BIOLOGY 1406 (4 credits)

COURSE SYLLABUS FALL 15

The orientation and first lab is Tuesday, Aug. 25th from 6-10pm. Please meet in LSC-Kingwood HSB room 206.
Lab attendance is MANDATORY. We do NOT meet every week. Please PRINT the schedule.

Instructor: Professor Amber Heron

Virtual Office Hours: by appointment
Office Mailbox: 202
** Emails checked within 24 hours on weekdays.
Lead Instructor: Betsy Morgan
Dept. Chair: Dr. Mike Clark
Dean: Dr. Linda Luehrs-Wolfe

E-mail: Non-urgent- within D2L classroom

E-mail: More urgent: bioheron@yahoo.com or
Amber.M.Heron@lonestar.edu
HSB 202-S
HSB 202-V
HSB 102-C

Phone: 281-312-1682
Phone: 281-312-1423
Phone: 281-312-1575

Course Description (from the Lone Star catalog):

A contemporary course including applications of the scientific method, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, classical
and human genetics, virology and mechanisms of evolution.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0365 or ENGL 0115 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0375 or ENGL 0117 OR higher level course (ENGL
1301) OR placement by testing; ENGL 0309 or ENGL 0310 also meets prerequisite; MATH 0308

Course Overview:

The first semester of Introductory Biology is a study of the organization of life on the cellular and molecular levels. In the first
few weeks, students will learn chemistry and basic biochemistry that is important to the understanding of the cell. Then, the
students will study cellular structures and their functions and compare cells to viruses. Students will then explore the
mechanics and purposes of transport, cell division, and pathways of energy transformation and transfer in living systems.
Students will study the history, structure, and function of DNA, relating it to modern-day genomics. Students will review
Mendelian genetics and the process of protein synthesis and apply those concepts to gene technology and evolution. The
themes of evolution and natural selection will be woven throughout the semester, and the course will close with an
exploration of the vast and varied evidence supporting evolution.
This is a course for science majors & will be treated as such. Accordingly, the goal of the course is to prepare you for upperlevel biology courses (genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, etc). This course must be rigorous, thorough, detail-oriented,
& fast-paced to accomplish this goal. (It is also typically the course necessary to obtain credit that can be transferred to a fouryear institution.)
BIOL 1406 is both a lecture course and a laboratory course combined into one overall course. This means that the
work required is approximately equivalent to that of TWO COURSES. As in any college level lab course, you will
write lab reports and/or answer questions for every lab. The lecture course will also require outside homework,
reading, and preparation for every class. The dual nature of the BIOL 1406 necessitates that you allot an appropriate
amount of time to both the lab course and the lecture course.

2015-2016 Learning Outcomes for BIOL 1406 (from the LSC catalog)

1- Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, & utilize scientific tools such as microscopes & laboratory
equipment to collect and analyze data.
2 - Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.
3 - Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
4 - Describe the characteristics of life.
5 - Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists.
6cells.
- Compare & contrast the structures, reproduction, & characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells & eukaryotic

7 - Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
8 - Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
9 - Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
10 - Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
11 - Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.
12 - Identify the basic properties of substances needed for life.
13 - Employ teamwork for a shared purpose or goal.

Materials Needed:
Textbook: Campbell Biology in Focus 1st Edition by Urry et. al. with MODIFIED Mastering Biology login
You may buy individually or a bundle package. The online book is also permitted. The materials will be available through the
bookstore or www.pearsonmastering.com
Lab: Laboratory Exercises for Biology I (blue) Petty et al. (available only through the Kingwood location)
Optional but Highly Recommended:
Student Study Guide for Campbell Biology 6 th - 9th ed. Or Study Guide for Biology In Focus

Evaluation:
Your grade in this course will be determined according to the following formula:
Lecture (55%) Lab (27.5%) Final (17.5%)

Final Grade = Lecture Points + Lab Points + Final Exam Points / 1000 x 100

A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 59 and below
Lecture

550 points: 5 exams (425 pts.), Masteringbio (50pts), class participation (25 pts)
genetics project (50 pts)

Laboratory

275 points: formal Lab Reports, lab quizzes, lab analysis, drawings, genetics problems, group problem
solving exercises, case studies.

