HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

Biology for Science Majors I Laboratory – BIOL 1106

Fall 2018 – Regular Term

 

 

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

 

Instructor:	Rajnish Verma	Office Phone:	713-718-8436
Office:	Room 305	Office Hours:	Th:  1:50pm -2:50pm
E-mail:	[email protected]

 

WELCOME TO

 

Course Title:	Biology for Science Majors I	Semester and Year:	Fall 2018
Course Prefix:	BIOL 1406
Course Number:	19035	Room:	305
Credit Hours:	3

COURSE OVERVIEW

 

Course Description
Biology for Science Majors I lecture (BIOL1306) is independently paired with Biology for Science Majors I laboratory (BIOL1106); taken together, this is the first-half of a complete series of instruction in Biology for Science Majors (General Biology).  Seminal concepts of biochemistry, metabolism, genetics, microbial, cellular and molecular biology will be covered, throughout. Biotechnical approaches will be discussed, in theory.

 

Core Curriculum Course.  Note: Only one of BIOL 1308 or BIOL 1306 can be used toward associate degree natural science requirements.  Only one of the two will count as Natural Science core; the other may count as an elective in the degree plan.

 

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) for the Biology Discipline

1. Will display an understanding of biological systems and evolutionary processes spanning all ranges of biological complexity, including atoms, molecules, genes, cells, and organism
2. Will integrate factual and conceptual information into an understanding of scientific data by written, oral and/or visual communication. (This may include successful completion of a course-specific research project or a case study module).
3. Will demonstrate proficiency and safe practices in the use of laboratory equipment and basic laboratory technique
4. Will apply principles of the scientific method to problems in biology in the collection, recording, quantitative measurement, analysis and reporting of scientific dat

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

Completion of the specific Student Learning Outcomes listed below does NOT and will NOT guarantee the student any specific final course grade at the end of the semester!

1. The student will be able to recognize the basic structure and describe the function of eukaryotic cellular organelles and cell systems.
2. Given a DNA or RNA base sequence, the student will be able to deduce:
1. the sequence of the complementary DNA strand
2. the sequence of the complementary mRNA strand
3. complementary codons and or anticodons
4. the proper amino acid sequence in a pepide by using a supplied table of the genetic code
3. The student will be able to explain the synthesis and properties of
1. Carbohydrates
2. Lipids
3. Proteins
4. Nucleic acids
4. The student will be able to devise an experiment containing the proper experimental test points along with proper positive and negative controls.
5. The student will exhibit competence with bringing the bright field microscope into focus.
6. The student will develop the habit of reliable attendance by being absent from class no more than four times per semester.

7. The student will demonstrate punctuality in the submission of class assignments on their due dat

 

In our efforts to prepare students for a changing world, students are expected to utilize computer technology while enrolled in this class and/or to receive a certificate or degree.  Specifically:

1. Access to a computer and a printer.
2. Proficiency in the application of a web browser (i.e. Firefox) to utilize online teaching tools.
3. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Windows Photo Gallery; Adobe Reader and Flash Player.
4. Proficiency in email correspondence (all correspondence will be conducted through the HCCS server to your address on file in CANVAS); you are responsible for checking your mail, daily.

 

GETTING READY

 

Prerequisites and co-requisites:  Math 0106 or higher placement by testing; must be placed in college level reading (English 1301, either taken or co-enrolled).

 

Required Materials

 

Laboratory Manual: Biology 1106 Laboratory Manual, 4^th Edition.  Loesch, Sawant, Schwartz, Shah and Wiermesa

Mastering Biology Quizzes: None.

Scantrons: No;  exams are in laboratory practical format.

 

Learning Web: The course syllabus, instructional outline and course materials are posted on the Learning Web.

 

Optional Materials or Reference Texts: The library has textbooks on reserve and computer/printer access.

 

INSTRUCTOR GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

 

Attendance: You are expected to attend all laboratories, take all examinations and perform all homework assignments, regularly. You are also responsible for material covered during your absence.  There is a NO MAKE-UP EXAM POLICY in effect (you have the benefit of dropping your lowest exam grade; see below).  Class attendance is monitored daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences. You may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the total hours of instruction.  In other words, for a class meeting 3 hours per week (48 hours of total instruction/semester), you can be dropped after 6 hours of absence not excused by a legal or medical disclaimer (i.e. illness, court appearance, etc.).

