Fall 2020 Course Syllabus
Course: BIOL-1308- Section: 72E
Biology I
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Leah Alsibaa
E-mailtrahanla@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6330
Office
Location:Educational I - Room: 131
Hours:in Person or Via BlackBoard Collaborate MWF 10am-noon and 1pm-3pm Tues/Thursday office hours by appointment *Please be advised that masks are required for all in person office hours*
Department
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Dr. Michelle Davis
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6341

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.
Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.
Prerequisites TSI complete in reading

Corequisite(s): BIOL 1108 (Lab Section)
Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics common to all forms of life, regulation of homeostasis, scientific method, general chemistry, pH, organic macromolecules, and the structure and function of the cell & cellular organelles.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the structures and function of the cell membrane, mechanisms of passive & active transport processes, enzyme action, photosynthesis, and cellular metabolism.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the phases of the cell cycle, stages of mitosis, stages of meiosis, Mendellian genetics, and various other forms of inheritance.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of structure & function of DNA & RNA, protein synthesis, gene regulation, genetic mutation, and the various implications & uses of biotechnology.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms involved in evolution, natural selection, and effect of evolution on frequency distribution curves, history of life on earth and the history of the earth.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of terminology relevant to the course.

7. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with fellow students to complete an assignment or project.
Core Objectives PSLO Alpha: Reading Skills-Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.

PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills-Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

PSLO 2: Communication Skills-Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.

PSLO 3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills-Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in 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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

1. Biology Life on Earth With Physiology, 11th ed, by Audesirk, Audesirk & Byers, Pearson
- Make sure you have the “With Physiology”version
- Includes Print Text Only
- ISBN 978-013-392-3001

2. Modified Mastering Biology Access code.
- If Purchased with E-Text included, Print Text is not required
- ISBN 0134-260-201

3. Package/bundle containing both the Print textbook and access code
- ISBN: 978-013-458-0982

Modified Mastering is required and will grant access to all of the course's assignments and Exams. Students enter Mastering Via BlackBoard on the 1st day of class, it is not accessible prior to 1st day of class.

Modified Mastering Access Code is used for Biology I & Biology II as well as Lab, and is valid for 1 year. One access code may be purchased for both courses and their Lab sections.
Lecture Topics
Outline
Aug 24 - Class Introduction Via Collaborate (Monday)

Sept 14 - Test 1: Ch 1,2,3 (Monday)

Oct 12 - Test 2: Ch 4,5,7,8,6 (Monday)

Nov 9 - Test 3: Ch 9,10,11,12,13,14 (Monday)

Nov 30 - Core Project presentations via Video and Peer assessments (Monday)

Dec 4 - Final Exam: Ch 17-25 & Cumulative section (Friday)

Dec 10 - Grades Due Dec 10th (Thursday)

Deadlines are Final, no grades will be dropped or replaced
Major Assignments
Schedule
Week 1: Aug 24 - Aug 30
*Monday Aug 24 Class Introduction Via Collaborate*
Chapter 1: Introduction to Life
Week 2: Aug 31 - Sept 6
Chapter 2: Chemistry of Life

Week 3: Sept 7 - 13
(Holiday Monday Sept 7th)
Chapter 3: Biological Molecules

Week 4: Sept 14 - 20
Test 1: Ch 1,2,3 Monday Sept 14
*Core Project Assigned - Group Members chosen and outline started*
Chapter 4: Cell Structure and Function

Week 5: Sept 21 - 27
Chapter 5: Cellular Membranes

Week 6: Sept 28 - Oct 4
Chapter 7/6: Photosynthesis

Week 7: Oct 5 - Oct 11
Chapter 8/6: Cellular Respiration

Week 8: Oct 12 - Oct 18
Test 2: Ch 4,5,7,8,6 Monday Oct 12
*Core Project Checkpoint - Outline Completed, Research Underway*
Chapter 9/10: Meiosis and Reproduction

Week 9: Oct 19 - Oct 25
Chapter 11: Inheritance

Week 10: Oct 26 - Nov 1
Chapter 12: DNA Molecules

Week 11: Nov 2 - Nov 8
Chapter 13/14: Gene Expression & Biotechnology

Week 12: Nov 9 - Nov 15
Test 3: Ch 9,10,11,12,13,14 Monday Nov 9
*Core Project Checkpoint - Research Completed, Presentation Underway*
Chapter 15/16: Natural Selection and Evolution Observed in a Population

Week 13: Nov 16 - Nov 22
Chapter 17/18: Origin of Life

Week 14: Nov 23 - Nov 29
Chapter 19-25 Diversity of Life
(Holiday Thursday Nov 26 & Friday Nov 27)

Week 15: Nov 30 - Dec 4
Core Project presentations via Video and Peer assessments
Final Exam: Ch 17-25 & Cumulative section Friday Dec 4

Week 16: Dec 7- Dec 10
Finals Week
Grades Due Dec 10th

Deadlines are Final, no grades will be dropped or replaced

Final Exam Date December 4, 2020 - 1:00 AM   Through  December 4, 2020 - 11:00 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade
25 % - Mastering Assignments

45 % - Tests

15% - Core Project

15% - Final Exam
________________________

100% Total

Extra Credit to not exceed additional 5%

Deadlines are Final, no grades will be dropped or replaced
Course Policies
Instructor Policies All Email Communication must come from an @lamarpa.edu email address

This course will have extensive assignments via Mastering Biology By Pearson, Please purchase the access code and log in on Day 1 of class. Checking email and Blackboard Often will help to keep communication open.

Please note that while many of the course materials can be accessed using a cell phone and/or tablet device, there are many questions on the homework assignments that can only be accessed on a computer (desktop or laptop).
Exams can only be taken on a laptop or desktop computer. Please make sure that you have a reliable computer and internet connection.

It is YOUR responsibility to make sure all assignments and exams are completed by their due date. There will be no dropped or replaced grades. Any assignments and/or exams not completed by the end of the availability date will receive a grade of "0" zero.

If you have any issues or questions, you can attend office hours, or email me at anytime.
Attendance Policy Daily online attendance is mandatory. I will check attendance and send reminders
It is YOUR responsibility to have a RELIABLE computer AND Internet access for the duration of this course.
If your internet goes out or computer breaks for any reason during the semester, Please contact me immediately.

Assignments are assigned on Monday and Due on Friday of each week. Holidays and outages will be taken into consideration but generally do not affect this schedule. All work is due by Friday at 11:59 PM. If there is any issue or questions about assignments please contact me BEFORE Friday.

Exam dates are set. Exams will be open at midnight and closed at 11:59 PM on the assigned date. You will need to schedule time to be available for exams during this time.

There will be no dropped or replaced grades. Any assignments or exams not completed by the end of the availability date will receive a grade of "0" zero.
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
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

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

  3. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
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 the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA 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 MyLSCPA.
Other Important Dates:     08/24/2020         August 24th             First Day of Class
09/28/2020        September 28th         Drop Date No Penalty
11/19/2020        November 19th        Drop Date With Penalty
12/3-10/2020      December 4th      Final Exam
12/10/2020        December 10th         ALL GRADES ARE DUE
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.