Lamar State College - Port Arthur

House Bill 2504

Fall 2017 Course Syllabus

BIOL-1406-03 - Biology for Science Majors I

 
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Faculty Information
SemesterFall 2017
InstructorLonglet, Nancy Joann
Phone(409) 984-6324
E-maillongletn@lamarpa.edu
Department
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Michelle Davis
Phone:(409) 984-6341
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Office
Hours:MW 8-11, TR 7:30a-8a, 9:30-10:30, F 9a-10a (Email anytime)
Building:Educational Annex (EDUC)
Room:108
MyLamarPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you’ve logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the “My Courses” tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Course Information
Course Number90087
Course Description 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.
Course Prerequisites Basic skills and competency in reading, writing and math.
Required Textbooks Biology Life on Earth With Physiology, 11th ed, by Audesirk, Audesirk & Byers, Pearson, (Make sure you have the “With Physiology”version.) Modified Mastering Biology Access code. The ISBN for the Package/bundle containing both the textbook and access code is ISBN: 978-013-458-0982. The ISBN for just the Mastering Biology Access code that contains an etext is ISBN 0134-260-201. The ISBN for just the printed textbook is ISBN 978-013-392-3001.
Lab handouts will be provided by the instructor.
Attendance Policy The classrooms we will be using are somewhat small. Thus, entering lecture late is a disruption to the entire class. Thus, if you are routinely and/or excessively tardy, you may be asked to drop the course, or an instructor initiated drop may be conducted. Changes in lecture schedule, changes in exam dates, etc will be announced at the beginning of the lecture. Don't be late! If you arrive late to an exam, you will not be given extra time to complete the exam. If you arrive after a student has already turned in the exam, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
Course Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade This course will have three (3) lab exams. Each exam will be worth approximately 60-70 points. You will be given a grade based on the percentage of questions you answered correctly. ((#right / total possible) x 100) = % score. Exams will consist of multiple choice, multiple answer, identification, calculation and/or short answer questions. You will also receive a grade based on you daily attendance and participation. Each lab exam will be worth 30% of your lab grade. The remaining 10% will come from your grade on daily work, quizzes, daily attendance and participation.
In determining your grade for the course, the lecture average will comprise 75% of the course grade, while the lab average will make up the remaining 25%.
Final Exam Date November 29, 2017 - 1:00 PM
Major Assignments Date Topics
8/28, 8/30    Introduction & Lab Safety    Handouts
9/4, 9/6     Labor Day week, no lab    
9/11, 9/13    Measurements, conversions     Handout
9/18, 9/20    Homeostasis – pH    Handout
9/25, 9/27    Homeostasis – Osmosis    Handout
10/2, 10/4    Lab Exam #1    First 4 labs
10/9, 10/11    Microscopy    Handout
10/16, 10/18    Microscopy     Handout
10/23, 10/25    Mitosis        Handout
10/30, 11/1    Lab Exam #2    Microscope & Mitosis
11/6, 11/8     Heredity        Handout
11/13, 11/15    Heredity        Handout
11/20, 11/22    Thanksgiving week, No lab
11/27, 11/29    Lab Exam #3    Heredity
12/4, 12/6    Return Lab Exam #3
Calendar of Lecture Topics and Major Assignment Due Dates Summary of Exam Dates

Date Exam
10/2, 10/4 Exam #1 Labs 1-4
10/31, 11/1 Exam #2 Microscope & Mitosis
11/27, 11/29 Exam #3 Heredity
General Education/Core Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes
Communication skills:Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.

Critical Thinking Skills:Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills:Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.

Teamwork:Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

Social Responsibility:Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.

