SYLLABUS (Spring 2024)

 

COURSE AND TITLE:    BIOL&100 – Survey of Biology

Wenatchee Valley College         

Class Meets Asynchronous, Lab Wednesday 5:30-8:30

Rooms: WTI2308

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

An introductory course in the basic biological principles and processes for the non-science major.  The course includes a basic survey of cell biology, inheritance, reproduction, genetics, classification, evolution, ecology and principles of living systems.  The course is designed to give non-science students a better understanding and a deeper appreciation of life in all its forms and to satisfy a natural science breadth requirement for completion of the AA degree.  Includes laboratory.

PREREQUISITES:  None                                                                                                                                                          

CREDIT AND HOURS:   5 credit hours:  Four 1- hour lectures & one 2-hour lab weekly.

 

TEXTBOOKS

                                                                                                                                                                                       Concepts of Biology, 2023 Simon et al.

Hardcover:  ISBN-13: 978-1-938168-11-6

Web:  ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-03-6

CONTACT & COMMUNICATION

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions, concerns or comments.

       

Email: briley@wvc.edu

Office: Wenatchi Hall 2331

Office hours: 10-11:30 Monday                                  

                                                                                                                                                           

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 Upon successful completion of this course, students will have:

 

1. Basic knowledge of life at the ecological and organismal level.
2. An awareness of the major principles in biology.
3. A deeper appreciation of the diversity and complexity of life.
4. Familiarity and understanding of "headline" topics in biology.
5. Experience in the proper use and understanding of selected laboratory apparatus and procedures.

 

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, videos, selected media, handouts, discussions, assigned readings and question-and-answer sessions will all be utilized in class.  Laboratory exercises are designed to familiarize students with techniques in a "hands-on" manner and to emphasize major concepts.

EVALUATION

Evaluation for this class will be based upon:

            Lecture Exams (4 X 100 pts each)                                             300 pts.

            Quizzes (5 X 10 pts each)                                                          100 pts

            Homework as assigned                                                              100 pts

            Lab Assignments and Final Report                                           200 pts.

                                                                                                                700 pts.

 ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES

A complete lecture and laboratory schedule is attached for your convenience.  It is strongly recommended that you read the material for the day before coming to class.  Regular attendance in lecture & lab is necessary for the student to accomplish the goals of the course. Make up labs are not available unless arrangements are made in advance. Make-up labs are given as a written assignment that is due one week from the date it is assigned. Additionally, a MAXIUMUM of 1 make-up lab assignment will be accepted per quarter, per student.  Examinations must also be taken on the day they are scheduled unless arrangements are made PRIOR TO THE EXAM.  If you miss an exam without prior notice, you will receive a score of 0. 

During the course, each student will be expected to actively participate in class and lab exercises and discussions, complete all lab experiments and home assignments in a timely manner, and ask lots of questions!

GRADING SCALE

Grades are earned according to the following scale (%):

 

93 è 100 = A                        558 - 600 pts

90 è 92   = A-                       540 – 557 pts

88 è 89   = B+                       528 – 539 pts

83 è 87 = B                          498 – 527 pts

80 è 82 = B-                         480 – 497 pts

78 è 79 = C+                        468 – 479 pts

70 è 77 = C                         

68 è 69 = C-                        

66 è 67 = D+                       

60 è 65 = D                         

<59 = F                                  

 

CHEATING & PLAGERISM

Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating, you will be given an “F” for the course.  Cheating includes (but is not limited to): copying someone’s answers on a test or quiz, letting someone copy answers from your test or quiz, copying someone’s assignment & calling it your own, letting someone copy your assignment, informing other students of quiz or test material, using assignments/reports/papers for this course which have been or will be used for this or other courses & plagiarism (copying information from a written or electronic source – such as the internet - without giving credit to the author).

Bottom line – all work should be your own.

  SPECIAL POPULATIONS OFFICE

The Disability Support Services Office has been designated by the college as the primary office to guide, coach and assist students with disabilities.  If you receive services (or think you should) through that office and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs.  Bring your Instructor Notification and Request form provided by the Special Populations Coordinator to the appointment.  I will hold any information you share with me in strictest confidence unless you give me written permission to do otherwise.  If you need a referral to that office or have further questions, I will be available to assist you.  The Special Populations Coordinator will require appropriate documentation of disability.  The use of that office is voluntary.

LECTURE & LABORATORY SCHEDULE

 (See Course Syllabus Under Files)