INSTRUCTOR ACCESSIBILITY

Phone
Sections Instructor Office Email
514-931-8731 Extension
3,4 Suzanne Kunicki, PhD 5A.21 4762 MIO through Omnivox

Out of class communication methods: Please use MIO to contact me out of class. Please provide a detailed
subject heading along with your message. Note that emails sent Monday to Thursday after 5 pm will not be
answered until the following day. Emails sent after 5 pm on Fridays will not be answered until Monday. I will do my
best to respond to your query in a timely fashion.

Office hours: Below are tentative hours (they may change); see schedule posted on Léa for any updates.
All office hours are by appointment, unless I send a MIO to students informing them that I will be available for drop-
in office hours. I share an office with 2 other teachers, and we try to avoid being in the office at the same time.
Requests for appointments must be made at least 3 hours in advance. Office hours in-person are Monday
10:30am-12pm, Tuesday 2:30-3 pm, Thursday 10:30-12. Office hours on Wednesday, 2-3:30 pm, are on Zoom.

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this course is to analyze the organization, functioning, and diversity of life forms. To do so,
the topics of genetics, biodiversity, and ecology will be studied, with an emphasis on evolutionary
adaptation to the environment.

COURSE COMPETENCIES
This course will allow the student to fully achieve the competency:
OOUK: Analyze the organization, functioning, and diversity of living beings.
1. Recognize the relationships between the structures and functions of certain levels of organization of living beings.
2. Analyze the mechanisms that are responsible for the genetic variation of living beings.
3. Evaluate the action of the mechanisms of evolution on the diversity and the levels of complexity of living beings.
4. Analyze the integration of living beings with their environment.
5. Explain the processes of transformation of matter and energy.
This course also contributes to the partial achievement of the competency:
OOUU: Apply acquired knowledge to one or more subjects in the sciences.
6. Recognize the contribution of more than one scientific discipline in certain situations.
7. Apply the scientific method.
8. Solve problems.
9. Use data-processing technologies.
10. Reason logically.
11. Communicate effectively.
12. Show evidence of independent learning in their choice of documentation or laboratory instruments.
13. Work as members of a team.
14. Make connections between science, technology and social progress.

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PRE-REQUISITE and/or CO-REQUISITE COURSES

Co-Requisite: General Chemistry (202-NYA-05)

PONDERATION
3-2-3 (3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of lab and 3 hours of work outside the classroom each week)

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

1. Reece J et al. 2021. Campbell Biology (Canadian Edition). 3rd Ed. Pearson Canada. 1355 pp.
[includes Mastering Biology student access code + Study Guide].
2. Lab Exercises: Each document will be available at least one week prior to the lab period.
3. Lab Coat (cloth; not disposable).

LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The course objectives will be achieved via class lectures, assigned readings/videos, and
assignments/exercises. Note that teachers will use a combination of these tools (ex. Lea, Moodle) but
may not use all of them to deliver class content. When access to the college is restricted, the
material will be delivered online using the videoconferencing platform Zoom.

COURSE CONTENT
The following topics will be covered in lectures and laboratory exercises:
UNIT I. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
1. Principles of Life
2. Unity and Diversity of Life
3. Studying Life
UNIT II. BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
1. Chemistry of Life
2. Introduction to Cells
3. Structure of Plant and Animal Cells
4. DNA and Chromosomes
5. Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
UNIT III. GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
1. The Flow of Genetic Information
2. Mendelian Genetics
3. Sex-Linked Inheritance
4. Non-Mendelian Inheritance
5. Darwinian Evolution
6. Mechanisms of Evolution
7. Speciation and Macroevolution
UNIT VI. DIVERSITY OF LIFE AND ECOLOGY
1. The Origin and History of Life
2. Prokaryotes
3. Protists
4. Fungi
5. Plants
6. Animals
7. Community Ecology
8. Ecosystem Ecology

N.B. These topics may not be covered in this order. Your teacher will provide you with a detailed course
schedule.

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EVALUATION

Institutional Student Evaluation Policy

The Institutional Student Evaluation Policy (ISEP) is designed to promote equitable and effective evaluation of
student learning and is therefore a crucial policy to read and understand. The policy describes the rights and
obligations of students, faculty, departments, programs, and the College administration regarding evaluation in all
your courses, including grade reviews and resolution of academic grievance. ISEP is available on the Dawson
website at https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/governance/institutional-student-evaluation-policy/.

