Department of Biological Sciences

BIOL 1500 - Biology I/Lab

I. Course Information
Course: BIOL 1500 - Biology I/Lab
Semester Credit Hours: 4.0
Course CRN and Section: 22323 - D21, 22324 - D22, 22325 - D23
Semester and Year: Fall 2021
Course Start and End Dates: 08/23/2021 - 12/12/2021

II. Instructor Information

Name: Smith, Robert
Email: rsmith@nova.edu
Office Hours:
Day Time Location
F 9:30am - 12:30pm GHOC 405 - Virtual Meetings Only
M 10:00am - 12:00pm GHOC 405 - Virtual Meetings Only
Office hours are subject to change based on class emails, Canvas announcements or personal
communication. Please email me in advance to schedule a time for a zoom meeting during my office
hours. Please organize your schedule to meet with me during my office hours. Due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic, all meeting will take place using Zoom. The link to my virtual office hours is
https://nova.zoom.us/j/3492010017.
Office Hours:
This course is administered by the Department of Biological Sciences. If the instructor cannot be
reached, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 954-262-8424.

III. Class Schedule and Location

CRN Day Date Time Location Building/Room
22323 TR 08/24/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
10/07/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22323 T 08/24/2021 - 9:30 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-217
10/05/2021 12:15 PM Campus
22323 T 10/12/2021 - 8:00 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
10/12/2021 10:00 AM Campus Building-3049
22323 TR 10/19/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
11/23/2021 AM Campus Building-3049

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 22323 T 10/19/2021 - 9:30 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-217
11/30/2021 12:15 PM Campus
22323 TR 11/30/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
12/02/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22323 T 12/07/2021 - 8:00 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
12/07/2021 10:00 AM Campus Building-3049
22324 TR 08/24/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
10/07/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22324 T 08/24/2021 - 6:00 PM - 8:45 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-219
10/05/2021 PM Campus
22324 T 10/12/2021 - 8:00 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
10/12/2021 10:00 AM Campus Building-3049
22324 TR 10/19/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
11/23/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22324 T 10/19/2021 - 6:00 PM - 8:45 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-219
11/30/2021 PM Campus
22324 TR 11/30/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
12/02/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22324 T 12/07/2021 - 8:00 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
12/07/2021 10:00 AM Campus Building-3049
22325 TR 08/24/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
10/07/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22325 R 08/26/2021 - 9:30 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-217
10/07/2021 12:15 PM Campus
22325 T 10/12/2021 - 8:00 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
10/12/2021 10:00 AM Campus Building-3049
22325 TR 10/19/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
11/23/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22325 R 10/21/2021 - 9:30 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-217
11/18/2021 12:15 PM Campus
22325 TR 11/30/2021 - 8:00 AM - 9:20 Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
12/02/2021 AM Campus Building-3049
22325 R 12/02/2021 - 9:30 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Parker Building-217
12/02/2021 12:15 PM Campus
22325 T 12/07/2021 - 8:00 AM - Ft Lauderdale/Davie Carl DeSantis
12/07/2021 10:00 AM Campus Building-3049

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 Please note: All courses scheduled on campus as lecture or lecture/lab must be attended in person.
For residential courses, students may not change seats throughout the semester for all regular
class meetings. Please be aware that the seat you take on the first day of class will be your
permanent seat.
IV. Course Description
An introduction to the biological sciences for students interested in pursuing a career in this area. Includes
subcellular and cellular organization, structures/function, biochemistry, classical/molecular genetics, and
population dynamics - all arranged around evolution as a major theme. Includes laboratory sessions.
Prerequisites: MATH 1040 or higher and COMP 1000 or higher. Experiential Education and Learning
(ExEL): Successful completion of this course satisfies 1 ExEL unit. Frequency: Every Fall and Winter.

V. Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

1) Demonstrate an understanding of the chemical foundations and molecular diversity of living organisms
and how these components are used to coordinate cellular activities.
2) Describe the structures and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
3) Explain the complex metabolic pathways involved in energy acquisition and utilization, as well as,
coordination of cellular activities.
4) Demonstrate a familiarity with the mechanisms of inheritance, genetic disorders, gene expression, as
well as, the use of and recent developments in biotechnology.
5) Produce scholarly laboratory reports, which demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and
basic statistical analyses, as well as, the ability to read and interpret data.
6) Demonstrate knowledge of ethical, historical, and contemporary issues related to life science at the
cellular and molecular levels.

