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BSC 1011C Fundamentals of Biology II (CRN 27740)
Spring 2015 Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
E-MAIL:
OFFICE HOURS:
Dr. E. Laurent
HSB – 122
(407) 582-1941
elaurent1@valenciacollege.edu
Mon – Thur:
Mondays:
Mondays:
Fridays:
Fridays:
7:45 – 8:15 am (phone)
10:00 – 12:30 pm (office)
8:30 – 9:30 pm (e-mail)
9:00 – 12:00 pm (office)
8:30 – 9:30 pm (e-mail)
(Other times may be available by appointment)
CLASS MATERIAL:
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Campbell Biology, Volume 2 (10th edition) with Mastering Biology (printed or e-text)
Van der Graaff’s Photographic Atlas for Biology Lab
Mastering Biology New Design (access code purchased via Campus bookstore or Blackboard)
Lab Exercises (available online through Blackboard)
Access to Internet (use of Atlas and Blackboard will be required)
Lab coat, calculator, sharpie marker, and notebook are required; color pencils are recommended
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in BSC 1010C or BSC 1010H.
This course is a continuation of BSC1010C and includes an analysis of biological systems at the
organismal and supraorganismal levels: unity and diversity of life, and organismal structure and
function. We will examine topics such as Darwinism, diversity and origin of Eukaryotes, evolution and
diversity of the three Domains, animal and plant morphology, reproduction, development of animal
behavior, population biology and ecology. Students will be required to complete college-level reading,
writing, and mathematics assignments as part of this course.
These topics will be covered through lectures, discussions, in-class activities, presentations, and
laboratory experiments. In the process, you will use CRITICAL THINKING to assess and understand
life. You will also learn the benefits of teamwork and collaboration.
Learning outcomes:
 Demonstrate competency in the application of critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
 Demonstrate an understanding of the origin of life and the principles and processes of evolution.
 Model the processes by which biologists establish phylogenetic relationships.
 Identify characteristics, taxonomic classification, ecology and significance of prokaryotes,
protists, plants, fungi, and animals.
COMPETENCIES
It’s all about survival—whether here at Valencia or in our community. While you learn about biology,
make sure to also learn and apply the survival skills described in the Student Handbook:
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Think: Think clearly, critically, and creatively, analyze, synthesize, integrate and evaluate in
many domains of human inquiry.
Value: Make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments.
Communicate: Communicate with different audiences using varied means.
Act: Act purposefully, effectively, and responsibly.
By mastering these 4 interrelated competencies, you will be well-prepared to succeed in this class,
Valencia, and the rest of the world. (If you have not read the handbook, you can access it through the
following link: http://www.valenciacollege.edu/pdf/studenthandbook.pdf.)
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Good attendance is essential to learning and to passing almost any class. Therefore, please be on time
for both lectures and labs. I understand that life happens and that emergencies may occur. However, it
is your responsibility to gather class notes and any missed work. I highly recommend that you find a
“buddy” with which you can share class information in case of an absence. Work missed because of
absences will not be accepted. Students are expected to take all exams at the scheduled time. Extra time
will not be given if a student arrives late for an exam. There are no makeup tests. Instead, the lowest
test grade from exams 1 – 4 will be dropped. Please note that the final exam is cumulative and cannot
be dropped. Failure to take the final exam will result in an F as the final grade for the course.
The instructor of this class will NOT withdraw any student. It is the student’s responsible to withdraw
from the class before the deadline [March 27, 2015 (11:59 p.m.)]. According to Valencia’s policy, “a
student who withdraws before the withdrawal deadline will receive a W. A student is not permitted to
withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during
a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of F.” Students on Bright
Futures scholarship who withdraw (or are withdrawn) from a class must pay the college for the cost of
the class! Make sure to meet with a financial and an academic advisor before withdrawing from a class.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
We like (and sometimes demand) for other people to give us respect. Therefore we should in turn
show respect to others and behave in a manner that promotes a learning atmosphere. Some subject
areas may be controversial. It’s okay if we review or discuss these types of issues, but let’s do it from a
scientific point of view while still showing respect and tolerance for each other’s opinion. Furthermore,
talking (and ringing of cell phones) during lecture is a distraction. All cell phones must be turned off
or placed on silent. Furthermore, cell phones should not be on or near your person during any
assessments. In such cases, I will assume that you are cheating and a grade of zero will be assigned.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty will NOT be tolerated. Please read the
Student Handbook to review Valencia’s policy on academic dishonesty and its consequences. If a
student is caught doing any of these activities, the immediate action will be an F on the assignment.
