BIOL 1406 (BIOL 1406)

Instructor: Rajnish Verma

Instructor: Rajnish Verma MD Office: (713) 718 8400 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: By appointment only TEXTBOOK: Biology, 10th Edition; Vol. 1, Campbell and Reece, et al. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co. LAB MANUAL: Biology: 1406 Laboratory Manual; 6th Ed., Loesch, et al. HCC/Blue Door Publishing CRN: COURSE LENGTH: 5 weeks COURSE CREDIT HOURS: 4 CONTACT HOURS: 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours TOTAL COURSE CONTACT HOURS: 96.00 hours TYPE OF INSTRUCTION: Lecture and Laboratory LECTURE: MWF: 12:00PM – 3:30PM LAB: TTH: 12:00PM – 3:30PM COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the topics involving the biological chemistry of the cell along with its organization in multi-cellular organisms. Additional discussion topics covered include biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism, basic concepts of genetics and molecular biology. The primary objective of this course is to provide students the foundation and knowledge of life sciences. Discussions focus on biological chemistry, biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism, genetics and molecular biology. Core Curriculum course cannot be used in conjunction with 1308. COURSE PREREQUISTES: College level reading (or takes GUST 0342) and college level writing (or takes ENGL 0310/0349) ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE/CTE PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) for the Biology Discipline: PSLO #1 - Will display an understanding of biological systems and evolutionary processes spanning all ranges of biological complexity, including atoms, molecules, genes, cells, and organisms. PSLO #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).  PSLO #3 - Will demonstrate proficiency and safe practices in the use of laboratory equipment and basic laboratory techniques. PSLO #4 - Will apply principles of the scientific method to problems in biology in the collection, recording, quantitative measurement, analysis and reporting of scientific data. COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLO) Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for Biology 1406: The student will be able to describe the characteristics of life: its unity and diversity and the evidence for evolution through genetics, variation, and natural selection. 2. The student will be able to understand the basic requirements of life: explain atomic structure, types of chemical bonding, properties of water, and the structures/functions of the macromolecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. 3. The student will be able to compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells, including important pathways in the metabolic processes of energy transformation, cell communication, cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis. 4.  The student will understand the cell cycle and be able to differentiate between mitosis and meiosis, continuing with the principles of genetics/inheritance and to quantitatively solve classical genetic problems. 5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of DNA structure, its replication, the flow of genetic information from gene to protein, gene expression, and ultimately their methodologies and applications in biotechnology. 6. The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study module(s). 7. The student will understand the scientific method, as well as quantitative and empirical skills to collect, record, measure, analyze, and communicate scientific data, including showing competence in the laboratory by appropriate use of the light microscope and other laboratory equipment. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1. Explain fundamental concepts of biological sciences and how these concepts are connected within various areas of the biological sciences, at the survey level. 2.1. Acquire basic knowledge of atomic structure, know the different types of chemical bonding important to living systems, and understand the properties of water that make life possible. 3.1. Explain prokaryotic, animal, and plant structure and function at the level of molecules and cells, to include biological macromolecules, cellular organization, communication, cell division and gametogenesis, energy transformations, and the metabolic reactions associated with cellular activities, such as the processes of glycolysis, fermentation, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, at the survey level. 4.1. Understand basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics, perform and interpretation of genetics problems, and of advances in the understanding of genes and chromosomes since Mendel. 5.1. Explain the molecular sequence of events involved in the flow and expression of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with special emphasis on the understanding of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein biosynthesis, at the survey level. 