BSC1010C General Biology One

Spring 2021

• This course is required for approximately 50 bachelor’s degrees and is co-listed as BSC2010C. UCF, UF, FSU, and USF designates this course BSC2010C.

• This course is required for several associate’s degree majors according to the Valencia College catalog such as Nursing.
• This course has no course prerequisites.
• Students should be prepared to complete college level reading, writing, and mathematics assignments as part of this course.

 

Contacting Me

I generally check my e-mail  and respond the same day 9 am  - 5 pm, M thru F .  If I do not respond within 24 hrs, you may have asked something I couldn’t answer. If after 24 hrs you do not have an answer and you still have the question, please send it again. Perhaps it was accidentally overlooked. E-mail is monitored much less on weekends. The only e-mail address of yours I will send to and receive from is the one Valencia College issued you. It is your ATLAS e-mail as well as the default e-mail for the CANVAS Inbox which is our learning platform mail utility This strict adherence to use of Valencia's e-mail addresses only is for many reasons including federal laws concerning your rights to privacy and that the Valencia College domain is vigorously filtered and protected so we are encouraged to not open and promptly deleted external, not recognized e-mails.

 

Required Resources 

1) Valencia Custom Vol. One of Campbell Biology, 11th Edition, by Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky, and Reece. The e-book version is obviously most compatible with online course modality. Printed versions of this course text are however acceptable. 

2) McGraw Hill Biology Virtual Labs. This is an online product only.

 

Course Mode and Canvas Utilization

This is an online course. Everything is online. 

Canvas is the course platform. Your Virtual Labs and your Campbell Biology text are housed in publisher learning platforms. McGraw Hill for labs and Pearson for course text. Those publisher platforms resemble course learning platforms but will not be used that way. Furthermore, anything assigned from these publishers will link out of Canvas to those platforms. Please navigate to all these publisher provided resources through Modules. Modules are accessible from the course Home Page and from Modules menu selection. Videos for your learning support will be provided as the YouTube channel, The Amoeba Sisters. All of the videos we will use will be accessible through Canvas pages also indexed in Modules just as lab and text based learning content. Like I discourage navigating through publisher platforms I discourage navigating through YouTube. Let me, let Canvas, bring all kof your learning content to you in one platform. This makes our lives easier. so we can concentrate better on learning.

As an online course, synchrony in time will never be mandatory or worth points directly. That said, plenty of engagement times (= office hours or tutoring from face-to-face mode) will be offered using Zoom.  We, the TAs and I, will schedule times morning, afternoon, and evening Monday through Friday. We will have many more times than a professor would. Also, these Zoom session times may have two or perhaps three of your support team all present. We call this entangled learning and this course is among several at Valencia College deploying entangled learning designs. Zoom is accessible from the Canvas menu.

 

Valencia Course Description and Objectives

Introduction to fundamental biological principles emphasizing common attributes of all living organisms. Unifying concepts include chemical structure of living matter, structure and function of the cell, specialized cells, major metabolic functions, control systems, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. Prerequisite for advanced biology courses. Students should be prepared to complete college level reading, writing, and mathematics assignments as part of this course.

 

Valencia BSC1010C Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate competency in the application of critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
2. Students will differentiate between living and non-living entities.
3. Students will model and categorize the fundamentals of molecular structure and functions associated with living organisms

4. Students will compare and contrast the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of cell membranes and the implications for cellular processes.

6. Students will explain the processes of energy transformation as they relate to cellular metabolism.
7. Students will evaluate asexual and sexual reproduction as they relate to genetic variation.
8. Students will model the processes and patterns of inheritance in eukaryotic organisms.
9. Students will describe or model the regulation and expression of genetic information.

 

My Course Description for BSC1010C

General Biology One, BSC1010C provides some familiarity with many widely applicable concepts in biology. This course is a foundation for subsequent biology courses. Subjects include: chemical basis of life emphasizing general molecule structure and function in cells and organisms; fundamental cell structure and function to include secretion, membrane maintenance, and reproduction; metabolism to include cellular respiration and photosynthesis; reproduction and development primarily in cellular scale; and cellular and molecular aspects of genetics to include inheritance, DNA synthesis, and gene expression. Biology is an interdisciplinary science; we will embrace chemistry and physics. Likewise, biology is a human endeavor; we will embrace some historical and sociological aspects of science.