Evaluation Scheme and Schedule

Below is a description of evaluations in the course and their tentative dates. Please see your
instructor’s specific course schedule for exact evaluation dates.
Evaluation Group Evaluation Date Weight
A: Theory Class Test I Week of February 28 15%
Need 60% average Class Test II Week of April 25 15%
in this group to
pass Cumulative Final Exam TBA* 30%

B: Laboratory Scientific Method Test** Week of March 21 10%

Need 60% average
in this group to Lab Test Week of May 9 20%
pass
C: Formative Quizzes and Exercises
Dates assigned by your
10%
Evaluations instructor (see course schedule)
Total: 100%
* N.B. It is your responsibility to be available during the entire final examination period: May 19 – May 30. No
exceptions will be made to this College policy. Exact dates of these assessments can be found in your teacher’s
course schedule.
** This evaluation will also contribute to your comprehensive examination project evaluation (see Comprehensive
Examination section).
Criteria for Passing the Course
Three (3) criteria must be met to pass the course you must obtain:
1. A minimum OVERALL average grade of 60% that includes all assessments.
2. A minimum average grade of 60% for evaluations in group A: THEORY.
3. A minimum average grade of 60% for evaluations in group B: LABORATORY.

If a student’s performance does meet all 3 criteria described above, the student will obtain a final
grade no higher than 55% and will fail the course.

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COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
BIO NYA PROJECT
N.B. This is a brief introduction to the project. Additional information and guidance will be provided by your
instructor in lectures and labs during the semester.
The Bio NYA Project will serve as the first component for the Comprehensive Examination (CE) for the Science
Program. Students must pass the Bio NYA project in order to be eligible for graduation and receive their
D.E.C.
The project consists of three components, two of which are carried out in teams and one which is completed
individually. The components are:
 Component 1. Design, execution, and analysis of an experiment using the scientific method
(component completed as a team)
 Component 2. Test on the Scientific Method and Data Analysis (component completed individually).
 Component 3. Dissection of a scientific article (component completed as a team)

Criteria for Passing the Bio NYA Project

Evaluation of the project is pass-fail. However, the following two criteria apply:
 Students must receive a passing grade (60%) on Component 2, Test on the Scientific Method and
Data Analysis (completed individually), in order to achieve a “pass” for this project. Failure of
Component 2 will result in a “fail” of the Bio NYA project.
 Students must obtain a passing grade (60%) on all three components together to achieve a “pass” for
this project. Failure to do so will result in a “fail” of the Bio NYA project.

Students who fail the Bio NYA Project but pass the course will have to re-do the project with a Bio NYA
teacher during the next semester. Please see your instructor or the Biology department chairperson for more
information.
Students who fail the course will have to repeat the Bio NYA project (all components) when they take the NYA
course again regardless of their project grade obtained when they failed the course.

LABORATORY EXERCISES
The goal of the lab exercises is to introduce students to the tools and techniques used in experimental biology and
to strengthen their understanding of biological concepts presented in class. In addition, these exercises will
highlight how experiments are properly controlled and how data is reported and analyzed.
It is your responsibility to download, print, and read the lab exercise document before coming to the lab period.
Access this document well before the lab period as LÉA is subject to short technical disruptions. These disruptions
will not be considered a valid excuse for a student not being prepared for the lab. Each lab exercise document
will be posted in LÉA at least 5 days prior to the lab period. Students must also follow the Laboratory
Rules and Safety guidelines (see policy).

COLLEGE AND DEPARTMENT POLICIES

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Cheating and plagiarism are serious academic offences. Action in response to an incident of cheating or
plagiarism, up to and including the failure of a student in the course, is within the jurisdiction of the teacher, in
accordance with ISEP.
According to ISEP, the teacher is required to report to the Sector Dean all cases of cheating and plagiarism
affecting a student’s grade. (see ISEP section V-C.)

STUDENT CONDUCT
Everyone has the right to a safe and non-violent environment. Students are obliged to conduct themselves as
stated in the Student Code of Conduct and in the ISEP section on the roles and responsibilities of students. (see
ISEP section II-D).
As such, students are expected to contribute positively to the learning environment during lectures and
laboratories. Please be considerate to your teachers and classmates. It is the policy of the Biology Department to
subtract marks from the total class grade for such behaviors as constant tardiness, excessive rowdiness, and for
disturbing the learning environment of other students.

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PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Students must conduct themselves according to the Professional Conduct Policy of their respective program and to
inform themselves of the Professional Conduct Policy in ISEP (ISEP section IV-O.2).

