General BiologyR. Morales Office LS 116

Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday 1-2 or by appt.rmorales@gavilan.edu 848-4872

General Biology- Biological Science 1 Lecture TTH 2:30 – 3:50 PM LS 102 Lab F 8:10 – 11:15 AM LS 102

Course Description:General Biology emphasizes on the structure and function of cells, cell respiration, photosynthesis, cell cycle, Mendelian and non-classical genetics, evolution, and diversity of life. This course is required for students majoring in biology and/or its subcategories (e.g. plant or animal sciences). This course is transferable to the CSU or UC system.

Prerequisite: Biological Science 10 and Math 233 with a grade ‘C’ or better. Advisory: Chemistry 30A and students are eligible for English 250 and 260.

Texts: 1. Neil A. Campbell, and J. B. Reece. 2011. Biology 9th ed. Benjamin Cummings.2. Doris Helms, et al. 1998 Biology in the Laboratory 3rd ed. W.H. Freeman and Co.3. Quad rule composition lab Notebook

Course Website: http://hhh.gavilan.edu/rmorales

Lecture: (65% of course grade) 650 points totalStudent Learning Outcome:1. Employ the scientific method to pose testable hypotheses and predictions.2. Design and implement controlled experiments or observational studies to test

predictions.3. Collect, quantify, summarize, interpret, and present biological data.4. Assess and evaluate biological claims.5. Access multimedia lessons and conduct searches via the internet for information on

biological phenomena.6. Write papers and laboratory reports in an appropriate scientific style.7. Explain and apply general biological principles.8. Employ an appropriate biological vocabulary.9. Describe the importance of evolution as a unifying principle in biology.

Other learning objectives include but not limited to: Describe the characteristics of Life Demonstrate the importance of water chemistry and biological molecules in biology Identify and describe the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Describe how organisms use and store energy. Identify and describe different phases of the cells life cycle. Describe how organisms reproduce sexually and asexually. Describe the function of genes and how they are expressed. Be able to solve problems in molecular genetics, classical genetics, and cytogenetics. Relate the use of biotechnology to techniques used in the modern lab

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Describe how the structures of organisms are related to their function, and how those features develop through the process of evolution.

Guidelines for Exam and Quizzes Bring two pencils & scantron 886 (mini essay) to every Exam. Paper will be provided for quizzes. No Electronic devices during Exams or Quizzes! (turn cell phones off and put them away) Go to the bathroom before the Exam/Quiz Schedule appointments around class time.

Lecture Quizzes: 10% (100 points) approx. 5-10 lecture quizzes

Quizzes may be given during any lecture and may cover current & previous topics. Each quiz may be short answer, and fill in type questions which I’ll provide you with an answer sheet.

Lecture Exams: 45% (450 points ) Three 100 point midterms and A Comprehensive Final worth 150 points

There will be Three Midterm examinations that will contain a combination of multiple-choice, fill-in, matching, and short answer type questions. Each exam is worth 100 points, (10% of your overall grade) and primarily concentrates on the material from lecture, but assignments, reading material, and laboratory exercises are all fair game. A Comprehensive Final that follows the same format as the midterm examination is also given and is worth 150 points (15% of your overall grade).

Lecture Assignments: 5% (50 points) 7-10 lecture assignmentsLecture Assignments (i.e. in class activity, handouts, article reviews) may be given throughout the course and will be due one week from the assigned date otherwise instructed.

Late Assignments or Make-Ups will not be accepted!Make-Ups for Any assignment (Exams and Quizzes included) will only be offered to those students who have written medical excuses otherwise will receive a zero for the exam/quiz/assignment. It is the student’s responsibility to send an email no later than 24hrs from the missed exam to reschedule.

