Biology 151-601

General Biology I
Spring 2013

Instructor Name: Kimberly M. Dyer, M.Sc.

Email Address:
kdyer@jjc.edu
Contact Telephone:
815-325-8914
Office Hours:
By Appointment
Credit Hours:
Contact Hours:

5 credit hours
6:30 9:40PM Tuesday & Thursdays

Required Textbook:
Biology, 9th Edition, Campbell, Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserrman, Minorsky and
Jackson - Pearson, Benjamin Cummings, 2011
Required Lab Manual:
Biology 151: General Biology Lab Manual, 7th Edition, Crump, Gamroth, Griffis,
Lavery, Neary, Neill, and Nelson. - Joliet Junior College, Joliet, Illinois, 2011.
Required Supplies:

Laboratory safety goggles (available at bookstore)

3 ring binder with notebook paper and graph paper
Basic set (8-12) colored pencils

Methods of Instruction and Time Commitment Expectations:

Class time will be divided between lecture and laboratory exercises. There are 13 unit topics in this 16week semester schedule. The schedule of topics and laboratory exercises are located on the 5th page
of this syllabus. Please note that some topics will take more class sessions to cover than others and
that this schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
In-class activities will include computer-generated simulations, videos and demonstration portions of
laboratory exercises. In addition, students may be assigned supplemental readings, critical thinking
/discussion essays, and problem-solving exercises to be completed outside of class. Students should
expect to spend an extra 3-5 hours per week (excluding class time) for study purposes for the duration
of this course. This schedule will allow students to have a better understanding of the concepts on a
weekly basis while allowing for questions to be answered in a timely manner, well before the
examination on the material.
General Education Student Learning Outcomes
Biology 151 is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and principles of
biology. This course will guide the student to an overview of the living world from the smallest
cellular units to how all life interacts within the biosphere. Students will explore biological concepts
through laboratory exercises that both challenge and enlighten the learner. This course is required
for both Biology majors and allied health profession students. Biology 151 is a pre-requisite for all
upper level biology courses; therefore, it is recommended that students consult their councilor for
the correct sequence of courses for their particular area of interest.

Student Learning Outcomes

1.
2.
3.
4.

To gain a basic understanding of the scientific process.

To understand cellular structure and function by means of biological chemistry principals.
To gain knowledge of cell structure and organization.
To analyze cellular metabolism, including its role in sustaining living organisms by discussing the
energy requirements of living things, the chemical reactions involved in acquiring this energy, and
the chemical synthesis of certain materials throughout the process.
5. To explore the way genetic information is expressed in living organisms and how this hereditary
material is passed from one generation to the next.
6. To analyze how living organisms control and regulate the activities of life.
7. To explore and gain understanding of the biological possibilities and ethical/health issues
associated with genetic engineering.
8. To gain insight into the concept of evolution by Natural Selection.
9. To learn to utilize basic biological laboratory equipment.
10. To gain experience generating, analyzing, and presenting scientific data.
11. To foster critical thinking and problem solving skills.
12. To foster biological responsibility in our community and to the planet.
Grading Scale

90 100%
80 89%
70 79%
60 69%
- 59%

A
B
C
D
F

Homework and Laboratory Exercise rubrics are provided on page 6 of this syllabus.
Assessments:
This course consists of certain chapter homework assignments, 17 chapter quizzes and a
cumulative final exam in addition to graded laboratory work.
Each unit quiz is worth 20 points, regardless of the number of questions. Each quiz will consist of
multiple choice, matching, True/False or any combination of these types of questions. Students
should expect a unit quiz the day after each chapter is covered in class as outlined in the course
schedule at the end of this syllabus.
This schedule will be followed as closely as possible and any deviations are at the discretion of the
instructor. Students will be informed of any change in a sufficient amount of time to allow for
adequate preparation for the examination.
The Final Exam is a cumulative, departmental exam and is worth 200 points.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
A. Academic Honor Code
The objective of the academic honor code is to sustain a learning-centered environment in which all
students are expected to demonstrate integrity, honor, and responsibility, and recognize the
importance of being accountable for ones academic behavior.
The first instance of academic misconduct will be met with the receipt of zero credit for the
assignment. Any further instances will result in the student being dropped from the course.

