Welcome to Biology 10!
Syllabus - Spring 2012

Welcome to Biology 10!  This will hopefully be an amazing semester for you.  Although many of you are taking this course for transfer credit, my hope is that each of you will learn something uniquely valuable to you.  In addition I hope to foster an amazement and appreciation for biology, for the world around AND within you!  We are have been gifted by nature with such wondrous things as the delicate butterfly, the rugged tortoise and cactus, the swift cheetah, and even the ever changing bacteria and viruses.  Through education can we truly appreciate the complexity, fragility, and necessity of all life's organisms.  We have inherited a wondrous world of creatures which we must strive to protect and keep healthy, not only for their sake but ours.

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

General Course Description: (return to top of page)

Biology 10 - General Biology, is a 4 unit course accepted by both UC and Cal. State University Systems.  This class is designed to introduce students to the general concepts in biology.   The goal is to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of biology so that they will be able to have a better appreciation for biology and will be more capable of making educated decisions concerning the environment, health related issues, and general issues dealing with biology.

Biology 10 consists has both a lecture and laboratory component.  It is mandatory that each student be enrolled in a laboratory section.  25% of the final course grade will be determined by the laboratory performance.  Successful completion of Biology 10 requires successful completion of Bio10 lab.  Any student receiving a failing grade in lab, regardless of their lecture grade, will fail the course.

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. 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 (DESP) at 408-741-5085 for assistance. Disability and Educational Support Program

Course Webpage : (return to top of page) Biology 10 has an official website where you will be able to locate general information concerning the course (http://instruct.westvalley.edu/svensson/B10Main/index.html).  There will be a link to the pre-lab home page where you will download weekly lab homework.  In addition there is a lecture web site specific to your class (http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters/) where you will be able to access information specific to your lecture course.    You can down load lecture handouts, access grades and view announcements.  You should plan on visiting both website weekly.

Course Handouts : Daily lecture handouts will be available on the course website.  It is your responsibility to download and print the lecture handouts BEFORE lecture.  The handouts will be in two forms 1. Microsoft word (but will have a password - “life”) and 2. pdf. (but will not have pictures). At the end of each lecture handout is a set practice exam questions.  These will not be collected or graded, but will be used on exams.

Attendance Policy : Attendance in lecture is mandatory for your success.  Attendance will be taken in every lecture and will be used to decide your final grade (lecture points will be subtracted for absences).  Attendance cards will be handed out the first day of class.  Each student will pick them up at the start of class and initial them to indicate their presence.  Following the class session, the attendance cards will be returned to the instructor.  In addition, some extra credit will be available in lecture and recorded on the attendance cards.  Students who do not attend lecture will miss valuable information which may or may not be presented in the text.  In addition, lecture quizzes will be given in class, and will not be able to be made-up.  If you miss a lecture, you risk missing a quiz.

NOTE: Any student missing the equivalent of 10% of the course (4 class meeting) can be dropped by the instructor

Academic Rigor : (return to top of page) This course is UC and Cal State transferable. The material for which students will be held accountable will be comparable to a “University Level” non-major biology introductory course.

Most of students taking this course have had no prior Biology.  Therefore simply learning the language of biology will demand a considerable amount of time.  Students should expect to spend at least 5-6 hrs per week studying lectures, answering study questions and reading the text, in addition to preparing for laboratory assignments.

 Taping Lectures : I highly recommend taping lectures.  Students should always take complete notes
 during lecture, but DO NOT USE THE TAPES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ATTENDING LECTURE.

HELP : I recommend to any student who is not performing as well as he or she would like, to come see me as soon as possible.  Do not assume that things will get better without any alternation in your current practices.  In addition to my office hours, every student can receive free tutoring in the tutoring center (library) @ (408) 741-2038.  Visit the Tutoring center website.

1. Be on time for the exam.
2. Bring all items needed for exam with you (i.e. 2 pencils with erasers, scantron sheet, tissue etc.)
3. All books, backpacks, purses etc. will be placed in the front of the class and picked up after the exam.  No items should be under your seat.  If you don't want to leave it in the room, leave it in the car or with a friend (outside the classroom).
4. Cell phones must be turned off during the exam and placed in backpacks or purses. If, for any reason, you answer a cell phone call, text or IMs during an exam you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time.  Exceptions will only be made if the student has ample reason AND notifies the instructor.
5. You may not leave the exam room for any reason once the exam has started.  Use the restroom before the exam. Once you leave the room, I will grade what you have completed up to that point.
6. Once the first person leaves the exam room, no latecomers will be admitted to the exam.
7. Cheating will result in a zero on the exam and possible expulsion from the class.
8. Make-up exams are for emergencies only.  You must call before the exam starts to let me know of your situation.  See below for procedures.
9. Make-up exams are in all-essay form and must be scheduled within one week of the missed exam.
10. Do not schedule appointments etc. during an exam or any class time.
11. A seating chart may be implemented by the instructor.