Final Exam

175 points: Comprehensive final (125) and Lab Practical (50)

Lecture Grades:
The lecture grades will comprise 55% of the total grade for the course and consist of five (5) lecture exams, quizzes and one
(1) genetics project/presentation (550 points). None of the grades for lecture will be dropped. The lecture exams may consist
of both objective and essay questions. Quizzes will be on the website http://pearsonmastering.com and in the assignment
section of the online classroom (internet exercises) and will cover lecture information. The presentation will be a research
project and oral/PowerPoint presentation to the class. Class participation points are earned by being present in lab class and
participating in activities and discussion in D2L.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE ADMINISTERED (no matter the excuse) If a student misses an exam, he/she will
receive a zero. The final exam grade (100% scale) may be used to replace the zero (one exam only). Exams will be taken at
any LSC testing center. You must bring your ID and password to the center. You are responsible for knowing the exam center
hours and policies. Arriving too late to take an exam is not an excuse.

Masteringbio:
http://pearsonmastering.com/ Log in using the information from your new text book. For used text books, you may have to
purchase access on the website. Your quizzes, assignments and a wealth of study material are found here. The course I.D. is
heron87078 & my course name is HERONMB82515 . Complete tasks on the website, not in the online classroom. Due dates
vary by unit. You may enroll/begin MB prior to course.

Lab Grades:
The laboratory grades will comprise 27.5% of the total grade (275 points). The lab grade will be averaged from several
grades including analyses and exercises in the lab manual, formal lab reports, lab quiz grades, lab clean up and group
problem solving activities. The lowest quiz grade and lowest lab grade will be dropped.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UPS IN LAB.
Formal lab reports MUST be typed in 12 font and must follow the format as explained in the lab manual (and in D2L).
Typically a pre-lab will be required and uploaded as an assignment in D2L before each lab. (DROP BOX) All lab reports (as
well as any assignment) must be submitted on the due date (as per the schedule). I WILL NOT accept late work!!
Anticipate problems and submit your document early. If you are having problems with D2L, send a copy of your pre-lab to
bioheron@yahoo.com BEFORE lab begins. You may also bring a printed pre-lab to lab as an alternative. In addition, lab
reports will be submitted in the online classroom in the Turnit in drop box. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in a zero
(see Student Integrity policy for more information). Discussing assignments generally is permitted; however, every
assignment must be your own work, in your own words. It is not acceptable to complete an assignment together,

and then change a few words between the two papers. You cannot copy another students work. Even with the
permission of the other student, this is collusion.

Final Exam:
The final exam is mandatory, comprehensive, will include a lab practical and will comprise 17.5% of the grade (125
points- written exam and 50 pts lab practical. If you do not take the final and/or practical, the instructor reserves
the right to assign F in the course no matter your overall grade standing.

Grades Overall:
For most purposes, a C (70-79) or above is transferable. A grade of below 60 is failing (F).
** One final word on grades. Instructors do not give grades. They assign them. Students get the grade they earn.
Do not expect a curve or that grades will be rounded up. Your final grade reflects an entire semester of effort.
Make sure you work hard enough to earn the grade you want. (A 68.6 is NOT a C!)
CLASSWORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE DUE DATE. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Attendance:
Lab attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. Students will be participating in group
activities as well as lab activities. Each lab session will cover a full unit of labs, so missing once is like missing 3-4
labs. Part of your grade is based on your participation in these activities. Students not attending lab will not be
able to pass the course. In case of emergency, the instructor should be notified as to the absence by email either
before class or as soon as possible. If students miss more than 2 consecutive labs they will be denied access to the
online classroom.
Attendance is the D2L classroom is important as well. You should treat this class as you would a traditional class.
In other words you should be present at a minimum of 4 days a week. This will allow you to check for class
announcements, emails, discussions, and assignments. It is recommended that students exchange phone
numbers/email so that they will have someone to contact in case they are absent due to illness, etc. If you must miss
part of a class or an entire class or in case of a prolonged absence, please inform the instructor (in person or via an
email). If students miss more than 2 consecutive classes they will be denied access to the online classroom.
If you decide to drop this course, you MUST fill out a drop slip, which may be picked up in the Registrar's office and
come visit with the instructor (virtually). You are still enrolled in this course until you have completed and
submitted this form and scheduled a conference with me. A grade of F will result if the student does not attend
class and a drop form has not been submitted. HOWEVER, if you have missed 2 labs (equivalent to 5+
classes), the instructor may opt to drop you from the class or give you an F in the course regardless of the
grades obtained to date. In making this determination, the instructor will consider serious extenuating
circumstances. See the 6-Drop policy on the page 5. See also information regarding attending and leaving class in
the section titled Behavior Expectations in the Classroom / Lab Environment below.

INCOMPLETES:
A grade of Incomplete will be given only in instances of documented and verified catastrophic events occurring
after the W date- November 9th. There will be no exceptions.

