Biology 112- Biology of the Cell

2023W Course Syllabus

Welcome to Biology 112

Please read this document carefully in order to familiarize yourself with the course
expectations.

UBC Calendar Description

“The principles of cellular and molecular biology using bacterial and eukaryotic examples.”

Prerequisites:
One of Chemistry 12 or CHEM 100 or CHEM 111 and one of Biology 11 or Biology 12 or
BIOL 111. Please ensure you have the full set of prerequisites.

Please note that these prerequisites are STRICTLY ENFORCED and are NOT co-requisites.
For example, if you need to take BIOL 111 and/or CHEM 111/100 in term 1 first, you may
register for a Term 2 section of BIOL 112. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please email
your Instructor or one of the course coordinators

Course Coordinators

Prof Brett Couch brett.couch@botany.ubc.ca; Contact Prof. Couch about accommodations

made through the Centre for Accessibility.

Prof Liane Chen lchen@zoology.ubc.ca; Contact Prof. Chen if academic concessions are
needed (e.g. for missed midterm).

For Registration/Exemption Request - please contact Transitioning Coordinator: Prof Karen

Smith karen.smith@ubc.ca

Land Acknowledgement
Our course is located on the UBC Point Grey (Vancouver) campus, and we gratefully
acknowledge that we live, work and learn on the traditional, ancestral, unceded lands of the
xʷməθkʷəyə̓ m (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Watuth), Stó:lō, and Skwxwú7mesh
(Squamish) Nations of the Coast Salish peoples.
Required Course Materials
Textbook PLUS Achieve (purchase through the UBC Bookstore only)
“How Life Works” Custom 4th Edition for the University of British Columbia by Morris,
Hartl, Knoll, Lue, Michael, Berry, Biewener, Farrell, Holbrook.

You have 2 options:

1. Purchase access to an e-book (online textbook) with Achieve platform PLUS pick up
a custom looseleaf version of the textbook at the UBC Bookstore (9781319548803 CP
Looseleaf Morris 4E & WILLO Achieve 1 term UBC) COST at UBC Bookstore = $70.99
● e-book is found within the Achieve platform. Access to the e-book is
good for 6 months.
● You MUST keep your receipt in order to verify the purchase on
Achieve.

OR
2. Purchase the e-book with Achieve alone(no printed custom textbook: 9781319552657
WILLO Achieve 1 term Morris 4e UBC) COST at UBC Bookstore = $62.88
● Access to the e-book is good for 6 months
● you will have a printed custom textbook that contains the chapters we
use in B112. The textbook can be picked up at the UBC bookstore.
Most students opt to purchase the e-book without a printed copy. It is up to you!

Why is the Macmillan Achieve included with the textbook

The purchase of the textbook includes a supporting website called Achieve. Achieve is
REQUIRED as the platform will be used in BIOL 112 for pre-class “Reading” quizzes and/or
other assignments that are part of the grading scheme for the course.

Used Textbooks -Purchase of a used textbook is NOT RECOMMENDED because you must
still purchase the Achieve access code. This does not usually benefit you financially as the
access code with the e-book costs the same as a used textbook + access code.
 iClicker

iClicker Cloud access will be provided to all UBC students at no extra cost. Please see this
link to create your iclicker account and
login.https://lthub.ubc.ca/guides/iclicker-cloud-student-guide/

UBC Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)

Access via your Campus-Wide Login (CWL). Each course has its own Canvas site (main
page for UBC Canvas https://canvas.ubc.ca/) where you will find almost everything you need
for BIOL 112, including course schedules, general information, lecture materials, and
practice questions. Note that it is separate from the Achieve website, where you find the
textbook and pre-class/reading quizzes.

There are 2 canvas sites: your Lecture class Canvas site (different for each section) AND a
Tutorial Canvas site (shared by all BIOL 112 students in the term)

BIOL 112 Student Google Folder

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xYKiL5ih0Roextyskygj_WJZGyxhfjHM?usp=drive_link

The student google folder will contain all the shared documents in the course including:
● Course Learning Objectives
● Weekly Targeted reading guides-for the textbook
● Practice Questions and general worksheets for practice
● Course Syllabus
● Course Schedule
● Exam Information
The google folder will NOT contain any content specific to YOUR LECTURE SECTION e.g.,
lecture slides, activities etc.

