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SYLLABUS Bio 103 Section 01

4 Credit HoursPrinciples of Biology I

Fall 2014

Course Information

Prerequisite(s) None

Course Description

This is an introductory course for science and non-science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through a study of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Also included are the scientific method, basic principles of evolution, and an overview of the diversity of life with emphasis on viruses, prokaryotes, and protist. A 120 minute laboratory is required.

Program Outcomes

Outcome 1: Demonstrate skills related to scientific investigation and quantitative reasoningOutcome 2: Demonstrate ability to use logic to integrate and critically evaluate information

Course Competencies

Quantitative ReasoningCompetency 2.1 Students will demonstrate an ability to apply scientific reasoning by drawing appropriate conclusions from scientific dataCompetency 2.2 Students will demonstrate an ability to apply quantitative reasoning by producing solutions to or analyses of appropriate problems.Critical ThinkingCompetency 3.1 Students will evaluate the logic behind strengths and weaknesses of varying points of view.Competency 3.2 Students will demonstrate the ability to distinguish between pertinent and irrelevant information.Use of TechnologyCompetency 5.1 Students will gather and correctly process information through appropriate use of technology tools.Competency 5.3 Students will demonstrate the ability to use information technologies to communicate information to others

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes 2.1.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the unifying concepts of basic biology2.2.1 The student will develop an understanding of the diversity and classification of organisms2.1.2 The student will develop an understanding of the organization of life2.1.3 The student will develop an understanding of the scientific method and its role in broadening our knowledge base2.2.3 The student will develop an understanding of enzymatic activities2.1.4 The student will develop an understanding of the basic characteristics of viruses, prokaryotes, and protists2.1.5 The student will develop an understanding of the production and transfer energy on the organic molecular level2.1.6 The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of genetics and be able to use this knowledge to explain basic inheritance patters2.1.7 The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of biochemistry and their application to organisms3.1 The student will develop an understanding of cell structure, function, and reproduction common to all organism3.2 The student will develop basic laboratory techniques relative to the study of living organisms5.1 The student will utilize online resources to aid in studying5.2 The student will utilize online resources in testing materials as well as laboratory exercises

Class schedule and location

LectureMonday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00AM – 8:55AM; Trustees Building Room 102LaboratoryTuesday 8:00Am – 9:55AM; Trustees Building Room 102

Required textbook andCourse Materials

Biology Concepts and Applications (9e); Starr, Evers, and Starr; ISBN 9781285777313-OR-Biology Concepts and Applications (9e) Ebook; Starr, Evers, and Starr; ISBN 9781285777313

Last Date of The last day to withdraw from a class is October 21, 2014

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WithdrawalLast Date for Drop Add The last day to drop or add a class is August 22, 2014

Final ExaminationSchedule

Class Period Exam Date Exam TimeMWF 2nd Period December 10 0800-1000 MWF 3rd Period December 10 1030-1230MWF 1st Period December 10 1400-1600MWF 4th Period December 11 0800-1000T-R 1st Period December 11 1030-1230 T-R 2nd Period December 11 1400-1600T-R 3rd Period December 12 0800-1000T-R 4th Period December 12 1030-1230

Exams to be given on or before the last scheduled day of class: Band, Chorus, Military Science and Labs, Physical Education, Science Labs, Theater 

Instructor Information

Instructor Joy Knickman Roche, MSInstructor’sE-mail jroche@marionmilitary.edu

Time and location of office hours

Open office hoursMonday 12:00PM – 3:30PMWednesday 12:00PM – 4:00PMFriday 12:00PM – 3:30 PMOther hours available by appointmentMy office is located next to Trustees Building Room 102

Website http://principleofbiology103.weebly.comDepartment Chair’s E-mail and phone number

Dr. Sam Stevenson samstevenson@marionmilitary.edu334-302-1045

College Policy Information

Academic Misconduct

Cadets are expected to be honorable in all college assignments. Suspected cases of academic misconduct are reported to the Academic Dean and, if needed, the Honor Council. Cadets should refer to the Cadet Manual and the Academic Catalog for specific policies and procedures regarding academic misconduct.

Attendance Policy

Marion Military Institute Attendance Policy: Cadets are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered, to be prompt and to remain in class/lab for the entire time. Attendance will be recorded at every class/lab meeting. In the event that a cadet must miss class due to a school-sponsored activity, the cadet is advised to meet with the instructor prior to the absence to arrange completion of missed work. If a cadet reaches the point of having four (4) or more unexcused absences in a course, the cadet is subject to being administratively withdrawn from the course and receiving the grade of “F” for the course. Three (3) cases of lateness (tardy) will count as one unexcused absence. Cadets who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from the class. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility for federal financial aid.

MMI Catalog Policies

The Marion Military Institute Academic Catalog directs cadets to policies which apply to all classes at the college. It is available from the MMI website, www.marionmilitary.edu. It is the

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responsibility of the student to abide by these policies. This class syllabus is intended to give further detail about the policies and expectations in this class. College policies are also published in the Cadet Manual. Cadets are expected to be aware of and abide by College policies in every class.

Statement on Discrimination andHarrassment

The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.

Americans with Disabilities

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College.

