Biology A100: Principles of Biology Tentative Syllabus

Instructor: Dr. Chih Lew Office: Bio Sci 212D

Office Hours: M & W 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM, Phone: TBD
T 11:05 AM to 1:05 PM
Fall 2019 Section: 25830, 4 units *e-mail: clew7@occ.cccd.edu

Lecture: T & Th 9:35 AM to 11:00 AM Bio Sc 200

*Please write Biol A100, Section number, and your name on Subject of email.

Course Prerequisite: There is not required prerequisite for this course. Some knowledge and
interest in biology would be helpful.

Course Format: A general study of life processes with emphasis on biological molecules, cells,
heredity, evolution and diversity of life. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-
science major. Three hours lecture, three hours and 10 minutes laboratory. Transfer Credit:
CSU; UC except if taken after Biology A180.

Biology A100: Student Learning Outcomes

After completing Biology A100, students will be able to:
1.Identify the cellular components and cellular functioning of the various domains of life.
2.Solve genetic problems and determine the genotype and phenotype outcomes of a
genetic trait cross.
3.Identify the major taxonomic groups of organisms and compare and contrast their
major characteristics.
4.Identify the various mechanisms by which organisms evolve and the mechanisms by
which new species are formed.
5.Analyze the interactions between organisms and the interactions between organisms
and their environment.

Supplies Required:
Text: Lecture: Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 9th edition (Third custom edition
for OCC including access code for Mastering Biology), Reece, Taylor, Simon & Dickey,
Pearson, 2015.

Laboratory: Biology 100 Laboratory Manual, Biological Sciences Department, Macmillan

Learning, 2019.

#2 pencils required on exam days

4 Scantron Sheets, F-289-PAR-L on the day of the exam.
10 Scantron Sheets, #815-E (answers A-E) on quiz days

Supplies Suggested: Electronic Device

Grading:
Your Biology A100 grade will be based on the combined points earned in both the lecture and
lab courses. The points from lecture are approximately 2/3 and the points from lab are
approximately 1/3 of the total points possible. The point scale below may change without notice.
Refer to your laboratory syllabus for an explanation of laboratory points.

Your grade in this course will be calculated as a percentage of points earned on the following:
4 lecture exams (100 pts each) = 400 points
3 Exam article analysis (20 pts each) = 60 points
4 homework assignments (15 pts each) = 60 points
10 quizzes (5 pts each) = 45 points
Lab Points = 270 points Total = 835

The final grade scales is as follows:

100% - 90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% - 70% = C
69% - 60% = D
59% - 0% = F

IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE DATES

Tuesday, Aug 27 Class begins

Monday, September 2 Labor Day Holiday (Campus Closed)

Saturday, September 7 Last day to DROP with enrollment refund

Sunday, September 8 Last day to add class

Sunday, September 8 Last day to drop without a “W”

Monday, November 11 Veterans’ Day Holiday (Campus Closed)

Saturday, November 16 Last day to withdraw from class with a “W”

Thursday, November 28 Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus Closed)

Thursday, December 12 Exam #4 for Biol A100.

Exam begins at 9:35 AM SHARP!!
 POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

READ THOROUGHLY - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AWARENESS OF ALL INFO ON THIS PAGE!

1. PLEASE PUT YOUR CELL PHONE ON SILENT MODE or turn it off!! Do not answer the phone during
class. Points will be deducted for interruptions. You may use an electronic device to access lectures posted on
Canvas. Use of electronic devices, including dictionaries and cell phones, will not be permitted during
tests; such devices will be confiscated if this rule is violated and students will not be allowed to continue with
the test and will receive a 0 for the test.