 

Final Grade of Fx: Departments and programs governed by accreditation or certification standards may have different attendance policies.  Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor.  Students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline will be assigned the final grade of "Fx", as compared to an earned grade of "F" which is due to poor performance. The instructor will not withdraw a student!  If you are on financial aid or an F1 student, you may be particularly affected and could forfeit your financial aid or be out of compliance, and have your F1 status revoked.  A grade of "Fx" is treated exactly the same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory academic progress. These are serious consequences, and it is your responsibility to maintain required attendance.

 

Assignments: To better understand a topic, you will be given assignments on key information that will enhance your learning.  Students will be required to successfully complete the assignments designated in the Instructional Outline.  Assignments are explained in further detail in Grading and Assessment (below).

 

Grading and Assessment

Your instructor will conduct exams and assessments that you can use to determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your performance.

 

Laboratory Exams (60%): There will be a total of three laboratory practical exams.  Exam Reviews are posted on the Instructors Learning Web page.  These will be explained in detail during our lab sessions.  Questions will include completion, diagrams, problem solving, identification, identification and physiological function (not multiple choice, true/false, etc.).  Stations will be setup for the laboratory practical exams.  Note: No scantrons are needed for Laboratory Practical Exams.

                

Each laboratory practical exam will count toward 20% of your final grade (3 x 20% = 60%).  There are no make-up examinations; a missed exam is scored as 0.  Do not miss an exam!

 

Students with disabilities who need special help taking exams as part of reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding testing.

 

Attendance and Performance (20%):  Students must be actively engaged in the laboratory and must contribute fully to any collective discussions and contribute fully to the group laboratory work, therein.  Students must be present for the entire lecture and laboratory period, and may only leave early if they have completed the laboratory exercise (as checked by the Instructor) and have been excused by the Instructor.

 

Pre-Laboratory Questions and Laboratory Reports (20%):

• Pre-Laboratory Questions (½ of 20% = 10%) must be completed independently and prior to the corresponding laboratory session, and will be checked at the start of the class.
• Laboratory Reports (½ of 20% = 10%) are due following the laboratory period. With my approval, a group effort is allowed in the laboratory, but each student must participate. Critical thinking questions must be completed independently and will be judged. The Instructor may also collect the laboratory manuals at the end of the semester to ensure completion and correctness of all required activiti

 

Grades will be available in person in the laboratory. At the end of the semester, your grade average will be presented to you (final course grade).  Keep track of your grades and your progress!  The final grade is posted online at www.hccs.edu or at 1-877-341-4300.  The Registrar will no longer mail the transcripts to you.

 

Letter Grade Assignment and Grading Scale

 

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89.9%

C = 70-79.9%

D = 60-69.9%

F = 50-59.9%

Fx (Failure due to non-attendance)

IP (In Progress)

W (Withdrawn)

I (Incomplete)

 

Instructional Philosophy

As an instructor, I want my students to be successful.  It is my responsibility to provide you knowledge in the field of biology.  Accordingly, it is your responsibility to make the effort to find enlightenment in the subject material.  Read the textbook/laboratory manual, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams, participate in classroom activities, attend class and most importantly, enjoy yourself!

 

I believe that engaging the students in learning is essential for teaching to be effective.  Thus, you will spend class time involved in collaborative activities. You will be involved in discussions with your classmates and your instructor.  As you will want to contribute to these discussions, you will need to come to class prepared to discuss, analyze and evaluate information from your textbook and other assigned readings.  Textbook, powerpoint-aided lecture presentation, laboratory investigation, computer based tutorial and homework assignments aid in this methodology.

 

This course is web-enhanced with important resources available on the Learning Web and Mastering.  It is important for you to bring a copy of the powerpoint lecture notes (available on the Learning Web or CANVAS) to class; you can print out four slides per page, double-sided, to save resources.  By printing out the slides, you will more effectively follow the lecture presentation and be able to take important notes.

 

Simple Classroom Rules and Regulations

• The laboratory manual is required for the course; students must be aware of the relevant assignments before class. It is necessary to bring the laboratory manual during that laboratory period.
• There is an accompanying lecture during each laboratory period – it may be helpful to your understanding to bring a copy of the laboratory lecture notes that the instructor will present in class during that laboratory period.
• Eating or drinking is never allowed in the laboratory. Children or associates (friends, parents, etc.) are not  Smoking (including electronic) is not permitted.
• Please disable the ring-tone on your mobile phones during class; texting is not permitted. The use of laptop or hand-held devices is welcomed during class as long as they are applied to class material.  Please be civil to me and your classmates; do not text or talk about personal issues during the laboratory period.
• Any student caught cheating on an exam will receive a course grade of “F” and will be dismissed from the course.
• Attendance is mandatory (we already covered this)! Students with more than two unexcused absences can result in an administrative withdrawal without notification.  Attend class regularly; be on time and remain until the end of the period.  If you have an attendance problem, please notify me.
• Students are responsible for everything covered during their absence (we already covered this). If you miss class (for whatever reason), use the syllabus and ask your classmates to “fill you in” on missed material.
• If you are late for an exam, you will be allowed to take the exam (within the remaining time allotted) as long as no one else has completed the exam and left the room. You may not exit the room once you begin the exam (so make sure to use the bathroom before you start the exam).

