Elmer E. O’B

BIOL 1025 General Biology Dr. Marie-Therese Simms

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Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, Texas

College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology

Spring 2017 Course Syllabus

BIOL 1025-P03 CRN 21017 General Biology

Course Instructor: Dr. Marie-Therese Simms

[email protected]

Office Location: Elmer E. O’Banion Science Building

Room 430

Office Phone: 936-261-3160 FAX: 936-261-3179

Snail Mail Address: Prairie View A&M University/P.O. Box 519/MS 2210/Prairie View, TX 77446

Office Hours: Tues & Thurs – 3:30 – 7:00pm

Course Location: O’Banion Science Bldg. Room 104- Lecture and Room 315 - Lab

Lecture: Tues & Thurs 5:30-7:00pm Lab 3:30-5:20pm

Required Textbook: Biology, 10th Edition, by Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky And Jackson ISBN – 13: 978-0-321-55823-7 or ISBN-10: 0-321-55823-5 Access to Learning Resources: PVAMU Library: Phone- 936-261-1500 Web: http://www.tamu.edu/pvamu/library/ University Bookstore: Phone-936-261-1990 Web: http://www.bkstr.com/Home/10001-10734-1?demoKey=d

http://www.tamu.edu/pvamu/library/

http://www.bkstr.com/Home/10001-10734-1?demoKey=d


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Catalog Description 1025. General Biology, (3-4) Credit 5 semester hours. Structure and function of living organism systems. Ecological relationships, natural selection, evolution and human ecology.

Supplements:

1. Student Study Guide to accompany Campbell Biology 10th Edition ISBN: 13:978-0-321-62992-0 or ISBN: 0-321-62992-2

2. Website to accompany Campbell Biology, 9th Edition, is an online learning tool that contains pretest, narrated animations, tutorials on basic math/ chemistry, study skills and word roots. Access to this website is provided with the purchase of a new textbook from the university bookstore. The publisher charges $80 for access if you do not purchase a new textbook. Therefore, the use of this web site is optional for this course.

Course Goals and Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to provide first year biology majors or any student required to study the first biology course for majors with a detailed knowledge of general biology that satisfies the prerequisites for entry into health professional school and graduate biomedical programs.

This is part two of a comprehensive introduction of the concepts of modern Biology for students majoring in Biology. It covers principles of heredity, regulation of gene expression, DNA Technology, genomics, developmental genetics, evolution, diversity of life and introduction to ecology.

Outcomes for Students:

In order to be successful in this course a student must demonstrate an understanding of the following:

Conduct of laboratory investigations using safe,

environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of the scientific

method during laboratory investigations.


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Demonstrate critical thinking skills and scientific problem solving skills to make informed decisions.

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of heredity.

Demonstrate by drawings an understanding of transcription, translation and gene expression.

Demonstrate knowledge of DNA technologies and genetic engineering.

Demonstrate knowledge of genetic principles. Demonstrate knowledge of evolution and the history of life. Demonstrate knowledge of viruses and prokaryotes. Demonstrate knowledge of the Kingdoms Demonstrate knowledge of Population Ecology Demonstrate knowledge of Community Ecology Demonstrate knowledge of the Ecosphere and the Biosphere

Students are required to bring their course notebook and textbook when they meet with the instructor for either class or for study conferences. Don’t come without your notes and textbook.

Course Evaluation Methods: The University Academic Catalog grading policy is used. All exams are weighted equally. At least four exams will be given. Exams will be announced at least one week prior to the administration of the exam. All exams will be cumulative in terms of the information covered. The Final Exam will be administered according to the University’s exam schedule. This schedule is in your registration booklet. Unannounced quizzes may be given to evaluate how well students are learning the covered information.

Grading Matrix:

Instrument Value

4 Lecture Exam 10 % each 40

2 Lab Exam 5 % each 10

10 assignments 2 % each 20

Midterm 10 % 10

Final Exam 20 % 20

Exam Policy: Students are strongly advised to take all exams at the scheduled time. Plan and schedule your activities so that you can be present to take all exams at the scheduled time. Students with non-valid or unofficial excuses for missing an