2. GRADES are EARNED, not appointed. It is up to YOU to learn the material thoroughly enough to do well
on test and quizzes. PLAN to spend 6 HOURS PER WEEK on this course IN ADDITION to time in class!
Study effectively: actively read the texts before lecture; google or look up terms you do not know; take good
lecture notes; REWRITE your lecture notes; study the texts and your notes; explain concepts covered in class to
study partner; DO ALL THE SUGGESTED HOMEWORK and end of chapter problems. Use FLASHCARDS
to help memorize terms. Draw diagrams and flow charts that connect ideas to from concepts and increase
critical thinking. You are adults and should be responsible for your own study habits. If there is anything you
do not understand, I want you to feel free to ask questions during lectures as discussions are welcomed (time
permitting). You are also encouraged to see me during office hours (or by appointment) if you need any extra
help. STUDY PARTNERS OR GROUPS are especially recommended!

3. ATTENDANCE – Be courteous and on time. Students must attend the first class. Students may be dropped
if s/he does not attend the first class, are absent for two contiguous class meetings, or have MORE THAN
FOUR ABENCES. Be PROMPT and regular in attendance. Quizzes and Tests are “lecture-based” and may
include questions on material covered only in Lecture (i.e. not discussed in the texts). Consistent late arrival will
result in a lower grade; three tardies will count as an absence. Time missed from class due to leaving early will
count toward absence time.

Class meetings are designed to clarify and/or expand on your assigned readings. You are strongly urged to
attend class; if you should miss a meeting, I encourage you to obtain the notes from a classmate, as test material
will be stressed during lectures. The schedule is flexible and may be changed at MY discretion. It is your
responsibility to find out if and when exam dates have been changed from the schedule.

Friends, relatives, children, or other acquaintances may not attend class. If a class is cancelled for the day, an
authorized cancellation notice and attendance sheet will be posted on the classroom door. Please sign the
attendance sheet; otherwise you will be marked absent.

4. WITHDRAWL POLICY- According to the college, it is the responsibility of the student to file official
withdrawals through the Admissions Office by designated deadlines to avoid being assigned a letter grade of A
through F. It is possible that an instructor may have initiated the drop, but as a precaution, students should file
their own paperwork. If you stop attending class and do not drop and your name appears on the grade sheet at
the end of the semester, you will earn an F in the class.
5. EXAMs AND QUIZES - It is your responsibility to be present and on time for all exams and quizzes. If you
are more than 15 minutes late for and exam, you will not be allowed to take the exam. CHECK THE
SCHEDULE! No extra time will be allotted due to late arrival. Exams and quizzes will consist of multiple
choice and true/false questions. You will also be asked at analyze an article after exams. Exam or Test study
guides (homework) may be available, but not all material on exams will be on study guide and some material on
study guide will not be on the exam. It is YOUR responsibility to study all material covered from the lecture,
book, etc. for the exam. Vocabulary – based questions are emphasized, along with questions which test mastery
of concepts and processes presented in that particular section of the course. That is, you will be tested on
whether you can APPLY what you have learned. If you are absent on the day of a lecture exam, you will
receive a zero.

Make-ups for exams: You must provide a valid document for being absent the day of the exam (i.e. doctor’s
note, documented family emergency). You can only complete an exam within one week of the exam date. It is
up to the student to notify the instructor at least 3 days from the exam date to allow enough time to schedule
the exam. Failure to provide documentation within this time period voids the opportunity to take the exam.
Only one (1) make-up exam will be validated per student; any other absences on exam days for any reason
will be entered as a zero.

There are 10 quizzes and quiz dates are posted on Canvas. These quizzes are based on material covered in the
class since the last quiz or exam. Information on the syllabus and homework may also be covered on the quiz.
Your best 9 quiz scores be counted in final point tally. Each quiz is worth 5 points and will be given at the start
of the lecture period. The quiz will be on a PowerPoint presentation. If you arrive late, you may only take the
remaining portion of the quiz the class has not covered yet. You will not be allowed to make up the day's
quiz if you are absent that day. If you miss one, that quiz will count as zero points.

You must make sure you erase unwanted answers on a scantron thoroughly. Whatever answers the scantron
machine picks up will be counted toward your grade.

6. ASSIGNMENTS – Homework will be assigned through Canvas and these homework assignments along
with lecture notes and the book are essential in helping you learn material needed for the Exam. Complete
parts of the homework that will be covered on a quiz before the quiz. Complete homework before an exam
since homework is due before exams. 50% of points will be deducted for late assignments. You can turn in late
assignments during the next class meeting, but late work will not be accepted after this date.