6.1. The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study module(s). 7.1. Apply safety procedures, design an experiment, stating a hypothesis, of the quantitative analytical skills necessary for recording and analyzing data, and of the write-up of conclusions.  Demonstrate basic proficiency in using the microscope and practice critical thinking and communication skills have been developed by students working in groups.  7.2. Understand how technology has affected the development of science and how scientific knowledge can be applied to various aspects of life, community, the environment, and the important social and ethical issues related to biology and medicine. Apply basic knowledge of the methodologies and applications in biotechnology, and be aware of biotechnological career paths in the biological sciences. Class Semester Schedule* Week of Lecture(s) Lab Exercise(s) 7/9 1 Syllabus/Orientation. Evolution. Syllabus/Orientation 7/11 1,2 The Study Of Life The Chemical Context of Life Appendix 1-2 7/11 2,3 1: Basic Chemistry 7/13 3 Macromolecules: Structure & Function A Tour of the Cell 2: Properties of Water 7/16 4 lipids 3: Biochemistry: Detection of Biological Molecules, the Scientific Method, & Experimental Design 7/18 Lecture exam 1 4: The Care of the Microscope/ cell structure 7/20 5 Membrane transport 7: Enzymes 7/23 6,7 Metabolism/Cellular respiration Lab Exam 1( 7/14/2018) 7/25 8 photosynthesis 8: Respiration & Fermentation 7/27 2 Lecture Exam. 9: Photosynthesis/ cell divisoin 7/28 13 The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance The Molecular Basis of Inheritance Cell division 7/30 9 Cell cycle Cell division Lab Exam 2 ( 7/31/2018) 8/1 10 Mitosis/Meiosis Genetics 8/3 11 DNA to Protein, PCR 8/6 12,19 Chromosomal basis of inheritance Lab exam 3 (8/7) 8/7 3 lecture exam 8/9 Final lab exam 8/10 Final lecture exam 8/12 GRADES AVAILABLE 8/12 GRADES AVAILABLE 5/2 5/4 5/9 FINAL LECTURE (*): The above schedule is tentative, thus the instructor holds the right to adjust it accordingly. Students will be notified in a timely manner of any such changes during lecture meeting times. LAB STRUCTURE: 4 Lab Exams.4th LAB EXAM WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE AND IS MANDATORY Each student is expected to participate and complete the lab during the lab meeting time while also having the lab reports along with the appropriate data sheet(s) completed and ready to turn in on or before the next lab meeting. LECTURE STRUCTURE: 4 lecture exams will be given based on the lectures 4TH LECTURE EXAM WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE AND MANDATORY that are conducted during lecture meeting times. In the event of either lecture/lab having to be postponed or cancelled the class will be notified accordingly. CLASS WEBSITE: Students can access the course website via http://learning.hccs.edu and by searching the instructor’s name. Resources including lecture presentations, reviews, multimedia files, and assignment instructions are made available on this site. Students are encouraged to view the site for updates periodically though any changes to the site will be discussed in class. GRADING COMPUTATION: 3 Lecture Exams: 300 points Final Lecture Exam: 150 points 3 Lab Exams: 200 points Final Lab Reports: 50 points TOTAL: 700 points Extra Credit HCC Grading Scale: A = 100 – 90   B = 89.5 – 80   C = 79.5 – 70   D = 69.5 – 60   59.5 and below = F             Success in this course depends solely on the individual student! The following are some strongly recommended tips for students: Understand and complete all elements within the syllabus. Stay ahead of the schedule. Read the chapters, and their outlines, that are to be covered that day before coming to class. Do not procrastinate! You do not want to play the “catch-up” game with this course. Network! Establish study groups, attend tutorials and study sessions (exchange contact information). Get to know your classmates and faculty. Utilize note cards. RULES AND REGULATIONS: The listed textbook and lab manual are required for the course. ATTENDANCE: Attend class regularly, be on time, and stay until the period ends, unless dismissed. Full attendance is required for lab sessions. Students with more than four (4) unexcused absences may result in administrative withdrawal. Students are responsible for everything covered during the absence, and it is the student's responsibility to consult with the instructor for make-up exams. If you have an attendance issue, please notify me. Any student who wishes must understand it is their responsibility and officially do so on or before the drop date. Failure to withdraw officially will result in a letter grade, not a “W” in this course. Cell phones must be placed on silent or vibrate during class/lab meetings. Smoking is not allowed in the laboratory. Eating