Department of Biology

College of Arts and Sciences

BIO162-900 Course Syllabus

General Biology I
Winter 2020-2021
3.0 credit hours

Instructor Information
Professor Heather Gwin, M.F.S.
Direct Email: hg46@drexel.edu

Office hours: Available on Thursday evenings from 7 PM- 8 PM EST or on an as-

needed basis. Please email me to set up either an online Blackboard Collaborate
or Zoom session for office hours. There are no in-person office hours available (I
am a remote adjunct) and phone hours are on an emergency basis only.

Student Course Information

Course Purpose within a Program of Study
This is a course designed for non-majors in order to introduce them to general concepts in biology,
including structure and purpose of DNA as a means of transmitting information, the steps of the
cell cycle, evolution, and climate change. This course is one component of a three-part series
intended to address cells and physiology, genetics, DNA, evolution and ecology.

Course Description
The major goal of this course is to help the student learn the fundamentals of biology and how it
relates to life outside the classroom. This course is meant to be an interactive and topical overview
of biology for the non-major and is designed to help the student gain knowledge in a wide array of
fundamental biological principles. By using the scientific method and problem-solving, students
will explore biological concepts and how they interconnect with daily life. The primary topics of
study for this quarter will be the Biology of Sickle Cell (Genetics) and the Biology of Influenza
(Evolution). These broad subjects are introduced through the narrower topics as a way to make the
information manageable and relevant to students.
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Statement of Expected Learning

Course Level Objectives
C.1 Using the framework of sickle cell disease, explain the mechanisms of genetic
inheritance and identify the ways this process can go wrong.
C.2 Be able to diagram genetic relationships and inheritance patterns using
Punnett squares and explain the results of those genetic crosses.
C.3 Understand the definition of a virus and explain how they reproduce;
articulate the impact of viral evolution and transmission on viral spread using
contemporary examples (flu, coronavirus, etc).
C.4 Be able to articulate the theory and process of evolution including examples

Unit 1 (Biology of Sickle Cell Disease ) Level Objectives

Module 1What is sickle cell disease?
1.1.1 What is a genetic disease?
1.1.2 What is the function of hemoglobin in the body?
1.1.3 How does sickle cell disease impact the body?
Module 2 How does the DNA contain the instructions for a protein?
1.2.1 Why is DNA the genetic material?
1.2.2 How is DNA copied?
1.2.3 What is gene expression?
Module 3 How are genetic diseases inherited?
1.3.1 How are genes and chromosomes involved in inheritance?
1.3.2 What is sexual reproduction?
1.3.3 What are the general patterns of inheritance?
1.3.4 Are all traits recessive or dominant? (Are there other patterns of
inheritance?)
Module 4 How are genetic diseases treated?
1.4.1 How do you test for genetic disorders?
1.4.2 What is gene therapy?
1.4.3 What is genome editing?

Unit 2 (Biology of the Flu) Level Objectives

Module 1: What influenza?
2.1.1 What is the flu?
2.1.2 How do viruses reproduce?
2.1.3 What is the effect of flu on my body?
2.1.4 What is in a flu vaccine?
Module 2: How does evolution relate to influenza?
2.2.1 What is evolution?
2.2.2 How does evolution happen?
2.2.3 What is the evidence of evolution?
2.2.4 How has the influenza virus evolved?

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Module 3: How does the immune system respond to the flu?

2.3.1 What is the role of the immune system in humans?
2.3.2 How does the immune system work?
2.3.3 What is the future of flu vaccines and treatments?

Prerequisites
Courses
• None

Technologies
• Computer
• Internet access
• Current or supported version of the Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari web
browser
• Microsoft Word or OpenOffice
• Adobe Reader or Acrobat Pro
• Adobe Flash Player
• Optional: Remind app for receiving mobile text and text-to-email reminders and updates
• Optional: Speakers or headphones to listen to videos

Technical Prerequisites
• Use a learning management system
• Use email with attachments
• Create and submit files in commonly used word processing formats- .doc, .docx, .pdf.
• Copy and paste
• Download and install software

Course Materials
Required Textbook
Connect Master: Why Biology? SmartBook 2.0
Author: Michael Windelspecht