Laboratory Objectives:
Use and understand correct laboratory safety procedures.
Demonstrate working knowledge of scientific method and experimental design.
Make careful observations and record data accurately.
Further develop analytical reasoning skills.
Correctly use and clean basic laboratory equipment and glassware including slides.
Accurately perform both qualitative and quantitative procedures.
Properly use, maintain, and store a compound light microscope.
Make scientifically accurate drawings and measurements of organisms viewed through a microscope.
Demonstrate the ability to follow directions.

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Study Tips:
1.

Use the syllabus. It contains a wealth of information. The course outline provides the order
in which the lectures will be presented. Read the appropriate material before coming to class/lab.

2.

Attend class regularly. Be in the classroom. Take advantage of the notes and correlate those notes with the text.
Take part in discussion and chats. Use the animations and practice sets in Mastering Bio.
Objectives for each chapter are provided in each note set and are a good way to check for understanding.
Use the concept maps to organize the way you study. Do not simply read and reread your notes.

3.

Expect and prepare for quizzes over lecture and lab material. Do not wait until the night
before to begin studying for the test.

4.

Inform the instructor of any changes in your situation. You can expect an answer within 48 hours if it is a
weekday. I do not generally answer email over the weekend. If you send an email on Friday, you may not receive a
response until the next Monday. If you do not receive a response within 48 hours, please resend the email.
Sometimes the system is down and emails are lost.

Behavior Expectations in the Classroom Lab Environment:

Each student is entitled to an environment conducive to learning. Any situation that prevents students from learning or the
instructor from teaching is considered to be disruption and the offending student will be dismissed from the class. Please be
respectful of your fellow students and me by adhering to the following:
1.
2.
3.

4.

5.

Be on time and do not leave early. The hybrid course has several labs per lab meeting and being late could result in a
severe grade deduction.
Be prepared for lab. Use your course schedule to pre-read and prepare your pre-labs, assigned chapters, etc. If you
are having trouble with the material, schedule an appointment with your instructor and/or attend tutoring offered at
the Learning Center.
Turn off cell phones/pagers and put them away in your backpack or purse. Phones are not allowed during class/lab,
there is no texting or talking on the phone in class/lab. First offense: a warning and you will be allowed to stay in
class. Additional offenses: you will be asked to leave the class/lab and will lost points for any assignment for that
day.
Do not bring friends, spouses, and children to lab. Children cannot sit outside the door of the class or lab as they
would be unattended. Unattended children or non-registered individuals attending class are against the policy of the
Lone Star College System. You will not be able to complete the class or lab which results in a loss of points for any
assignments for that day.
Turn in/email work on the due date. No late work will be accepted. If you are ill or if your computer is not behaving,
send the assignment via email or fax. If you cannot email your assignment in D2L, send the assignment to the
instructors alternate email address.

Email:
Please email through the D2L classroom. If you do not get a response back from an email within 24 hours Mon-Fri, or within
48 hours on the weekend, please resend. I check my email frequently. I can also be emailed from outside of the course, but
those should be for urgent issues, such as exam problems. Do not email assignments unless the Angel system is down. I will
be specific on when its appropriate to email assignments versus posting them in class. Please sign your emails with your full
name. Procrastinating with your assignments may not allow time for questions! Your full name should be on submitted
assignments.

Assignments/Discussions:

I expect all assignments and discussion postings to be in standard, grammatically correct English sentences! I expect all
sentences to begin with a capital letter and end with a period. Proper nouns, days of the week, etc. are to be capitalized. In
other words, write to me as if you were writing for your English class or conducting professional business. Please do not use
improper lingo (such as in email / text messages) for any assignment which is to be graded. Generally, assignments can
simply be copy/pasted into the drop box. That is the preferred method. The title of the submission should reflect the
assignment that is turned in. Additionally, all assignments need to contain your full name (and each subsequent page initials)
ALL CLASSWORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE DUE DATE. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Technology Problems:
If you are having problems with technology, the first thing that you need to do is do is perform the Browser Test. Because of
the nature of Angel and the frequency with which updates are made, you may need to do this several times during the
semester! Make sure that your popup blocker is off! For additional help troubleshooting technology problems, go to the Help
Desk. Search eCampus for Help Desk. One note on downloading files, many times, it may kick you off on the first try, but
after allowing the download, and returning to the class, the document will appear. Always try several times.