and drinking is permitted as long as it does not cause disturbances. Children or anyone not officially enrolled in this course are not allowed in the lecture/lab rooms unless given my approval. Cheating/plagiarism are not tolerated. First infraction of cheating/plagiarism will result in a warning. The second infraction of cheating/plagiarism will result in a “zero” on the exam or other work involved. The third infraction will result in a letter grade “F” in the course. Cheating/plagiarism is defined as giving or receiving, offering or soliciting information, or using prepared material without permission or proper documentation. Please refer to the Houston Community College System policies within the most current Student Handbook. Office hours are by appointment only. Please feel free to contact me and arrange an appointment. The class website can be access via learning.hccs.edu and searching the instructor’s name. It should be updated accordingly throughout the semester. Electronic devices are prohibited during exams. EXAMS/QUIZZES/REPORTS: Exams will consist of multiple choice questions with possible fill-in-the-blank, diagrams, completion, definitions, matching, and/or essay questions based on the material covered in the lecture session and the text. The following are guidelines that will govern all exams: Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom before completing an exam. Students arriving late will not be allowed to take the exam if any student has completed the exam and left the classroom. The instructor holds the right to conduct timed exam. Students arriving late will not be given extra time to complete the exam. The lab exams and final exam are mandatory in order to pass the course. All exams will utilize the standard scantron forms. Students will be notified in advance if they will have to provide their own scantrons. A departmental final exam may be issued pending departmental requirements. Grades will not be publicly posted at any time during the semester, however feel free to contact me to inquire about your status at any time during the semester. At the end of the semester, your grade will be made available on the web via (www.getgrades.com) or telephone (1-877-341-4300). EXTRA CREDIT: NO extra credit. Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for Biology 1406: 1.     The student will be able to describe the characteristics of life: its unity and diversity and the evidence for evolution through genetics, variation, and natural selection. 2.     The student will be able to understand the basic requirements of life: explain atomic structure, types of chemical bonding, properties of water, and the structures/functions of the macromolecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. 3.     The student will be able to compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells, including important pathways in the metabolic processes of energy transformation, cell communication, cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis. 4.     The student will understand the cell cycle and be able to differentiate between mitosis and meiosis, continuing with the principles of genetics/inheritance and to quantitatively solve classical genetic problems. 5.     The student will demonstrate knowledge of DNA structure, its replication, the flow of genetic information from gene to protein, gene expression, and ultimately their methodologies and applications in biotechnology. 6.     The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study module(s). 7. The student will understand the scientific method, as well as quantitative and empirical skills to collect, record, measure, analyze, and communicate scientific data, including showing competence in the laboratory by appropriate use of the light microscope and other laboratory equipment. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Any student with a documented disability (i.e. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who require reasonable accommodations of disabilities are encouraged to call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements with the appropriate HCC Disability Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of the semester. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Services Office via approved student accommodation letters and confirmation of an Instructional Support Specialist assigned to their instructor. ACCESS TO STUDENT SERVICES POLICIES: http://hccs.edu/student-rights EGLS3 Online Surveys: Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System will be utilized for the students to conduct a semester evaluation of the course. Students are asked to complete the survey towards the end of the semester through the PeopleSoft system. Notifications throughout the semester will be given accordingly. 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. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.