The “textbook” for this course is fully online. We will be accessing all the materials through the
Connect Learning system of McGraw-Hill. The novel approach to learning this semester differs
both in format and content presentation compared to what you may be used to- and I think this is a
HUGE benefit for non-major biology students. This class is designed so that you, the student, can
learn Biology through a theme-based online text at your own pace (within a designated timeframe).
Our “textbook” is all online and based on themes or big ideas in biology to help you see the
relevancy of the material as you learn

Please only use LEARN to access the MGH Connect and Campus system to ensure you are working
in the correct course and to establish what is called “Single sign-on”, the link between MGH
Connect and the Gradebook in LEARN. If possible, set up your Connect account prior to the first

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day of class. All students must be registered and active on the McGraw-Hill Campus website within
5 days of the first day of the term (or enrolling in the course if a late add) or receive a 3% deduction
on their overall course grade. Access to McGraw-Hill Campus is on the LEARN page for this class.
There is a 2 week courtesy access available for free if you are still waiting on your financial aid so
you can still go in and set up your registration. You can get the access code from the campus
bookstore, or you can use the link below to register directly with McGraw Hill (no earlier than 5
days before the start of the term) for a slightly cheaper rate:

https://connect.mheducation.com/class/162_gwin_w20-21

Required and Supplemental Materials and Technologies

This class will utilize the content management software LEARN extensively. Class assignments,
discussion boards, group projects, grades, notes, and announcements will all be posted via LEARN.
You are responsible for ensuring that your technical equipment (computer, software, internet
connection) is reliable for connecting to the class website, downloading content from the website,
uploading materials from your own computer, accessing online videos, and taking online
examinations. Technical problems will not be accepted as an excuse to accomplish coursework,
submit it by the deadline, or take/finish examinations. Contact information for technical assistance
is provided below:

Technical problems (LEARN) Technical problems (McGraw Hill Connect)

Email: olt@drexel.edu Online: https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/
Phone: 215-895-1224 Phone: 1-800-331-5094

See Drexel’s Recommended Specifications for Computers and Software. Consider investing in an
inexpensive headset for listening to audio without disturbing others and for clearly contributing your
voice to online collaborations.

Course Information
Communications
Email Guidelines

I respond to emails within 24 hours (but ask 48 hours on weekends; after 5pm Friday to Monday
8am). Graded work will be returned within 10 days of the due date, except for unusual circumstances
which will be sent out in writing. If you do not use the integrated email within the LEARN system,
please put your name and course number (BIO162) in the subject line so I know whom the email is
coming from.

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Questions & Answers Forum (Required subscription)

On the LEARN page there is a separate discussion board forum entitled “Questions and Answers”
for you to ask those pressing questions that come up- ambiguity about deadlines, unclear questions
on assignments, discussion boards not showing up properly, etc. You should NOT post questions
about grades or personal family matters, they should be sent privately as an email. You are welcome
to respond to one another on this forum and communicate with one another- you might wind up
answering faster than I can! Also, there is the option to “subscribe” to this forum (open it, and you’ll
see a subscribe button at the top)- I expect all of my students to do so, since it is likely that more
than one person may have the same question.

Remind App (Optional)

I wanted to make you all aware of an option I utilize- a service called Remind. Many other
universities as well as public schools already use it, and it's phenomenal- you may already have
experience with it as either a student or parent! It's a free app available on both Android and
iOS platforms that you can download and, using the code I provide below, it allows me to send you
reminders as well as important announcements without sharing personal phone number
information publicly and you can also respond using text messaging. You can opt to receive text
messages, push notifications (if you have a smartphone) or emailed message reminders if you don't
have a cell phone or don't wish to use it.

This is entirely optional and nothing will be sent through Remind that isn't already posted here on
LEARN, but this is a separate medium to be able to communicate, and for this day and age when
we're all glued to our phones, a text can help keep you on track. The feedback from students using
Remind in my course is overwhelmingly positive. Again, to be very clear, you are under no
obligation to use this, but it's available should you wish to sign up!

Here's the link:

https://www.remind.com/join/b162w2021
or you can text @b162w2021 to 81010.

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Academic Policies
Online Course Participation
Participation is vital in this course. Playing an active role in the course will help each student get the
most from peer-based interaction and assignments as well as the more traditional learning from notes
and the text. Students are required to read and complete all online activities via LEARN into
McGraw-Hill Connect. Announcements, online lectures, discussions, assignments, etc. will all be
completed through online media.