Academic Integrity (from the Lone Star Catalog):

The Lone Star College upholds the core values of learning: honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability. The system promotes
the importance of personal and academic honesty. The system embraces the belief that all leanersstudents, faculty, staff, and
administratorswill act with integrity and honesty and must produce their own work and give appropriate credit to the work

of others. Fabrication of sources, cheating, or unauthorized collaboration is not permitted on any work submitted with the
system.
The consequences for academic dishonesty are determined by the professor, or the professor and academic dean, or the
professor and chief student services officer and can include but are not limited to:
1.

Having additional class requirements imposed

2.

Receiving a grade of zero or F for an exam or assignment

3.

Receiving a grade of F for the course

4.

Being withdrawn from the course or program

5.

Being expelled from the college system

Any alleged violation or flagrant disregard of LSC rules and regulations shall be brought to the attention of the chief student
services officer, who will initiate an investigation of the situation. After a complete and thorough investigation, the chief
student services officer will determine the course of action. Discipline may result in expulsion. The decision of the
administrator may be appealed to the college discipline committee. The complete discipline policy may be found online
at www.lonestar.edu/student-handbook.
According to board policy, no children are allowed in classes.

Withdrawal / Drop Policy (adapted from Lone Star catalog):

In the event that your situation changes and you are unable to successfully complete the course requirements, you may wish to
drop this class. Withdrawal from a class after the official day of record will result in a mark of W on your transcript and no
credit will be awarded for the course. Prior to the official withdrawal date, the W date, it is your responsibility to initiate a
request for withdrawal from any course. It is in your best interest to visit with the professor before making that decision.
There may be some options you havent considered. However, if you decide to drop this class, it is your responsibility to
complete a drop slip that may be obtained from the Admissions Office or drop online. In the student center pagelet on the
my.lonestar homepage click My Class Schedule, choose the Enroll tab at the top, choose the Drop tab at the top, drop yourself
from the course. If you dont have the student center pagelet, click Self Service from the Menu column on the left of your
my.lonestar homepage, choose Enrollment, choose Enrollment: Drop Classes, drop yourself from the course. Sometimes it is
necessary to go to Admissions in person.
You are still enrolled in this course until you have completed and submitted this form. A grade of F will
result if you do not attend class and a drop form has not been submitted. If you have missed 5 or more
classes, the professor may opt to drop you from the class or give you an F in the course regardless of the
grades obtained to date. You will be informed if the instructor elects to drop you, so assume you are
enrolled in the course until you drop yourself. In making this determination, the professor will consider
serious extenuating circumstances.
****Students who enrolled in Texas public institutions of higher education as first-time college students during the Fall
2007 term or later are subject to section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, which states that an institution of higher
education may not permit a student to drop (withdraw with a grade of W) from more than six courses. This sixcourse limit includes courses that a transfer student has previously dropped at other Texas public institutions of higher
education if they fall under the law. Students should be sure they fully understand this drop limit before they drop a
course. Please visit the admissions office or counseling/advising center for additional information and assistance.
Satisfactory academic progress is required for continuing eligibility for financial aid. Consult with the colleges financial aid
office regarding the course completion requirements. The last day to withdraw is November 9 th.
Note: This syllabus is a guide. You are required to check D2L and your email at least once a day. Also, the
professor retains the right to amend any of these rules and guidelines, as necessary, throughout the term.

Equal Opportunity Statement (from Lone Star catalog):

It is the policy of the Lone Star College to maintain a work and academic environment that is free of discriminatory actions
based on race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, veterans status, or any
other protected status, and free of sexual discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence. Unlawful
discrimination and sexual discrimination by officers, managers, faculty, supervisors, employees, students, advisors, vendors,
clientele, and contractors will not be tolerated. Persons who violate such are subject to disciplinary action up to and including
termination of employment, expulsion and/or termination of the contractual relationship. Inquiries concerning LSCSs
policies, compliance with applicable laws, statues, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX and Section 504) may be

directed to the Office of the System General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, 832-813-6655. Complaints of discrimination,
including Title IX should be addressed to the director of the Office of Human Resources who is the Equal Employment Officer
and Title IX investigator. Inquiries about the laws and compliance may also be directed to the Office of Civil Rights with the
U.S. Department of Education.

Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Statement:

The Lone Star College is dedicated to providing the least restrictive learning environment for all students. LSC promotes
equity in academic access through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by the Vocational
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which will enable
students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all post-secondary educational programs and activities. If you
require reasonable accommodations because of a physical, mental, or learning disability, please notify the instructor of this
course within the first two weeks of the term.

Veteran Statement:
For more information on Veterans Affairs click here Veterans' Affairs Office or visit the Veterans Office on campus.