UBC BIOL 112 Video Series

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzaJJ6JVyDmBgutSy-rEu27St4htjb4k
Check out these videos based on most topics in the course. Each video will be assigned as
Pre-class viewing material!

Grading Scheme
Your grade in BIOL 112 is calculated by scores on two Exams (one midterm + final exam;
60% of your grade) PLUS three Mastery Learning Modules Tests (15% of your grade) and
Learning Activities (Tutorials, Pre-class Quizzes, In-class lecture participation; 25% of your
grade).

Item Percent Alternate Grading Scheme for Dates Dates

Weighting Midterm Exams For MWF sections 101, 102: For Tues/Thur sections 103, 104
Midterm 25% Must pass the weighted exam
(midterm + final) portion to pass
the course.
Final Exam 35%
If your score on the final exam
score is > midterm exam, then
you will automatically be eligible
for the alternative marking
scheme*** outlined below.
Midterm: held in class Midterm: held in class
Mon Oct 30th [Individual Tues, Oct 31st, 2023 [both
Exam] Individual + Group exam on the
and Wed, Nov 1st, 2023 same day]
[Group exam]
Final exam schedules are Final exam schedules are released
released mid-Oct. mid-Oct.

Total exam 60**

weighting

Mastery 15% 3 MLM Tests at 5% each. MLM 1 Test - Fri, Sept 22 MLM 1 Test - Thurs, Sept 21
Learning MLM 2 Test- Fri, Oct 27 MLM 2 Test- Thurs, Oct 26
Modules MLM Tests are completed via MLM 3 Test -Fri, Dec 1 MLM 3 Test -Thurs, Nov 30
Canvas Quizzes and held during
class time. Note: MLM Test#2 re-take are Note: MLM Test#2 re-take are held one
held one week after Test #1 week after Test #1

Total MLM 15
weighting

Pre-class 5 By 1st lecture of each week By 1st lecture of each week

Quizzes

Lecture Class 10 Details provided by your section

Participation instructor
(clickers,
worksheets,
assignments
etc)

Tutorials 10 5 tutorial topics X 5 quizzes

Tutorial quizzes are 2% each

Total 25
Learning
Activities

Total 100

***Students must obtain a total exam score of ≥ 30/60 (or 50% on weighted exam score) to
pass the course. The learning activities and MLM scores will be added to a student’s total
exam score only when the student has met the ≥ 50% on written exams. If you do not
achieve a passing grade on the exam portion of the course your maximum grade will be
45%. This policy means that you must pass the weighted combination of the exams; it is
possible to fail one exam but still pass the exam portion of the course.

Alternate Grading Scheme for Final Exam

The Midterm is Weighted as 25% of your grade (see above for distribution of the weighting)
and the Final exam is weighted as 35% of your grade.

IF your Final Exam % score is higher than your midterm % score the following grade
policy will automatically apply:

Your Final Exam will be weighted as 40% of your grade.

Your Midterm Weighting = 20% of your grade.

Example:
Students scores:
Midterm exam grade = 65%
Final Exam grade = 70%
Final Exam Weighting = 40%; Midterms weighting = 15%.

In BIOL 112, students are NOT offered additional grading schemes (other than the 2 above)
unless there is an extenuating circumstance reported by their Faculty Advising Office.

Tutorials
See Canvas course site called: BIOLOGY 112 TUTORIAL: Biology of the Cell
All the materials you need for the tutorial can be found on this Canvas course site which is
separate from the Lecture Canvas course.

Examinations
Exam Dates
Midterm exams will be held in person during class.
- Sections 101 and 102 will have their individual midterm on Monday October 30
and Group exam on Wednesday Nov 1
- Sections 103 and 104 will have their midterm (individual and group) on Tuesday
October 31
- See exam format for Group Exams

Final exam is held during the final exam period Dec 11- 22nd, 2023. The final exam
schedule is usually released mid-October.

Re: Final Exam Date and Time

Instructors have no control over the final exam dates and that they could occur any time
during the final exam period. This means that you should not make any personal plans until
you know your exam schedule. The Dean’s Office will not permit students to write final
examinations at alternate times due to personal conflicts that fall outside Academic
Concession policy (see UBC Calendar Academic Concession Policy and UBC Academic
Concession Policy- Students services) )

Exam Format and Content

The testable content for all exams will be based on the course learning objectives
announced in class and posted on CANVAS. Students must write all exams in their
registered section.

