COURSE SYLLABUSBIO 213

ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING 2014

Monday, March 31st - Class BeginsFriday, May 9 – Staff Inservice Day – no classes Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – no classes June 11 – last day of class (final exam)

Instructor: Kevin Culhane Office: HEC 301-G

Contacts: Phone (541) 245-7621 e-mail: kculhane@roguecc.edu

Office Hours: Also by appointment if students are unable to make the posted hours.

Mon 2:30 pm – 3:30 pmTues noon – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Wed noon – 1:00 pm Thurs 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

BI 213 Prerequisites: BI 211, MTH 60, RD 30; BI 212 is recommended

Course Description: This sequence of biology is primarily for the professional student majoring in the biological sciences, science education, nursing, and allied health fields. This course serves as an introduction to both the organization and diversity of fungi, non-vascular plants, vascular plants as well as the principles of modern ecology. It will include lectures on the major structures and features of the various taxonomic representatives of the Fungi and Plantae kingdoms. In addition we will study the relationships between species in a community, and how physical factors influence ecosystems. Lab work will involve the use of the laboratory and field tools, observation of specimens, and the use of the microscope. There will be two outdoor labs.

Objectives: Having successfully completed the course the student will be able to:1. Name and describe the basic features of representative phyla in the kingdom

Fungi.2. Name and describe the basic features of representative phyla in the kingdom

Plantae.3. Describe the basic structures, and tissue organization and function found in

plants.4. Describe the classification system used for differentiating various fungi and

plants.5. Compare and contrast the various life cycles found in the plant and fungal

kingdoms.6. Describe the evolutionary relationships of representative members of the

fungal and plant kingdoms.7. Illustrate the energy flow and chemical cycling found in a food web.8. Explain the combined global effect of solar energy and the Coriolis effect on

weather systems, and how this provokes change within biomes.9. List and describe the distinguishing characteristics of major biomes.10. Explain the importance of maintaining an ecological balance for the health of

the ecosystem.

Required Materials:Text: Biology Campbell & Reece. 9th edition, 2011

Lab manual: exploring Biology in the Laboratory for RCC BI213 Pendarvis & Crawley

Safety Goggles: students are responsible for purchasing and using approved safety goggles meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989/2003 with polycarbonate lens and indirect venting (optional fog-free lens). Welding supply stores carry comfortable goggles that meet the safety standards but cost a few dollars more. Students must also supply nitrile gloves for lab. You will also need ScanTron answer sheets for exams, an RCC approved “iClicker,” and close-toed shoes, and long trousers for labs.

Suggested books: Manual of Oregon Trees & Shrubs, 8th Ed – by Jensen, Randall, Keniston, & Bever.APhotographic Atlas for the Bio Laboratory, 5th ed. Van De Graaf & Crawley, Morton Pub 2005Dictionary of Word Roots & Combining Forms 1988 by Donald Borror, Mayfield Pub.

Attendance and Drop Policy:Introductory biology, while a fascinating subject, is a difficult course. Students who attend classes only periodically will have a very difficult time succeeding in this class. Students must sign the attendance sheet each day of class to document their presence. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the attendance sheet is signed. Students who have perfect attendance will be given 10 extra credit points on the final grade. Excused absences that do not affect the extra credit are verified and include: jury duty, citizenship, funeral or medical emergencies (written proof required). Items to Leave at Home:Cell phones, media devices, and/or other electronic devices (such as electronic smoking cessation devices) are disruptive to the learning environment and will not be allowed in class.

Objectives will be met through the following methods of evaluation:Lecture and lab exams that require the synthesis of material, analysis of data and conclusions to be drawn, weekly reading quizzes, and class participation. Exams and quizzes can only be made up with prior consent of the instructor. Make-up exams will be allowed only if they are arranged prior to the in-class exam and are entirely composed of essay questions.

1. Lecture : There will be three exams each worth 100 pts. They are not accumulative, but previously learned material may be needed to answer questions on the current exam. The exams are tentatively scheduled for Wed April 23rd, Mon May 19jh, and Wed June 11th.

2. Lab : there will be two lab exams during the term, each worth 75 pts. The exams are tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 21rstand Monday, June 9th. Lab attendance is required since lab sessions and lab exams cannot be made up. Students are free to leave when all sections of the lab have been completed, and the work station has been properly cleaned. Lab science courses require that at least 70% of labs must be completed with a “C” grade or better in order to get a passing grade for the course. e.g., if you had 80% in the class, but only turned in 50% of the lab reports, you would receive a failing grade for the course.

3. Quizzes : a) There will be a take home reading quiz given each week during the first day of lecture. The quizzes will cover reading material for the next week. Any late work must include reference page numbers and explanations for the multiple choice answers, otherwise will receive no credit. Assignments after graded work has been handed back will not be accepted.

Course Grading Scale and Points:Lecture Exams 300 pts 100.0-90.00% = ALab Work, quizzes & Exams 245 pts 89.99-80.00% = BReading Quizzes 100 pts 79.99-70.00% = CClicker Questions 75 pts 69.99-60.00% = DLeaf Press Notebook 50 pts 59.99-00.00% = FReseearch on Beta fish paper 20 ptsBeta fish experiment 30 ptsAdditional assignments 20 pts Total 840 pts

Student Responsibilities:

1. It is each student's responsibility to be aware of all college procedures, such as how to add, drop, or withdraw from a class, and the available student services. For more information, refer to your Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, and the Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibility Statement.

2. CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE COLLEGE POLICY AND ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TAKES ALL INCIDENTS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SERIOUSLY AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY: THIS INCLUDES A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE OR EXPULSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

Students With Disabilities:Any student that feels that he or she may need an academic accommodation for any disability, such as vision, hearing, orthopedic, learning disabilities, psychological or other medical conditions, should make an appointment with the Support Services Office (located in the Wiseman Tutoring Center on the RWC, or 227 East Ninth Street, at RVC.

Syllabus Disclaimer:A syllabus is designed to provide the student with a guide to course procedures, requirements, and grading policy. Sometimes it is necessary to alter the assignments or point totals due to availability of materials, emergencies, or to create the most beneficial learning program for the success of the student. I reserve the right to alter the grade total + 10%, to change the assignments to deal with situations or emergencies as needed, or to alter the suggested test or lab schedule to create a more productive learning program for student success.

Studying Skills:Biology is a challenging and involved field of study that requires a considerable effort on the part of the student. Students should commit a portion of each day for reviewing lecture and reading notes. Nothing can take the place of good study habits; the following is a list of helpful hints:

1. Read the text before the material is covered in class.2. When reading new material, note a question mark alongside sections that

you do not understand. If the lecture does not clear it up, ASK QUESTIONS!

3. Use office hours for one-on-one assistance.4. Write down new or difficult words on 3x5 cards. Put definitions or

concepts on the back. Carry these flash cards and use them to quiz yourself.

5. Carefully study diagrams and illustrations.6. While reading, use markers to highlight key ideas.7. Summarize what you have read. After finishing a paragraph restate the

main ideas in your own words.8. Form study groups with your classmates and friends.9. Take good notes! Compare notes during study sessions.10. Review material on a daily basis: flash cards, reading, notes, and review

questions. DO NOT CRAM FOR EXAMS!11. Answer the review questions at the end of the chapter.12. Build a mental image or model of what is discussed or read.13. Employ mnemonic devices to remember material.14. Use the textbook’s accompanying CD for review and additional

information

EXAMINATION POLICY

There will be NO opportunity to make up missed lab exams. If a student finds that it will be unavoidable to miss a lab exam, they should contact the instructor prior to the scheduled exam if at all possible. Make-up lecture exams will be entirely composed of essay questions.

Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics & Readings for Bio 213

Week Topic Lecture Date Chapter

1 Intro to Bio 213 & Fungi Mon Mar 31 31Fungi Wed April 2 31

2 Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land Mon Apr 7 29Wed Apr 9 29

3 Plant Diversity I: Evolution of Seed Plants Mon Apr 14 30Wed Apr 16 30

4 Reproduction in Flowering Plants (portions) Mon Apr 21 38

Catch up - Wed Apr 23Take Home EXAM #1 Chap 29, 30, 31 & 38 Due Mon (NO LATE EXAMS)

5 Plant structure, Growth & Development Mon Apr 28 35Photosynthesis Wed Apr 30 10

6 Photosynthesis; structure Mon May 5 10 & 35Resource Acquisition & Transport Wed May 7 36

7 Transport; Soil & Plant Nutrition Mon May 12 36 & 37Soil & Plant Nutrition - Beta Research due Wed May 14 37

8 EXAM #2 Chapters 10, 35, 36, & 37 Mon May 19Intro to Ecology & the Biosphere Wed May 21 52

9 Memorial Day Holiday (No school) Mon May 26 Population ecology Wed May 28 53

10 Community Ecology Mon June 2 54

Ecosystems & Restoration Ecology Wed June 4 54 & 55(Botaniocal Journal Notebook due)

11 Conservation biology & Global Change Mon June 9 55 & 56

EXAM #3: Chapters 52 thru 56 Wed June 11

One betta research paper will be due on Wednesday May 14th.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANNOUNCED CHANGES IN THE SYLLABUS

Tentative Schedule of Laboratory Topics for Bio 213

1 March 31 Lab # 28 Understanding Fungi

2 April 7 Lab # 22 & 23 Green machine parts 1 & 2: Non-Vascular & Seedless Vascular plants

3 Apr 14 Lab # 24 (thru p.397) & 25 Green machine pts 3 & 4: Seed Plants: Gymno &

Angiosperms

4 April 21 Lab #27 Flowers, Fruits, & Seeds

5 Apr 28 Lab Practicum Exam#1 Phtsynthsis lab handout

6 May 5 Handout: Photosynthesis

7 May 12 Lab #26 & 24 (p.398-404) Part 1: Understanding Roots, Stems, & Specialized leaves

8 May 19 Handout: Intraspecific Competition in Betta Fish: formal exp’t and lab write up due Mon June 2

9 May 26 Holiday No Lab Class Work on formal lab write up & botany

journals

10 June 2 Lab #26 Part 2: Leaf Classification (field trip) & Jelly bean ecology predation activity

11 June 9 Lab Practicum Exam#2

LAB DUE DATESLab assignments will be due at the beginning of the next week’s lab. Labs must be stamped BEFORE you leave the lab; unstamped labs will not be accepted. All assigned sections must be completed in each lab before the summary sheet will be accepted for grading. No late work will be accepted unless instructor agrees for extenuating circumstances only, and then only a two day extension will be allowed. Labs and lab exams can NOT be made up. If you know that you will have to miss a lab, be sure to inform the instructor well in advance.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANNOUNCED CHANGES IN THE SYLLABUS

Intended Outcomes Selected ILO Indicator Assessment Methods1. Students will be responsible members of the class.