FERPA Statement:
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Lone Star College gives notice that the
following types of information will be released upon request and may require approval of the appropriate administrator,
unless the student desires to withhold all or any portion of it: students name, address, LSC email address, telephone listing,
date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, semesters enrolled,
degrees, certificates and awards received, photograph, enrollment status, student classification, and the most recent previous
educational agency or institution attended by the student. Any student objecting to the release of all or any portion of such
information must complete the FERPA release atwww.LoneStar.edu/myLoneStar in the online Student Center under Personal
Information Security/FERPA Restrictions. Release of any additional information pertaining to student records must be
authorized by the student (i.e., grades, transcripts). The students parents may authorize release of information if the student
is younger than 18 years of age and a dependent as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. A student or parents of a student
under the age of 18 may request to view the students educational records with a written request to the student services office
at the college(s) attended.

Student Consumer and Safety Information:

A comprehensive list of helpful website links and information is available at www.lonestar.edu/consumer-safety for student
reference.

Emergency Procedures:
Lone Star College is committed to providing a safe environment in which to learn, study, and work. Knowing what to do is
your best protection and your responsibility. In the event of a health, safety, or environmental emergency while on campus,
students should immediately contact LSCS police at 281-290-5911 or the administrator on duty. If you know you will need
assistance to evacuate during an emergency, please register by calling 281-290-5911 at any time. Detailed information on
LSC emergency procedures is available at www.lonestar.edu/oem .

Emergency Notification:
LSCS uses email, text messaging, and other communications tools available to faculty, students and staff for emergency
notification. Please register at http://www.lonestar.edu/12803.htm (LSCS News Router Service) for LSCS campus closures or
other emergency alerts. In the event of a Building Evacuation, a map at each classroom entrance shows the evacuation point
for each building. Please familiarize yourself with it. In the case of campus-wide class cancellations, check your local media,
the Lonestar.edu web page, and your mylonestar.edu email regularly. Individual class cancellations may be made at the
discretion of the instructor. Instructors will provide information on how to handle course assignments. Each individual is
expected to make the best decision for their personal circumstances, taking safety into account.
Lone Star College System is committed to maintaining the safety of the students, faculty, staff, and guests while visiting one
of our campuses. As part of this commitment, LSCS has prepared a Emergency Management Guidelines brochure, containing
information relating to campus safety, emergency management, and the health and welfare of the campus community. See
http://www.lonestar.edu/chief-security.htm for details.
LoneStarAlert (Emergency and non-emergency messaging system)
All current Lone Star College students and employees are automatically opted-in to our emergency alert system
with their LoneStar.edu email address as the primary communication source.
PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION MUST BE UPDATED IN myLoneStar TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY
TEXT MESSAGES OR NOTIFICATIONS TO A PERSONAL EMAIL ACCOUNT.

If you want to receive text messages to your cell phone during an emergency, you MUST login to myLoneStar and
update your official student or employee personal information record with your cell phone information. If you
want to receive notifications to a personal email address, you may add additional email addresses to your personal
information record. Please update your personal information record in myLoneStar with the following
information and you will receive emergency alert notifications to those devices: cell phone, home phone, and
personal email
Lone Star College partners, including University Center students, tenants and community members, may selfregister to opt-in to the LoneStarAlert messaging system.
Go to the LoneStar.edu website. During high alert periods when closures are a possibility, the Lone Star College
website home page will display notifications, instructions and updates with the latest status information.
Other resources: Weather: http://www.weather.gov/
Local travel and roadway conditions: www.houstontranstar.org
School closings: http://www.school-closings.net/
For assistance with LoneStarAlert: email - lscsalert@lonestar.edu

call - 281-290-2652

Campus Resources
Academic Counseling: SHO
Suann Hereford
HSB 118
281-312-1410

Academic Learning Center

PAC 200
281-312-1439
lonestar.edu/learning-kingwood.htm

Library
Jimmi Rushing
(other librarians are also available)
lonestar.edu/library/kw-library
281-312-1693
Text: 281-973-4792

Disabilities Services
Lee-Ann Liebst
SCC 205
LeeAnn.C.Liebst@lonestar.edu
281-312-1453

Womens Center
Diane Blanco
SCC 201 (MTW 8-3)
281-318-4332
diane.k.blanco@lonestar.edu

International & ESOL

Masoud Shafiei
CLB 100A
281-312-1578
shafieim@lonestar.edu

Child Care
Nina McKinney
www.lonestar.edu/child-care-kingwood.htm
281-312-1535
nina.a.mckinney@lonestar.edu

Mens Center
Alfred Dorsey
SCC 234 (MWF 8:30-5)
281-318-4351
alfred.dorsey@lonestar.edu