Student Responsibilities : (return to top of page)
1. Attend ALL Lectures : ALL exam material is derived from the lecture material.
2. Be on TIME : Arriving late and leaving early is disruptive to the instructor as well as your fellow students.
3. Turn off pages and cell phones before you enter the classroom!
4. Take COMPLETE notes : Students will be provided with lecture OUTLINES.  It is the students' responsibility to complete the information on the handout from listening to the lectures.
5. ASK questions : If at any time you are confused about the material or an assignment be sure to ask for clarification.  You can utilize my office hours or see me after class.
6. Be PREPARED : Read the assigned material prior to attending lecture.  This will allow you be familiar with the terminology before you hear the lecture.
7. Complete the STUDY QUESTIONS : These questions are designed to help you assess whether or not you know the material.  Answer the questions after you have studied to material in order to gage your understanding.  These questions will not be collected but are HIGHLY likely to reappear on EXAMS.

Required and Recommended Material :

 Text: 1. Introduction to Biology; Custom edition ; Mader, S.
          2. Biology 10 - General Biology Laboratory Manual 6th ed. ; West Valley College

Purchasing Course Books: Several options are available to you:(return to top of page)

1. Viking Bookstore : West Valley Campus Bookstore: You can Purchase all of the books listed in the syllabus directly from the bookstore located  on West Valley campus. The bookstore also provides an online service (http://westvalley.bkstore.com/) so that you can reserve books & pick them up later or make arrangements for home delivery.   Unfortunately the laboratory manual can only be ordered from the campus bookstore.  It should be available one week before classes start.

2. Online Ordering : For ordering all materials except the laboratory manual.  Since the prices of texts books is definitely a concern you may want to look into purchasing textbooks from a less expensive internet vendor.  The only concern is how long it will take to deliver the text.  If you choose to order from an internet site and your text does not arrive when classes start you can keep up with the required reading by using the text on reserve in the library.
                      Amazon.com               or            Half.com  or     Biggerbooks.com

If you have knowledge of any other sources please let me know (email: Christine Peters)

3. WVC Library (Reserve Desk) : The Library's reserve desk will have one copy of the current text book which can be checked out for 2 hour blocks of time.  Do not wait until the last minute to do your reading since others may also be relying on the reserve text for their reading.  The library is open M - Th 8:00am - 7:30pm , F 8:00 - 12 noon, S noon - 4:00
(408) 741-2028

Grading :(return to top of page)

 Lecture Grade:
  1. 3 Lecture Exams: (125pts, 125pts, 125 pts.)                                                                        = 375 pts.
  2. Lecture Quizzes (lowest quiz will be dropped) 10 pts. (combined for ~15% of lecture)         = 90 pts.
  3. Final Exam: 150 pts.                                                                                                               = 150 pts.
  5. Attendance                                                                                                                              = 15 pts.

  Total Lecture Points                                                                                                                     = 630 pts

 Laboratory Grade:
  1. Laboratory points comprise 25% of your final course grade.                                                   = 215 pts

 Total Course Points                                                                                                                            = 845 pts

Course Grades : Course grades will be calculated as a percentage of points earned out of a total possible 840 pts. for the course.  Grades will be assigned  according to the following Grading Scale :

Class Exams & Assignment Descriptions : (return to top of page)

Lecture Exams : Exams will be given during the 1.5 hr lecture period.  Exams will be comprised of Scantron type questions (Multiple choice, True/False), matching, fill in the blank, and short answer.  The Final Exam will be comprehensive and cover all material from the beginning of the course, with an emphasis on the most recent material.  The Final Exam will follow the same format as all previous lecture exams.  Exams willbe given in the last hour and a half of class period, following a hour and 20 min lecture and a 10 minute break.

Make-up Exams : Make-up exams will be essay exams.  Makeup exams may only be given to students if the following criteria are met :  1. The student has contacted the instructor BEFORE the exam has started (call 741-2626 or email christine.peters@westvalley.edu) and has made the instructor aware of the absence and 2. The student has a college authorize absence (doctor's note, documented family emergency etc.).   If there is a conflict with the exam schedule, please contact the instructor BEFORE the exam so that an alternate exam can be administered.  Make-up exams must be scheduled within ONE WEEK of the missed exam.