 

Course Navigation and Structure

This course is organized in modules which are the units. Each unit includes multiple topics we will explore using our textbook Campbell Biology, Amoeba Sisters videos from YouTube, Virtual Labs from McGraw Hill, and resources brought by me and our teaching assistants to either add to or enhance these resources.

We will have 4 course units which in a general sense correspond to particular areas of biology.  The course units will be organized as unit modules. This general structure of modules exists now on the course Home Page. All the resources to study and learn each unit will be in each unit module and accessible from those modules. Please navigate this course through Canvas using Modules. 

The first unit (& module) is chemistry. Rather than dance around what it is; this is what the first unit is in one word. The second is cells. Again a simple way to label unit 2.. A cell is the minimum biological entity that can be a form of life. The third unit is metabolism. This is also likely something you know something about and represents in a complicated word unit 3.  Exploring metabolism requires awareness of physics and there is no avoiding this. Reproduction and development  is also part of unit 3 as metabolism alone and too much physics is too much. Balance again is my approach to placing these together. Furthermore, reproduction and development sets us up for the fourth unit. Unit 4 is genetics. Genetics includes some general basics of inheritance and molecular genetics. 

 

Credit Hours vs Hours Dedicated to Learning Content

Learning content from virtual labs, course text, and additional resources combine for the 4 credits. 

In face-to-face mode weekly meeting time for lab is 2 hours 45 minutes and weekly meeting time for classroom is 2 hours 30 minutes. You will earn one grade. he two forms of activity both serve learning biology. I encourage you view the two delivery modes as towards one goal that is learning biology.

These time blocks are offered to reveal a common misconception which is a lab science course is 1/4 more time demanding than a 3 credit hour, non-lab course. It is twice as time demanding by actual meeting time. This is offered merely as a guideline for your support and success

 

Academic Dishonesty

All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College and Valencia College has a code of conduct with an academic dishonesty policy and process for implementation of the student code of conduct and all of its policies. Valencia College's policies are my course policies. The academic dishonesty policy is provided by Valencia College.

All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged.  

 

Attendance

This is an online course, available 24/7, managed through Canvas. You must have access to the Internet to complete the course requirements. Your online attendance will be checked based on your participation in the course and submission of coursework. As a Valencia College professor I am required to report on attendance for various reasons. I do so using Canvas activity logs and your submitted assignments (assignments = graded coursework in Cnvas terminology).  In the event of an extended absence you anticipate, you should contact me via email to indicate the reason and see if accommodation can be provided.  Perhaps there would not be an accommodation but we will seek one to the best of our ability. I may contact you regarding not submitted assignments or detected, prolonged periods of inactivity. I do this to support you and to extend an offer of possible assistance.

The only attendance based consequence to course grade is missing a third lab  (the activities for a lab week) will lower your final course grade by one letter (such as a B by points becomes a C because of missed labs). Missing a fourth lab will drop your grade another letter (such as a B becomes a D) and a fifth another letter. This count of labs missed is based upon not completing all of the work designated as labs / simulations for a week of class. This only grade consequence I have for attendance is based on the fact that 1 credit hour of 4 is for labs. In my view not doing 3 out of 10 lab weeks will effect the grade relevantly, more so then the points lost for not submitting graded work.

 

Student Conduct

The following remarks are those of Valencia College. As their professor they are also mine. My student conduct policies are those of the college.

Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. As a registered student, you assume the responsibility for conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to Valencia’s learning community and that does not impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the college as described in the Student Code of Conduct is provided by Valencia College.

Late Work

Management of this course and fairness to all students motivates my following policies on late work. There is not a number of acceptable late labs, late exams, late quizzes, or late homework or other work of any kind that is graded. Each case will be handled individually based upon communication with students seeking time extension. Perhaps there will be no penalty in points perhaps there will be. Perhaps a time extension can be provided perhaps not. Communication will reveal, with clarity the alternatives. Our decisions students and I will make together and for the sake of learning biology and succeeding in the course without compromising the integrity of learning or the course.

• Most things you will have to do online you will have closer to a week than a day to accomplish. Exams are the exception. For exams you will have a day or two to begin and submit the exam within its maximum allowable time. 