Service Learning Lecture Project: 2.5% (25 points)Volunteer at local nonprofit organization (i.e. park, estuary, museum, Gavilan College). This activity is worth 2.5% of your grade and will require student to provide a contact person or notice of event as well as documentation for attending (pictures at the event work best ). The students will be required to volunteer a minimum of 5 hours a month for a total of 15 hours (plus training session if needed) for the semester. Volunteer dates and locations will be posted throughout the semester~ so keep an Eye out for them! Please list your preferred site location below (highest priority to lowest). Here are some possible sites- Canada de Los Osos Reserve, Henry Coe, Mt. Madonna, Pinnacles National Monument, Gavilan College

Option #1 _____________, Option #2 _____________, Option #3_____________, Option #4 _____________ Supplemental Instruction: 2.5% (25 points)

Students are required to attend at minimal 1.5 hours of Supplemental Instruction/tutoring per week and would need to log on to Timekeeper and have a supplemental instructor/tutor sign your SI log. See SI handout.

Lab: (35% of course grade) 350 points totalThe Lab grade will count for 35% of the overall course grade and is calculated from the following: Preparation, Participation, Lab assignments/notes and Lab quizzes. The Lab provides hands-on experience and although the lab sessions are intended to complement lectures many lab exercises cover topics that lecture can’t.

Lab Learning Objectives:1. Learn to work safely and effectively in a laboratory setting. 2. Be able to work with simple laboratory equipment used to investigate the different specimens and

demonstrate the use of the compound and dissecting microscope, wet mounts and simple stains, use of

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dissecting tools, and identify particular specimens and their structures.3. Understand and use of the Metric and the Standard system of measurement.

Basic Lab Guidelines: Follow basic safety procedures covered in our first lab and outlined in the lab manual!

1. Do not attempt to pick up any broken glassware, please notify the instructor and he/she will dispose.

2. If you get cut or injured please inform the instructor. 3. Please DO NOT EAT IN THE LAB! We work with various solutions that include unhealthy

material that will find there way into your body if you do not protect yourself and follow this guideline.

4. It is your responsibility to clean up before you leave. If you are using the Microscope please follow the procedure found on the cabinet door of your work area.

Lab Assignments: 15% (150 points) Lab assignments will be given out during the first part of the lab and assignments are to be completed during the lab time unless otherwise instructed.

Students will also be required to write up each lab activity in there composition notebook which will include Exercise number, Topic, Main Learning Objectives, Activity completed, drawings/sketches of each specimen observed with common and classification name, family and phylum, as well as major structural components covered. The composition notebook will be graded periodically throughout the semester and will be worth 50 points.

Prelab quizzes will be given every week and students are required to read lab sections prior to lab. For full credit, students must attend every lab, be prepared and accomplish all of the desired goals during

this period. Attendance/promptness will be observed and counts towards laboratory participation points.

Laboratory Quizzes: 20% (200 points)

Quizzes will be given before every lab session and will cover topics from current lab (i.e. daily objectives) and previous laboratory assignment. The quizzes will be a combination of fill in, identification, multiple choice and short answer type questions that come from lab assignments and lab lectures.

Attendance and Tardiness:Lecture and Lab Attendance will be taken each day and if the student is tardy, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they make sure the instructor know that they are present at the end of class.

Two tardies or leaving early may equal one absence. Illness and emergencies constitute the only valid reasons for absences. Two absences in a row, without notification (email) will result in the student being dropped form the class, yet it is the student’s responsibility to drop themselves from the course or this may result in an F.

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and dealt with appropriately. If you’re unsure whether your action violates the College Academic Honesty Policy (i.e. Homework and Lab assignments) please check with me before continuing.

Grades:The Percent breakdown for determining your grade is as follows:

15% Final Exam30% Mid-Term Exams10% Lecture Quizzes

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5% Lecture Assignments 2.5% Service Learning Project 2.5% Supplemental Instruction35% Laboratory

Please note: In order to pass the class you must obtain a passing grade (C or Better) for the Lab.Your grade will be determined by the percentage you earn of the total possible points available

Grading Scale Please note that this scale may vary and should only be used to give the student a guideline for calculating

course grades.

ADA Accommodation Statement: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, or the disabled Student Service Office.