VI. Materials and Resources

Book Url: NSU Book Store

VII. Course Schedule and Topic Outline

Course Schedule:
Any changes will be announced in class or through canvas. Test dates will be finalized in class and may
deviate from the week indicated below.
CLASS LECTURE (complementary chapter indicated in brackets)
DATES

Week 1 Introduction to Course

Biological themes (Ch. 1)
Chemical context of Life (Ch. 2)
Water and Life (Ch. 3)
Week 2 Carbon and the molecular diversity of life
Basic Chemistry (Ch. 4)
Start Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules (Ch. 5)
Week 3 Finish Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules (Ch. 5)
Introduction to Metabolism (Ch. 8)
Week 4 Introduction to Metabolism (Ch. 8)
Energy transformations, energy coupling and ATP (Ch. 8)
Enzymes and control of metabolism (Ch. 8)
Week 5 TEST #1
Enzymes and control of metabolism (Ch. 8)

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 Week 6 A Tour of the Cell (Ch. 6)

Week 7 Membrane Structure and Function (Ch. 7)

Week 8 Midterm Week – No classes
Week 9 Cell Communication (Ch. 11)
TEST #2
Cellular Respiration and Fermentation (Ch. 9)
Week 10 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Begin Photosynthesis (Ch. 10)
Week 11 Photosynthesis continued (Ch. 10)
Week 12 Mitosis (Ch. 12)
Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles (Ch. 13)
Week 13 Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles (Ch. 13)
TEST#3
Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance (Ch. 15)
Week 14 Molecular Basis of Inheritance (Ch. 16)

Week 15 DNA Transcription and Translation (Ch. 17)

Transcriptional control of gene expression (Ch. 18)
Week 16 FINAL EXAM
(see course wizard to confirm time, date and location)

VIII. Assessments
Tests (45% of final grade): There will be three tests throughout the semester. Tests will consist of
multiple choice questions.
Final Exam (30% of final grade):The final is cumulative and will be administered during the exam
schedule. The comprehensive final exam will cover material from the entire course. It will take place
during a two-hour time slot according to the College-wide exam schedule.
Laboratory (25%): Please consult with your teaching assistant regarding the breakdown of this
component of the course. Grades for this assessment are issued by the teaching assistant.
IX. Grading Criteria
Your final grade is determined by your performance on a number of different tasks:
Percentage Final Grade
93.0 and above A
90.0-92.9 A-
87.0-89.9 B+
83.0-86.9 B
80.0-82.9 B-
77.0-79.9 C+

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 73.0-76.9 C
70.0-72.9 C-
67.0-69.9 D+
60.0-66.9 D
59.9 and below F

X. Course Policies
Department of Biological Sciences Statement on Academic Misconduct: Any impropriety (e.g.,
cheating/plagiarism) on examinations and/or any coursework or enabling any such impropriety may
constitute grounds for failing the course. A form describing any academic misconduct will be sent to the
Dean's office and kept in the offending student's permanent record. Further disciplinary action may occur
at the level of the University according to the University catalog (2021-22_undergraduate_catalog.pdf
(nova.edu) ) - section on academic integrity.
Attendance
I strongly suggest attending all of the lectures. If you miss classes (even in
cases when you can get the notes), you are going to miss key concepts. My
office hours are reserved for specific questions and not time to perform a
second lecture due to absence. I will not re-cover material for you if you
missed a class. Attendance for tests and the final exam is mandatory.
Assignments
Late assignments will not be accepted. You will receive a grade of zero for any
late assignment.
Absence Policy for Tests
All absences for missed tests must be approved by disability services. If you
complete a test, the final value of that test will stand. There will be no
alternative tests/extra tests/extra credit/extra assignments etc. I don't adjust,
drop or otherwise alter scores for tests and exams.

Extra credit
I do not offer extra credit, bonus or makeup assignments. Ensure that you are
giving 100% for each test as they will all count towards your final grade.

