Syllabus and Schedule

Biology 11 General Biology

Instructor: Kathryn O'Brien
Email: kobrien2@pasadena.edu
Phone: 617-640-0035
Office: SV7
Office Hours: Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Virtual Office Hours: Thursdays 8:15 pm - 8:45 pm via course CANVAS chatroom

Prerequisite: None
4 Units: 1.5 hours online, 1.5 hours lecture and 3 hours
lab/week
Course Description:
This course will introduce biology to non-science majors, which provides an introduction to biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, physiology, ecology, and
environmental biology.
This course will utilize a variety of problem solving based learning strategies both in-class and online. This class will require independent and group work. A field trip to local
communities will be required, and students will need to arrange their own transportation.

Student Performance Objectives

Describe the cellular basis of life including: the major organic molecules of cells, structure and function of cellular organelles, movement of materials into and out of cells,
the major cell types found in plants and animals, and cell division.

Describe and compare the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and explain their biological significance.
Compare the distinguishing characteristics of the major organismic groups, identify their evolutionary relationships and biological significance and list examples of each
group.

Describe the structure and function of organs and organ systems in mammals (humans) including the physiological processes associated with them.
Compare sexual and asexual modes of reproduction as studied in representative groups, explain advantages of sexual reproduction and describe reproductive trends in
vertebrates.

Describe the mechanisms of Mendelian inheritance and describe the relationship of genetics and human reproduction to variability in progeny.

Describe the basic processes of organismic evolution and provide examples of evolutionary change.

Describe the interrelationships among biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.

Perform laboratory observations, dissections, and experiments. Be able to collect and analyze data and form conclusions based on the results.

Required Materials:
Internet and Computer Requirements:
If you do not have access to a computer off campus, there are many computer labs on campus you can use to participate in the course. Most public libraries also have
computers with internet access that you can use for free.

You will need to have an up-to-date browser, operating system, and some additional software on your computer to take this class. Check this Distance Education page for
hardware & software requirements. Please note, Internet Explore does not work well with Canvas! Some of the documents in this course will be available to you in PDF
form. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your computer, you can download it by going to http://get.adobe.com/reader/ (Links to an external site.).

Lab Manual
The labs for the hybrid class are all available on Canvas. Please either print or bring them on an electronic device to class with you.
You will be required to bring a lab notebook for the CSI lab, but it is highly recommended that you bring one to all labs (a composition book works best) . More information to
follow.

Textbook
Simon, Eric. 2015. Biology: The Core. Pearson.
ISBN 13: 978-0-321-73586-7

Email
In this course we will use the CANVAS INBOX located on the upper right hand corner to send email for private messages. You can either check your messages in the CANVAS
system or set your notifications to your preferred method of contact (Links to an external site.). Please check your messages regularly. When submitting messages,
please do the following:

Send email only to the CANVAS INBOX and not my personal email account.

Do not send messages asking general information about the class; please post those in the Q&A Forum.

Do not submit your assignments by message.

Make certain to check your messages frequently.

Turnaround/Feedback
During the week (Monday to Friday), I will check Conversations and monitor the discussion board several times a day. If you have a concern and send me a message, you can
expect a response within two days.

Netiquette
When posting on the discussion boards and chat rooms it is important to understand how to interact with one another online, which is known as netiquette. You can read
more about the rules of netiquette at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/index.html (Links to an external site.).

Grading:
5 Unit exams (20-35 points each)
10-15 Quizzes and Softchalk activities (5-10 points each)
11-15 Online Discussions and assignments (5-10 Points each)
Introduced Species Project (35 Points)
Natural Selection Project (30 Points)
Human Performance and Adaption Debate (30 points)

CSI Project (75 Points)

Other assignments (5-10 points each)
In-class and in-lab participation (20-30 points)
Letter grades are determined following a straight scale and based on the instructor's discretion:
A>90%, B>80%, C>69%, D>60%, F<59%

Quizzes and Exams: Will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Material will be from lecture, lab, and online materials. You will be expected to apply your
knowledge. All exams will be online, with a time limit, and are open book/notes. You will need to study!

Lab Presentations: Presentations will incorporate materials from lab, lecture, and online materials. You will be working in groups and will be required to communicate with your
group members. You will be graded as individuals though; so if you do not participate with equal contribution, you will not get the same grade as your group.
Participation: You are expected to participate in every class and assignment! If you do not participate with your group, you will receive a ZERO for the project or activity.