Format:

Stage 1: Individual Exam -90% of your total exam score

There are two parts to a BIOL 112 Midterm Exam that are written in person during class
time. The exam format may be one of these exam type questions OR a combination of these
2 formats:

1. Multi- Choice Quiz Questions such as multiple choice questions (MCQ), true/false,
matching, choices, fill in the blank etc. In these examples, you are provided with a
list of answers to choose from. MCQ can make up to 50-70% of the total exam
questions.
2. Short answer questions we call Open Response Questions (ORQs). ORQ can
make up to 30-50% of the total exam questions.

Stage 2: Group Exam -10% of your total exam score

Usually MCQ and/or Optional choice questions are discussed and completed as a group.
Each student submits their own answers but has the opportunity to discuss the answers with
a group of students in their section during the exam time. More details will be provided in
class.

General Materials and Behaviors that are permitted or forbidden in BIOL 112 regarding
examinations:
NOTE: A list may be provided prior to your exams.

NOTE: This list may be updated during the term. Violating these rules is a breach of
Academic Integrity, which is described in the UBC calendar
(http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/Vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,959), Disciplinary
measures include a grade of zero, suspension, or expulsion from UBC
(http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/Vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,960).

Examinations Policies and Procedures at UBC

Exam Policies
There are 2 exams in the course - midterm and final. Students must write the midterm exam
and complete other grading components to be eligible to write the final exam.
UBC Policies on Final Exams
Examinations https://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=12,215,410,1457
“students who neglect their academic work and assignments may, on the recommendation of the head of the
department, be excluded by the Dean from the final examinations. Students who do not accumulate a record of
satisfactory achievement during the term may be denied deferred standing should they be absent from the final
exam.”
Student Conduct during Examinations (for Final Exams)
https://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,41,90,0
Exam Hardship https://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,41,91,0
See also Faculty of Science - Standing Deferred for Final Exams
https://science.ubc.ca/students/advising/concession/deferredstanding

Midterms and Final Exam are written on paper. Mastery Learning Modules, Tutorial
Quizzes are Canvas quiz tests that are written during scheduled class time while the
student is present, in person, in class. These online tests cannot be completed
outside the designated class time OR written unless the student is present in the
class.

FINAL EXAM is held IN PERSON during the final exam period Apr 17- 28th, 2023. The final
exam schedule is usually released mid-February.
Students must write the midterm exam to be eligible to write the final exam.

Re: Final Exam Date and Time

Instructors have no control over the final exam dates and that they could occur any time
during the final exam period. This means that you should not make any personal plans until
you know your exam schedule. The Dean’s Office will not permit students to write final
examinations at alternate times due to personal conflicts that fall outside Academic
Concession policy (see UBC Calendar Academic Concession Policy and UBC Academic
Concession Policy- Students services) )

Exam Conflicts
The course team attempts to ensure that there is an opportunity for students to write exams
within the class time. Dates and times for exams will be indicated at the start of classes in
September. As BIOL 112 is a large course, we attempt to offer reasonable dates for the
exams; however, we are not able to customize an ideal schedule for every student. This
means you may have multiple exams on the same day.

As Midterm exams are held in class, students are expected to not have any conflicts. IF
YOU HAVE A CONFLICT due to exceptional circumstances, with any of the exams dates
and times,you must report this ASAP to the course coordinators. Please note that we may
not be able to accommodate conflicts if the conflict is reported less than 1 week from the
exam.
Missed Course Work - Academic Concession Policy B112
Attendance - UBC Policy
https://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,36,0,0
Please note that the following University policy “Regular attendance is expected of
students in all their classes (including lectures, laboratories, tutorials, seminars, etc.).
Students who neglect their academic work and assignments may be excluded from
final examinations. Students who are unavoidably absent because of illness or
disability should report to their instructors on return to classes. Any request for
academic concession must be clearly expressed (see Academic Concession).”

Please see below for details policy for attendance for lectures, tutorials, and exams.

