will result in missing announcements and valuable information that may not be covered in the text. Reading the text alone will not substitute for attendance. Students who attend, take good notes and study, have a good chance of doing well in this course.

Dropping (return to top of page)

If you decide to drop the course it is up to you to fill out the appropriate paperwork and inform the instructor. 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.

Miscellaneous Notes (return to top of page)

CELL PHONES: Due to the disruptive nature of cell phones and pagers all cell phones and pagers should be turned off while in class. If for some reason you must leave your cell phone on please switch it to silent mode and leave the room before answering it. Note: ringing cell phones and/or pagers may result in failure of quizzes or exams. Cell phones must be off during quizzes and exams. If, for any reason, you answer a cell phone during a quiz or exam you must turn in your quiz and forfeit your remaining time.

NON-SMOKING POLICY: West Valley College is a Smoke Free Campus and we thank you for honoring the college policy and supporting a healthy campus! Smoking is prohibited on campus with the exception of the numbered parking lots around the perimeter of College Circle.
FREE and Confidential Smoking Cessation Support, including Nicotine patches and gum, is available in Student Health Services, No Butts About It! http://westvalley.edu/services/health/smoking.html

WVM ALERT
WVC has a mass notification system which informs all college users of emergencies via the mode you select (e.g., text, cell phone, email, work phone, home phone).
Please sign up at: http://www.wvm.edu/wvm-alert/

STRESS MANAGEMENT
Get a jump on Managing Stress by seeking tips on:
Getting Good Sleep; Ideas for "Brain" Food and Eating Well; Time Management, Concentration and Test-Taking Strategies; Realistic Relaxation Breaks. Have concerns about a fellow student? Confidential consultation is available.
Where? Student Health and many other on-campus Support Resources! http://www.westvalley.edu/services/

ACCIDENTS ON CAMPUS
If you experience an accident while on campus the College requires the following:
Claim must be filed within 90 days of the incident - a specific form needs to be completed!
Claimant's own insurance plan is considered Primary; District Plan is only used after the primary plan Claimants are expected to pay a $50 deductible (Athletes may pay a higher deductible)
Maximum benefit is $50,000 per injury (Athletes may receive higher maximum benefit)
Maximum time allowance for submitting claims is one year from date of incident
Questions? Contact Health Services @ 741-2027 http://www.westvalley.edu/services/health

UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION / SEXUAL HARASSMENT: If you have a complaint or someone has shared information with you as a student or employee that is unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment, contact the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at West Valley-Mission Community College District, Human Resources Department, (408-741-2060). If the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources is not available, contact the President of the college in which you attend or are employed. For West Valley College, contact the office of Dr. Lori Gaskin at 408-741-2668.

Tips For Success (return to top of page)

Everyone can succeed in this course. To do so you must make the effort. You must be willing to work hard. This includes attending regularly, coming to class prepared, asking questions when you don't understand, taking good notes... in general, developing good study habits. These skills can be developed. If you don't have these skills the instructor may be able to help.

Each student must find what works best for them, however, some hints may be helpful. These include reading the assignments prior to coming to lecture. During the lecture take notes on your own paper, not on the outline supplied. After the lecture (not the night before the exam) sit down with your notes, the book (pay particular attention to the figures), and the outline. Review the terminology (you will learn lots of new terms) and fill in the blanks on the outline from both your notes and the text - if it is not on the outline don't emphasize it. Upon completion you will have created a comprehensive study outline to use when reviewing for the exam. Finally, once you feel comfortable with the material get together with a small study group and go over it. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter. If you can explain ideas, concepts and terms to another student, you will be well prepared for an exam.

Remember - if you prepare, attend each class, do the work, and study there is no reason why you cannot earn a good grade. Don't forget, the lecture and the lab make up one course thus they support each other.  Also, please do not hesitate to talk to me if you have any Questions or Comments.  I am here to help.  I want you to be successful in this course.

How effectively you study can have a significant impact on your learning. Look over the reasources listed below to get ideas to improve your study practices, save time and imrove your grade:


Student Resources on Campus (return to top of page)

As a registered student you have a host of resources on campus that are available to you, many free of charge. The following is a partial list (for a complete list please refer to the college catalogue or the student services section of the college web page).

Admissions and Records
- Apply for Admissions (online)
- WVC Portal (Registration)

ANGEL LEARNING
- service supporting online classes, may be used for broadcasting course announcements

Health Services (408) 741-2027
- provides limited medical treatment, health assessment, counseling and referrals

Tutorial Services (408) 741-2038
- tutoring is available without charge to students in academic and/or vocational subjects

Financial Aid (408) 741-2024
- program to assist eligible students in meeting education costs while attending school

Counseling Center (408) 741-2009
- provides academic, career and personal counseling for students

Disability & Educational Support Program (DESP) (408) 741-2010
- program to integrate students with disabilities into classes and equalize educational opportunities

Educational Transition (ET) for Women and Men (408) 741-2022
- program for adults who are returning to continue or begin their education

Extended opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) (408) 741-2023
- support services for students who have historically experienced language, social, financial barriers

Technology Center (408) 741-2666
- computers with internet access are available, there is currently no fee for the use of the Technology Center but there is a charge for printing.