Lecture Quizzes: Lecture quizzes will ONLY be given in lecture.  They will not be able to be made-up.  It is therefore essential that you attend all lectures. Quizzes will only cover lecture material.  They will be mainly scantron type questions with a few short answer questions or fill in the blanks.  The quizzes will allow you to determine how well you understand the lecture material before a lecture exam is given.  If you are doing poorly on the quizzes be sure to see me for help BEFORE the exam.  Quizzes will count for ~15% of your final lecture grade.

Assistance: 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. 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) 741-5085 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance. Disability and Educational Support Program

Tips for Success:

1. Skim your reading assignments prior to class so that you will have baseline understanding of what is going to be covered.  DON”T read and try to commit to memory the information YET.
a. Read the Titles and Bullets
b. Skim the chapter reading
c. Look at the diagrams
d. Skim the lecture handouts; familiarize yourself with the topic to be covered
2. Attend lecture (with this baseline understanding).  Bring your lecture handouts, take good notes using your handouts (or additional paper if you choose).
3. Ask questions when something is unclear
4. Review your lecture notes the same day as the lecture.  You may want to use the following review techniques:
a. Without looking at your notes, write down the overall concept introduced in the lecture.
b. Without looking at your notes, write down all of the detailed information you can remember from the lecture.
c.  Compare what you remember with the actual lecture notes.  Highlight anything that you didn't remember.  This is information that is not yet in you short term memory.
d. Rewrite a complete set of lecture notes.
Remember the goal is to retain the information in your long term memory.  To transition the memories from short term to long term, your best opportunity is to review the information while it is still fresh, the longer you wait the less you will remember and will have to start all over creating new short term memories.  In practice you will actually be saving time!
5. Any questions, which come up during your studying, can be addressed at the next class meeting
6. A few days after the lecture, revisit your notes and repeat the steps a - c above.  If there is significant loss of information, you don't know the material well enough and need to review the lecture again.
7. Read the related information in your textbooks for further clarification.
8. Once you feel you have a good understanding of the material, attempt answering the study questions at the end of the handout.  DO NOT look through your notes to find the answers.  If you do you are only testing how well you can find answers, remember you will not have the your study notes on the exam.
9. You can also use the questions in the textbook to help gage your understanding.
10. Read the labs prior to attending class.
11. Participate in all lab activities
12. Answer all lab questions with completeness and accuracy
13. If you have done all of this - then the weekend before the exam will be simply review.
14. Make sure you are getting a good night's sleep prior to the exam

Note: Think of learning biology as you would any new skill such as playing an instrument or learning a sport, practice, practice, practice.  Studies have shown that the magic number for your brain to retain something is seven.   So repeat the information not just once, twice or even three times but 7!

Remember - if you prepare, attend each class, do the work, and study there is no reason why you cannot earn a good grade. 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.   Any student who feels that he/she is not performing to his/her expectations should feel free to come talk with me.  I am available to discuss lecture or laboratory material which may be confusing, study skills, test taking strategies, etc.  Come see me in my office hours.  If this time is not convenient, I would be happy to make any other arrangements if possible.  DO NOT procrastinate and think things will get better on their own.  Seek help ASAP.

A very effective study tool are your peers.  I highly recommend STUDY GROUPS to help facilitate your learning and retention.
 

Places to seek Additional Help : (return to top of page)

1. Office Hours : MW 2:00-3:00; T 12:30-1:30
2. 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 un-cancelled tutorial sessions they will be dropped from the program.

Additional Help & Reference: There is a lot of information to be learned in this class and how you utilize your time will greatly influence how well you do.  You will set yourself up to succeed if you attend regularly, come to class prepared, ask questions when you don't understand, take good notes... in general, develop good study habits and just a lot of hard work!  Each student must find what works best for them, however here are a few helpful suggestions.

Study Tools : Everyone learns differently, it is therefore important to understand how you as an individual can best learn and retain information.  Ultimately your academic success is your responsibility.  If you haven't already done so, you should take the following self assessment test to better understand your specific way of learning.  In addition are some helpful study tips websites.

• Learning Styles Self Test: learning-styles-online.com/inventory/
• How to Study: howtostudy.org/
• How to Study: how-to-study.com/
• Study Skills Self Help information: ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html

Study Tips: studytips.org

Page created by: Christine Peters-Stanton Updated: Aug 13,  2011