Syllabus

Salt Lake Community College - Biology Department

BIOL1010 (LS): Introduction to Biology
Summer Semester 2018

Instructor: Dr. Candace Reno, PhD

E-mail: creno2@bruinmail.slcc.edu

Required Course Materials:

1) Textbook: www.BIOL1010textbook.com

2) Must have a computer capable of using appropriate course applications (e.g. Canvas) and word-processing
programs (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel).

Course Description: For non-science majors. The study of living organisms from bacteria to plants and animals.
Introduces cell structures and physiology, inheritance, evolution, and classification. Four hours of lecture per
week. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in RDG 0900 or equivalent CPT/ACT score.

General Education Statement:

This course fulfills the Life Sciences (LS) requirement for the General Education Program at Salt Lake Community
College. It is designed not only to teach the information and skills required by the discipline, but also to develop
vital workplace skills and to teach strategies and skills that can be used for life-long learning. General Education
courses teach basic skills as well as broaden a student’s knowledge of a wide range of subjects. Education is
much more than the acquisition of facts; it is being able to use information in meaningful ways in order to enrich
one’s life. While the subject of each course is important and useful, we become truly educated through making
connections of such varied information with the different methods of organizing human experience that are
practiced by different disciplines. Therefore, this course, when combined with other General Education courses,
will enable you to develop broader perspectives and deeper understandings of your community and the world,
as well as challenge previously held assumptions about the world and its inhabitants.

COLLEGE-WIDE LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Core Themes of SLCC’s Mission focuses on Access and Success, Transfer Education, Workforce Education
and Community Engagement. As such, all courses and programs address one or more of the below College-
Wide Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of any program at SLCC, students should:

 Acquire substantive knowledge in the discipline of their choice sufficient for further study, and/or
demonstrate competencies required by employers to be hired and succeed in the workplace.
 Communicate effectively.
 Develop quantitative literacies necessary for their chosen field of study.
 Think Critically.
 Develop the knowledge and skills to be civically engaged, and/or to work with others in a professional
and constructive manner.
 COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

In order to full-fill the goals of the College-wide Learning Outcomes, the following course learning outcomes
have been established for this course. Upon completion of this course a person educated in General Biology
should be able to demonstrate a general understanding of the following essential learning outcomes:

Students will be introduced to and will show mastery in the major unifying themes of biology. These themes
include:
 The domain and process of science, the chemical basis of life, the cell as the basic unit of life, evolution
and the diversity of life, DNA and the continuity of life, and the interrelationships of living organisms.
The concept of organizational levels and emergent properties of life will also be emphasized.
 Students will understand and be able to describe the “atoms to ecosystem” organizational system of
living organisms, namely: atoms → molecules → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → whole
organisms → populations → ecosystems. They will be able to discuss the basic conditions that define
“life”. They will be able to compare the major kingdoms of living organisms. (Unity and Diversity of Life)
 Students will understand the chemical basis for life. This will include both inorganic and organic
molecules. (Biochemistry)
 Students will understand and be able to compare the metabolic processes carried out by living
organisms in the different kingdoms. They will be able to describe the inter-relationships of these
metabolic processes. (Metabolism)
 Students will appreciate the cellular basis of life and be able to compare cellular organization among the
various kingdoms. They will understand the structure and function of cellular components. (Cell
Biology)
 Students will understand the events of the cell cycle and how sexual life cycles and asexual life cycles are
used by various organisms. Students will appreciate the need for both genetic stability and mutability.
(Cell Division and Reproduction)
 Students will be able to describe how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Students will be able to predict resulting offspring from various parental crosses. Students will
appreciate the relationship between chromosomal behavior or genetic transmission. Transmission
(Genetics)
 Students will understand and be able to discuss the chemistry of DNA, including its structure,
replication, and expression. (Molecular Genetics)
 Students will appreciate that the diversity of life existing today has arisen through the process of
evolution. Students will understand and be able to describe forces that increase genetic diversity and
decrease genetic diversity in a population. (Evolutionary Biology/Population Genetics)
 Students will understand and be able to compare the major kingdoms of living organisms. (Diversity of
Life)
 BIOLOGY 1010 TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Date Lecture Topic Reading Assignment
5/15 Introduction – The Study of Life Ch 1
5/17 The Chemical Foundation of Life Ch 2
5/22 The Chemical Foundation of Life Ch 2
5/24 Biological Macromolecules Ch 3
5/29 Cell Structure Ch 4
5/31 Structure and Function of Plasma Membrane Ch 5
6/5 MIDTERM EXAM 1
6/7 Metabolism and Energy Flow in Life Systems Ch 6
6/12 Cellular Respiration Ch 7
6/14 Cellular Respiration Ch 7
6/19 Photosynthesis Ch 8
6/21 No class, online essay assignment outline due
6/26 MIDTERM EXAM 2
6/28 Cell Reproduction Ch 10
7/3 Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Ch 11
7/5 Mendel’s Experiments and Heredity Ch 12
7/10 DNA Structure and Function Ch 14
7/12 Genes and Proteins Ch 15
7/17 MIDTERM EXAM 3
7/19 Evolution and the Origin of Species Ch 18
7/24 HOLIDAY, no class
7/26 The Evolution of Populations Ch 19
7/31 Catch-up and Review
8/2 FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