ENRICHED SCIENCE PROFILE STUDENTS

In addition to the above, students in the Enriched Science profile must follow the regulations in the Enriched
Science profile literature. See the profile coordinator for more information.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Students should refer to the Institutional Student Evaluation Policy (ISEP section IV-C) regarding attendance.
Lecture Attendance: Attendance to all lectures is expected. Failure to attend these lectures is likely to result in
failure in the course due to poor performance. However, attendance is compulsory during periods where an in-
class assessment is given (see course schedule). Participation in class discussions is encouraged but is not
graded as part of your evaluation. However, some exceptions may apply. Your teacher will ensure that you are
informed when your participation is required and will be evaluated.
Lab Attendance: Attendance to all lab exercises is compulsory. A lab test is considered an in-class
assessment (see policy on Missing In-class Assessments).

LABORATORY RULES AND SAFETY

Before your lab, wait near the elevators (between the 5A and 5B wings) until your teacher escorts you to
your lab. Please keep the noise level down while walking through the hall to be considerate to fellow students in
ongoing classes and to faculty in their offices.
Many different types of materials are used in the Biology laboratories, some of which can be hazardous.
Consequently, the following safety rules are in effect:
1. Eating and drinking in the laboratories are strictly forbidden. This rule also applies to the drinking of bottled
water.
2. Students are required to wear a cloth lab coat whenever they are in the lab. This includes lectures and
tests that are given in the lab.
3. At all times when completing a lab, students are required to:
A. Wear appropriate footwear.
B. Have their hair tied back (if they have long hair).
4. Cell phones must be turned off and put away. In some cases, cell phones may be allowed by the teacher to
carry out lab activities.
Students who fail to follow any of these lab rules will be asked to leave and will be penalized for missing
the lab period (see policy on Attendance).

MISSING IN-CLASS ASSESSMENTS

It is the policy of the Biology Department to NOT permit students to write make-up assessments for in-
class assessments that were missed for any reason (valid reason or not). If an assessment is missed for a
valid reason (i.e., because of illness, intensive course, religious observance), an adjustment to the evaluation
will be made so that the student is not penalized (see the box below). An exception to this rule applies to a lab
test (see below).
When a student misses an in-class assessment (for a valid reason), the following modifications
to the evaluation will be made:
A. When the student misses a Class Test, the grade from the Final Exam will be used for the weight
carried by that assessment.
B. If the student misses a quiz or an assignment (given in class), the grade from the Class Test or
Lab Test covering the material from the missed assessment will be used for the weight carried by
that assessment.
C. When the student misses a Lab Test, an alternate assessment that carries the same weight and
covers the same material will be offered at another date.

For an absence due to an intensive courses or religious observance, the appropriate form must be submitted
within the first 2 weeks of the semester (see the policies for conflicts with intensive courses and religious
holidays). If an assessment is missed for an invalid reason, the student will receive a grade of zero for that
assessment.

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MISSING LAB EXERCISES

If a lab exercise is missed for a valid reason (see valid reasons in the policy on Missing In-Class Assessments),
the student will not be penalized in the course evaluation. The grade from a suitable assessment that covers the
material (e.g., lab test) will be used for the weight carried by the missed assessment(s) for that lab period. It
should also be noted that a make-up lab will not be offered, and it is the responsibility of the student to
catch up on the course content missed via their lab partner or classmates.

MAKING-UP MISSED LABORATORY EXERCISES

When a student will be missing a laboratory for an intensive course/religious holiday or when a laboratory was
missed due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness), it MAY be possible to complete the lab exercise with your
instructor’s other section or another instructor’s section that week.
To find an alternative lab period to attend, you must:
1. Communicate with your instructor as soon as possible (before or after depending on the case) to
increase the likelihood of finding an alternative period.
2. Review the lab period schedule, find an alternative period that fits your schedule, and ask your
instructor to verify if you can join another lab section at a certain date and time.
N.B. It is up to the discretion of the instructors involved whether you will be permitted to complete the lab
in this alternate section. Typically, the lab that you have missed will only run during that week and cannot
be completed during another week. For these reasons, it may not be possible to complete the lab at
another time. This policy applies to lab exercises and not necessarily lab tests.