Instructor:  Rajnish Verma MD 

                                                                                  Office:   (713) 718 8400 

                     

                                                                                     

                                                                                  Email:   [email protected] 

 

          Office Hours:  By appointment only 

 

TEXTBOOK:       Biology, 10th Edition; Vol. 1, Campbell and Reece, et al.   

 Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co. 

 

LAB MANUAL:  Biology: 1406 Laboratory Manual; 6th Ed., Loesch, et al. 

                           HCC/Blue Door Publishing  

 

CRN:                   

 

COURSE LENGTH:  5 weeks 

 

COURSE CREDIT HOURS:  4 

 

CONTACT HOURS:  3 Lecture Hours 

    3 Lab Hours 

 

TOTAL COURSE CONTACT HOURS:  96.00 hours 

 

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION:  Lecture and Laboratory 

 

LECTURE:   MWF: 12:00PM – 3:30PM 

                             

 

LAB:              TTH: 12:00PM – 3:30PM 

                             

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course will focus on the topics involving the biological chemistry of the cell along with its organization in multi-cellular organisms.  Additional discussion topics covered include biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism, basic concepts of genetics and molecular biology.  The primary objective of this course is to provide students the foundation and knowledge of life sciences. 

Discussions focus on biological chemistry, biological processes, cellular morphology, metabolism, genetics and molecular biology. Core Curriculum course cannot be used in conjunction with 1308. 

 

COURSE PREREQUISTES:  College level reading (or takes GUST 0342) and college level writing (or takes ENGL 0310/0349) 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE/CTE PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES 

 

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) for the Biology Discipline: 

 

PSLO #1 - Will display an understanding of biological systems and evolutionary processes spanning all ranges of biological complexity, including atoms, molecules, genes, cells, and organisms. 

PSLO #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).  

PSLO #3 - Will demonstrate proficiency and safe practices in the use of laboratory equipment and basic laboratory techniques.  

PSLO #4 - Will apply principles of the scientific method to problems in biology in the collection, recording, quantitative measurement,   analysis and reporting of scientific data. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLO) 

 

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for Biology 1406: 

 

  1. The student will be able to describe the characteristics of life: its unity and diversity and the evidence for evolution through genetics, variation, and natural selection. 

 

  1. The student will be able to understand the basic requirements of life: explain atomic structure, types of chemical bonding, properties of water, and the structures/functions of the macromolecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. 

 

  1. The student will be able to compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells, including important pathways in the metabolic processes of energy transformation, cell communication, cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis. 

 

4. The student will understand the cell cycle and be able to differentiate between mitosis and meiosis, continuing with the principles of genetics/inheritance and to quantitatively solve classical genetic problems. 

 

  1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of DNA structure, its replication, the flow of genetic information from gene to protein, gene expression, and ultimately their methodologies and applications in biotechnology. 

 

  1. The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study module(s). 

 

  1. The student will understand the scientific method, as well as quantitative and empirical skills to collect, record, measure, analyze, and communicate scientific data, including showing competence in the laboratory by appropriate use of the light microscope and other laboratory equipment. 

 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

 

 

1.1.  Explain fundamental concepts of biological sciences and how these concepts are connected within various areas of the biological sciences, at the survey level. 

 

2.1 Acquire basic knowledge of atomic structure, know the different types of chemical bonding important to living systems, and understand the properties of water that make life possible. 

 

3.1 Explain prokaryotic, animal, and plant structure and function at the level of molecules and cells, to include biological macromolecules, cellular organization, communication, cell division and gametogenesis, energy transformations, and the metabolic reactions associated with cellular activities, such as the processes of glycolysis, fermentation, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, at the survey level. 

 

4.1 Understand basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics, perform and interpretation of genetics problems, and of advances in the understanding of genes and chromosomes since Mendel. 

 

5.1 Explain the molecular sequence of events involved in the flow and expression of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with special emphasis on the understanding of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein biosynthesis, at the survey level. 

 

6.1 The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study module(s). 

 

7.1 Apply safety procedures, design an experiment, stating a hypothesis, of the quantitative analytical skills necessary for recording and analyzing data, and of the write-up of conclusions.  Demonstrate basic proficiency in using the microscope and practice critical thinking and communication skills have been developed by students working in groups.  

 

7.2. Understand how technology has affected the development of science and how scientific knowledge can be applied to various aspects of life, community, the environment, and the important social and ethical issues related to biology and medicine. Apply basic knowledge of the methodologies and applications in biotechnology, and be aware of biotechnological career paths in the biological sciences. 

 

 

 

 

Class Semester Schedule* 

 

Week of 

 

Lecture(s) 

Lab Exercise(s) 

7/9 

1 

Syllabus/Orientation. Evolution. 