Although there are no specific day or time requirements to log in as the

course is entirely asynchronous, I recommend that you log in at least 3-4
times per week so that you do not miss important announcements,
deadlines, e-mail or course changes.

Online participation will also be monitored since online learning is how this class runs.
• Failure to complete at least 60% of the total Connect readings, Module pre-work and
Module Homework for the course will result in an automatic letter deduction on your final
grade.
• Missing online homework and assignments is the same as missing class time for this course.
You CANNOT simply take the exams and pass this course.
• If it is found that you are mathematically unable to pass the course during the week prior to
the second (final) exam, you will not be permitted access to it or to view it in any way.
Presumably, if you cannot pass, you will be required to retake the class, and it is not
appropriate or fair for you to see exam questions that may be reused in a future term.

Course Policies
• It is expected that you have thoroughly read through this syllabus and understand the
policies, deadlines, schedule and requirements outlined within. You will be held
accountable to all the policies outlined in this document and any changes posted in writing
on the course LMS.
• All assignments must be completed during the academic term unless arrangements are
made ahead of time with the course instructor. Final determination regarding missed
assessments rests solely with the course instructor.
• If you find yourself having trouble with the structure or content of the course, please
contact me in a timely manner to discuss how you can improve your performance. I am
here to help you, but I am unfortunately not clairvoyant and need your guidance for when
you need that assistance. This also includes requesting accommodations for illness and
extenuating family circumstances: I’m more than willing to work with you and make some
allowances if I’m informed as soon as reasonably possible (and ideally in advance), but it is
unfair to your classmates to make end of term exceptions. This is particularly important
given the current circumstances of the coronavirus, so please keep an open line of
communication. I do try to send out regular reminders/warnings through the integrated
system in LEARN, but they are simply informative for you- it is then your responsibility to

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address the issue/missing materials/failure to participate or to contact me to discuss the

situation.

Course Change Policy

• Faculty members reserve the right to make discretionary changes to the course during the
term. All significant changes will be provided to students in writing on the website.

University Policy Links

• Academic Integrity: See Code of Conduct, which can also be found in the Student
Handbook.

• Students with Disabilities: Request Accommodations

• Course Add/Drop: Provost Add/Drop Policy

• Course Withdrawal: Provost Course Withdrawal Policy

• Incomplete Contracts: Incomplete Contract Guidelines

Appropriate Use of Course Materials

• It is important to recognize that some or all of the course materials provided to you may be
the intellectual property of Drexel University, the course instructor, or others. Use of this
intellectual property is governed by Drexel University policies, including the policy found
here: https://drexel.edu/it/about/policies/policies/01-Acceptable-Use/

• Briefly, this policy states that course materials, including recordings, provided by the course
instructor may not be copied, reproduced, distributed or re-posted. Doing so may be
considered a breach of this policy and will be investigated and addressed as possible
academic dishonesty, among other potential violations. Improper use of such materials
may also constitute a violation of the University's Code of Conduct found
here: https://drexel.edu/cpo/policies/cpo-1/ and will be investigated as such.

Course Content
Lectures & Textbook Readings

Your textbook readings are all presented through our online e-book for this course. There is also a
free app available to be able to read the content offline, available on both the iOS app store and the
Google Play Store. The readings are called Modules and each unit is broken down into these
modules to group similar content.

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PowerPoint files are provided for each unit in the course in both PowerPoint (pptx) and PDF
formats. These are made available at the beginning of the unit for download along with a unit
outline that details the intended content for each module.

Audio-recorded video lectures synced with the PowerPoint for each module/lesson are available on
the course webpage as streams linked on the LEARN page provided through Kaltura, Drexel’s
streaming service. These videos are broken into separate sessions simply so the files are smaller in
size and of a reasonable length for listening. *While every effort is made to ensure these videos are
made available to you, technical difficulties do arise, at which point the PowerPoint file is sufficient.

Graded Content
(MGH Connect) Pre-Work (colored purple)

The MGH Connect system uses the Pre-Work tasks to gather a baseline for what your individual
understanding on the topic is and then adapts the content you see in order to best facilitate your
learning- it’s customized education at its best. You will have a Pre-Work for each of the modules
through both units. Each Pre-Work should take roughly one to two hours, but it does not need to be
completed in one pass. This is separate from the exam for each unit. The Pre-Work should
ALWAYS be done prior to starting your reading, and is scheduled for the week prior to the unit’s
reading assignment. One reminder is sent on the weekend of the deadline to help make sure you have
completed this- beyond this, it is your responsibility to ensure your work is complete.

