Fall 2020 Course Syllabus Course: BIOL-1308- Section: 72E Biology I

Instructor Information
Instructor	Leah Alsibaa
E-mail	trahanla@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	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. 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.