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Grade %A 90-100A- 88-89B+ 86-87.9B 80-85.9B- 78-79C+ 75-77.9C 68-74.9D 58-67.9F <57

TENTATIVE GENERAL BIOLOGY LECTURE SCHEDULE

Lecture ScheduleWk Dates Lecture Lecture book

chapter and Homework

1 9/1 Introduction- Chemistry of Life Labor Day Holiday 9/5

12, 3

2 9/69/8

Chemistry of Life & Chemistry: Macromolecules Last Day to Add Friday 9/9

45 -HW Chemistry: Organic Chemistry: Computer lab; BiochemChemistry CD ROM

3 9/139/15

Cells: Cell IntroCells: Membrane structure & Function

67

4 9/209/22

Exam #1 (ch. 1-7)Cells: Enzymes & Metabolism

8

5 9/279/29

Cells: Respiration Cells: PhotosynthesisLast day to drop with no “W” 9/29

910

6 10/410/6

Cells: Cell Cycle, Mitosis Cells: Meiosis and Sexual life cycles

1213

7 10/1110/13

Exam #2 (8-10, 12, 13)Genetics: Mendel & the Gene

14HW h/o Genetics I: Monohybrid

8 10/1810/20

Genetics: Inheritance Genetics: DNA

1516HW h/o Genetics II: Dihybrid/x-linkage

h/o = handout

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TENTATIVE GENERAL BIOLOGY LECTURE SCHEDULE

Lecture Schedule continueWk Dates Lecture Lecture book

chapter and Homework

9 10/2510/27

Genetics: ProteinGenetics: Biotechnology

1720HW h/o Genetics III: PedigreesGenetics: Human

10 11/111/3

Evolution: MechanismsEvolution: PopulationsHarding Weinberg and PTC taste test

2223 HW h/o Evolution I: Genetic Basis refer to Lab 20 Ex. B Harding Weinberg and PTC taste test

11 11/811/10

Evolution: Origin of SpeciesEvolution: History of LifeVeteran’s Day Holiday 11/11

2425HW h/o Evolution I : Geological Timetable

12 11/1511/17

Evolution: Phylogeny & Tree of life Exam #3 (14-17, 20, 22-26)Last day to drop with a “W” 11/18

26

13 11/2211/24

Ecology: Intro and Biosphere11/24-11/27 Thanksgiving Holiday

52

14 11/2912/1

Ecology: PopulationEcology: Community

5354

15 12/612/8

Ecology: EcosystemsReview

55

16 12/15 Comprehensive Final 1 - 3 pm

Review ALL

h/o = handout

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TENTATIVE GENERAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY SCHEDULE

Lab ScheduleWk

Date

Laboratory Lab Ex. (Helms Lab text)

Lab Homework

1 9/2 IntroductionScientific Method

I- Prior to lab Do: Ex. A and Ex. F 1 & 2In Lab Do: Ex. B Part 2 Ex. C Part 2 Ex. D Part 1 and 2 Ex. E Part 2 Ex. G Part 2 Appendix I part B, Part 3 Conclusion

Take home Assignment: Ex. H Report Appendix II

2 9/9 Intro to Microscope Last Day to Add Friday 9/9

1-Prior to lab Do: Ex. A Fig. IA-1, h/o MicroscopeIn Lab Do: Ex. B Compound Microscope Ex. C Preparing slide, Extending Your Investigation (EYI) Ex. D Determining size Ex. E Dissecting MicroscopeTake home Assignment:

HW h/oRefer to lab

3 9/16 Measurements & Techniques

2-Ex. A Metric SystemEx. B Mass Ex. C Volume (pipette and graduated cylinder) Ex. D Preparing solution

Take home Assignment:Chemistry: Organic ChemistryChemistry: Computer lab; BiochemLab 3 lab review 1-5

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TENTATIVE GENERAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY SCHEDULE

Lab ScheduleWk Dat

eLaboratory Lab Ex. (Helms

Lab text)Lab Homework

4 9/23 Using the Spectrophotometer

4-Prior to lab Do: Ex. A Part 1 Read and understand absorbance, transmittance, Fig. 4A-I, Fig 4A-2In Lab Do: Ex. A Part 2 Using the Spectrophotometer Part 3 Determining Transmittance and Absorbance Ex. B Determining the Max Absorption wavelength, EYI 1-8a-c Ex. C Relationship b/w Absorbance and Concentration 1-10

Take home Assignment: Lab 4 lab review 1-10

5 9/30 Cells: Prokaryotic cells

H.W. Cells: Eukaryotic cells

6-Prior to lab Do: List the domains (give examples of prokaryotes) In Lab Do: Ex. B Examining Bacterial Cells Part 1 Using light microscope Part 2 TEM Part 3 Staining Part 4 Examining Cyanobacteria Ex. C Working with bacteria-