 

Student Responsibilities

• Read and comprehend the syllabus and adhere to the deadlines for exams and assignments.
• Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities.
• Read and comprehend the required chapters in the textbook and powerpoints prior to the exams and assignments.
• Login to the Learning Webpage to access course material and check for updates daily.
• Prepare for and complete the required assignments and exams.
• Ask for help when there is a question or problem (in a timely manner).
• Keep copies of all paperwork, including all handouts and assignments.

 

Suggested Study Tips

• Set aside adequate time for study during the week; do not wait until the exam and then “cram”. A good rule-of-thumb is to invest 2 hours of study for each hour spent in the laboratory.
• You may find it helpful to define important terms; using flash-cards is a good way to do this (my published notes on the Learning Web are excellent flash cards)! However, facts only provide a foundation for understanding key concepts.  Comprehension should not be confused with Analysis.  It is important to relate terms to each other in order to fully understand and synthesize the information we discuss.
• Exam reviews are posted on the Learning Web or CANVAS; they are an important tool in your arsenal to improve your performance on the exams.
• Take advantage of my Learning Web page and the supplemental materials therein for further clarification.
• Exchange phone numbers with some of your classmates; you may want to form a study group.
• Ask me for help when there is a question or problem (in a timely manner).
• Take advantage of the free (and awesome) tutoring services throughout the semester; once again, do not wait until the last minute to prepare.

Remember this important expression, “chance favors the prepared”.

 

HCCS IS COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS

Your Instructor, the Early Intervention Program and Services

 

Questions or problems?  Your success is our primary concern! If you are experiencing challenges achieving your academic goals or are having problems at any time, please contact your instructor or an early intervention coach as soon as possible. We can provide assistance with academic needs, ADA accommodations, classroom difficulties, financial concerns, and other issues.  The worst thing you can do is wait to contact me or to not take advantage of the resources available to you.  By taking an active part in your education, you will make your academic experience much more rewarding and exciting!

 

 

Counseling Services: Counseling services are available to students who are experiencing difficulty with academic issues, selection of college major, career planning, disability accommodations or personal issues.

 

INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES

 

Important Dates (Regular Term – 16 weeks)

 

August 27	Classes begin
September 10	Official Date of Record
November 2	Last day for Administrative/Student Withdrawal (4.30PM)
December 9	Instruction ends
December 16	Grades available to students

 

Academic Integrity: Don’t cheat!  This instructor is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects, cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course. Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student's exam, orally communicating or receiving answers during an exam, having another person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of an exam. Plagiarism means passing off as his/her own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report, or project that someone else has prepared, in whole or in part. Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments designed to be completed independently. These definitions are not exhaustive. When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or misrepresentation, disciplinary action may include but is not limited to requiring you to retake or resubmit an exam or assignment, assigning a grade of zero or "F" for an exam or assignment; or assigning a grade of "F" for the course. Additional sanctions including being withdrawn from the course, program or expelled from school may be imposed on a students who violate the standards of academic integrity.

 

No Eating or Drinking in the Laboratory: For good reason, no food or drinks are allowed in the laboratory; there are some nasty chemicals in here that could get mixed up in your food/drink.  You should also wear appropriate clothing; loose clothing can get caught in the equipment or be soiled by chemical reagents.  Do not wear open shoes or sandals; you can spill chemicals on your exposed feet or get cut by broken glass.  If you have long hair, please restrain it; it is part of your body and can get injured by chemicals or an open flame. 

 

Smoking is not Permitted: For good reason, smoking (tobacco or electronic cigarettes) is not allowed in the premises.  In fact, smoking has been proven to cause cancer, heart and lung disease, etc.  Quit while you are ahead!

 

Behavior Expectations (play nice): Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on College property or in an online environment. The instructor will institute established HCCS disciplinary action. Students who pose a threat to the safety of others will be subject to immediate withdrawal from the classroom. Please refer to the HCC Student Handbook.