Online homework is available and can help you learn the material. Online homework will not be graded and
information on how to access online homework is below.

7. Success is a matter of preparation and repetition. The material presented is perhaps new to you, but is not
difficult IF YOU SPEND THE TIME TO LEARN IT. Make use of all possible learning resources - your texts,
the Instructor (in class and during Office Hours), tutors if necessary, and especially your fellow students.
Always remember that everything BUILDS on what comes before, so don’t let any gaps develop!

*KEEP UP - THERE IS TOO MUCH MATERIAL, AND NOT ENOUGH TIME, TO PLAY CATCH UP *
 OCC Resources to Help You Succeed in Biology A100 (and Other Courses)

Orange Coast College provides many resources and programs outside of this classroom that can help you to
succeed in this class, and in other classes. Below are some of the resources.

1. Counseling: Counseling appointments serve the needs of students seeking academic and/or
career counseling. Appointments may be made in person at the Counseling Counter on the third
floor of Watson Hall or by telephone at (714) 432-5078.

2. Student Success Center: The Student Success Center offers free tutoring to OCC students in most subject
areas and consists of the Math Center, Writing/Reading Center, General Tutoring area and the Peer Assisted
Study Sessions program. Services include scheduled appointments, drop-in tutoring, study groups,
workshops and PASS program. All tutors are recommended by OCC instructors and required to complete a
training course. For more information, call (714) 432-5559.

3. OCC Cares & Food Pantry: OCC Cares is a collaborative effort on our campus to support the
learning environment for students with additional resources as needed. Through OCC Cares students
can access campus basic needs like transportation support, shower access, and assistance from community
partners. For a complete list of services visit OCC Cares at www.orangecoastcollege. The Pirates’
Cove Food Pantry & Resources Hub is located in Journalism 108 and can be reached at (714) 432-6892.

4. DSPS Learning Center: The DSPS Learning Center provides developmental (basic skills) instruction in
reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic for students with learning and other disabilities. DSPS
Instructional Associates evaluate the learning difficulties of each student and develop individualized
programs which include a number of teaching techniques and materials. You can reach the DSPS Office
at (714) 432-5807 or via email at OCCDisabledStudents@occ.cccd.edu.

5. EOP&S Supervised Study: EOPS is a state-funded comprehensive support system that assists low-income
students with barriers to their education. Support services include academic and personalized counseling,
career and transfer planning, textbook services, bilingual services, cultural events and priority registration.
To determine eligibility, students should visit the EOPS office located on the fourth floor of Watson Hall, Room
443.

6. Transfer Center: The Transfer Center provides comprehensive services and resources to assist students in
preparation to transfer to four year universities. The Transfer Center is located on the second floor of
Watson Hall, Room 215. For more information, call (714) 432-5894.

ADA STATEMENT

Orange Coast College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with
disabilities upon the timely request by the student to the instructor. A student with a disability, who
would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying herself/himself to the
instructor and to the DSPS learning center.

Refer to the Orange Coast College catalog for additional Student Services and Co-Curricular
Programs.
Academic Honesty:
Cheating and plagiarism are not allowed in this class. You must turn in your own work.

EXAMPLES OF CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM

1. Representing the words, ideas or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise
(plagiarism), including the use of commercial term paper companies;
2. Copying or allowing another student to copy from one’s paper or answer sheet during an
examination;
3. Allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade
in any of the following: testing, field trips or attendance;
4. Falsifying or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters;
5. Changing answers on a previously scored test, assignment or experiment with the intent to
defraud;
6. Inventing data for the purpose of completing a laboratory experiment or case study analysis
with the intent to defraud;
7. Giving and/or taking information during an examination by any means such as sign language,
hand signals or secret codes;
8. Obtaining copies of notes, exams or exam questions by any means other than distribution from
the instructor. (This includes copying and removing exam questions from the classroom for any
purpose.);
9. Using mechanical study aids such as cell phones, calculators, tape recorders or notes that have
been specifically prohibited by the instructor.