Lab 7 Take home Assignment: Lab 7 lab review 1-8

6 10/7 Chemistry: Enzymes 10- EnzymesPrior to lab Do:In Lab Do

7 10/14 Cells: Cell MetabolismOrder flies for Genetics lab 10/28

11- Fermentation and Respiration (Need to order vials and material!)Prior to lab Do:In Lab Do

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TENTATIVE GENERAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY SCHEDULE

Lab ScheduleWk Dat

eLaboratory Lab Ex.

(Helms Lab text)

Lab Homework

8 10/21 Cells: Mitosis 9- Mitosis Prior to lab Do:In Lab Do

HW Mitosis and Meiosis

9 10/28 Genetics: HumanAnd introduce Fly genetics

16- Meiosis Prior to lab Do:In Lab Do

Flies Cross

H.W. Flies Cross

10 11/4 Genetics continue Observe Flies release F1 and hope for F2 to survive

H.W. 15- Human Genetic Traits (Karyotyping) h/o

11 11/11 NO LAB Veteran’s Holiday

12 11/18 Evolution II: Genetic Basis 21- Genetic Basis of Evolution part II – diversity Need to order protein western blot material

13 11/25 NO LAB Thanksgiving Holiday 11/24th -27th

14 12/2 Diversity: bring text 22- Diveristy Bacteia protista23- Fungi

24 diversity Plant27 Chordates

15 12/9 Comprehensive Lab Quiz

16 NO LAB

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"Bio logy 101": T h e S u r v i v a l G u i d eAcing Bio 101:

Everything you wish your parents had told you about college biologySo you probably think you’re a pretty big deal— and seeing as how you’re taking Biology 101, you probably are. Maybe you breezed through your Advanced Placement courses, were a three-sport athlete, and a violin virtuoso, or maybe you were class president, math whiz, and spelling bee state champion. However, everyone has a moment in their first Biology semester when they realize they’re not in Kansas anymore. For me and many other science geeks and pre-med overachievers, this moment was the first exam in Bio 101. A notoriously difficult class, many smart and capable first-years have been known to decide, after an abysmal performance on this initiation into college-level academics, that they were not cut out for science and abandoned their initial interest in biology. This guide aims to give new first-year bio students a heads-up, to be prepared for the rigor of Bio 101 so that they can get excited, not freaked-out about, the study of biology. It includes studying tips from past students and comments about what they wish they knew before that first bio exam. Enjoy, and good luck!

Good Habits: Learning throughout the semesterPreparing for tests and actually learning the material in Bio 101—and every other class you’ll take, for that matter—is made infinitely easier and more enjoyable if you establish an organized system for approaching the lecture and reading material early on in the semester. Here are some tips from past Bio 101 students about what helped them stay on top of things and stress free throughout their first semester.

1. Take good lecture notes.In Bio 101, all the important topics are covered in lecture. Basically, if you know the lecture material cold, you’ll be certain to do well in the class. This means that one of the most useful habits you can cultivate is taking detailed, organized notes in class.

Mark unclear concepts in the margin Review previous lecture’s notes 5 minutes before the next class and skim over all

the past week’s notes over the weekend Color code Leave lots of room—don’t crunch all your notes into a tiny space Write on only one side of a page (I know not ecofriendly but you’ll have to make it

up by volunteering at a local park or remember to bring your own bag when shopping.)

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Number and title pages Have a system for marking important ideas over smaller details Don’t get caught up in the details! If you try to write everything down, you might

miss something important. This takes getting used to, but eventually you’ll learn to identify the key themes; comparing notes with friends after class can help. (Note: some tech-savvy people like to use their mp3 players to record lectures so they can focus on listening rather than writing in class, but transferring notes may be a bit time consuming and some instructors don’t approve of recording devices.)

