GENERAL BIOLOGY I LECTURE SYLLABUS BIOL 1406-10M Fall 2016 Tues. & Thurs. 9:25 10:40 am in Main 2.112 Jorge Canchola, M.D. 956-882-5041 jorge.canchola@utrgv.edu Office: LHSB 2.814-D Contacting Dr. Canchola: University policy requires that all electronic communication with students to go through UTRGV email (@utrgv.edu). Be sure to include your full name, course number and section. You may also come by my office. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & RESOURCE MATERIAL 1. Lecture Textbook & Modified Mastering Biology: Campbell Biology 9 th or 10 th ed. Modified Mastering Biology code. Pearson. ISBN: 9780321775658 Modified Mastering Biology includes an etext of the 10 th edition. 2. Clicker: Turning Technologies Response Card NXT (available at the University bookstore) or Response Card QT. Clickers may be purchased or rented at the University Bookstore. Before using your device, you must register it on MyUTRGV Blackboard. Do this as soon as possible. Once registered, your clicker information will automatically connect to all your classes. You are responsible for making sure your clicker has a full battery and works well, if your clicker doesn t send a signal you will not get credited for your response. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND COREQUISITE Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included. Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles of living organisms, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Study and examination of the concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included. Corequisite: BIOL 1406 Lecture requires concurrent enrollment in a BIOL 1406 Laboratory section. LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE COURSE Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Describe the characteristics of life. 2. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists. 3. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules needed for life. 4. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells. 5. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane. 6. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism. 7. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems. 8. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins. 9. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection. Page 1 of 9
LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR CORE CORRICULUM REQUIREMENTS This course may be used to fulfill three hours of the natural science and technology component of the university core curriculum and addresses the following four core objectives established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: communication skills, critical thinking skills, teamwork and empirical and quantitative skills. Learning Objective Critical Thinking Communication Skills Empirical and Quantitative Skills Teamwork Activities/Assignments that Addresses Objective Activities will include developing hypotheses, interpreting data and analyzing existing research by using the scientific method Students will have several written assignments including essays and lab reports, as well as oral presentations on experimental findings Students will collect original data for several experiments and analyze these data using basic statistical tests and graphs Activities will include working collaboratively to collect and interpret data and presenting material to other students Department Student Learning Objectives: 1. Role of the Cell: The Biology graduate knows the role of the cell in life and living systems, and understands the interrelationships among subcellular structures that contribute to its functioning as a unit. 2. Role of Genetics: The Biology graduate understands the role of genetics in inheritance and can explain how environmental conditions influence natural selection processes and contribute to adaptation. 3. Diversity of Life: The Biology graduate is aware of the diversity of life and interrelationships between an organism and its environment. 4. Structure and Function: The Biology graduate understands how the organization of a specific structure within an organism is related to a specific function, understands interrelationships among organs and organ systems within an organism, and how interaction between structure and function contribute to the survival of the organism. 5. Scientific Method: The Biology graduate can formulate a testable hypothesis, evaluate and design experiments, analyze and interpret data, and communicate research findings in both oral and written form. Page 2 of 9
GRADING POLICIES Final numeric and letter grade for BIOL 2401 includes your lecture and lab grades combined as follows: Lecture grade is worth 75% of total grade: Your total lecture grade will consist of the following: I. Exams (80%) Exam grades count for 80% of your lecture average so that each exam is worth 20% of your lecture grade. There will be 4 unit exams and 1 comprehensive final exam. There are a total of 5 exams; however only 4 will be calculated into your final lecture average. The highest 4 scores of these 5 exams will count, the lowest score will be dropped. Exams must be taken as scheduled in the Lecture Calendar. Missed exams cannot be made up. The Comprehensive Final exam will be mandatory for anyone who has missed a unit exam. The grade for a missed exam is a zero (0). Missed exams cannot be made up. You will need a Scantron form No. 882-E and a No. 2 pencil with eraser. You must be punctual to examinations. II. Quizzes (10%) Quizzes will be administered in-class or online through Mastering. Quiz dates will be announced in class or Blackboard except for pop quizzes; therefore, it is important to attend every class and check for Blackboard Announcements. Online quizzes must be submitted within the allotted time and by the established deadlines. The grade for a missed quiz is a zero (0). Missed quizzes cannot be made up. For in-class quizzes you will need a Scantron form No. 882-E and a No. 2 pencil with eraser. You must be punctual to quizzes. III. Assignments (5%) Homework assignments will be posted in Mastering and must be completed and submitted within the allotted time and by the due date. Check Mastering for assignments. Homework is for your benefit; it helps you with course material. Missed assignments cannot be made up. IV. Participation (5%) Participation points will be earned in-class by answering questions using your clicker. Each correct answer will be worth 1 point. The number of points available will vary by day and the total number is not yet determined. You cannot earn participation credit without your clicker. The participation grade will be the percent of points you earn answering these questions. The highest participation grade you may earn is 100 (5%). You must be punctual and present in-class for the entire session; otherwise you may miss clicker questions. Missed participation questions cannot be made up. Lab grade is worth 25% of total grade: Lab grading policy will be provided by your laboratory instructor. You must let me know the lab section you are enrolled in at the beginning of the semester. Page 3 of 9
Final number grades will NOT be rounded. Final letter grade (Lecture + Lab) will be assigned according to the following grading scale: A 90-100 B 80-89.9 C 70-79.9 D 60-69.9 F Failure (below 60) ******************* THERE ARE NO EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS ********************* See pages 6 8 for additional course information. Page 4 of 9
BIOL 1406 Fall 2016 Lecture Calendar BIOL 1406 Tentative Lecture Calendar Fall 2016 Week Week Dates Topics Chapters No. 1 2 August 29 September 2 September 5 9 (No class Sept. 5 Labor Day) 3 September 12 16 4 September 19 23 5 September 26 30 6 October 3 7 7 October 10 14 8 October 17 21 9 October 24 28 10 October 31 November 4 11 November 7 11 12 November 14 18 13 14 15 November 21 25 (No class Nov. 24 25 Thanksgiving Holiday) November 28 December 2 Course Introduction / Themes of Biology 1 Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry 1 The Chemistry of Life 2 Water and Life 3 Carbon and the Molecular Diversity 4 The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules 5 Catch-up day EXAM 1 09/22/16 (Thursday) 1 5 A Tour of the Cell 6 Membrane Structure and Function 7 An Introduction to Metabolism 8 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation 9 Photosynthesis 10 Catch-up day EXAM 2 10/18/16 (Tuesday) 6 10 The Cell Cycle 12 Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles 13 Mendel and the Gene Idea 14 The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance 15 The Molecular Basis of Inheritance 16 Catch-up day EXAM 3 11/10/16 (Thursday) 12 16 Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein 17 Viruses 19 Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life 22 11/24/16 (Thurs) Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes The Evolution of Populations 23 The Origin of Species 24 December 5 9 EXAM 4 12/06/16 (Tuesday) 17, 19, 22 24 December 8 Study Day No Classes December 9 15 FINAL EXAM Date and time to be announced Comprehensive *** Calendar dates and activities are subject to change. Changes will be announced in-class or Blackboard. *** Page 5 of 9
Important dates for the Fall 2016 semester: Aug 29. Fall classes begin Sept 1 Last day to add or register for Fall classes Sept 2 Last day to withdraw (drop all classes) for a 80% refund Sept 5 Labor Day Holiday, no classes Sept 14. Census day (last day to drop without it appearing on the transcript) Nov 17..... Last day to drop (DR grade) a class or withdraw (grade of W) Nov 18 - Dec 8. Online course evaluations available Nov 24 - Nov 25.. Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes Dec 8.. Study Day, no classes Dec 9 Dec 15. Final Exams ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION LECTURE ATTENDANCE POLICY: -Students are expected to attend all classes, be punctual, and stay in class until dismissed by the instructor. Students traveling from the Edinburg campus are also required to attend all classes and be punctual. - A student with excessive absences will not be successful regardless of the reason for the absences. The instructor may drop a student from the course for excessive absences after three unexcused absences, or not. Therefore, if a student wishes to drop it is her/his responsibility. -Only medical excuses will be taken into consideration to justify an absence. You will provide me with a valid, well-documented medical excuse in a timely manner. -You must notify me within 24 hours prior to class, via email or in person, that you will be absent. -Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and participate in activities. You may be dropped from the course due to excessive absences. -UTRGV s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work. Documentation of the excused absence will be required. -By attending all classes you increase your overall success in the course. Other Important Course Information: 1. Students must come prepared to class. This includes bringing note-taking tools and reading all topics before coming to class. Reference the topics in the Lecture Calendar. 2. When communicating with the instructor via email, students must use their personal UTRGV email address (@utrgv.edu). Be sure to include your full name, I.D. number, course section and numbers. 3. Electronic devices: Use of cell phones, earphones, i-pods, laptops, tablets, etc. and text messaging/chatting/gaming is not allowed during class time unless otherwise stated. Phones must be silenced. Laptops/tablets may be used only for note-taking and researching information related to class activities. Five (5) points will be deducted from your unit exam for unauthorized use of these electronic devices. If you expect a call during class leave your cellphone on vibrate mode. You must step outside to talk. Never talk on the phone, text, chat, take pictures, play games, etc. during class, quizzes or exams. Page 6 of 9