The second offense will result in an F in the course and potential expulsion from the college. Those
who assist in such misconduct will likewise be penalized. To paraphrase one of Valencia’s core
competencies, “take pride in your actions!” Note: any zero received because of academic dishonesty
cannot be dropped or replaced.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with me within the first two weeks
of class. The OSD determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.
Information about the Office for Students with Disabilities can be found at the following website:
http://valenciacollege.edu/osd/CurrentStudents.cfm.
BAYCARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH’S STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Valencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college
experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with
psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse,
time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. Students have
24-hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program
phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free confidential face-to-face counseling
sessions are also available to students.
GRADING CRITERIA
Grades will be determined based on the assignments/assessments listed below. Grades will be posted
regularly on Blackboard. Please check your grades periodically for any discrepancies.
(Note: A = 90 – 100; B = 80 – 89; C = 70 – 79; D = 60 – 69; F ≤ 59.
3 out of 4 Lecture Exams (100 pts each)
= 300 pts
Final Exam (50% cumulative)
= 150 pts
2 Lab Exams (100 pts each)
= 200 pts
Homework Assignments (Mastering Biology)*
= 50 pts
Syllabus Quiz
= 15 pts
Research Article Presentation
= 75 pts
8 out of 10 Lab Quizzes (5 pts each)
= 40 pts
Labs (see Delinquencies below)**
= 40 pts
Total
= 870 pts
*Mastering Biology: Chapter reading assignments are due the day we first cover that specific chapter. (A
three-page summary of the chapter can be used as a replacement.) Homework assignments are due the
day of the exam that covers the specific chapters; however it is highly recommended that you do them
while we are covering the related topics. The homework assignments contain two types of activities:
those for credit (which are required) and those for practice (which are not graded, but recommended).
*Lab Delinquencies (points deducted for each offense):
1. – 2 pt….…No lab worksheet , notebook, or lab coat
2. – 2 pt….…Food or drink visible at any time
3. – 2 pts……Lab tables not cleaned
4. – 2 pts……Assigned microscope left improperly attended or not put away properly
5. – 2 pts…....Arrive after lab has begun
6. – 3 pts….... 2nd missed lab (and beyond)
CLASS/LABORATORY SAFETY
Because the labs may require the use of biological and chemical hazardous materials, there will be NO
EATING, DRINKING, OR CHEWING GUM in the lab. Application of makeup and/or lip balm is also
prohibited. Water bottles or food should not be visible at any time. As a safety precaution, you are
also required to wear shoes that cover your feet during lab. This means NO OPENED-TOE SHOES in
the laboratory room under any circumstances. For additional safety, please be aware you must be
present during instruction time to participate in any lab that involves chemicals or special equipment.
A lab coat is also required and is mandatory for some experiments.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
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All exams (unless designated differently) will begin promptly at the beginning of class. The exams
will take 60-75 minutes (with the exception of the lab exams and final exam) and will cover
primarily new material (material after the previous exam). The final exam will be cumulative
(~50% on the last set of chapters). Failure to take the final exam will result in an F for the course.
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A “due date” means that it is the last day for which an assignment is due. Unless specified, the due
time is at the beginning of class. Assignments can be turned in any day prior to the due date.
Some of the assignments can be submitted through Blackboard, which is highly recommended in
case of an unexpected absence. Assignments sent to my Atlas e-mail will not be accepted.