SUBMISSION OF MATERIAL FOR EVALUATION

Literacy Standards:
The ability to write clearly and concisely is an important skill in science. A total of 5% will be allotted for the quality
of the writing on any written assessment (e.g. essay questions on tests, assignments, lab reports, the Bio NYA
project, etc.). This mark will reflect the quality of the written English (spelling, grammar, organization, etc.).
However, up to 100% of the marks allocated to a question on an assessment will be deducted for the
incorrect spelling of biological terms.

Late Submissions:
Marks will be deducted for any work (e.g., assignments, lab reports, etc.) submitted late. Deductions are as follows:
 A 10% deduction when the work is not submitted to the teacher by the exact time and date due.
 An additional 10% deduction per day (24 hrs) late (including weekends).
 Students will receive a grade of zero after work is 5 days late.
Some examples of penalties:
For an assignment marked out of 20 that is due by 5 PM on Friday:
1. If the assignment is submitted on Friday at 5:02 PM then the student will incur a penalty of 10% and 2 marks out
of 20 will be deducted from the students grade on the assignment.
2. If the assignment is submitted on Saturday at 5:02 PM then the student will incur a penalty of 20% and 4 marks
out of 20 will be deducted from the students grade on the assignment.
3. If the assignment is submitted on the next Wednesday at 5:02 PM then the student will receive a grade of zero
for the assignment.
N.B. EXCEPTION: if the answers to an assessment will be given or reviewed on the day it is due (e.g.
discussed in class or answers made available), the teacher reserves the right to refuse a late submission
and assign a grade of zero for that assessment.

CONFLICTS WITH INTENSIVE COURSES

If a student is attending an intensive course, the student must inform the teacher, within the first two
weeks of class, of the specific dates of any anticipated absences. The appropriate Biology Department form to
complete is included at the end of this document. Students are required to inform themselves of the dates of any
intensive courses (e.g. gym intensive) for which they are registered at the beginning of the semester and to plan
their studies periods accordingly. It is the policy of the Biology Department to NOT change assessment dates to
accommodate gym intensives. It is the student’s responsibility to inform themselves of missed material and to
catch-up accordingly. If an assignment is due during an intensive course, it is the student’s responsibility to hand in
the assignment before the due date, not after or the late penalties will apply.

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RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Students who intend to observe religious holidays must inform their teachers, in writing, as prescribed in the ISEP
Policy on Religious Observance. (ISEP Section IV-D). The appropriate Biology Department form to complete is
included at the end of this document.
If you will be observing a religious holiday and will miss an in-class assessment, a lab period, or a day
during the final examination period, you must inform your teacher using the appropriate Biology
Department form within the first two weeks of class. It is the policy of the Biology Department to NOT change
assessment dates to accommodate religious holidays. It is the student’s responsibility to inform themselves of
missed material and to catch-up accordingly. If an assignment is due during an intensive course, it is the student’s
responsibility to hand in the assignment before the due date, not after or the late penalties will apply.

BRINGING CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO CLASSES

Cell phones must be turned off and put away during lectures and laboratory exercises unless allowed by
your teacher as a resource to complete an exercise. Please verify with your teacher before bringing other
electronic devices (e.g., laptop computers) to class. Under all circumstances, any authorized electronic device must
be used as an aid for class work and not for unrelated purposes. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from
class and a student missing an assessment (see policy on Missing In-Class Assessments).

RECORDING AUDIO OR VIDEO DURING CLASSES

Students must obtain their instructor’s permission before recording audio or video during lectures and laboratory
exercises. It is up to your instructor’s discretion whether such activities are permitted. Any recording obtained
without permission is considered a violation of your instructor’s privacy and any student carrying out this activity will
be reported to the College.

USE OF FOREIGN-LANGUAGE DICTIONARIES

Foreign-language dictionaries are not permitted during in-class assessments such as quizzes and tests or during
the final exam.

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GENERAL BIOLOGY I COURSE SCHEDULE

This schedule is subject to change. Updated versions will be provided in LÉA as the semester progresses.