There will be NO MAKE-UP exams.

Late assignments will not be accepted. If you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact me by private message before the

assignment is due to make alternate arrangements.

I do not make special extra credit arrangements for anyone, so please do not ask me for it.

Attendance:
If you do not attend the first class meeting or complete the online course CHECK-IN ASSIGNMENT and assignments by the end of the first week of the class, you will be
dropped from class for non-attendance.
Students who do not participate in class - that is, who consistently do not complete assignments or quizzes, respond to forums, or participate in lab; or who miss two or more
lab meetings - will be dropped from the class for non-participation. Attendance to all meetings is mandatory; there will be no make-up labs, quizzes or exams.
Do not be late to class; it is disruptive and rude. If you must be absent or late due to special circumstances, it is your responsibility to inform me ahead of time and contact
another student for the information missed.

How to do well in biology

Treat this class like a job: make a commitment to put in your best effort, and be responsible for your work and attendance. Be prepared for lecture, complete the online work
before class and take careful notes. If there is something that is unclear, ask! Be prepared to put in study time and work time with your project groups.

Accommodations
Online courses are required to meet ADA accessibility guidelines. This means that all aspects of the online learning experience are accessible. Please let me know if you have
adaptive software and hardware to assist you with taking this course or if you have any specific needs I should be aware of. The PCC Disabled Students Programs and
Services Department (RM D209) is available to assist you during this course. You can also email dsps@pasadena.edu or call (626) 585-7127 for assistance.

SCHEDULE
Please note: All of the information and dates in this syllabus are subject change with notice.

Week Online

Lecture/Readin Lab
g

Introduction to Course

9/5

Introduction Check-In Assignment

(Introduction Discussion post)

Scientific Method Black Boxes

Ch 1

Evaluating Science Discussion post

2
9/12

Biodiversity - Plants, Fungi and Animals

- SoftChalk

History of Life on Earth

Biodiversity

Ch 9 and 10

Scientific Paper Vocabulary Post

Mini Exam 1
3
9/19

4
9/26

Ecosystems and Ecology

Background Research - Discussion Post

Paper Discussion: Golden

FIELD TRIP ARROYO SECO

Eagles and Feral Pigs

on Arroyo Seco Species

Ch 12

Cells

Photosynthesis and

Microecology - Analysis of Arroyo

Autotroph Productivity

Seco Microorganisms

Tour of a Cell - Discussion Post

Ch 3

Ecology Papers Due

Mini Exam 2
5
10/3

Introduction to Natural Selection

Evidence for Evolution

Evolution and Natural

Selection

Ecology Presentations
Sexual Selection - Paper
Discussion

Hormones and Reproduction

6
10/10

Speciation and Sexual Selection

Article Research Discussion Post
Mini Exam 3

7
10/17

Mate Choice - Finding

Scholarly Articles
Developing Hypotheses

Mate Choice Experimental Design and Data

Collection

Health, Nutrition, and Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular Health and Human Performance Testing

Diseases

Immunity

Immunity - Vaccination Discussion Post

Diet Analysis - Start Journal
8
10/24

Basic Chemistry and Enzymes

Diet, Digestion, and Metabolic Rates

Metabolism, Diet, and

Data Analysis

Diabetes - Case Study

Diet Analysis Journal Due

9
10/31

Membrane Function
Aerobic Respiration

Respiration and Muscle

Food Testing

Physiology

Skeletal and Muscular Systems

10

Nervous and Sensory System

11/7

Exam 4

11

DNA Structure

11/14

DNA -> Proteins

12

Inheritance

11/21

DNA in Forensics

13

Cell Division

Human Adaptation Debate

DNA Structure and

Crime Scene 1

Function

Gene Regulation and Development

Blood Typing to DNA

Fingerprinting
Why Don't We All Have

Stem Cells

12/12
15
12/19

Case Files

How to Catch a Killer: From Crime Scene 2

Cancer?

12/5

14

The Zombie Apocalypse

Evidence Testing
Crime Scene 3
DNA Electrophoresis

Crime Scene 4
Analysis of Results and Trial Prep

Global Warming
Biotechnology Discussion post
Exam 5

Using Biotechnology to

Presentations of Crime Scene

Solve Global Problems

Reports
Turn in Lab Notebooks