EVALUATION AND GRADING SCHEME

1. Attendance (10 points): A vital component in the learning process is class participation. For every
unexcused* absence, 1 point will be subtracted from your participation points. *An excused absence will require
proof.

2. Vocabulary (15 points): Most students are not familiar with the vast biological vocabulary. Knowing the
definitions of the key terms in biology will greatly enhance your understanding of the objectives and theory
covered in this course. Furthermore, at least 25% of exams focus on having an understanding of key
terminology associated with the course. Therefore, each student is required to complete one vocabulary
assignment for any of the three midterm exams. Completed vocabulary MUST be turned in ON exam day.

3. Quizzes (40 points – 4 @ 10 points each): Online through canvas. Quizzes are designed to emphasize and
clarify important topics and a general comprehension of the material. You will be given a 3 day window to
complete the quiz. Two points will be deducted for each day the quiz is taken late. At the instructor’s discretion
some quizzes may be taken early.

4. ePortfolio Signature Assignment - Issue Paper (35 points). Each student is required to write a two-page
(double-spaced) essay. The outline will be due on 6/21 by the end of class. The final essay will be due on 7/3.
The purpose of the assignment is to evaluate and explain a controversial issue/topic. Choose a scientific
topic/issue that is controversial. State where you side with it. Provide facts to support or refute both sides of the
argument. Use citations where appropriate. Should have an introductory paragraph, body, and final summary
paragraph. A bibliography should be included after the 2 pages. At least 4 references should be included. A brief
explanation of each “side” of the issue is required. Essay format: Times New Roman, 11 point font, double
spaced.

5. Midterm Exams (300 points – 3 @ 100 points each): Interim exams will primarily follow an objective format
combining multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions. Figures, diagrams, and short essays from the
assigned readings may also be incorporated into the exams. Make-up exams are at the instructor’s discretion
and will be given for a limited time after the scheduled exam. Two percentage points will be deducted for each
day a make-up exam is taken late.

6. Comprehensive Department Final Exam (100 points). The final exam is given during the final exam period at
the time scheduled by the college. The final exam will have a similar format as the midterm exams and will
cover all material since the beginning of the semester. If you cannot take the final exam at your scheduled time,
see the instructor BEFORE the end of the regular classes to arrange another time.

Extra Credit Options: 1. Completion of one extra vocabulary (10 pts). 2. Current news articles (max. 5 - 2 pts
each). These include different current news items (internet, newspaper, magazine etc.). News articles must be
turned in within 2 weeks of lecture topic.

Tentative Grading Scale:

A (92%) A - (89%) B+ - (86%)
B (83%) B - (80%) C+ - (77%)
C (74%) C - (70%) D+ - (66%)
D (62%) D - (57%) F - (<57%)

NOTE: Use the above grading scale as a guideline during the semester. The final grading scale will be
determined after the final exam. Past experience has shown that the final grading scale will be very close to this
one.

GENERAL POLICIES

Syllabus: This syllabus represents an “agreement” between you the student and the instructor. It is designed to
insure course integrity and fairness as well as provide students with a clear understanding of course
expectations. The instructor and students are expected to use the syllabus and schedule as a guide for the
semester. Any deviation from the syllabus or schedule will be discussed and agreed upon by the instructor and
students.

Attendance: Attendance at one of the first two class meetings is MANDATORY! If you do NOT attend at least one
of the first two lectures, YOU RISK BEING DROPPED from the course by the end of the day May 17th.
Attendance is required, and no absences will be excused without prior notification.

Americans with Disabilities Act: SLCC values inclusive learning environments and strives to make all aspects of the
College accessible to our students. If you have a disability and believe you need accommodations to improve access
to learning materials or the learning environment, please contact the Disability Resource Center: (phone) 801-957-
4659; (email) drc@slcc.edu; (website) www.slcc.edu/drc.
Incomplete Grade and Withdraw from Class: A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is the instructor’s option and is not
given except only in the most extenuating of circumstances for which there is verifiable written documentation.
In order to receive an Incomplete, nearly all course work must have been completed (e.g. ~75%) with a passing
grade. Last day to drop from class with refund is May 29th; last day to withdraw (without refund) is June 28. It
is the responsibility of the student to drop/withdraw from this class, not the instructors.