COM 3. Collaborate effectively to achieve course/learning goals.

Assessment rubric for COM3 will be used to measure student

progress toward mastery of COM3.

2. Students will be self-confident in their relationships with instructors and other students.3. Students will arrive on time to class and use class time wisely.4. Students will work in a laboratory setting in groups allowing for mutual support and success.5. Students will use the MS Suite of programs to analyze and communicate results of laboratory exercises.6. Students will be confident and comfortable in class to ask relevant questions.7. Students will organize research data as well as data they collect themselves.8. Students will understand the implications of their actions on the ecological systems of the Earth.9. Students will solve problems using a combination of experience, new knowledge, and available resources.10. Students will use mathematical tools to develop relationships between data sets.11. Students will work safely in lab.

Botany Journal Notebook due: Wednesday June 4 th Description:You are required to turn in an 8 ½ by 11 page notebook of native tree leaves.

Materials:Two 10 x 12” pressboards, with four bolts and wingnuts, cardboard and newspaper (or absorbent paper).Three ring binder (or comparable) with mounted and labeled pressed leaves.Elmer’s glue

Requirements:Each page must have a well mounted, professionally labeled, well-pressed example of native trees or shrubs of southern Oregon. You will be graded on the quality and number of your specimens, the correct labeling, and the overall professional aesthetics of your collection. Pressing takes a while, so it is strongly recommended that you do not procrastinate on this project! Start your collection as early as possible once leaves have reached mature size. Conifer leaves (needles & scales) are available year round. You will have a minimum of twenty (20) specimens: ten (8) native conifers, and fifteen (12) native deciduous trees or shrubs.It is strongly suggested that you purchase a Manual of Oregon Trees and Shrubs to help you with your identification and scientific terms.

This typed information is required for each leaf specimen:1. Date collected2. Location collected (city, county, state)3. Common name 4. Scientific name – Genus and species5. Complexity of the leaf (simple or compound)6. Venation pattern (palmate net, pinnate net, or parallel)7. Type of margins (entire, serrated, pinnately or palmately lobed, etc.)8. Arrangement of leaves on the stem (alternate, opposite, whorled)9. Photo or sketch of bark pattern attached on a separate page10. Interesting fact (i.e. the tree’s role in the ecosystem, use by humans,

etc)

Directions for making a leaf press:1. Cut 15 - 20 pieces of corrugated cardboard 30 cm by 50 cm in size.2. Cut several sheets of newspaper the same size as the cardboard.3. Lay 10 or 12 sheets of newspaper between each cardboard layer sandwich style. These sheets will need to be changed every couple of days as they absorb moisture from your leaves; therefore, cut extra sheets.

4. Sandwich layers with hard board top and bottom, and tighten down with wing nuts and bolts.Leaf Collecting:1. Make sure to bring the materials that you will need (press, pencil, scissors, notebook for recording information, and sometimes ziplock baggies are helpful).

2. ALWAYS ask permission before collecting leaves from someone else’s property.

3. Collect two of each type of leaf so that you can mount a top and bottom view. Make sure to collect the whole leaf! Be careful not to tear the leaves. Collect seeds or fruits if you would like to add sketches or confirm your identification.

4. Put your leaves into your press as soon as possible after collecting them so that they don’t begin to wrinkle as they dry. Make sure that none of the leaf parts extend beyond the edge of the press.

5. Record the name of each leaf, date collected, and place collected in your notebook as you collect. Also record tree characteristics such as shape of the crown, color and type of bark, etc.

NOTE: Sketches of entire trees and/or bark rubbings added on a separate page to your specimen are mandatory.

Mounting leaves:1. Use Elmer's glue to adhere two leaves to each page --- one showing the upper surface of the leaf and the other showing the underside of the leaf.

2. Each page should have only one type of leaf on it.

3. Arrange the leaves so they do not overlap each other and so there is room to glue the label in the lower right hand corner. The leaves should look nice on the page.

4. On compound leaves, mount the topside of the complete leaf and then mount the underside of a single leaflet. Make sure the leaflet comes from another leaf.

5. Use a small amount of Elmer's glue to adhere the completed label in the lower right hand corner of the page.

6. LET THE PAGES DRY COMPLETELY BEFORE ASSEMBLING THEMTOGETHER IN YOUR COLLECTION OR THE PAGES WILL STICKTO EACH OTHER!

CAUTION: Do NOT include poison oak as one of your samples!