Week Monday Lab Tuesday Thursday

Course Outline, CE description
Jan 20-21 No lab No Class Lecture 1 Biological
concepts
Lecture 2 Scientific Method
Lab 2B Data Analysis: Lecture 3: Biomolecules 1
Jan 24-28 Students listen to before class:
Statistics covered in class Carbs & Lipids
Lab time: Question period

Jan 31-Feb Lecture 4: Biomolecules 2 Finish Lecture 4

Lab 1A. Microscopy part 1
4 (DNA, RNA – translation) Lecture 5: Proteins

Lab 1B. Microscopy part 2 Finish Lecture 5

Feb 7-11 Lecture 7: Cell 2
Hand in lab on Moodle Lecture 6 Cell 1
Lab 2A: Using the Scientific
Feb 14-18 method to study allelopathy Lecture 8A: Cell Cycle Intro Lecture 8B Mitosis stages
CE groups will be formed
Lecture 9A Meiosis Finish Lecture 9B
Feb 21-25 Lecture 9B: Stages
Listen to PPT before lab period Do in-class activities
Lab 3A. Characterizing
CLASS Quiz 1 (Lectures 1-9)
Feb 28-Mar Bacteria part 1
(Lab 2B for Scientific Method CLASS TEST 1 (Lectures 1-9)
4 Submit CE “Experiment” (Lab
lab test)
2 report)
Asynchronous Lec 10: History
Review bacteria worksheet
Lab 3B. Bacteria part 2 of life
Mar 7-11 Lecture 12: Genetics 1:
Hand in lab on Moodle Class time: Lecture 11:
Mendel
Prokaryotes & worksheet

March 14-18 STUDY break

Scientific Method Test Lecture 13: Genetics 2: Lec. 14A: Beyond Mendel 1
covers Lab 2 & class material
Mar 21-25 Dihybrids In class: Questions
Set-up for Phytohormone Exp.
Students listen to before class
Lab 4. Protist Diversity
March 28- Lecture 14B: Beyond Mendel Lectures 16A & 16B: Plants
Hand in lab on Moodle
April 1 Part 2 Parts 1 & 2
Lec 15 Protists
Class: worksheet
Students listen to before class
Lab 5: Plant form & Function
April 4-8 Lectures 17A & 17B: Animals Lecture 18: Evolution 1
Hand in lab on Moodle
Parts 1 & 2. Class: worksheet
Team-work CE: Lecture 19 Microevolution: Lecture 20 Evolution 3:
April 11-15
Work on CE article analysis Population Genetics Speciation
No school on Monday
[[Lecture 21: Fungi]]
April 18-22 Thur=Monday schedule Thur=Monday schedule
Students do worksheet
Submit article analysis
Lab 6. Vertebrates
Apr 25-29 CLASS Quiz 2 (Lec 10-21) CLASS TEST 2 (Lec 10-21)
Hand in lab on Moodle
Lecture 22 Intro to Community
May 2-6 Question period for lab test Lecture 23: Energy Flow
Ecology
[[Lec 24 Cycles of Matter]]
LAB TEST Finish Lecture 24
May 9-13 Students Answer Cycles
Labs 1,3,4,5,6 Lecture 25 Disturbance
Questions in groups

Lecture 10 is asynchronous. We will not be spending class time on it, except to answer any questions you may
have.
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BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Declaration of Absence Due to Intensive Courses and Religious Holidays

Students who will be absent from school during the semester or the final exam period due to the
participation in an INTENSIVE COURSE or the observance of a RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY must inform
their instructor by submitting this completed form within the FIRST TWO WEEKS of the
semester.

FORM IS DUE BY: February 2

Biology Department Policy Regarding Valid Absences:

If a lecture or laboratory is missed due to a valid absence, the department will NOT offer an
alternative lecture or laboratory at another time. It is the student’s responsibility to identify the
class material missed and study the material independently. In addition, an approved absence
does not allow a student to receive credit for an assessment activity not performed or excuse a
student for submitting work late. Please see your course outline for information regarding
missing an assessment activity or submission deadline due to a valid absence.

You must complete ALL sections of this form for it to be considered valid.

A. Student and Course Information

Name: _________________________ Student #: __________________
Course #: 101-NYA-05 Section #: ______
Instructor: __________________

B. Absence Information

Semester: Winter 2022

I am expected to be available Monday through Friday (except during official school holidays) for:
Classes from: 20/01 (day/month) to 13/05 (day/month)
The Final Exam period from: 19/05 (day/month) to 30/05 (day/month)

Please indicate the date(s) within the periods above that you will be absent from school due to a religious
holiday or an intensive course. Absences over consecutive days can be declared together in one row. If
the exact date of the absence is unknown (applicable to religious holidays only), please indicate the month
in which you will be absent and inform your instructor as soon as the exact day is known.

Will you miss a scheduled

Date of Absence (day/month) Reason for Absence
assessment? If so, which one?

Student’s signature ___________________________ Date: ________________

Instructor’s signature ___________________________ Date: ________________

General Biology I, Winter 2022 Page 9