Students must have a valid, credible reason to miss exams, tests, quizzes i.e., any
graded course work
Examples of Academic Concession may include 1) unanticipated changes in personal
responsibilities that create a conflict, 2) medical circumstances,3) compassionate grounds.
The “Grounds for Academic Concession Policy at UBC” can be found here: UBC
Academic Concession Policy and student services or
https://science.ubc.ca/students/advising/concession ). See also UBC Calendar Link UBC
Policy on Academic Concession

To be eligible to make up any graded work (assessments/assignments/quizzes etc), students

must:
1. Report their absence to the appropriate person e.g., Course Coordinator, Instructor,
Tutorial TA/Lead TA
2. Complete the Biology Academic Concession Form and return the completed form to
the appropriate course personnel.
3. Make an appeal via email for a make up test/assignment.
4. In BIOL 112, students are NOT offered alternate grading schemes such as not
counting an exam score unless there is an exceptional circumstance.

Our BIOL 112 Policy regarding absences from class, completing assignments, quizzes,
exams etc (for any Graded Course Components). Here is a summary that generally applies:
● Lectures - you are expected to attend >80% of lectures in-person. Absences from
any one class (e.g. medical or other extenuating circumstances) are not taken into
consideration on a class-by-class basis. Students are expected to manage their
schedule. See Course and UBC Policies on attendance.
● Tutorials - attendance is mandatory for all 5 tutorials. Missed tutorials result in zero
score for that tutorial quiz. A ONE-TIME academic concession approval is required
to be exempt from the missed tutorial.
● MLM modules and practice quiz - there is no penalty for missing the MLM session
and practice quiz, however, students are responsible for the material.
● MLM Tests - mandatory to write at least 1 of the test (test#1 or Test #2) for each
MLM. No attempts to write either test will result in a zero score for that MLM.
Example - students who miss Test#1, can attempt the re-take Test#2. See also
document on MLM tests policies
● Exams - students must write both exam #1 (midterm) and exam #2 (final) to
 complete the course. See below for more information on missed exams.
● Pre-class quizzes on Achieve - there are no make-up quizzes. The missed quiz
results in zero grade for that quiz. The lowest quiz score will be dropped from the
calculation of your grade e.g. if you miss one quiz, that zero score will be dropped
from the calculation.

Missed Exams i.e. midterm and final

If you miss an exam, see this PROTOCOL FOR REPORTING MISSED EXAM(S) below
Exams are part of the normal course work during the term of a course. In BIOL 112, the
following policies apply to students who miss any course exam or graded course work:

1. Students must have a valid reason to miss exams/graded course work

(see above UBC Academic Concession Policy)

2. Students are expected to report their absence and reason within 24 hours of the exam
or due date (unless exceptional circumstances arise). Without timely notification of an
absence, a grade of “0” will be given for the exam.

To report an absence from a scheduled exam: see below for Protocol for Reporting a
Missed Exam

3. Students are expected to make up the course work and to do this within a reasonable
time period e.g.within 5 - 7 days.

4. Students cannot merely "skip" any course work that is part of the course grading
scheme (exceptional circumstances may apply).

MISSED EXAM(S) - REPORTING PROTOCOL [3 steps]

1, Fill in a Biology Student Declaration of Academic Concession found on the Biology

Program site:
https://biologyprogram.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2021/10/Academic-Concession-Form-2021W-v2.
pdf

2. Fill in the Survey for Missed Exams (i.e. within 24 hours of the missed exam.) The survey
will ask you to include:

o The Student Declaration Form

o Your schedule so that a make up exam can be arranged.

3. Submit the Student Declaration form and/or schedule in the survey link above & email the
coordinator(s) directly and cc your lecture section instructor. Expect your makeup midterm to
be scheduled within 1-1.5 weeks of the original midterm, in the evening.

For Final Exams there is an additional step to contact your Faculty Advising Office
 · Contact your Faculty Advising Office (e.g. Science)
https://science.ubc.ca/students/advising/exams

· You will be required to complete an Academic Concession Form provided by your

Faculty Advising Office.

· If approved, you will be offered a deferred exam writing.

· Term 1 deferred exams are usually offered in early January 2021 OR the option to
write the final exam during the Term 2 Final exam sitting (April 2021). If you are
unable to write during either of these times, you can apply to write in the Summer
deferred exam (usually mid-late July).