(MGH Connect) Homework (colored orange)

The MGH Connect system uses the Homework tasks to summarize your understanding on the topic
review it. You will have a Homework for all of the modules for all units. Each Homework should
take roughly one to two hours, but it does not need to be completed in one pass. This is separate
from the exam for each unit. The Homework should be done after you have completed your
reading. They MUST be completed before the Unit exam- there are no extensions on completing
this. One reminder is sent on the weekend of the deadline to help make sure you have completed
this- beyond this, it is your responsibility to ensure your work is complete.

(LEARN) Discussion Boards (colored blue)

Discussion board activity is akin to the conversation and questions in the classroom and is the
primary way we communicate in an online course- it incorporates both attendance and participation
in one neat little bundle. I do expect all students to participate in a comprehensive and thorough
manner. There are no specific length requirements for your replies, but the grade received will
match the effort put in- one sentence answers get matching grades! I do want you to conduct
yourselves professionally, and spelling and grammar do count. We all make mistakes, but I do not
accept overly casual or sloppy work, and will return it with a zero (i.e., no “text speak” and I want
punctuation!). Per our course netiquette guide, available on the LEARN webpage, use of emojis
should be limited (but can occasionally help to clarify meaning if tone is unclear). Posts must be
substantive and of good quality to receive the full point value. When replying to a classmate, YOU
MUST INCLUDE THE PERSON’S NAME in your reply in order to receive full credit.

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You are not required to use citations in your posts unless specific material is quoted (which should
be rare and only if necessary!) in which case, the source must be provided. In the case of using other
material, you must provide the link, but you are not required to create a properly formatted citation.

The discussion forums in this course contain the given prompt and a reminder of what you need to
do to meet the minimum requirements. Students are expected to reply to the original question(s)
with their “Initial Response” by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday of the week and to at least two
classmate’s posts with their “Replies” by Sunday evening at midnight, the close of the academic
week. Initial posts are accepted late with a daily deduction, while replies to your classmate’s posts
are not accepted late for ANY reason; the board actually “disappears” to prohibit this. I have never,
and will never, “extend” a discussion board for late replies as this defeats the purpose of the task-
posting to a board no one else can see helps no one.

Week 1 has the specific requirement of an introductory “welcome/ getting

to know you” post thread where the initial post is due on Thursday of Week 1
by 11:59 PM EST and replies to 5 classmates are due by Sunday of Week 1 by
11:59 PM EST.

Discussion Board Grading Breakdown 25 pts

Initial post 10 pts.
-Fully answers the question and is on time
-Shows thought and attention to detail
-Links are included if citations are necessary or required
Replies (x2) 5 pts each
-Includes name of person you are replying to
-Provides a depth of answer beyond “I agree”
-Stimulates further questions and conversation
Timeliness & Following Directions 5 pts

• Late Initial Post Deduction (max 3 days late allowed) -1/day (max -3)
• Failure to include names on all replies -1
• Inappropriate speech/emoji use on initial post -1
*There is an example copy of the discussion board rubric available on the course webpage
under the course tools content folder to view ahead of submitting your posts.

(LEARN & MGH Connect) Assignments (colored green)

Assignment releases

Assignments for this course are administered through LEARN, with one for each unit, due the last
week of the unit (see schedule for details). Information on each individual assignment is included on
the LEARN page and will be updated as details are finalized. Assignments will not be changed
within one week of the deadline (so if you work very far ahead, there is a possibility that the
requirements may change, be sure to check before submitting!).

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Assignment Late Policy

• The late policy for graded assignment submission is a 15% deduction on each of the first
three days late (a day defined as 24 hours), with a maximum deduction of 45% (capping the
score at 55%)
• No assignment will be accepted more than 3 days late for any reason in this course.
• This policy does NOT apply to Connect Readings, exams or discussion boards.