 

Grading

Your grade will be based substantially upon exams. You will have 4 exams (100 pts each) provided during class which emphasize but are not exclusive to our classroom experiences for each of the unit modules of this course. Your comprehension of all of the provided learning content is what is assessed on these tests. You will have 2 lab exams (50 pts each). A  ‘Midterm Lab Exam’ and ‘Final Lab Exam’. Lab Exams emphasize our lab experiences but also require comprehension of relevant biology. This is 500 course points from exams out of 700 total course points. Other opportunities to earn points, 200 points in fact, include 100 points as homework throughout our schedule of 4 units, 25 points per unit. Lab points are based upon completing all the lab activities and providing whatever assignments go with the lab week. Homework may occur as Discussions in CANVAS or as a Quiz in Canvas. Discussions and Quizes are Canvas terminology for the mixture of writing assignments and multiple choice question assignments that will be your homework per unit. All grading is objective and fairly applied to all students. You have no more than one week from the date of feedback for an item (such as a test, homework, or lab) to submit a challenge for re-grading.

A cumulative, optional final exam will be provided to fulfill various functions such as failing to take Exam 1, Exam 2, or Exam 3 or wanting to replace the score of either of those three exams. The cumulative, optional final will not serve to replace Exam 4 or either Lab Exam.

 

Grading Scale: The grade interval is 70 points

A = 700 thru 630 points

B = 629 thru 560 points

C = 559 thru 490 points

D = 489 thru 420 points

F = less than 420 points

 

Extra Credit

There will never be extra credit.

 

Drop/Refund Deadline, Withdraw Deadline, and Satisfactory Progress Statement

Valencia College has a calendar of important dates including deadline for drop with a refund, no show reporting, and withdraw deadline to receive a W grade rather than earned letter grade. All of these dates and others relevant to you registering and completing your courses and degree are on this Important Dates document is provided by Valencia College.

If you do not wish to continue in the course and you do not wish to receive the grade you earned in the course you must withdraw yourself from the course before the withdraw deadline. I will not withdraw you, never ever.

Detailed information about maintaining satisfactory academic progress is provided by Valencia College.

According to State Rule 6A-14.0301, you may attempt the same course only three times at Valencia including the original grade, repeat grades and withdrawals at any point in the term. Students in Bachelor’s degree programs are limited to two attempts. The same course usually means the subject prefix and course number are the same when posted on a Valencia transcript. Courses that have been deemed equivalent will all count as attempts even if the current course number is not the same as your previous attempt(s). Being enrolled in a course for credit beyond the Drop/Refund Deadline counts as an attempt. The Drop/Refund Deadline for each term is listed in the Academic Calendar in the online official catalog.

 

No Show Policy

Class attendance is required for online classes; students who are not actively participating in an online class and/or do not submit the required attendance activity or assignment by the scheduled due date must be withdrawn by the instructor at the end of the first week as a "no show". If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on your transcript for the course.” Course Summary at the bottom of the Syllabus page reveals all of your requirements, including academic requirements, for the first week.  The Orientation Discussion and Orientation Quiz are the requirements to avoid withdraw as no show.

 

Students with Disabilities

Valencia College is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and services are accessible to students with disabilities. This link is to The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) which determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities based upon the need and impact of the specific disability.

Any student requiring course accommodations due to physical, emotional or learning disability must contact the instructor and provide a Notification to Instructor form by the end of the second week of class. To obtain a letter of accommodation, contact OSD at 407-582-2229.

 

Baycare Student Assistance Services

Valencia College strives to ensure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. This link is to BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. If needed, the counselor may refer the student to appropriate resources or to speak face-to-face with a licensed counselor.

 

Consent

By continuing in this course the student accepts the professor’s policies and procedures to conduct class, accepts the grading procedure, and accepts all other things outlined in this syllabus.

 

Disclaimer Statement

Changes to the course and perhaps syllabus may be made at the discretion of the professor, and students will be notified of any changes via the Canvas Inbox or a Canvas Announcement. Changes will be made to support learning and student success as plans may need adjusting throughout implementation. 

 

Our schedule for Spring 2021 --  BSC1010C General Biology One

The span of dates shown for each week is Monday thru Friday. Each unit has labs we will accomplish as well. The text chapter schedule and virtual lab schedule treat the same biology concepts. Consider each as supporting the other and combining to support your learning. If I change this schedule, you’ll have 6 calendar days notice at least. Canvas ‘Announcements’ is used notify you of changes to this calendar.