Policy on posting exam scores and exam questions

Student’s exam scores for both the Multi-Choice Answer type (e.g. Multiple Choice
Questions) and ORQs (Open Response Questions) will be posted on Canvas.

ORQ’s can be released to students after the exam has been marked (refer to your section
instructor for details).

The Multi-choice Response questions are NOT returned to students, posted, or reviewed
in class. Students who wish to review these questions may attend an exam review session
or see their section instructor.

NOTE: During virtual meetings that require a discussion of a student's score or grades,
students will be asked to turn on their video cameras so that we can ensure the privacy and
confidentiality of these discussions.

Mastery Learning Modules (MLM) -15% of your grade

There will be 3 mastery of learning modules (MLMs) that will occur throughout the term in
place of regular tutorial sessions. For Mastery Learning Modules, students attend their
registered Tutorial Class (day and time). The Course TAs will be facilitating these sessions.
There will be instruction, practice questions and practice quizzes during this session.
Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the topic material.

MLM Grading
MLM tutorial classes are not graded. There are no marks for attendance or participation. The
graded quiz scores are for feedback only and do not count towards your BIOL 112 grade.
However, the week AFTER your MLM class, you will be given a MLM Test. Each MLM Test
is worth 5% of your BIOL 112 grade.

MLM Week of classes Topic MLM Test (see

grading scheme
for dates)

1 2 Chemistry for Week 3

Biology

2 7 Transcription Week 8
 3 12 Operon mutations Week 13

● MLM Canvas quizzes are for practice ONLY. They do not count towards your grade
in the course.
● A MLM Test will be held during lecture class time the week AFTER the relevant
tutorial session. For example, MLM 1 Test will be held in Week 3 of the term during
Thursday/Friday lectures.
● Each Test is worth 5% of your grade. If you do not achieve “mastery” (>=90% on the
test) you will have an opportunity to re-test in the week after for a higher grade..
● MLM TEST Questions and Answers are NOT released until after both Test #1 & Test
#2 are completed by all students.
● More details will be provided in the first Tutorial MLM in Week. See your Tutorial
Canvas site for more details.

Learning Activities

Learning Activities make up 25% of your BIOL 112 Grade.

Tutorials 10

Reading (Achieve) Quizzes 5

Lecture Class Participation (clickers, assignments etc) 10

Total Learning Activities 25

Tutorials (10% of your grade)

Tutorial attendance is mandatory. There are 5 X 50 minute tutorials scheduled in the term.
For each week that there is a tutorial scheduled, there will be 50 min less of lecture time.
Each tutorial is worth 2%.

During the Tutorial you will need to have access to the Canvas Tutorial site using an
electronic device where you can complete Canvas online quizzes.

In a tutorial, you can ask questions, practice answering exam-style questions in small
groups, and practice taking exam-style questions in quizzes.The tutorial topic will review
what was learned in the lectures during the previous week, so you should review your notes
prior to the tutorial.

Your Tutorial Score (10%) will be based on your final score on the Tutorial Session Quiz
access via Canvas Tutorial site..

● Attendance, participation, and completion of activities during the ENTIRE duration

of the tutorial class is required to receive your quiz score to count towards the 10% grade.
● Tutorial Canvas quizzes are done with a group of students. Each tutorial quiz is 2% of
your course grade.

● Missed Tutorials - you cannot make up a tutorial class. If you miss your tutorial, your
quiz will be scored as zero (0 out 1).

● Appeals- Students who wish to appeal a zero score for a missed tutorial must have a
valid reason for a missed tutorial which is covered under the Academic Concession
policy (above as in Missed Exams). Students must report their absence, fill out the
Academic Concession form and send to the Lead TA, Jeffrey Lin via Canvas email
within 24 hours.

Pre-Reading Achieve Quizzes (5% of course grade)

● Quizzes are graded and all quizzes are weighted equally to count towards your
5% grade.

● Each week there may be 1 - 4 short quizzes in any week to complete prior to the
1st lecture.

● Students have 2 attempts to complete each quiz.

● Lowest score in the term will be dropped from the calculation.

Lecture Class Participation Activities (worth 10% of your course grade)

Your in-class activities will be decided by your Lecture Instructor. This may include
participation or graded iclickers, worksheets, quizzes, activities and assignments that are
assigned during the lecture OR outside class time i.e. homework.