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Be prepared for class and lab by reading the required chapters/sections and completing the required
assignments on Mastering Biology. Prior to each lab, print and review the lab activity.
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Throughout the semester you may use the following formula to calculate the percentage you need
to earn on tests and assignments to get the grade you desire:
T = maximum points (870)
y = desired grade: A = 90; B = 80; C = 70; D = 60
p = your current total points (available on Blackboard)
r = points of remaining assignments
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Important Dates:
1. Drop/Refund Deadline: January 20, 2014
2. Withdrawal Deadline: March 27, 2014
3. No classes: January 19 (Martin Luther King Day) & Spring Break (March 9 – 15)
4. No classes: College Learning Day (February 13)
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Class Expectations: This is not an easy course, but can be an enjoyable learning experience if you
put in the necessary time and effort. I highly recommend that you FORM STUDY GROUPS to
reinforce what you are learning in class. If you are having trouble with the subject matter, please
make an appointment to see me for further clarification. It is in your interest to seek help as soon
as you face difficulty.
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NO FOOD OR DRINK SHOULD BE VISIBLE AT ANY TIME IN THE LAB.
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PLEASE WEAR CLOSED-TOE SHOES TO THE LAB. Opened-toe shoes are NOT allowed!!!
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THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT. DO NOT ASK. I WILL NOT RESPOND.
BSC 1011C Spring 2015 Schedule (CRN 27740)
DATE
Week 1
Jan. 12 – 17
Week 2
Jan. 19 – 24
Week 3
Jan. 26 – 31
Week 4
Feb. 2 – 7
CHAPTER READINGS
Ch. 22: Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life
Ch. 23: The Evolution of Populations; Mechanisms of Evolution Activity
Ch. 24: The Origin of Species
Activity: Dissecting a Research Article
Ch. 26: Phylogeny and the Tree of Life
EXAM 1: Ch. 22 – 24; Activity: Taxonomy
LAB Schedule
Lab : Fossil Lab
(no Monday classes)
Lab: Prokaryotes
Ch. 27: Bacteria and Archaea
Ch. 28: Protists
Lab: Protists
Library Activity
Week 5
Feb. 9 – 14
Ch. 29: Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land
Week 6
Feb. 16 – 21
Ch. 30: Plant Diversity II: The Evolution of Seed Plants; (Chapters 35, 36
and 38 selected sections to be announced)
Lab: Plants II
Ch. 31: Fungi
Lab Practical I
Week 7
Feb. 23 – 28
Week 8
Mar. 2 – 7
Week 9
Mar. 9 – 14
Week 10
Mar. 16 – 21
Week 11
Mar. 23 – 28
Week 12
3/30 – 4/4
Week 13
4/6 – 4/11
EXAM 2: 26 - 28; Research Article Activity
Ch. 31 continued….;
EXAM 3: Ch. 29 – 31+; Research Article Activity
SPRING BREAK
Ch. 32: An Overview of Animal Diversity
Ch. 33: An introduction to Invertebrates
Ch. 34: The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates
Ch. 34 continued…
EXAM 4: Ch. 32 – 34; Research Article Activity
Chapter 52: An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere (Concept
52.4; Fig.52.3, 52.6, 52.11,52.12, 52.14, 52.16)
Week 15
4/20 – 4/25
Chapter 53: Population Ecology
Ch. 54: Community Ecology (Concept 54.1, 54.2)
Ch. 54: Community Ecology (Concept 54.1, 54.2)
Video
Week 16
4/27 – 4/30
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Week 14
4/13 – 4/18
Lab: Plants I
Lab: Fungi
SPRING BREAK
Lab: Embryology
Lab: Invertebrates I
Lab: Invertebrates II
Lab: Vertebrates
Article Presentations
Lab Practical II
Note: All exams are scheduled on a Wednesday.
Disclaimer: I reserve the right to modify course procedures /policies at any time. The schedule is an
estimate of what we will be covering at the time. If behind schedule, we will adjust accordingly.