Syllabus and Schedule

Biology 11 General BiologyInstructor: Kathryn O'BrienEmail: kobrien2@pasadena.eduPhone: 617-640-0035Office: SV7Office Hours: Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:00 pmVirtual Office Hours: Thursdays 8:15 pm - 8:45 pm via course CANVAS chatroomPrerequisite: None

4 Units: 1.5 hours online, 1.5 hours lecture and 3 hours lab/week

Course Description:This course will introduce biology to non-science majors, which provides an introduction to biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, physiology, ecology, and environmental biology.

This course will utilize a variety of problem solving based learning strategies both in-class and online. This class will require independent and group work. A field trip to local communities will be required, and students will need to arrange their own transportation.

Student Performance Objectives Describe the cellular basis of life including: the major organic molecules of cells, structure and function of cellular organelles, movement of materials into and out of cells, the major cell types found in plants and animals, and cell division.

Describe and compare the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and explain their biological significance.

Compare the distinguishing characteristics of the major organismic groups, identify their evolutionary relationships and biological significance and list examples of each group.

Describe the structure and function of organs and organ systems in mammals (humans) including the physiological processes associated with them.

Compare sexual and asexual modes of reproduction as studied in representative groups, explain advantages of sexual reproduction and describe reproductive trends in vertebrates.

Describe the mechanisms of Mendelian inheritance and describe the relationship of genetics and human reproduction to variability in progeny.

Describe the basic processes of organismic evolution and provide examples of evolutionary change.

Describe the interrelationships among biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.

Perform laboratory observations, dissections, and experiments. Be able to collect and analyze data and form conclusions based on the results.

Required Materials:Internetand Computer Requirements:If you do not have access to a computer off campus, there are many computer labs on campus you can use to participate in the course. Most public libraries also have computers with internet access that you can use for free.

You will need to have an up-to-date browser, operating system, and some additional software on your computer to take this class. Check thisDistance Education pagefor hardware & software requirements. Please note,Internet Explore does not work well with Canvas! Some of the documents in this course will be available to you in PDF form. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your computer, you can download it by going tohttp://get.adobe.com/reader/(Links to an external site.).

Lab ManualThe labs for the hybrid class are all available on Canvas. Please either print or bring them on an electronic device to class with you.

You will be required to bring a lab notebook for the CSI lab, but it is highly recommended that you bring one to all labs (a composition book works best) . More information to follow.

TextbookSimon, Eric. 2015. Biology: The Core. Pearson.

ISBN 13: 978-0-321-73586-7

EmailIn this course we will use theCANVAS INBOXlocated on the upper right hand corner to send email for private messages. You can either check your messages in the CANVAS system orset your notifications to your preferred method of contact(Links to an external site.). Please check your messages regularly. When submitting messages, please do the following:

Send email only to the CANVAS INBOX and not my personal email account.

Do not send messages asking general information about the class; please post those in theQ

HYPERLINK "https://canvas.pasadena.edu/courses/978576/pages/syllabus-and-schedule/%24CANVAS_OBJECT_REFERENCE%24/discussion_topics/ie53b34bc6e56e9deddb45e35b1adf0c7"&A Forum.

Do not submit your assignments by message.

Make certain to check your messages frequently.

Turnaround/Feedback

During the week (Monday to Friday), I will checkConversationsand monitor the discussion board several times a day. If you have a concern and send me a message, you can expect a response within two days.

Netiquette

When posting on the discussion boards and chat rooms it is important to understand how to interact with one another online, which is known asnetiquette. You can read more about the rules of netiquette athttp://www.albion.com/netiquette/index.html(Links to an external site.).

Grading:5 Unit exams (20-35 points each)

10-15 Quizzes and Softchalk activities (5-10 points each)

11-15 Online Discussions and assignments (5-10 Points each)

Introduced Species Project (35 Points)

Natural Selection Project (30 Points)

Human Performance and Adaption Debate (30 points)

CSI Project (75 Points)Other assignments (5-10 points each)In-class and in-lab participation (20-30 points)Letter grades are determined following a straight scale and based on the instructor's discretion:A>90%, B>80%, C>69%, D>60%, F ProteinsDNA Structure and FunctionCrime Scene 1Case Files

12

11/21InheritanceDNA in ForensicsHow to Catch a Killer: From Blood Typing to DNA FingerprintingCrime Scene 2Evidence Testing

13

12/5Cell Division

Why Don't We All Have Cancer?Crime Scene 3DNA Electrophoresis

14

12/12Gene Regulation and DevelopmentStem CellsCrime Scene 4Analysis of Results and Trial Prep

15

12/19Global Warming

Biotechnology Discussion post

Exam 5Using Biotechnology to Solve Global ProblemsPresentations of Crime Scene ReportsTurn in Lab Notebooks