B. College Statement about grades of F and withdrawal from class.

o

Students may withdraw from a course by processing an add/drop form during regular office
hours through the Registration and Records Office at Main Campus or Romeoville Campus, or by

phone at 815-744-2200. Please note the withdrawal dates listed on your bill or student
schedule. Every course has its own withdrawal date. Failure to withdraw properly may result in
a failing grade of F in the course.
o

At any time prior to the deadline dates established, an instructor may withdraw a student from
class because of poor attendance, poor academic performance or inappropriate academic
behavior, such as, but not limited to, cheating or plagiarism.

C. Intellectual Property
Students own and hold the copyright to the original work they produce in class. It is a widely
accepted practice to use student work as part of the colleges internal self-evaluation, assessment
procedures, or other efforts to improve teaching and learning and in promoting programs and
recruiting new students. If you do not wish your work to be used in this manner, please inform the
instructor.
D. Student Code of Conduct
Each student is responsible for reading and adhering to the Student Code of Conduct as stated in
the college catalog.

E.

Sexual Harassment
Joliet Junior College seeks to foster a community environment in which all members respect and
trust each other. In a community in which persons respect and trust each other, there is no place
for sexual harassment. JJC has a strong policy prohibiting the sexual harassment of one member of
the college community by another. See Catalog or Student Handbook.

F. Student Support http://jjc.edu/services-for-students/pages/default.aspx

a. Disability Services: http://jjc.edu/services-for-students/disability-services/Pages/default.aspx.
Student Accommodations and Resources (StAR): If you need disability-related
accommodations, specialized tutoring, or assistive technology in this class, if you have
emergency medical information you wish to share with me, or if you need special
arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform me immediately.
Please see me privately after class or at my office. New students should request
accommodations and support by scheduling an appointment with the Student
Accommodations and Resources (StAR) Office, Campus Center 1125, (815) 280-2230.
b. Tutoring: http://jjc.edu/services-for-students
c. Counseling and Advising: http://jjc.edu/services-for-students/counseling-advising
d. Academic Resources: http://jjc.edu/services-for-students/academic-resources
e. Support Programs: http://jjc.edu/services-for-students/support-programs-services
f.

Technology Support: http://jjc.edu/services-for-students/Pages/technology-support.aspx

Classroom Conduct and Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory for a laboratory-based biology class and students will be
asked to withdraw after 4 absences.
3

Missed laboratory exercises cannot be made up. Alternate arrangements

may be made in certain cases, please discuss with me upon your return to class.
If you are going to be absent on the day of a quiz you must contact me by
voicemail or email no later than 1 day after the quiz was scheduled/given.
Excused absences will be dealt with appropriately and a suitable make-up quiz will
be given at my convenience. Students will be asked to produce medical
documentation for medical absences.
Students are responsible for any material given (e.g. notes, handouts or verbal
directions) in class or laboratory during their absence.
Assignments should be turned in at the beginning of the class period on
the assigned due date.
All students are allowed ONE late homework or laboratory assignment (no more
than one class period late) per semester without penalty. Any further late
assignments will result in the score being lowered by one letter grade per day late
until the assignment is no longer acceptable (3 class periods late).
Cell phones must be in silent mode for the duration of the classroom and
laboratory periods and kept in purses or book bags or pockets. NO CELL PHONES
ON THE DESKS OR LAB BENCHTOPS. All phone calls must be answered outside
of the classroom/laboratory and ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS ALLOWED
during quizzes or exams. Text messaging and use of mp3 players/ IPods etc.
is prohibited during ACTIVE classroom/laboratory sessions.