Syllabus/Orientation 

 

7/11 

1,2 

 The Study Of Life 

The Chemical Context of Life 

Appendix 1-2 

7/11        

2,3 

 

1: Basic Chemistry 

7/13  

3 

Macromolecules: Structure & Function 

A Tour of the Cell 

 

2: Properties of Water 

 

 

7/16 

4 

lipids 

3: Biochemistry: Detection of Biological Molecules, the Scientific Method, & Experimental Design 

7/18        

 

 

Lecture exam 1 

4: The Care of the Microscope/ cell structure 

7/20             

5 

Membrane transport 

7: Enzymes 

7/23 

6,7 

Metabolism/Cellular respiration 

Lab Exam 1( 7/14/2018) 

7/25      

8 

photosynthesis 

8 Respiration & Fermentation 

7/27      

 

2 Lecture Exam.  

9:  Photosynthesis/ cell divisoin 

7/28       

13 

The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance 

The Molecular Basis of Inheritance 

Cell division 

7/30       

9 

Cell cycle Cell division 

Lab Exam 2 ( 7/31/2018) 

8/1   

10 

Mitosis/Meiosis 

Genetics 

8/3       

11 

 

DNA to Protein, PCR 

8/6      

12,19 

Chromosomal basis of inheritance 

Lab exam 3 (8/7) 

8/7  

 

3 lecture exam 

 

8/9 

 

 

Final lab exam 

8/10 

 

Final lecture exam 

 

8/12 

 

GRADES AVAILABLE 

 

8/12 

 

 

GRADES AVAILABLE 

5/2 

 

 

 

5/4 

 

 

 

5/9                                                                    FINAL LECTURE                                                  

(*): The above schedule is tentative, thus the instructor holds the right to adjust it accordingly.  Students will be notified in a timely manner of any such changes during lecture meeting times. 

 

 

 

 

LAB STRUCTURE:  4 Lab Exams.4th LAB EXAM WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE AND IS MANDATORY 

Each student is expected to participate and complete the lab during the lab meeting time while also having the lab reports along with the appropriate data sheet(s) completed and ready to turn in on or before the next lab meeting.   

 

LECTURE STRUCTURE:  4 lecture exams will be given based on the lectures 4TH LECTURE EXAM WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE AND MANDATORY that are conducted during lecture meeting times.      

 

In the event of either lecture/lab having to be postponed or cancelled the class will be notified accordingly. 

 

CLASS WEBSITE:  Students can access the course website via http://learning.hccs.edu and by searching the instructor’s name.  Resources including lecture presentations, reviews, multimedia files, and assignment instructions are made available on this site.  Students are encouraged to view the site for updates periodically though any changes to the site will be discussed in class. 

 

 

 

 

GRADING COMPUTATION:   

 

 

3 Lecture Exams: 

 

300 points 

Final Lecture Exam: 

150 points 

3 Lab Exams: 

200 points 

Final Lab Reports: 

50 points 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL: 

700 points 

 

 

 

Extra Credit 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

HCC Grading Scale: 

 

A = 100  90 

 

 

 

 

B = 89.5  80 

 

 

 

C = 79.5  70 

 

 

 

D = 69.5  60 

 

 

 

59.5 and below = F 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                           

 

                                                                                               

                                                                                       

                                                                                           

                                                                                             

                                                                    

 

 

 

 

Success in this course depends solely on the individual student! 

 

The following are some strongly recommended tips for students: 

  • Understand and complete all elements within the syllabus. 
  • Stay ahead of the schedule.  Read the chapters, and their outlines, that are to be covered that day before coming to class. 
  • Do not procrastinate!  You do not want to play the “catch-up” game with this course. 

   

  • Network!  Establish study groups, attend tutorials and study sessions (exchange contact information).  Get to know your classmates and faculty. 
  • Utilize note cards. 