 

Week 1 (1/11 – 1/15) Orientation module in Canvas

Week 1 Campbell Biology: Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry: Chapter 1

Week 1 Virtual Labs: Lab Safety and Scientific Method

• Virtual Lab Tutorial
• Lab Safety – Personal Safety
• Scientific Method – Pillbug Preference

Week 2 (1/18 – 1/22): Chemistry of Biology module in Canvas

Week 2 Campbell Biology: The Chemical Context of Life: Chapter 2; Water and Life: Chapter 3

Week 2 Virtual Labs: Gel Electrophoresis

• DNA Biology and Technology - Gel Electrophoresis

Week 3 (1/25 – 1/29): Chemistry of Biology module in Canvas

Week 3 Campbell Biology: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Chapter 4; The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules: Chapter 5

Week 3 Virtual Labs: Chemical Composition of Cells

• Test for Sugars
• Test for Starch
• Test for Fats
• Test for Protein

Week 4 (2/1 – 2/5): Chemistry of Biology module in Canvas

Week 4 Campbell Biology: The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules: Chapter 5

Exam 1 on Week 1 thru Week 4

Monday February 8^th

 

Week 5 (2/8 – 2/12): Cells, Membranes & Transport, An Introduction to Thermodynamics module in Canvas

Week 5 Campbell Biology: A Tour of the Cell: Chapter 6 

Week 5 Virtual Labs: Microscopy

• Operation of a Bright-field Microscope
• Pondwater Wetmount
• Comparison of Cell Types: ElodeaPPT
• Cytoplasmic Streaming in Elodea
• Comparison of Cell Types: onion, cheek, Euglena PPT
• Euglenamoving

Week 6 (2/15 – 2/19): Cells, Membranes & Transport, An Introduction to Thermodynamics module in Canvas

Week 6 Campbell Biology: A Tour of the Cell: Chapter 6; Membrane Structure and Function: Chapter 7

Week 6 Virtual Labs: Diffusion and Osmosis

• Diffusion across a Semi-Permeable Membrane
• Osmosis and Tonicity in ElodeaCells
• Osmosis and Tonicity in Red Blood Cells

Week 7 (2/22 – 2/26): Cells, Membranes & Transport, An Introduction to Thermodynamics module in Canvas

Week 7 Campbell Biology: Membrane Structure & Function: Chapter 7; An Introduction to Metabolism: some of Chapter 8

Exam #2 on Week 5 thru Week 7 & Lab Exam #1 on Week 1 thru Week 6

Monday March 1^st & Tuesday March 2^nd

 

Week 8 (3/1 – 3/5): Cellular Metabolism and Reproduction & Development module in Canvas

Week 8 Campbell Biology: An Introduction to Metabolism: some of Chapter 8

Week 8 Virtual Labs: How Enzymes Function

• Enzyme Activity
• Effect of pH
• Effect of Temperature

SPRING BREAK (3/8 – 3/12)

Week 9 (3/15 – 3/19): Cellular Metabolism and Reproduction & Development module in Canvas

Week 9 Campbell Biology: Cellular Respiration & Fermentation: Chapter 9; Photosynthesis: Chapter 10

Week 9 Virtual Labs: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

• Measuring Energy Production in Plants
• Yeast Fermentation

Week 10 (3/22 – 3/26): Cellular Metabolism and Reproduction & Development module in Canvas

Week 10 Campbell Biology: Cellular Respiration & Fermentation: Chapter 9;

Photosynthesis: Chapter 10

Week 10 Virtual Labs: Photosynthesis

• Carbon Dioxide Uptake
• Determining Rate in White Light

Week 11 (3/29 – 4/2): Cellular Metabolism and Reproduction & Development module in Canvas

Week 11 Campbell Biology: The Cell Cycle: Chapter 12; Meisois and Sexual Life Cycles: Chapter 13

Exam 3 on Week 8 thru Week 11

Monday April 5th

 

Week 12 (4/5 – 4/9): Inheritance and Molecular Genetics module in Canvas

Week 12 Campbell Biology: Mendel and the Gene Idea: Chapter 14; The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance: Chapter 15

Week 13 (4/12 – 4/16): Inheritance and Molecular Genetics module in Canvas

Week 13 Campbell Biology: The Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Chapter 16; Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein: Chapter 17

Week 13 Virtual Labs: Gene Mutation and Transformation

• Background PPT
• Materials and Methods
• Set Up
• Result

Week 14 (4/19 – 4/23): Inheritance and Molecular Genetics module in Canvas

Week 14 Campbell Biology: The Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Chapter 16; Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein: Chapter 17

Lab Exam #2 on Week 8 thru Week 13 on Thursday April 22nd

Finals Week (4/26 – 4/30) for Exam 4 (must take this one) and Optional Final (may take this one for reasons described in syllabus) Wednesday April 28^th and Thursday April 29^th will be the days we use for testing