BIOL-6A: Biological Form
& Function
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Course syllabus, schedule, lecture slides, and lab
materials available from the course website: |
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Required Text: Biology, 9th
ed., Campbell, N.A. & J.B. Reese; Pearson
Education, 2011. ¬
Required Lab Manual: Biology 6A Lab
Manual, McCauley, B. & B. Heyer; DeAnza College,
2011. o download and print
from the class website ¬
Recommended Lab Supplement: A Photographic Atlas for the
Biology Laboratory, 6th ed.,, K & |
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¬ Textbook supplemental website: Mastering
Biology. http://www.masteringbio.com/ ¬
Optional Study Guide: Biology-Student Study Guide, 9th
ed., Campbell, N.A., et al; Pearson
Education, 2011. |
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Instructor: Bruce Heyer |
Email: heyerbruce @ deanza.edu |
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Office: SC 1212 |
Phone: (408) 864-8933 |
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Biology-6A is
the first of three courses for serious enthusiasts of the biological sciences
to present the foundations of life's processes and the methods for scientific
investigation. In this first course we shall elaborate on organismal
biology - the comparative structure (form) and physiology (function) of the
diverse range of living inhabitants of our planet relevant to the basic
universal necessities of being alive. Central themes include producing and
maintaining a stable internal body environment while exchanging energy,
nutrients, water, gases, and wastes with the outside world; sensing and
responding to stimuli; and transporting materials and coordinating actions in a
multicellular organism.
The class lectures examine
specific biological phenomena across a wide variety of organisms, but the
laboratory portion focuses on the overall structure of specific groups of multicellular organisms. Thus, while the concepts presented
in lectures are applied to this survey of the major plant, fungus, and animal
body plans, the lab exercises do not directly parallel the lectures and much of
the content is presented only in lab. Therefore, it is mandatory to fully
participate in both the lecture and laboratory components to pass the class.
Catalog Information
Description
Introduction to biology and scientific methods for students beginning
the biology major series. Study of the structure and
physiological processes of living organisms, with an emphasis on plants and
animals.
Student Learning Outcomes
(1)
Analyze and compare the process of
homeostasis as applied to common physiological processes across higher
taxonomy.
(2)
Apply the principles of the scientific
method to critique case studies in comparative biology research.
(3)
Contrast the Linnaen,
traditional phylogenetic and cladistic
processes of taxonomy.
Course Objectives
A.
Explore science as a process and assess
its role in building a reliable body of knowledge accessible to the global
community.
B.
Reconstruct the historical development of
systematics and the classification of living
organisms.
C.
Articulate the characteristics and
challenges shared by all living organisms.
D.
Introduce the cell as the fundamental
unit of life and differentiate its basic features.
E.
Examine the structure, physiological
processes and diversity of protists.
F.
Examine the structure, physiological
processes and diversity of Kingdom Fungi.
G.
Examine the structure, physiological
processes and diversity of Kingdom Plantae.
H.
Examine the structure, physiological
processes and diversity of Kingdom Animalia.
Lab
Topics
A. Scientific
methodology and experimental design
B. Life cycles and systematics of plants
C. Plant tissues and
vascular function
D. Plant reproductive
strategies and anatomy
E. Structure and life
cycles of fungi
F. Animal tissues and
development
G. Form and function
of selected animal phyla, such as porifera, cnidaria, platyhelminthes, nematoda, annelida, mollusca, arthropoda, echinodermata, and/or chordata
H. Vertebrate
structure and variation
PREREQUISITES AND ADVISORIES
The study of
biology requires a comfortable familiarity with chemistry. To enroll in
Biol-6A, you need to have passed Chem-1A or Chem-50 with a grade of C or
better, or passed the Chemistry Placement Test administered by the Testing
Center.
Using equations
to calculate solution concentrations, rates of diffusion and gas exchange, and
physical parameters of comparative anatomy requires above average math skills.
Intermediate algebra equivalent to Math-105 or Math-114 is recommended.
Students
will be expected to interpret and accurately follow written exercises and
compose written solutions with an expected eloquence appropriate for scientific
professionals. Coherent composition, accurate vocabulary, proper grammar, and
correct spelling DO count! English skills equivalent to EWRT-1A or ESL-5 are
highly recommended.
Biology-6A/B/C is
the three-quarter introduction to biology for college students majoring in
biology or a related science. This series is acceptable for transfer to the
University of California and California State University systems and most other
colleges. This course is equivalent or exceeds the rigor and depth of the
corresponding introductory biology courses at these universities. Since the
precise sequence of presented topics differs among institutions, it is strongly
recommended that you complete the whole series at one college.
TIPS TO HELP YOU DO WELL IN THIS COURSE
There
is no question that this class can seem intimidating with novel concepts,
extensive vocabularies, and applied chemistry and physics. You must be prepared
to invest a substantial allotment of time and effort to this endeavor. Some
keys to success and satisfaction are:
o
Attend every lecture
and lab.
o
Be prepared! Do the text
reading before you come to class. If my lecture is the first you hear of a
topic, you'll likely get lost. Especially with the pace we fly through topics:
unprepared = frustrated. Prepare questions for unclear material - questioning
is a form of active learning.
o
Download and print out the lecture slides, when available, and bring them to class. But don't
expect them to replace taking notes. Taking notes is another form of active learning.
o
Develop good study
habits. Spend time studying outside of class every day. Do not let yourself fall behind! Review lecture notes
after each lecture. Be able to explain the concepts for each diagram presented
in your own words.
o
Construct study tools.