Assignment Submission

• All submissions MUST be turned in through the posted dropboxes on the course website as
either .doc, .docx, or .pdf files or within the integrated Connect platform (requirements are
posted on each specific assignment).
• I do not accept .jpeg, .png or other picture files as a submission on their own as the system
does not allow me to grade them.
• If you choose to submit a PDF, you must submit it as one document (ie, merge the pages). I
will not go through multiple file submissions as one per page, I will only grade the first one.
• The submissions must be uploaded to the Dropbox as an attachment rather than pasted
into the text box.
• You will generally have one opportunity to submit for each assignment, so please be careful
to upload the correct document- what is submitted is what is graded!
• Assignments submitted via email will not be accepted without prior permission from the
instructor- emailed assignments will be returned to you, and the submission date is the date
when the assignment is turned into the course page, NOT my inbox!

(MGH Connect) Comprehensive Exams (colored red)

• Exams are meant as a comprehensive review to demonstrate your understanding of the
material. They will be completed as unit-focused online exams that will be administered
twice during the course (as per the course schedule).
• There are two separate exams in this course (one per Unit) and each will open at 12:01 AM
EST on the Monday morning of the exam week (week 6 and final exam week, respectively)
and remain open through 11:59 PM EST on the following Sunday. You may take your exam
at any point during this time window, but you will only have one attempt to do so.
• There will not be any makeup exams available for any reason given the extended
available period for each test.
• An exam may be completed using notes, the lecture slides, the e-book (open in a separate
tab/browser window or separate device, ie, iPad) or the Internet (at your own risk!), but
you are absolutely forbidden to collaborate- this is meant to assess YOUR knowledge.
Indications of collaboration or cheating will be thoroughly investigated and all involved
parties will be subject to failure of the course and the appropriate academic sanctions, as
determined by the instructor.
• You have access to a unique feature in MGH Connect called "Check my Work", where if you
have difficulty with a question, you can check to see if your answer is correct- but at a
cost. On any question where you choose to use "Check my Work", you cap that question at

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50%. It is therefore not advisable to plan to use this extensively, but if you have a question
where you have NO clue, that 50% is better than nothing! This is a per-question item (so if
you use it on one question and it caps the score for that question at 50%, you don't have to
use it ever again).
• It is your responsibility to ensure your answers are saved and failure to do so is not an
excuse to retake or reenter an assessment. Once your time begins on an exam, the clock
will run to the end- so you cannot come back to finish later or on another day. Exams
average 90 minutes to 2 hours for roughly 40-65 questions, so plan ahead.
• Because the exams require an extended period of time and there is only one attempt to
take it, students should carefully consider the time and location prior to opening their
exam. It might be better done where a more stable internet connection can be found and
where a laptop could be plugged in. Remember that hardware issues are not a valid excuse
for missing or not completing part of an examination!

Technical Issues During Exams

• If there is a technical problem while you are taking your exam, take a screenshot to
document the issue. Email me immediately with your screenshot attached.
• If a student has used 75% of the time allotted for an assessment, there will not be a reset in
the case of a technical difficulty.
• If there are extenuating circumstances as to why you cannot take an assigned exam, please
contact me as soon as possible, and if it is a pre-planned event, you must contact me in
advance. This is not a case of it being better to ask forgiveness than permission.

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Grading Matrix
Learning Activities Weight (pts)
Module Pre-Work (7 @ 10 pts each) 70
Module Homework (7 @ 20 pts each) 140
Connect Module Readings (7 total, must complete a minimum of 5 or Tracked for
course grade reduced by one letter increment and ineligible for extra completion- 10
credit) points if done
Online Assignments 90
Harry Potter Genetics (50 pts)
Flu Assignment (40 pts)
Discussion Boards (2@ 40 pts each, 1 @ 10 pts) 90
Unit 1 Exam 100
Unit 2 Exam 100
TOTAL 600 pts

Grade Scale
Grade Points
Earned
A+ 98-100 B+ 88-89.9 C+ 78-79 D+ 68-69.9
A 93-97.9 B 83-87.9 C 73-77.9 D 63-67.9
A- 90-92.9 B- 80-82.9 C- 70-72.9 D- 60-62.9
F <59

Final Grades are posted by noon on the Wednesday of the week after the close of the final exam
(3/24/20, 12:00 PM).

**I am scheduled for surgery on January 13th, and will be entirely inaccessible until the 18th except
for real emergencies. My ability to type will be very limited for about two weeks thereafter, so
please excuse what may seem like cursory messages or errors in text-to-speak translations. **

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