 

Dress Code: You are in an academic, professional environment; your attire should be respectful and courteous, not flamboyant or provocative.  Please refrain from wearing any attire that contains or infers any offensive messages (wording).

 

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: HCCS is dedicated to providing the least restrictive environment for all students. We promote equity in academic access through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which will enable students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all post-secondary educational activities.

 

HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services.  It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/disability-services/

 

Computer Virus Protection: Computer viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Using removable devices on more than one computer creates the possibility of infecting computers and diskettes with a computer virus. This exposes the computers of the college, your personal computer, and any others you may be using to potentially damaging viruses. The college has aggressive anti-virus procedures in place to protect its computers, but cannot guarantee that a virus might not temporarily infect one of its machines. It is your responsibility to protect all computers under your control and use and ensure that each diskette you use, whenever or wherever you use it, has been scanned with anti-virus software. Since new viruses arise continually, your anti-virus software must be kept current. And, since no anti-virus software will find every virus, keeping backup copies is extremely important.

 

Equal Opportunity Statement: It is the policy of the HCCS to provide equal employment, admission and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or disability.

 

FERPA: The academic, financial and non-directory information on your student account is confidential and protected by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). We cannot release certain information to another person without your written authorization.  Further information regarding Student Records and FERPA can be found at; http://www.hccs.edu/district/about-us/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/

 

Final Examinations: A final evaluation activity will occur during the published final evaluation period. The appropriate dean, director or department chair must approve any variation to this schedule; the instructor can not change the schedule.

 

Repeating Courses (3-peat rule): As a result of recent Texas legislative changes, please be advised that HCC is charging additional tuition for students who enroll in the same class three or more times at HCC. While it is the hope of HCC that students will be successful in their first attempt at classes, we realize that life demands, academic struggles, and other issues may result in students needing to take the same class more than once. Speaking with an advisor will help you develop student success skills, improving your overall academic performance. If a student repeats a course in which a grade (A-F) has been received, the highest grade received at HCC is the permanent grade for the course and will be used in computing the GPA. All grades earned in a given course will be reflected on the transcript. Other colleges may compute the GPA differently than HCC.

 

Course Withdrawals (6-drop rule): Students must withdraw by the withdrawal deadline in order to receive a “W” on a transcript. Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online Academic Calendar, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC advisor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.

 

Be certain you understand HCC policies about dropping a course and consult with a counselor/advisor to determine if withdrawing is in your best interest. It is your responsibility to withdraw officially from a class and prevent an “F” from appearing on your transcript. Senate Bill 1231 limits the number of W’s a student can have to 6 classes over the course of their entire academic career. This policy is effective for students entering higher education for the first time in fall 2007 and subsequent terms. Withdrawals accumulated at any other Texas public higher education institution count toward the 6 course total. Withdrawals for certain circumstances beyond the students control may not be counted toward the 6-drop limit.

 

In addition, withdrawing from a course may impact your financial aid award or eligibility. Contact the Financial Aid Office or website to learn more about the impact of withdrawing on financial aid.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 ET. SEQ.: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have policies and procedures that protect students’ rights with regard to sex/gender discrimination.  Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.  Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity.  Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities.  If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor.  The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator.  All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to: David Cross, Director EEO/Compliance, Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity, 3100 Main St., Houston, TX 77266-7517, (713) 718-8271 or at [email protected].

EGLS₃ (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System): At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and department chairs for continual improvement of instruction.  Go to www.hccs.edu/egls3 for more information.  This service is not offered during the summer terms.

 

Campus Carry:  At HCC the safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our first priority. As of August 1, 2017, Houston Community College is subject to the Campus Carry Law (SB11 2015).  It allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on academic campuses.  For more information, visit the HCC Campus Carry web page at http://www.hccs.edu/district/departments/police/campus-carry/.”

 

International Students: Receiving a W in a course may affect the status of your student Visa. Once a W is given for the course, it will not be changed to an F because of the visa consideration.  Please contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you have any questions about your visa status and other transfer issues

 

Incomplete Policy: The only circumstances under which you can get an incomplete course grade (I) is if you are too ill complete the course or are pregnant (Title IX).  In other words, you must produce medical documentation that proves you have a serious medical condition (i.e. hospitalization and recovery). Once you receive an Incomplete (I), in order to get a grade for the course, you will have to complete the material by the end of the next full semester. If you do not, the Incomplete (I) will become a final course grade of F.

 

TENTATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL OUTLINE:

The Instructor reserves the right to change the instructional outline if needed. Students will be informed in a timely manner of any changes. The outline is posted as a separate doc