Learning content-intensive material such as Biology often requires many steps:
seeing, hearing, thinking, and doing. Create a list of terms in bold print
presented in lecture. Write out flashcards and reorganize your lectures notes
after each lecture as physical activities to help you process the material.
I do not provide study guides for exams - that's your job! I will critique them though if you wish.
o
Form a study group!
Repeated experience has shown that those who study collectively do better. A
study group will help you get to know your fellow classmates and provide
intellectual reinforcement as well as moral support. Come prepared to a group
study session by reviewing lecture material on your own first. Compare notes
and test each other. Learn by teaching: an excellent way to learn how well you
understand a matter is by explaining it to someone else.
o
Review! The textbook
supplemental CD-ROM and Campbell Mastering Biology website have flashcards, quizzes,
games, and other tools to enhance your comprehension. They even have an online
tutor to answer questions! Play the games with your study group. For access,
follow the instructions on the first page of the textbook. You can go to the
College Library or the Open Media Lab downstairs in Learning Center West for
help with internet access.
CONDUCT
Participation
in this class is expected to proceed with professionalism and mutual respect.
Questions and experiences you have to clarify or enlarge on the topics being
discussed are welcome. Please do not be distracting to your colleagues
(including me) in class. Students are expected to be familiar with the Student
Conduct Code and College Policies on academic integrity and academic freedom
stated in the De Anza College Catalogue.
Individuals
found engaging in cheating, plagiarism, or disruptive behavior will be expelled
from the class, awarding a failing grade, and reported to the administration
for further disciplinary sanctions. During exams, any action that even appears to possibly be cheating -
exposed papers or writing, speaking or glances or gestures at another student,
etc. - is sufficient to fail that exam!
Any
student missing more than three lab sessions for any reason will fail the
class. Non-participation in lab activities, frequent late arrivals or early
departures are considered equivalent to absences.
Students have the responsibility to drop themselves from the class if they
realize they cannot successfully complete the course. Students not dropped from
the class roster through Admissions and Records by the Drop Due Date must be given a grade! — No late
drops!
Science
majors are also expected to have read the BHES Division Student Handbook for
additional advice and standards. The Handbook
may be downloaded from http://bhs.deanza.edu/StudentHandbook.pdf .
SUPPORT SERVICES
The college has a wide range of support services to provide
students with assistance. These services range from tutoring and special
short courses in reading and writing skills to financial aid and special
programs for educational transition, reentry, and disabled students. If
you would like to see if any of these programs would be of help to you, please
check with the counseling office in the Student
and Community Services Center. Consult your class schedule for a list of
telephone numbers, or go to the Student
Services website at http://www.deanza.edu/studentservices .
If you need a special accommodation for a physical or learning
disability, please talk to me after the first class session so that I can make
appropriate adjustments in the class to meet your needs. Visit Disability
Support Services (DSS) in the Student Services Center and the Educational
Diagnostic Center (EDC) in Learning Center West, room 110 for testing,
advice, assistance, and special programs. Consult the Disability Information Student Handbook (DISH) at http://www.deanza.edu/specialed/dish .
SAFETY
We have designed
the laboratory exercises to restrict hazards, but we will be handling sharp
instruments, heavy apparatus, specimens in preservatives, and organisms with
defense mechanisms. All students will be required to read and sign to affirm
their understanding and acceptance of the "Standard Operating
Procedures" form prepared by the Biology Department. Any student who
knowingly or recklessly endangers anyone's safety, or who repeatedly violates
laboratory safety rules will be expelled from the class and possibly face
further disciplinary actions at the instructor's discretion. If you observe any
activity or situation that you think might be unsafe, please let talk to the
instructor about it. Beyond this course, developing excellent lab safety habits
is essential to your academic progress and scientific career.
Since De Anza College is located in a seismically active area,
students should give forethought to catastrophic emergency actions. If a
significant earthquake occurs during class, move away from the windows and stay
indoors. If you are in lab, disconnect any gas lines or electrical devices,
secure glassware, and take shelter under the lab bench.
In the event of an emergency that requires the evacuation of the
room, we will exit the building and regroup outside for roll call and further
instructions. Be careful to avoid traffic lanes. Do not leave campus until you have been instructed to do so by your
instructor or by emergency personnel!
GRADING
¤ Lab Exercises & Quizzes: ~12 exercises
and/or quizzes. Average of all scores = 100 points.
o The quizzes
require Scantron Form # 882-E (green)
forms.
¤ Lab Exams: Two lab practical exams. Average of
lab exam scores counts 100 points.
o Due to the
laboratory set-up needed for practical exams, lab exams may not be made up if
missed for any reason!
¤ Lecture Exams: There are three exams based upon
material covered in lecture. (The final exam is Exam 3.) Each exam counts 100
points. (3 x 100 = 300 points)
o These exams are
non-cumulative and will be composed of multiple choice and matching questions
and diagram interpretations. A new (clean / unwrinkled) Scantron Form # 882-E
(green) answer sheet and a #2 pencil will be needed for each lecture exam.
o Please note the
dates of all exams. If you are sick or have an emergency, contact me before the exam and special arrangements might
be made in extenuating circumstances. Vacation plans are not extenuating circumstances! If a
last-minute crisis occurred on the way to the exam, contact me before the end
of the day.
The final class grade will be determined as a percentage of
the maximum total 500 points:
92-100% =
A
89-91% =
A-
86-88% =
B+
80-85% = B
77-79% =
B-
74-76% =
C+
65-73% = C
53-64% = D
<53% =
F
á
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