 

 

 

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS:   

 

  1. The listed textbook and lab manual are required for the course. 
  1. ATTENDANCE: 
  1. Attend class regularly, be on time, and stay until the period ends, unless dismissed. 
  1. Full attendance is required for lab sessions.  Students with more than four (4) unexcused absences may result in administrative withdrawal.  Students are responsible for everything covered during the absence, and it is the student's responsibility to consult with the instructor for make-up exams. 
  1. If you have an attendance issue, please notify me.  Any student who wishes must understand it is their responsibility and officially do so on or before the drop date.  Failure to withdraw officially will result in a letter grade, not a “W” in this course. 
  1. Cell phones must be placed on silent or vibrate during class/lab meetings. 
  1. Smoking is not allowed in the laboratory.  Eating and drinking is permitted as long as it does not cause disturbances. 
  1. Children or anyone not officially enrolled in this course are not allowed in the lecture/lab rooms unless given my approval. 
  1. Cheating/plagiarism are not tolerated.  First infraction of cheating/plagiarism will result in a warning.  The second infraction of cheating/plagiarism will result in a “zero” on the exam or other work involved.  The third infraction will result in a letter grade “F” in the course.  Cheating/plagiarism is defined as giving or receiving, offering or soliciting information, or using prepared material without permission or proper documentation.  Please refer to the Houston Community College System policies within the most current Student Handbook. 
  1. Office hours are by appointment only.  Please feel free to contact me and arrange an appointment. 
  1. The class website can be access via learning.hccs.edu and searching the instructor’s name.  It should be updated accordingly throughout the semester. 
  1. Electronic devices are prohibited during exams. 

 

 

EXAMS/QUIZZES/REPORTS:  Exams will consist of multiple choice questions with possible fill-in-the-blank, diagrams, completion, definitions, matching, and/or essay questions based on the material covered in the lecture session and the text.  The following are guidelines that will govern all exams: 

  • Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom before completing an exam. 
  • Students arriving late will not be allowed to take the exam if any student has completed the exam and left the classroom. 
  • The instructor holds the right to conduct timed exam. 
  • Students arriving late will not be given extra time to complete the exam.  
  • The lab exams and final exam are mandatory in order to pass the course. 
  • All exams will utilize the standard scantron forms.  Students will be notified in advance if they will have to provide their own scantrons. 

 

A departmental final exam may be issued pending departmental requirements.   

 

Grades will not be publicly posted at any time during the semester, however feel free to contact me to inquire about your status at any time during the semester.  At the end of the semester, your grade will be made available on the web via (www.getgrades.com) or telephone (1-877-341-4300). 

 

EXTRA CREDIT:  NO extra credit. 

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for Biology 1406: 

 

1.    The student will be able to describe the characteristics of life: its unity and diversity and the evidence for evolution through genetics, variation, and natural selection. 

 

2.    The student will be able to understand the basic requirements of life: explain atomic structure, types of chemical bonding, properties of water, and the structures/functions of the macromolecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. 

 

3.    The student will be able to compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells, including important pathways in the metabolic processes of energy transformation, cell communication, cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis. 

 

4.    The student will understand the cell cycle and be able to differentiate between mitosis and meiosis, continuing with the principles of genetics/inheritance and to quantitatively solve classical genetic problems. 

 

5.    The student will demonstrate knowledge of DNA structure, its replication, the flow of genetic information from gene to protein, gene expression, and ultimately their methodologies and applications in biotechnology. 

 

6.    The student will develop critical thinking skills and habits of active collaborative learning by successfully participating in an INSPIRE (Innovative Science Program Initiatives To Reform Education)-oriented case study module(s). 

 

  1.  The student will understand the scientific method, as well as quantitative and empirical skills to collect, record, measure, analyze, and communicatescientific data, including showing competence in the laboratory by appropriate use of the light microscope and other laboratory equipment. 

 

 

 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Any student with a documented disability (i.e. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who require reasonable accommodations of disabilities are encouraged to call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements with the appropriate HCC Disability Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of the semester.  Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Services Office via approved student accommodation letters and confirmation of an Instructional Support Specialist assigned to their instructor. 

 

ACCESS TO STUDENT SERVICES POLICIES:  http://hccs.edu/student-rights 

 

EGLS3 Online Surveys:  Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System will be utilized for the students to conduct a semester evaluation of the course.  Students are asked to complete the survey towards the end of the semester through the PeopleSoft system.  Notifications throughout the semester will be given accordingly. 

 

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. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.