BIOL 211
Majors Cellular
Winter 2012
PROFESSOR
Dr. Dan Stephens
Wenatchi Hall 2328
682-6752 (office, voice mail)
dstephens@wvc.edu
http://commons.wvc.edu/dstephens
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-10:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Covers the structure and function of cells, the fundamental unit of all organisms. Includes metabolism, cell reproduction, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Recommended for science majors, pre-professional students, and allied health majors. Includes laboratory.
PREREQUISITES
Recent college-level chemistry class (e.g. CHEM&121) strongly recommended.
CREDIT HOURS
5 quarter credit hours - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab per week.
TEXTBOOKS
Raven, Johnson, Mason, Losos, and Singer. 2011. Biology (Volume 1) 9th/e
McDonald and Roberts. 2008. Principles of Biology: Laboratory Investigations 4th/e
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of theories and application of concepts pertinent to cell structure and function, cell biochemistry, and Mendelian and molecular genetics through problem-solving techniques used in contemporary cell and biomolecular science.
2. Demonstrate competence and self-confidence required to gain a fuller practical and theoretical understanding of biomolecular and cell-biological concepts.
3. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in the context of problem-solving exercises both in a cooperative lab setting, and in written evaluations.
4. Anticipate, recognize, and respond to potential hazards in biochemical and biomolecular procedures.
5. Apply the scientific method and problem-solving skills to cell-biological and biomolecular phenomena in a hands-on laboratory using proper techniques to develop complete experimental records, interpret experimental results and draw conclusions based on those results.
6. Use and understand modern biomolecular laboratory instrumentation at a level equivalent to that of students in the major transfer institutions.
EVALUATION:
Evaluation will be based on:
Lecture Exams (4 X 100 pts each) 400 pts.
Assignments and Quizzes 100 pts.
Lab Exam 50 pts.
Lab Notebook 50 pts.
Lab Report 50 pts.
Attendance, Effort, Improvement, Attidude, etc. 50 pts.
700 pts.
Grades are then given according to the following scale:
93-100=A 88-89=B+ 78-79=C+ 68-69=D+ <60=F
90-92=A- 83-87=B 73-77=C 63-67=D
80-82=B- 70-72=C- 60-62=D-
ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES
Regular attendance in lecture and lab is necessary to accomplish the objectives of this
course. Quizzes or assignments can be given at any time. In-class assignments can not be made up. Students must exhibit consistent effort, improvement, positive attitudes, and good attendance to succeed. Students must work in Lab for the entire period to be successful in Lab. Safety glasses must be worn during lab activities when indicated by the instructors.
Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 for that assignment. Refer to the WVC Student Code of Conduct for your rights and responsibilities as a student. A 10% penalty will be assessed for every day an assignment is late. The instructor has the right to change anything in this syllabus at any time (with notice given in class). Contact the special services office at 682-6854 if you feel you need special assistance or have a documented disability.
Missed exams (100 point exams) can not be made-up unless the instructor is notified before the exam and a valid reason is given (e.g. death in the immediate family). In the case of medical emergencies, auto breakdowns, or other such circumstances, leave a message explaining the situation as soon as possible; five days will then be allowed for make-up.
We are all here to learn and that is difficult if anyone in the class is carrying-on some
other activity (e.g. talking) while the class is in session. Please make sure your cell phones are turned off before class. I will deduct points if your cell phone goes off in class as it is very disruptive. The same applies to text messaging and any other similar technology. It is expected that you will be listening (or at least allowing others to do so) during lectures. Failure to comply will result in loss of points or you will be required to leave class.