2. Use the textbook to supplement lecture material.The textbook for Bio 101 is, unfortunately, unnecessarily complicated. For that reason, many students don’t do the reading when assigned but wait till just before an exam to skim through five chapters. While this approach may work for you if you understand all the material in lecture, if you’re confused or never had bio in high school, reading the textbook can be great for clarifying concepts. Some pointers for using the book:

Skimming the assigned reading before class can be very helpful, since it gives you some idea of what the prof is talking about in lecture, particularly if (like me) you never took Advanced Placement course.

Taking detailed notes on the reading is probably a waste of time. I did it the first half of the semester and though it helped me out when studying for the midterm, it took far too long. Jotting notes in the margin, underlining, or highlighting is much more time efficient.

Don’t get hung up on insignificant details (i.e. the name of each intermediate in the Krebs cycle). Pay attention to the diagrams instead—most students have found them to be the most useful part of the textbook.

3. Get help early!

One of the most common and avoidable mistakes is failing to get help until they’re hopelessly overwhelmed. One of the best things about community college is the amount of cooperation and interaction among students and faculty, so take advantage of it: as soon as you get into trouble, get help!

Talk to your prof. Profs here may be wicked smart and all professional-like in class, but they’re super-friendly and helpful when you seek them out outside of lecture. Don’t feel like you have to exhaust all your other resources before coming to them, or like you need to have a list of very specific questions (although thinking about what you need help with first is always a good idea). And don’t just nod and smile when they’re explaining things to you—they won’t think you’re stupid if you ask for clarification. If you’re nervous to go by yourself, bring a friend. Also, if you can’t make office hours, email your prof to set up another time. (A word to the wise: profs will be flattered if you try to

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make friends with them. If you play your cards right, you just might get a free dinner out of the deal, or at least a good recommendation for a summer internship or 4 year school.)

Visit the Tutoring center. If you can’t meet with your professor, many other resources are available. The tutoring center resource center is open Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM and has student tutors who have already taken the Major Sciences and may help. Just make sure to check the schedule before you go to make sure a bio tutor is available.

Get help from other students. Your fellow students can often be your best resource. Use them by forming “study-buddies”!

Form study-buddies – swap information so that you may contact them when you have questions or would like to review

Studying: Gearing up for an examDeveloping good study strategies early on will save you lots of time and frustration over the next four years and beyond. You may find that the way you studied in high school doesn’t work as well in college, where exams test whether you can apply and extend what you’ve learned rather than regurgitate minute details. Here are some suggestions for approaching an exam:

1. Form a study group.Study groups, if well structured, can be the most effective and time efficient way to review. Some tips on how to make a great study group:

Size: Study groups that are too big tend to get disorganized, and if some students are more comfortable with the material than others some may not get all their questions answered. Most students find groups of 2 to 5 friends works best.

Prepare: It’s important to review the material before coming to a study group. This could merely be skimming your notes to identify confusing areas, but you should make a list of questions to bring to the group.

Organize: Assign each person a specific section (topic, lecture, etc.) to study and explain to the group.

Group dynamic: Don’t let one person dominate the conversation or get sidetracked by other distractions.

2. Start studying early.Review notes and make a study guide. Have an organized system for reviewing your notes. Here’s my own personal strategy:

Outline lecture notes: Read through your class notes and write down main ideas in outline form, including some specific details that you think you’ll forget. I like to put these study guides together at the end of the semester to make studying for the final easier. Color-coding (by topic or importance) is also useful.

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Skim textbook/reading notes: If you see anything surprising or particularly relevant to lecture material, or find a useful diagram, reference it in the margin of your lecture notes outline.

Draw your own diagrams: After studying your lecture notes, try to tie the material together by putting it in

picture form (without looking at your notes.)3. AFTER studying:

Do practice tests and textbook questions. Bring questions when you go to a class lecture/review session; otherwise, review session will be a waste of time.

4. Other strategies:Explaining the material to friends is one of the best ways to study and identify the things you don’t know (or call your mom and dad and impressing them with what their money is getting them.)

After the test: It’s not over yet! Some things you should do after the exam: Review questions you got wrong.Talk to professor to see how you can improve your grade.Save study guide to build on all semester.Note: With the permission of Williams College, the above resource material was altered to fit our “Bio 101” course.http://www.williams.edu/Biology/bio101survival/ http://www.williams.edu/Biology/bio101survival/tricks.php

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