4. Use of electronic devices is strictly prohibited during quizzes and exams. Use of electronic devices during any point of an examination/quiz will result in a grade of zero (0). 5. Each student must complete and submit their own assignments. Otherwise, no credit will be given to the assignment. 6. The instructor will not change grades. Make sure your marked answers and erasures are clear before submitting your work. 7. For each quiz and examination, students will bring only a Scantron Form No. 882-E, No. 2 pencil, and an eraser. 8. Academic dishonesty includes using, obtaining, or attempting to obtain by any means, the whole or any part of an examination or work assignment that is not provided for your use by your instructor; also, any act designed to give unfair advantage to students or the attempt to commit such an act. Students who are talking, using cellphones (or any electronic devices) or accessing unauthorized material during any point of any quiz/exam will receive a grade of zero (0) for the exam. Students will return the exam/quiz sheets to the area designated by their instructor. Upon concluding an exam, the student may quietly exit the class. Upon concluding a quiz, the student will sit quietly until the quiz has ended for all students. Students are not allowed to keep any part of an exam/quiz with them in physical or electronic form. Failure to follow instructions will result in a grade of zero (0). 9. Students must write their full name and course section on both Scantron and exam/quiz sheets. Also, students must write their Test No. on their Scantron as it appears on their exam/quiz sheets. Answers must be marked on the Scantron form AND exam/quiz sheets. 10. During quizzes and examinations your tabletop must be clear of books, notes, electronic devices, calculators, telephones, etc. Cell phones, earphones, i-pods and all other electronic devices are to be turned off during the examinations and stored off the table. If you intend to take a call during an exam/quiz, you must turn in your exam/quiz at that time and take the grade obtained at the time of the call. Restroom breaks are not allowed during examinations. You must use the restroom prior to beginning your exam/quiz. 11. Students must be punctual to class. Students will not be allowed to take quizzes if they are late. After the first student to complete an exam hands-in their work, no others arriving late after that time will be allowed to take the exam. 12. Restroom breaks are not allowed during exams and quizzes. 13. There are no make-up exams/quizzes/assignments/participations. You must be present in class to take your exams/quizzes. Failure to take an exam/quiz will result in a grade of zero (0). 14. Students are to promptly address any concerns about their grades. 15. All work is to be taken seriously. Unauthorized talking with classmates is not allowed. If you are found to be distracting the proceedings of the class, you will be asked to leave the room for that day. 16. University policy requires that students conduct themselves in such a way as not to disrupt or interfere with the education of other students or the ability of the instructor to conduct class without interruption. The instructor expects professional etiquette in the classroom and in written communications. The Page 7 of 9
student is expected to be on time and prepared for class, every class meeting. While in class the student is expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner. Text messaging, cell phone use, and various other uses of electronic devices in class are not professional behavior and will not be tolerated. The student is expected to take appropriate actions to prevent cells phones and other devices from becoming a distraction. Unprofessional behavior in the classroom may result in the student being dropped from the class. 17. Although social conversation is not allowed, relevant questions are welcome and encouraged. 18. Integrity is the most important personal characteristic you will develop; therefore, academic dishonesty will be dealt with severely and swiftly. Students UTRGV are expected to abide by University policies of academic integrity and to report academic dishonesty. Failure to do so may be grounds for expulsion from the class, disciplinary action, and dismissal from the University. There will be no exceptions made, second chances given, or excuses accepted by the instructor. If caught cheating in any way, the student will be dealt with in the most severe manner allowed by University policy. NOTICES: Each student must complete and submit their own work at all times. Failure to follow instructions on any assignment, participation, quiz or exam will result in a grade of zero (0). *** The contents of this syllabus is subject to change. *** Any changes incorporated will be announced to you in class or Blackboard. Therefore, it is very important you attend all classes and check Blackboard Announcements regularly. Page 8 of 9
UTRGV POLICY STATEMENTS STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time. Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) 882-7374 (Voice) or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) 665-7005 (Voice), (956) 665-3840 (Fax), or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu. MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD: Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu); you will be contacted through email with further instructions. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. Online evaluations will be available Nov. 18 Dec. 8, 2016. SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY: As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students. Students engaging in scholastic dishonesty will receive a grade of zero (0). SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, and VIOLENCE: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a responsible employee for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. COURSE DROPS: According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the 3-peat rule and the 6-drop rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time. Page 9 of 9