Personal Responsibility:Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Program Student Learning Outcomes PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.
Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading.
PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills ďż˝ Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.
Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion.
PSLO 2: Communication Skills ďż˝ Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.
Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task.
PSLO3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills ďż˝ Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.
Identifies mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; uses mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; analyzes how to use the principles; and applies problem-solving skills in mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task with correct informed conclusions.
PSLO 4: Teamwork Skills- Shows the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
Helps the team move forward by discussing merits of alternative ideas; Treats team members respectfully; uses positive facial, vocal or written tone, or language to convey a positive attitude; Motivates teammates by expressing confidence about the importance of the task; Provides assistance/encouragement to team members; Completes all assigned tasks by deadline; Addresses conflict constructively; or helps the group avoid conflict completely.

***PSLOs 3 & 4 will be measured in the lab portion of Bio 1406. Students do not receive a separate grade for lecture and lab.
Course Student Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes Biol 1406 Lecture
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Describe the characteristics of life. (PSLO 1,2) Measured by embedded questions.
2. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists. (PSLO 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions
3. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules needed for life. (PSLO 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions.
4. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells. (PSLO alpha, 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions and pre-post test questions.
5. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane. (PSLO alpha, 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions and pre-post test questions.
6. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism. (PSLO alpha, 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions and pre-post test questions.
7. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems. (PSLO alpha, 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions and pre-post test questions.
8. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins. (PSLO alpha, 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions and pre-post test questions.
9. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection. (PSLO alpha, 1, 2) Measured by embedded questions and pre-post test questions.

Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  • No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  • Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  • Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.

  • Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.

  • Turn your cellphones to vibrate when you enter the classroom.

    As a policy, please make sure YOUR CELL PHONES ARE TURNED OFF while you are in lab/class. Even phones that are set to vibrate are audible to the class and thus disruptive to the entire class. TEXTING DURING CLASS IS NOT ALLOWED AND IS DISRUPTIVE TO EVERYONE AROUND YOU. Cell phones MUST remain in your backpack, purse or pocket during class with purses & backpacks on the floor. Despite what you may think, I CAN see who has their phones out under your desk, in your lap, behind your book, etc. If you have your cell phone out during class/lab and are attempting to use them in any form, you will FORFEIT ALL BONUS POINTS ON THE NEXT EXAM (if it is done in lecture), AND FORFEIT ALL DAILY POINTS (if it is done in lab.
Additional Information If you wish to ask a question about your grade(s) via email, you must email me from YOUR LSCPA email account. I will NOT send information about grades in replies to emails sent from your personal email source or a friend's LSCPA email account.
Important Information
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
Copyright Violations Some material in this course may be copyrighted. They may be used only for instructional purposes this semester, by students enrolled in this course. These materials are being used fairly and legally. No one may distribute or share these copyrighted materials in any medium or format with anyone outside this class, including publishing essays with copyrighted material, uploading copyrighted material to Facebook or YouTube, or painting or performing copyrighted material for public display.

Copyright violation is not the same thing as plagiarism. Plagiarism is intellectual dishonesty. Offenses of plagiarism result in lower grades or failing scores, and professors and the college strictly enforce plagiarism rules. There is never any acceptable use of plagiarism. Copyright violation is a legal offense, punishable by large fines and penalties.

Copyrighted material can be used if permission from the material’s creator is obtained, or if its use meets the standards of fair use in an educational setting. For example, a student can quote a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet in a report without violating copyright but still be guilty of plagiarism if the quotation is not properly documented.

If you are in doubt about what material can be freely used, ask your professor or contact the Dean of Library Services, at (409) 984-6216.
Assessment Statement Assessment is a process by which LSCPA can help you learn better and gauge the level of progress you have made to attain knowledge, skills, beliefs, and values. It also helps your professors understand how to improve teaching and testing methods in your classes, and it helps each department understand and improve degree and certificate programs.

Periodically LSC-PA will collect assessment data for research and reporting purposes, including statistical data and sometimes copies of your work. Be assured that all material the college uses for assessment purposes will be kept confidential. To ensure anonymity, your name will be removed from any material we use for assessment purposes, including video-recorded performances, speeches, and projects.

If you object to allowing LSC-PA to use your material for assessment purposes, submit a letter stating so to your professor by the 12th class day. You will still be required to participate in whatever assessments are being done; we just won’t use your data.