Academic Dishonesty: Absolutely NOT tolerated and includes all forms of cheating and plagiarism as outlined in
the Student Code. Penalty for first offense will be a grade of “0” on the assignment; second offense will be an
“F” for the course.

Electronic Devices: Cell Phones, pagers are to be turned off during class. Computers can be used for note-
taking and course-related purposes ONLY but should not be used during class for working on other tasks (e.g.
answer emails, Facebook, other classes etc.). You will be asked to leave if your electronic device disrupts the
class in anyway. Cell phones MUST be turned completely OFF during exams.

Classroom recordings: Students may NOT record or publish information from the class without written
authorization from the instructor. If used without authorization you have violated Privacy/Intellectual Property
Rights.

Student Code of Conduct: The student is expected to follow the SLCC Student Code of Conduct found at
http://www.slcc.edu/policies/docs/Student_Code_of_Conduct.pdf

Emergency Evacuation Procedures: we will leave the building immediately in case of an emergency. We will
follow school guidelines at: http://www.slcc.edu/emergency-prepare/emergency-procedures.aspx

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

General Education
Regardless of your major, General Education courses build a foundation of broad knowledge and skills that help
you in your further career and life. http://www.slcc.edu/gened

Learning Support and Tutoring Services

General Learning Support & Tutoring Services provide support for SLCC students enrolled in any class at the
College. All resources are provided free-of-charge. Ask your instructor about discipline-specific learning support
and tutoring services.
 Tutoring: index of all tutoring resources.
 STEM Learning Centers: provide free assistance in Math, Science, Accounting, CSIS and Allied Health
Classes at 6 campus locations.
 Student Writing Center: provides in-person and online feedback on all writing assignments.
 Academic Literacy Center: provides tutoring in reading and conversation.
 Library Services: provides research help, print and online resources, computers and study space.
 ePortfolio Lab: provides drop-in assistance for all ePortfolio questions.
 eLearning Support: provides support for navigating online and hybrid classes.
 Business Resource and Innovation Center: provides tutors and a study space for students in
Business and CSIS courses. Located in BB 226 on Taylorsville-Redwood Campus.
Advising and Counseling Support Services
Advising and Counseling Support Services provide support for students enrolled in any class as the college.
 Center for Health and Counseling: provides health care, mental health counseling, massage therapy
services and healthy lifestyle programs.
 Veterans’ Services: assists hundreds of students in using their VA education benefits each semester.
 Academic and Career Advising: helps students plan, explore, make decisions, access resources and
evaluate their academic and career goals.
 Academic Achievement Center: helps students achieve GPA requirements for graduation.
https://www.slcc.edu/academic-achievement-center/index.aspx

TITLE IX INFORMATION

Title IX Statement
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational
institution that receives federal funding. Salt Lake Community College does not tolerate sex discrimination of
any kind including: sexual misconduct; sexual harassment; relationship/sexual violence and stalking. These
incidents may interfere with or limit an individual’s ability to benefit from or participate in the College’s
educational programs or activities. If you have questions or concerns regarding your rights or responsibilities, or
if you would like to file a Title IX complaint please contact:

Kenneth Stonebrook, J.D.

Title IX Coordinator
Salt Lake Community College
Taylorsville Redwood Campus – STC 276A
(801) 957-5027
ken.stonebrook@slcc.edu

Online Reporting Form: http://www.slcc.edu/title-ix/complaint.aspx

Students may also report incidents to an SLCC faculty or staff member, who are required by law to notify the
Title IX Coordinator. If a student wishes to keep the information confidential, the student may speak with staff
members of the Center for Health and Counseling, (801) 957-4268. For more information about Title IX, go
to: http://www.slcc.edu/title-ix/index.aspx

The Disability Resource Center

SLCC values inclusive learning environments and strives to make all aspects of the College accessible to our
students. If you have a disability and believe you need accommodations to improve access to learning materials
or the learning environment, please contact the Disability Resource Center: (phone) 801-957-4659;
(email) drc@slcc.edu; (website) www.slcc.edu/drc.

The Student Code of Conduct

All students are expected to follow the SLCC Student Code of Conduct.

Salt Lake Community College has a strong prohibition against RETALIATION! The college does not tolerate acts
of retaliation against anyone for engaging in filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.