Office hours
All of my office hours are by appointment only. I will not accept walk in
meetings. Please ensure to email me at least 24 hours in advance of when you
would like to meet.
XI. University Policies
Students should visit http://www.nova.edu/academic-affairs/nsu-syllabus-policy.html to access additional
required college-wide policies. It is your responsibility to access and carefully read these policies to ensure
you are fully informed. As a student in this class, you are obligated to follow these college-wide policies in
addition to the policies established by your instructor.
The following policies are described on this website:
Academic misconduct

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 Last day to withdraw
Email policy
Student course evaluations
Student responsibility to register
Student responsibility for course prerequisites
Academic Resources
Nova Southeastern University offers a variety of resources that may aid in student success. Among these
resources are:
Accommodations for students with documented disabilities:For more information about ADA
policy, services, and procedures, students may call the Office of Student Disability Services at 954-262-
7189 or visit http://www.nova.edu/disabilityservices.
Tutoring and testing center:
Students are encouraged to use the free, individualized tutoring services offered by the Tutoring and
Testing Center (TTC) early and often throughout the academic year. TTC provides supplemental
learning assistance, as well as an array of testing services, in a supportive and professional environment
that enhances the ability of all students to meet educational goals, achieve academic excellence, and
enhance personal growth. Subject-based tutoring and academic coaching sessions are individualized, 45-
minute sessions that encourage developing strong creative thinking and reasoning skills. See here for the
latest listing of NSU courses tutored: http://www.nova.edu/tutoring-testing/tutoring-services/general-
information.html. TTC also offers Supplemental Instruction in historically difficult courses. SI sessions are
facilitated by SI Leaders who have been endorsed by faculty for their leadership ability and content
mastery. For further information please call (954) 262-8350 or visit our website at
http://www.nova.edu/tutoring-testing/.
Health and Safety Resources for NSU Students
Covid Exposure or Infection
If a student experiences COVID exposure or infection, they do not report to the Office of Disability
Services. Instead, the student reports via email: 1. to the COVID-19 office (covidcase@nova.edu), 2. to
our college COVID coordinator, Vanessa Mezquia at mezquia@nova.edu, and 3. to the course instructor.

Formerly known as Henderson Student Counseling, the NSU Center for Student Counseling and
Well-Being offers a wide array of services and programs to support various aspects of students’ well-
being including: same day triage appointments, individual, couple and family therapy, support & personal
growth groups, psychoeducational programming, resilience programs, and educational outreach.
Additionally, to make service more accessible to students, NSU’s Center for Student Counseling and
Well-Being is now centrally located in the Student Affairs Building, 3rd floor. To make an appointment or
to learn more go to nova.edu/studentcounseling, call (954) 262-7050 or (954) 424-6911.

The Office of Suicide and Violence Prevention is devoted to creating a safety net at NSU, helping to
prevent suicide and violence. For more information, visit nova.edu/suicideprevention. If you are struggling,
call a Suicide Prevention hotline for 24/7 assistance: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK
(8255).

You can Contact the Office of Public Safety (NOVALERT - Hotline) 24 hours/7 days a week for
emergency or non-emergency situations at (954) 262-8999. For more information about services and
safety tips, visit nova.edu/publicsafety.
The NSU “Write from the Start” Writing and Communication Center
The NSU “Write from the Start” Writing and Communication Center is an innovative workspace where
students, consultants, and faculty come together, in person and online, to talk about writing and
communication. Staffed by trained professional and peer consultants, the WCC offers individualized
assistance to all NSU students. Students can work with consultants on all types of academic writing and
communication projects at any stage of the process. For more information or to make an appointment, visit

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 the WCC website, nova.edu/wcc, or call 954-262-4644.
Classroom Recording Policy
Class content throughout this course may be recorded in accordance with the NSU Class Recording
Policy. If class content is recorded, these recordings will be made available to students registered for this
course as a supplement to the classroom experience. Recordings will be made available to all students who
were registered to attend the live offering of the class, regardless of a students’ section or discipline, or
whether the student is participating in the course online. If recordings are intended to be accessible to
students or third parties who were not registered for the live offering of the class, students’ personally
identifiable information will be removed or redacted from the recording, unless (1) their written consent to
such disclosure was previously provided, or (2) the disclosure is permissible in accordance with the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”).
Students are prohibited from recording audio or video, or taking photographs in classrooms (including online
classes) without prior permission from the instructor or pursuant to an approved disability accommodation,
and from reproducing, sharing, or disseminating classroom recordings to individuals outside of this course.
Students found engaging in such conduct will be in breach of the Student Code of Conduct and subject to
disciplinary action.

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