Spring 2021 Course Syllabus
Course: BIOL-1109- Section: 71
Biology for Non-Science Majors II Laboratory
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Leah Alsibaa
E-mailtrahanla@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6332
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*
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Course Information
Description This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology.Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology.
Prerequisites Prerequisite: BIOL 1306, basic skills competency in reading and writing
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 ? 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 ? 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 ? 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.
Core Objectives * 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.
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
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.
Major Assignments
Schedule

Week 1:
*Class Introduction Via Collaborate*
Chapter TBA

Week 2:
Chapter TBA

Week 3:
Chapter TBA

Week 4:
Test 1: TBA
*Core Project Assigned - Group Members chosen and outline started*
Chapter TBA

Week 5:
Chapter TBA

Week 6:
Chapter TBA

Week 7:
Chapter TBA

Week 8:
Test TBA
*Core Project Checkpoint - Outline Completed, Research Underway*
Chapter TBA

Week 9:
Chapter TBA

Week 10:
Chapter TBA

Week 11:
Chapter TBA

Week 12:
Test 3: TBA
*Core Project Checkpoint - Research Completed, Presentation Underway*
Chapter TBA

Week 13:
Chapter TBA

Week 14:
Chapter TBA

Week 15:
Core Project presentations via Video and Peer assessments
Final Exam: TBA & Cumulative section

Week 16:
Finals Week
Grades Due

Deadlines are Final, no grades will be dropped or replaced
Final Exam Date May 5, 2021 - 11:59 PM   Through  May 6, 2021 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade
70 % - Online Labs and quizzes

15% - Core Project

15% - Final Lab Practical
________________________

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     All Grades are Final on May 6th, 2021 at Midnight
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
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.