Grading

Activities Points14 chapter tests worth 10 points each (total 140 points) 14014 laboratory exercises 5 points each (total 70 points) 70Final examination (cumulative) 90 points 90Total possible points 300

Make-up policy

Daily class work cannot be made up, therefore, missing a laboratory session should be avoided at all costs. With proper documentation test can be made up the first day the cadet returns to campus or returns off of bed rest.

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following:

Points Letter grade300 – 270 A269 - 240 B239 - 210 C209 - 180 D179 and below F

Tentative Class Outline and Topics Investigated

Daily Activities

WEEK 1: 8/18 – 8/22Review syllabus and class proceduresPre-TestChapter 1: Invitation to Biology

Life’s organizationCharacteristics shared by living organismDifferences found in living organismsClassification of living organismsThe Scientific methodDesigning scientific experimentsScientific theory and laws of nature

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WEEK 2: 8/25 – 8/29TEST 1: Chapter 1Chapter 2: Life’s Chemical Basis

Basic chemistry of all matterChemical BondsSpecial properties of waterHydrogen ions and pH

WEEK 3: 9/1 – 9/5Monday 9/1 No class, Labor DayTEST 2: Chapter 2Chapter 3: Molecules of Life

Carbohydrate (monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides)Lipids (fats, phospholipids, waxes, steroids)Proteins Nucleic Acids (RNA / DNA)

WEEK 4: 9/8 – 9/12TEST 3: Chapter 3Chapter 4: Cell Structure

Cell theoryPlasma membrane (Fluid mosaic model)NucleusEndomembrane systemMitochondriaCytoskeletonCell wallsCell JunctionsComparing and contrasting eukaryotic and prokaryotic structures

WEEK 5: 9/15 – 9/19TEST 4: Chapter 4Chapter 5: Ground Rules of Metabolism

First and second laws of thermodynamicsEnzymes and enzyme activityMetabolic pathways Oxidation–reduction reactions ATP/ADP cycle Diffusion and osmosisActive and passive transportMovement of large particles across membranes

WEEK 6: 9/22 – 9/26 TEST 5: Chapter 5Chapter 6: Where It Starts – Photosynthesis

Properties of lightPhotosynthetic pigmentsPhotosynthesis: CO2 + water ---(light energy)--- sugars + O2

Light-dependent and light-independent reactions Noncyclic and cyclic pathwayCalvin–Benson cycle (carbon fixation)C3 plants, C4 plants, CAM plants

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WEEK 7: 9/29 – 10/3TEST 6: Chapter 6Chapter 7: How Cells Release Chemical Energy

Aerobic respiration (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, ETC)Fermentation (alcoholic fermentation, lactate fermentation)

WEEK 8: 10/6 – 10/10TEST 7: Chapter 7Chapter 8: DNA Structure and Function

DNA structure DNA's Base SequenceChromosome structureChromosome number and typeDNA replications (semiconservative replication)Directional SynthesisDNA mutations (agents of DNA damage)Cloning

WEEK 9: 10/13 – 10/17TEST 8: Chapter 8Chapter 9: From DNA to Protein

DNA transcription to RNA Post-Transcriptional ModificationsMessengers: mRNATranslators: rRNA and tRNARNA translation to protein

WEEK 10: 10/20 – 10/24TEST 9: Chapter 9Chapter 10: Control of Gene Expression

Transcription factors (repressors, activators)Acetylation and methylationmRNA processing and transportHomeotic genesBarr bodies, sex determination in humansOperons (lac Operon)Inherited gene expression patterns

WEEK 11: 10/27 – 10/31TEST 10: Chapter 10Chapter 11: How Cells Reproduce

Mitosis: Multiplication by Division Control over the cell cycleSequence of events during mitosisEukaryotic cellular divisionCell cycles out of control (cancer)

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WEEK 12: 11/3 – 11/7TEST 11: Chapter 11Chapter 12: Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction

AllelesAdvantages of sexual reproductionMeiosis halves the chromosome numberSteps of meiosisIntroducing variations in traits (chromosome segregation, crossing over)

Chapter 13: Observing Patterns in Inherited Traits Mendel’s experiments

Punnett squareTestcross (monohybrid cross, dihybrid cross)Law of segregationLaw of independent assortmentCrossovers (linkage groups)Non-Mendelian inheritance (codominance, incomplete dominance, epistasis, pleiotropy)Environmental effects on phenotype

WEEK 13: 11/10 – 11/14TEST 12: Chapter 12Chapter 14: Human Inheritance

Autosomal dominant inheritance patternAutosomal recessive inheritance patternX-linked recessive inheritance patternX-linked dominant inheritance patternChromosomal mutations (duplications, deletions, inversions, translocation)Changes in chromosome number (aneuploidy)Changes in chromosome structureGenetic screening

WEEK 14: 11/17 – 11/21TEST 13: Chapter 13 and Chapter 14Chapter 15: Biotechnology

DNA CloningPolymerase chain reaction (PCRDNA SequencingGenomicsDNA profilingGenetic EngineeringGene therapyPersonal Genetic Testing

WEEK 15: 11/25 – 11/29 No classes, Thanksgiving break

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WEEK 16: 12/1 – 12/4TEST 14: Chapter 15Chapter 19: Viruses, Bacteria, and Archaea

Viruses structureViral replicationBacteriophage (phages)HIV replicationViral diseasesSimilarities between bacteria and archaeaBacterial lineagesBacteria and human health

Disclaimer Schedule may be amended from time to time depending on the pace of the class