What’s the difference between assessment and grades? The grades you get on papers, projects, speeches, and assignments are specific types of focused assessment. LSC-PA’s assessment efforts include class grades, surveys, standardized tests, and other tools.
Privacy Notice Federal privacy laws apply to college students. This means that college employees, including instructors, cannot divulge information to third parties, including parents and legal guardians of students. Even if the students are minors, information about their college work cannot be shared with anyone except in very limited circumstances.

Anyone requesting information about a student should be referred to the Registrar. Instructors will be notified in writing by that Office about what information may be released and to whom.

Please remember that releasing private information about a student, however innocuous it may seem, can be a violation of federal law, with very serious consequences.

Circumstances under which information may be released:

An adult student may submit, to the Registrar, a handwritten, signed note granting permission for release of information. The note must specify what information may be divulged, and it must specify the name of the person to whom the information may be given.

A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student by providing a copy of a filed tax return that shows that the student was listed as a dependent of that parent or guardian. The tax return must be for last complete tax year. Again, this documentation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student if the student logs on to My.LamarPA.edu and sends an email to the Registrar granting permission. The email must specify what information may be given and the name of the person to whom it may be given.

Co-enrollment students are protected by the same privacy laws as adult students.

The Registrar’s office is located in the Student Center room 303B, and can be reached at (409) 984-6165.

College-Level Perspectives This course helps add to the students’ overall collegiate experience in the following ways:

  • Establishing broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which s/he lives, and to understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world.

  • Stimulating a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in which to be a responsible member of society.

  • Developing a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and science affect their lives.

  • Developing personal values for ethical behavior.

  • Developing the ability to make aesthetic judgments.

  • Using logical reasoning in problem solving.

  • Integrating knowledge and understand the interrelationships of the scholarly disciplines.

Degree Plan Evaluation A Degree Plan Evaluation will help you determine which classes you need to complete your program.

  1. Sign in to your my.lamarpa.edu account.

  2. Click on the “My Services” tab.

  3. Click on the “Student” tab.

  4. Click on Student Records.

  5. Click on Degree Evaluation.

  6. Select the term you are planning on registering for (i.e. Summer I, Summer II, Fall, or Spring)

  7. Verify that the Curriculum Information (your MAJOR) is correct

  8. Click on “Generate New Evaluation” at the bottom of the screen.

  9. Click the radio button next to Program

  10. Click on the Generate Request button.

All of the classes that you have taken that apply to your declared major will be listed on the right. If you have a class that still needs to be completed, a “NO” will be listed on the right next to the required class.

HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA’s efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Lamar State College - Port Arthur

Mission

Lamar State College - Port Arthur, a member of The Texas State University System, is an open-access, comprehensive public two-year college offering quality and affordable instruction leading to associate degrees and a variety of certificates. The College embraces the premise that education is an ongoing process that enhances career potential, broadens intellectual horizons, and enriches life.

Core Values

  • Shared commitment by faculty, staff and administration to a mission characterized by student learning, diversity, and community involvement

  • General education/core curriculum that develops the values and concepts that allow the student to make a meaningful contribution in the workplace or community

  • Academic and technical programs designed to fulfill our commitment to accommodate students with diverse goals and backgrounds, using a variety of delivery methods, on and off campus

  • Technical education programs that provide for the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and behavior necessary for initial and continued employment

  • Student achievement characterized by attainment of individual goals and measured by successful accomplishments and completion of curriculum

  • Co-curricular opportunities that develop social, financial and civic acuity

Principles

Lamar State College - Port Arthur operates in the belief that all individuals should be:

  • treated with dignity and respect;

  • afforded equal opportunity to acquire a complete educational experience;

  • given an opportunity to discover and develop their special aptitudes and insights; and,

  • provided an opportunity to equip themselves for a fulfilling life and responsible citizenship in a world characterized by change.

 
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