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exam will earn a grade of zero for the missed exam. Students may request a make-up exam with a valid or official excuse. The instructor will schedule the time and place of the make-up exam which will not interrupt the teaching of the class or delay the complete covering of the course topics. Students missing a make-up exam will not be provided a second opportunity to take a make-up for the original exam missed. Class Attendance: The University Attendance Policy requires students to be present for each scheduled class. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of each concept of modern biology covered by the course textbook and the instructor. Students with or without official excuses for missing class will be tested and evaluated the same as students who were present for class. However, students attending class have the advantage of being taught knowledgeable information which they are expected to know. Excessive absenteeism will result in the student’s grade being reduced. Conduct Not Allowed: Smoking is not allowed in the New Science Building. Please do not bring food to the classroom. On exams, honesty is required at all times. Cheating on exams and quizzes is not allowed or acceptable. Failing grades (zero) are assigned to students that cheat. Additional Information: Be aware of current events. Read the newspaper, look at CNN and look at local and national news. Student Academic Appeals Process: Authority and responsibility for assigning grades to students rests with the faculty. However, in those instances where students believe that miscommunication, errors, or unfairness of any kind may have adversely affected the instructor’s assessment of their academic performance, the student has a right to appeal by the procedure listed in the Undergraduate Catalog and by doing so within thirty days of receiving the grade or experiencing any other problematic academic event that prompted the complaint. ADA Statement: Students with disabilities who believe they may need adjustment in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Disabilities Services at (936) 261-3535 as soon as possible. Once you


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receive a letter of adjustment from the office, please make an appointment with me to discuss appropriate adjustments for this class.

Course Outline:

Grading Criteria and Conversion:

This course will utilize the following instruments to determine student grades and

proficiency of the learning outcomes for the course. Note: See Program

Outcomes in True Outcomes

STUDENTS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY TO RECORD YOUR GRADES, AND

KEEP UP WITH YOUR GRADES THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER. YOU

CANNOT BE ASKING ME ABOUT YOUR GRADES.

LAB EXAMS ARE GIVEN BACK AFTER A WEEK.

Tentative Examination Schedule (Dependent on the pace that chapters are covered)

Week

Lecture

Lab

1 Week 1/17

Introduction/ Lab contracts

No Lab

1/19

Pretest/ Discussion/Safety Lab Exam Lab Safety Exam

2 Week 1/24

Chapter 14 Mendel & The gene idea

Punnett suare

1/26

Chapter 14 cont’d

3 Week 1/31

Chapter 15 The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

Chapter 15


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2/2 The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

4 Week 2/7

Chapter 16 The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

2/9

Chapter 16 The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

EXAM #1

5 Week 2/14

Chapter 17 From a Gene to a Protein

2/16

From a Gene to a Protein

6 Week 2/21

Chapter 18 Regulation of Gene Expression

2/23

Regulation of Gene Expression

Week 7 2/28

Chapter 19 Viruses

EXAM #2

03/02

Chapter 19 Viruses

8 Week 3/7

Chapter 20 DNA tools and Biotechnology

MIDTERM MIDTERM 9-11 MIDTERM 9 -11

3/9

Chapter 20 DNA tools and Biotechnology

9 Week 3/14

SPRING BREAL

SPRING BREAK

March 13-18

3/16

SPRING BREAK

SPRING BREAK

10 Week 3/21

Chapter 21 Genomes & Their evolution

3/23

Chapter 21 Genomes & Their evolution

11 Week

Chapter 22 Descent with Modification


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3/28

3/30

Chapter 22 Descent with Modification

EXAM #3

12 Week 4/4

Chapter 23 The evolution of Population

4/6

Chapter 23 The evolution of Population

13 Week 4/11

Chapter 24 The Origin of the Species

4/13

April 14-15 EASTER BREAK EASTER BREAK

14 Week 4/18

Chapter 24 The Origin of the Species

4/20

Chapter 25 The History of Life on earth

15 Week 4/25

Chapter 25 The History of Life on earth

EXAM #4

4/27

16 Week 5/2

Lab exam

5/4

FINAL EXAM FINAL EXAM

Tentative Laboratory Schedule

Week# Lab

1 Safety/ equipment


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3 DNA Extraction

4 Exam/Electrophoresis

5 Electrophoresis

6 Blood Typing/Paternity

7 Blood Typing (Cont’d)

8 Effects of Drugs

9 Exam

10 Spring Break

11 Dissection

12 Dissection

13 Dissection

14, 15 & 16 Research Presentations

ACADEMIC CALENDAR - Spring 2017

The Prairie View A&M Academic Calendar is subject to change. Please check the Prairie View A&M University website

for updates.