BIOL 112 is an IN PERSON CLASS. This means students are expected to attend and
participate in at least 80% or more of the classes throughout the term. Your Lecture
Instructor will let you know how missed classes are handled and if there are any penalties to
missed participation.

E.g., iClicker questions that graded for participation, not correctness

● completion of >=80% of clicker questions and/or activities gives you full marks for
your score)
● These points are based on participation by responding to clicker questions in the
section in which you are registered. Responses to questions are not marked for
correctness.
● Students are NOT permitted to contribute on behalf of another student(s) during a
class (example: a student who is absent). This is considered Academic Misconduct
and will be subjected to disciplinary action:
 Course and UBC Policies

Diversity and Inclusivity Statement

Being at university means being exposed to new people, perspectives, and ideas. These can
be unsettling as they may lead us to question our previously held ideas and expose our
hidden biases. But this discomfort is also a sign of learning and personal growth. It is a
chance to learn new perspectives and ideas, and to re-evaluate and develop our own world
views.

In this course, we are respectful and inclusive of diversity in all its forms, including sex,
gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and ability. We accept that others have lived experiences and
histories that differ from our own, and that everyone will bring different perspectives and
approaches. Being able to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a respectful and
inclusive manner is a sign of cultural competency, and it is a valued skill that makes our
society stronger.

What respectful inclusive behaviour looks like:

● Assume positive intentions of others, and act with positive intentions towards others.
● Use correct names (ie. Preferred name) and pronouns
● Avoid making assumptions about people’s identities e.g. gender, pronouns,
backgrounds, because not all identities are visible. Instead, allow people to tell you
who they are.
● Work together in good faith, regardless of identities, backgrounds, and beliefs.
● Let others know what you need to work at your best, and accommodate other
peoples’ needs to the best of your abilities.
● Be mindful of the comments and jokes that you make, that can be harmful to the
others around you regardless of your intent.
● Keep an open mind: Listen to others and consider alternate viewpoints
● Accept that everyone makes mistakes, including yourself. If you make mistakes,
apologise, move on, and avoid making the same mistake in the future.

UBC Values and Policies

UBC provides resources to support student learning and to maintain healthy lifestyles
but recognizes that sometimes crises arise and so there are additional resources to
access including those for survivors of sexual violence. UBC values respect for the
person and ideas of all members of the academic community. Harassment and
discrimination are not tolerated nor is suppression of academic freedom. UBC provides
appropriate accommodation for students with disabilities and for religious and cultural
observances. UBC values academic honesty and students are expected to acknowledge
the ideas generated by others and to uphold the highest academic standards in all of
their actions. Details of the policies and how to access support are available here
(https://senate.ubc.ca/policies-resources-support-student-success)
Anti-racism Statement
The University of British Columbia is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and
respectful campus environment. Racism interferes with this goal by violating the fundamental
rights and dignity of individuals and groups. Racist behaviour violates the University’s Policy
on Discrimination and Harassment.
https://equity.ubc.ca/files/2010/06/equity_anti_racist.pdf

Wellbeing and Support Resources at UBC and Community

See document Support and Resources for Students

COVID Safety

Healthy Classroom: It is important that all of us feel as comfortable as possible engaging in

class activities while sharing an indoor space. Please do not come to class if you are sick.
Wear a mask if you have mild symptoms, or are not sure if you are sick. In this class, the
marking scheme (see below) is intended to provide flexibility so that you can prioritize your
health and the health of those around you and still be able to succeed. Don’t hesitate to
contact the instructors with any concerns.

Vaccination: If you have not yet had a chance to get vaccinated against COVID-19,
vaccines are available to you, free, and on campus [
http://www.vch.ca/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine ]. The higher the rate of vaccination in our
community overall, the lower the chance of spreading this virus. You are an important part of
the UBC community. Please arrange to get vaccinated if you have not already done so.

Seating in class: To reduce the risk of COVID transmission, please sit in a consistent area
of the classroom each day. This will minimise your contacts and will still allow for the
pedagogical methods planned for this class to help your learning.

Your personal health

If you’re sick, it’s important that you stay home – no matter what you think you may be
sick with (e.g., cold, flu, other).