CLASS SCHEDULE
WEEK

TEXT
CHAPTER

1 1/15/13 Tues

1 1/17/13 Thurs

LECTURE TOPIC
Syllabus Review
Themes in the Study of
Life
Themes in the Study of
Life

LABORATORY

ASSESSMENT

Starting with Safety

Process of Science

--

Measurement

--

Chemical Context
of Life
Water & Life
Carbon and the
Molecular Diversity of Life

Phosphate

Ch 1 Quiz

Inorganic Chemistry

Ch 2 Quiz

Inorganic Chemistry

Ch 3 Quiz

Structure & Function of

Macromolecules

Chemistry of Food

--

4 2/5/13 Tues

Structure & Function of

Macromolecules

Chemistry of Food

Ch 4 Quiz

4 2/7/13 Thurs

A Tour of the Cell

Microscope / Cell

--

5 2/12/13 Tues

Ch 5 Quiz

5 2/14/13 Thurs

Microscope / Cell
Movement Into/Out
of Cell

6 2/19/13 Tues

Diffusion / Osmosis

Ch 6 Quiz

6 2/21/13 Thurs

Diffusion / Osmosis

Ch 7 Quiz

7 2/26/13 Tues

Diffusion / Osmosis

Ch 8 Quiz

7 2/28/13 Thurs

Enzyme: Pineapple

-Ch 9 Quiz
--

2 1/22/13 Tues

2 1/24/13 Thurs

3 1/29/13 Tues

3 1/31/13 Thurs

8 3/5/13 Tues
8 3/7/13 Thurs

10
10

A Tour of the Cell

Membrane Structure &
Function
Membrane Structure &
Function
Intro to Metabolism
Cellular Respiration
& Fermentation
Cellular Respiration
& Fermentation
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis

9 3/12/13 Tues

12

The Cell Cycle: Mitosis

9 3/14/13 Thurs

12

The Cell Cycle: Mitosis

10 3/19/13 Tues
10 3/21/13
Thurs
3/25 3/28/13

13

Meiosis

Enzymes: Liver
Cellular Respiration
Introduction to
Photosynthesis
Introduction to
Photosynthesis
Bacterial Transformation

13

Meiosis

Bacterial Transformation

--

SPRING

BREAK
Mendel & the
Gene Idea
The Chromosomal
Basis of Inheritance
The Chromosomal
Basis of Inheritance

NO
Sickle Cell / Intro to Gel
Electrophoresis
Sickle Cell / Intro to Gel
Electrophoresis

CLASSES

Mitosis

--

Mitosis

Ch 14 +15
Quiz

--

Ch 10 Quiz
---

11 4/2/13 Tues

14

11 4/4/13 Thurs

15

12 4/9/13 Tues

15

12 4/11/13
Thurs

16

DNA

13 4/16/13 Tues

16

DNA

13 4/18/13
Thurs

17

From Gene to Protein

14 4/23/13 Tues

17

From Gene to Protein

Biochemical Genetics

Ch 17 Quiz

14 - 4/25/13
Thurs

20

Biotechnology

Biochemical Genetics

--

15 4/30/13 Tues

22

Descent with
Modification:
A Darwinian View of Life

DNA Fingerprinting

Ch 20 Quiz

15 5/2/13 Thurs

23

Evolution of Populations

DNA Fingerprinting
Taxonomy

--

16 5/7/13 Tues

24

The Origin of Species

Structural Adaptations

--

16 5/9/13 Thurs

--

Review for Final Exam

Structural Adaptations

--

FINAL EXAM: 5/14/13

Human Genetics:
Supplemental Lab
Human Genetics:
Supplemental Lab

Ch 12 Quiz
Ch 13 Quiz

-Ch 16 Quiz

Chapter Homework Rubric = 5 point assignments

Completed?

1pt = Yes

0 pts = No

Legible?

1pt = Yes

0 pts = No

Submitted On Time? 1pt = Yes

All answers correct?

0 pts= No

2 pts = Yes

1pt = 80% Correct

0 pts = None Correct

Chapter Homework Rubric = 10 point assignments

Completed?
Legible?

4 = All
1 = Yes

3 = 1 missing

1 = 3 missing

0 = >3 missing

0 = No

Submitted On Time? 1 = Yes

Work Shown?

2 = 2 missing

4 = All possible
0 = >3 missing

0 = No
3 = 1 missing

2 = 2 missing

1 = 3 missing

Laboratory Exercises Grading Rubric

Labs will be graded on the basis of completeness and accuracy of required sections.
The total points possible for each lab will be presented with the exercise due date.

Effective Date: Spring 2013