Jan 12 - Jan 14 Registration

Thursday through Saturday

http://www.pvamu.edu/registrar/academic-calendars/spring-2017-2/


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Jan 16 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (University Closed)

Monday

Jan 17 First Class Day. Instruction Begins

Tuesday

Jan 17 - Jan 21 Late Registration and Drop/Add Period

Tuesday through Saturday

Jan 21 Late Registration, Add Courses, Change Major/Certification or any

Matriculation Change Ends – Web Registration Access Closed

Saturday

Jan 26 General Student Assembly-All Students Attend

Thursday

Feb 01 12th Class Day (Census Date)

Wednesday

Feb 01 Last Day to Withdraw from Course(s) without Academic Record

Wednesday

Feb 01 Late Deadline to Apply for Spring 2017 Graduation

Wednesday

Feb 01 Late Deadline for Spring 2017 Graduating Undergraduate Students to

Submit Application for Tuition Rebate

Wednesday

Feb 02 Withdrawal from Course(s) with Academic Record (“W”) Begins

Thursday






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Feb 13 20th Class Day

Monday

Mar 09 - Mar

11

Mid-Semester Examination Period


Mar 13 - Mar

18

Spring Break

Monday through Saturday

Mar 13 - Mar

18

Spring Break


Mar 17 Spring Break (University Closed)

Friday

Mar 20 Instruction Resumes

Monday

Mar 21 Mid-Semester Grades Due

Tuesday

Mar 23 60% of Term

Thursday

Mar 29 Founders Day/ Honors Convocation

Wednesday

Apr 03 Withdrawal from Course(s) with Academic Record (“W”) Ends

Monday

Apr 11 Priority Registration Begins for Summer and Fall 2017

Tuesday



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Apr 14 Graduation Application Deadline for Summer 2017 and Fall 2017

Friday

Apr 14 Good Friday/ Easter (Student Holiday)

Friday

May 01 - May

02

Course Review Days [Classes must convene and instructors will

prepare students for Final Exams]

Monday through Tuesday

May 02 Last Class Day for Spring 2017 Semester

Tuesday

May 02 Last Day to Withdraw from the University (from All Courses) for the

Spring 2017 semester

Tuesday

May 03 - May

09

Final Examination Period

Wednesday through Tuesday

May 09 Final Grades Due for Graduating Candidates

Tuesday

May 13 Commencement

Saturday

May 16 Final Grades Due for All Other Candidates

Tuesday

ACADEMIC CALENDAR Spring 2017


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The Prairie View A&M Academic Calendar is subject to change. Please check the Prairie View A&M University website

for updates.

Jan 12 - Jan 14 Registration


Jan 16 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (University Closed)

Monday

Jan 17 First Class Day. Instruction Begins

Tuesday

Jan 17 - Jan 21 Late Registration and Drop/Add Period

Tuesday through Saturday

Jan 21 Late Registration, Add Courses, Change Major/Certification or any Matriculation Change

Ends – Web Registration Access Closed

Saturday

Jan 26 General Student Assembly-All Students Attend

Thursday

Feb 01 12th Class Day (Census Date)

Wednesday

Feb 01 Last Day to Withdraw from Course(s) without Academic Record

Wednesday

Feb 01 Late Deadline to Apply for Spring 2017 Graduation

Wednesday

Feb 01 Late Deadline for Spring 2017 Graduating Undergraduate Students to Submit Application for

Tuition Rebate

Wednesday

Feb 02 Withdrawal from Course(s) with Academic Record (“W”) Begins

Thursday

Feb 13 20th Class Day

Monday







13

Mar 09 - Mar 11 Mid-Semester Examination Period


Mar 13 - Mar 18 Spring Break


Mar 13 - Mar 18 Spring Break


Mar 17 Spring Break (University Closed)

Friday

Mar 20 Instruction Resumes

Monday

Mar 21 Mid-Semester Grades Due

Tuesday

Mar 23 60% of Term

Thursday

Mar 29 Founders Day/ Honors Convocation

Wednesday

Apr 03 Withdrawal from Course(s) with Academic Record (“W”) Ends

Monday

Apr 11 Priority Registration Begins for Summer and Fall 2017

Tuesday

Apr 14 Graduation Application Deadline for Summer 2017 and Fall 2017

Friday

Apr 14 Good Friday/ Easter (Student Holiday)

Friday

May 01 - May 02 Course Review Days [Classes must convene and instructors will prepare students for Final

Exams]

Monday through Tuesday



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May 02 Last Class Day for Spring 2017 Semester

Tuesday

May 02 Last Day to Withdraw from the University (from All Courses) for the Spring 2017 semester

Tuesday

May 03 - May 09 Final Examination Period

Wednesday through Tuesday

May 09 Final Grades Due for Graduating Candidates

Tuesday

May 13 Commencement

Saturday

May 16 Final Grades Due for All Other Candidates

Tuesday


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Acknowledgement Page

I acknowledge that I have read the syllabus for Anatomy & Physiology

and understand the effort and time commitment necessary to succeed in

this Class. (Over 200 hours of study)

Name: ________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________

Documents

Elmer E. O’B