· A daily self-health assessment is required before attending campus. Every day, before
coming to class, complete the self-assessment for COVID symptoms using this tool:
https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

· Do not come to class if you have COVID symptoms, have recently tested positive for
COVID, or are required to quarantine. You can check this website to find out if you
should self-isolate or self-monitor:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/self-isolation#Who.

· Your precautions will help reduce risk and keep everyone safer. In this class, the
marking scheme is intended to provide flexibility so that you can prioritise your
health and still be able to succeed:

· Please consult your section Instructor for guidelines.

 · If you do miss class because of illness:

o Make a connection early in the term to another student or a group of

students in the class. You can help each other by sharing notes. If you
don’t yet know anyone in the class, post on the discussion forum to
connect with other students.

o Consult the class resources on Canvas.

o Use the online discussion forum for help.

o Come to virtual or in person office hours.

o See the marking scheme for reassurance about what flexibility you
have.

o If you are concerned that you will need to miss a particular key activity
due to illness, contact us to discuss.

If you are sick on a midterm exam day, please email the instructor as soon as you are
confident you should not come to the scheduled exam. We would strongly prefer that you
contact us to make an alternate arrangement than for you to come to the exam while you are
ill. If you do show up for an exam and you are clearly ill, you will not be able to write the
exam and we will make alternate arrangements with you. It is much better for you to email
ahead of time and not attend. Remember to include your full name and student number in
your message.

If you are sick on a final exam day, do not attend the exam. You must apply for deferred
standing (an academic concession) through Science Advising no later than 48 hours after
the missed final exam/assignment. Students who are granted deferred standing write the
final exam/assignment at a later date. Learn more and find the application online:
https://science.ubc.ca/students/advising/concession

For additional information about academic concessions, see the UBC policy here:
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,329,0,0

Copyright of Course Materials:

All of the course materials we provide - syllabus, lectures, slides, problem sets, homework
assignments, reference materials, exam questions - are all the intellectual property of the
course (instructors, University of British Columbia, and textbook content, MacMillan
publishing) . It is a violation of Canadian and international copyright law to distribute
these materials without the owner’s written consent. For example, you may not upload
our course materials to commercial websites that turn around and sell them to other
students. Any notes you take are your own intellectual property (as long as they are not cut
and paste or plagiarized products, in whole or in part, from what we provide) and you may do
what you like with them, but the material we provide in this course is only for students in
this course.
Course materials (both paper and digital) are for the participant’s private study only, and not
for resale or posting to any other individuals, companies, or websites.

Copyright and Privacy Violations include but not limited to:

● Recording lectures without the permission of the Instructor
● Distributing recorded lectures,
● Copying and distributing student posts, or student questions

Doing so without consent of all parties is both a copyright violation and a serious privacy
violation.

Academic Integrity:

See also section Academic Honesty and Integrity

Academic integrity is important to us and we know it is to most students. Academic integrity

means being an honest, diligent, and responsible scholar – yes, as a student you are a
member of this university’s scholarly community. Being a scholar in this course, among other
things includes, completing assignments independently or acknowledging collaboration
when appropriate, and taking exams without cheating. Collaboration through group work is
an effective way to learn. We will clearly indicate when you should collaborate, for example
during in-class group work and for your term project.

Cheating is not worth the risk to your personal and professional reputation. We expect
students to be honest in their work. This means that any work you submit for individual
evaluation should be yours alone.

Any instance of cheating or taking credit for someone else’s work, whether
intentionally or unintentionally, can and often will result in at minimum a grade of zero
for the assignment, and these cases will be reported to the Head of the Department
and Associate Dean Academic of the Faculty of Science.

Academic Honesty and Integrity

Academic Integrity
Excerpt from the UBC Academic Calendar: Academic honesty is essential to the
continued functioning of the University of British Columbia as an institution of higher
learning and research. All UBC students are expected to behave as honest and
responsible members of an academic community. Failure to follow the appropriate
policies, principles, rules, and guidelines of the University with respect to academic
honesty may result in disciplinary action.
Cheating on exams or projects, plagiarizing or any other form of academic dishonesty are
clear violations of these principles.