Biology 10 - Introduction to Biology (return to top of page)
West Valley College - Spring 2012

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

Wk
Date
  Lecture Topic ("Q" indicates tentative quiz dates) Text Chapter
1 31-Jan Introduction / Basic Concepts in Biology 1, 31.3
2-Feb Basic Concepts cont... / Chemistry 1, 2, 3, appendix D
2 7-Feb Chemistry cont... 2, 3, appendix D
9-Feb Cell Structure and Function 4, 5
3 14-Feb Cell Structure and Function cont... 4, 5
16-Feb Q Cell Energy: Photosynthesis & Respiration 6, 7, 8
4 21-Feb Cell Energy: Photosynthesis & Respiration cont... 6, 7, 8
23-Feb Q Digestion & Nutrition 31.2, 34
5 28-Feb Exam I (exam 1 study guide) -
1-Mar Digestion & Nutrition cont... 31.2, 34
6 6-Mar Circulation and Respiration 32, 33, 35
8-Mar Circulation and Respiration cont... 32, 33, 35
7 13-Mar Q Cell Reproduction: Mitosis & Meiosis 9, 10
15-Mar Cell Reproduction: Mitosis & Meiosis cont... 9, 10
8 20-Mar Q Inheritance 11
22-Mar Exam II (exam 2 study guide) -
Mar 26-31   Spring Break - No Classes
-
9 3-Apr Inheritance cont... 11
5-Apr Reproduction 24.1, 27, 41, 42
10 10-Apr Reproduction cont... 24.1, 27, 41, 42
12-Apr Q DNA Structure & Function 3.5, 12, 13
11 17-Apr DNA Structure & Function cont... 3.5, 12, 13
19-Apr DNA cont... / Biotechnology 3.5, 12, 13, 14
12 24-Apr Q Biotechnology cont... 14
26-Apr Exam III (exam 3 study guide) -
13 1-May Evolution 15-17, 18.3
3-May Evolution cont... 15-17, 18.3
14 8-May Global Ecosystems: the Biosphere 46
10-May Q Communities and Ecosystems 45
15 15-May Populations and Ecology 44, 47
17-May Q Populations and Ecology cont... 44, 47
   note: reading assignments reflect the minimum recommended reading
16 22-May   FINAL EXAM Tuesday, May 22nd 2012 @ 9:40AM-11:50AM in SM 36


Biology 10 - Introduction to Biology  (return to top of page)
West Valley College - Spring 2012

LABORATORY SCHEDULE

WEEK OF LAB LABORATORY ACTIVITY TEXT REF.
30-Jan-12 1 Concepts In Biology (Handout) 1, 31.3
6-Feb-12 2 Scientific Inquiry & Lab Safety 1, appendix C
13-Feb-12 3 Microscopes (No Lab Fri., 2/17) 4: 62-63
20-Feb-12 4 Cell Environment (No Lab Mon., 2/20) 4, 5
27-Feb-12 5 Respiration & Photosynthesis 6, 7, 8
5-Mar-12 10 Nutrition & Physical Fitness 34
12-Mar-12 11 Cardiovascular & Respiratory Fitness 32, 35
19-Mar-12 7 Cell Division & Gene Expression 3.5, 9, 10, 12, 13
26-Mar-12 - Spring Break - No Classes -
2-Apr-12 12 Reproduction 24.1, 27, 41
9-Apr-12 9 Inheritance 11
16-Apr-12 8 Biotechnology 12, 14
23-Apr-12 6 Biology Hot Topics (presentations) -
30-Apr-12 13 Evolution 15-17, 18.3
7-May-12 14 WV Nature Walk or Villa Montalvo (Handout) 24, 45-47
14-May-12 15 Ecology 44-47
21-May-12 - FINALS WEEK - No Labs -


LABORATORY SECTIONS AND INSTRUCTORS
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY



7:40


  Schein  
    9:20   9:20
10:55 10:55 Jolly 10:55 Hurst
Thomson Hackworth   Hackworth
    12:35  
2:10 2:10 Thomson 2:10
Berlani Berlani   Jolly
         
         
    6:30pm 6:30pm  
    Kalpin Kalpin  
         


Important Dates   Holidays:  
Last day to Add Feb 10 Lincoln's BD Feb 17
Last day to Drop without a "W"  Feb 17 Washington's BD Feb 20
Last day to Drop with a "W" Apr 27 Spring Break Mar 26-31
Final Exams May 19-25

Graduation May 24