CONSEQUENCES FOR CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM Given alleged violation of the

Standards of Conduct, any or all of the following actions may be imposed:
1. When there is evidence of cheating or plagiarism in classroom work, students may receive an
F for that piece of work or may be suspended from all classes for that term and the following
term if deemed appropriate.
2. The instructor may assign a failing grade to the examination or assignment in which the
alleged cheating or plagiarism occurred. This action is based on information that the instructor
had.
3. The instructor may dismiss the student from the class or activity for the present and/or
following class session(s)
4. The instructor may recommend suspension or expulsion of the student from the college.

Classroom Conduct:
If a student disrupts the course (examples include: excessive talking beyond discussion time,
texting, etc.), he/she will be asked to leave the class. For serious disruptions, the campus
police may be called.

Refer to the Orange Coast College catalog for additional policies.

Tentative Fall 2019 Schedule for Biology A100
Wk Date (day) Topic Chapters HW due
1 27-Aug Course Into; The Scientific Study of Life 1
29-Aug Overview of Life: viruses, bacteria, archaea & eukarya 15-16
2 3-Sep Overview of Life Continued 17
5-Sep Overview of Life Continued 18-19
3 10-Sep Overview of Life Continued 18-19
12-Sep The Chemical Basis of Life 2
4 17-Sep The Molecules of Cells 3
19-Sep The Molecules of Cells 3
5 24-Sep A Tour of The Cell 4
26-Sep Exam 1 (Ch 1-3, 15-19); Scantron F-289-PAR-L Test 1 HW
6 1-Oct Working Cell: Cell Membrane Structure and Function 5
3-Oct Energy and Photosynthesis 5&7
7 8-Oct How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy 6
10-Oct The Cellular Basis of Reproduction: Mitosis 8
8 15-Oct Ch. 8 continuted: Meiosis and Reproduction 8
17-Oct Exam 2 (Ch 4-8); Scantron F-289-PAR-L Test 2 HW
9 22-Oct Pattern of Inheritance 9
24-Oct Pattern of Inheritance continued 9
10 29-Oct Molecular Biology of the Gene: DNA, replication 10
31-Oct Molecular Biology of the Gene: protein synthesis 10
11 5-Nov DNA technology 12
7-Nov Nutrition and Digestion 21
12 12-Nov Exam 3 (Ch 9, 10, 12, 21); Scantron F-289-PAR-L Test 3 HW
14-Nov Transport Systems in Plants: Xylem and Pholoem
Transport Systems in Animals: Circulation 32 & 23
13 19-Nov Gas Exchange 22
21-Nov Evolution 13 & 15
14 26-Nov The Origin of Species 14
28-Nov THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
15 3-Dec Populations, Communities and Ecosystems 36, 37
5-Dec Ecosystems, Energy and Nutrient flow 34, 37
16 10-Dec Ecology and Issues 34, 38
12-Dec Exam 4 (Ch 13-15, 22-23, 32, 34, 36-38 );Scantron F-289-PAR-L Test
Test 44 HW
HW
Biology A100 Lecture Course Content
Lecture Topics (not necessarily covered in this order)
1. Importance of Scientific Literacy for Non-science majors
2. Biological Principles of Life; Levels of Biological Organization
3. Importance of Chemistry for Life; Characteristics of Biological Molecules
4. The Cell as a Living Unit; Variations in Cell Structure
5. Characteristics of the Plasma Membrane
6. Diffusion, Osmosis, Active Transport, other Transport Methods for Large Molecules
7. Energy Capture and Transfer: Photosynthesis and Glucose Catabolism
8. Cellular Division: Mitosis vs. Meiosis
9. Basic Genetics: Chromosomes, Replication and Inheritance Patterns
10. Reproductive Strategies
11. Protein Synthesis and the molecular functioning of cells
12. Molecular biological techniques and their application to modern biological problems
13. Human Biology
14. Physiology of common organisms
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