Please also see UBC

Academic Integrity Hub - https://academicintegrity.ubc.ca/
https://learningcommons.ubc.ca/resource-guides/understand-academic-integrity/
UBC Calendar on Academic Misconduct and Disciplinary Measures:
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/Vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,959
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/Vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,960

Academic integrity is important to us and we know it is to most students. Academic integrity

means being an honest, diligent, and responsible scholar – yes, as a student you are a
member of this university’s scholarly community. Being a scholar in this course, among other
things includes, completing assignments independently or acknowledging collaboration
when appropriate, and taking exams without cheating. Collaboration through group work is
an effective way to learn. We will clearly indicate when you should collaborate, for example
during in-class group work and on some online homework assignments.
Cheating is not worth the risk to your personal and professional reputation. We expect
students to be honest in their work. This means that any work you submit for individual
evaluation should be yours alone.
Any instance of cheating or taking credit for someone else’s work, whether
intentionally or unintentionally, can and often will result in at minimum a grade of zero
for the assignment, and these cases will be reported to the Head of the Department
and Associate Dean Academic of the Faculty of Science.

Academic Integrity Pledge in BIOL 112

For all BIOL 112 examinations, you will be required to take a pledge at the start of each
examination.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLEDGE

I affirm that I will not give or receive any unauthorized help on this examination, that all work
will be my own, and that I will abide by the Academic Conduct Rules set out by my examiner.
I understand that if I violate the terms of this agreement, I could be subject to disciplinary
action by the course instructors and the University of British Columbia.

You MUST acknowledge that you understand this policy in order to proceed with the exam.

What is academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct is behaviour that erodes the basis of mutual trust on which scholarly
exchanges commonly rest, undermines the University's exercise of its responsibility to
evaluate students' academic achievements, or restricts the University's ability to accomplish
its learning objectives. See the following URL below for specific examples of academic
misconduct.
http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,959

What happens if a student commits academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct can result in a one-year suspension from the University and a notation
of academic discipline on the student’s record. Other disciplinary measures include a letter
of reprimand, a grade of zero for the assignment and/or for the course, suspension from the
University, and expulsion from the University.

http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,960

Academic Misconduct Examples- that could apply to BIOL112 (this list is not
comprehensive):
Listed below are some examples of dishonest behavior in BIOL 112, that breach UBC’s
Academic Integrity Policy:
● Participation in class activities on behalf of another student/ asking another student to
participate for you (includes graded and participation graded activities such as
worksheets, using clickers etc).
● Writing an exam for another student, or hiring someone to write your exam.
● Asking another person or website (AI such as ChatGPT, contract service) to provide
an answer for any assignment, exam or activity that is graded or worth participation
marks.
● Communicating answers during exams and/or copying answers from another
student/site/unauthorized materials during an examination or assignment
● Working on answers with classmate(s) for completing an exam.
● Using “tutoring websites” (e.g. Chegg.com, CourseHero) to find answers to exam,
quizzes and assignment questions.
● Assisting others to cheat by answering questions that are posted to a Social
media/chat group.
● Misrepresenting your identity by asking someone else to complete any portion of a
course.
● Uploading/sharing any of the copyrighted course material (e.g. lecture/tutorial slides,
problem set questions, quiz/assignment/homework questions, exam questions, etc.)
– all of these materials are the intellectual property of the course teaching team and
UBC and should not be shared in any format (please read “Important Copyright
Announcement” below).
● Uploading your own completed assignments/homework/exam answers to any digital
site - as this would be considered “assisting other students to cheat using your
material”.
● You are also violating the student academic integrity policy if:
○ a private tutoring company coaches you on how to complete an
assignment/exam
○ you buy/ sell/ swap assignment/homework/quiz/exam questions and answers
on any social media/chat platforms

Feel free to ask us (Course Instructors) about academic integrity. Part of our job is to guide
your growth as a scholar, and we would much rather you ask for clarification than
unintentionally engage in academic misconduct, which has serious consequences.This
course is designed to foster success, but if you feel tempted to cheat, come and talk to us
instead and we can try to work something out together. This is what office hours are for!
Please do not do this. Talk to us, and let us work something out together.

To help you learn your responsibilities as a scholar, please read and understand UBC’s
expectations for academic honesty in the UBC Calendar: “Academic Honesty,” “Academic
Misconduct,” and “Disciplinary Measures,”. Read and reflect on the Student Declaration and
Responsibility. There are resources to help you meet these expectations, for example the
Chapman Learning Commons "Understand Academic Integrity".