Biology 31: Introduction to College Biology

Nan Ho

Syllabus http://lpc1.laspositascollege.edu/lpc/ho/Spring2008/Bio31/Bio31syllS08.htm

Sections V03 and V04, 4 semester units

Las Positas College, Spring 2008

nho@laspositascollege.edu

(925) 424-1344

Office hours--Room 2149 (subject to change): T 1:30 - 2:20 pm; Th 1:30 - 3:10 pm, F 12 - 1:40 pm

Table of Contents

• Lecture notes
• Catalog Description
• Course Format
• Course Materials
• Grading Policy
• Field Trip
• Classroom and Laboratory Rules
• Attendance Policy, Cancelled Classes, and What to Do if Professor is Absent or Delayed
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Will you write me letters of recommendation?
  • How do I get my final exam grade and final course grade?
  • How long will you keep my work?
  • How do I succeed in this class? Secrets of Success

Catalog Description

Basic principles of biology. Includes origin of life, cell structure and function, cell division, reproduction, genetics, taxonomy, evolution, and cell metabolism. Laboratory emphasis on developing various laboratory skills, using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting data, preparing for and taking laboratory practicals. Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills that are needed to succeed in more advanced courses in biology.

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Course Format

Lecture V03 and V04	MW	12:00 pm - 1:15 pm	Room 1816
Lab V03	M	1:30 pm - 4:20 pm	Room 1807
Lab V04	W	1:30 pm - 4:20 pm	Room 1807

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Course Materials

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Grading Policy

No one "gives" you a grade for this class; you earn your grade.

Your progress in this class will be evaluated in several different ways: lecture exams, lab assignments and practicals, announced and unannounced quizzes, homework, in-class assignments, lab notebook checks, and a final exam. There are no make-up exams, practicals, or quizzes.

Lab attendance is mandatory. Lab materials will be tested on exams. Make-ups are not always possible, and are completely at my discretion.

You are required to bring the necessary materials for each lab class. Please consult the schedule to determine the materials you need to bring for each day. If you are not prepared with the correct materials for a lab, there will be a reduction in your grade (as explained in class).

Some in-class assignments will be completed in lecture or lab and then turned in immediately. There are no make-ups for these assignments.

Due dates for all other assignments are announced in class. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. No late assignments are accepted. Please plan accordingly to be on time. It is your responsibility to earn your grade.

Extra credit points may or may not be available periodically throughout the semester. These opportunities are announced in class.

Cheating and plagiarism will result in automatic zero credit for the test or assignment involved. Further disciplinary action at the college level may result. You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by the Academic Honesty Statement of the Las Positas College Faculty Senate. http://www.laspositascollege.edu/facultystaff/honesty.php. Please see me if you have any questions about this policy.

It is your responsibility to keep track of your grades. Letter grades are not assigned until the end of the semester.

Extra credit points are applied after the initial final course grading scale is set, so extra credit can only help your grade. Not doing extra credit can not lower your grade.

The minimum grading scale is:

Field Trip

One field trip is planned for the Oakland Zoo, (www.oaklandzoo.org). The cost to you for this field trip is your own transportation, a $5.50 advance group reservation admission fee, and a $6 parking fee (fees are subject to change). Normal adult admission is $9. Details on the field trip will be announced in class.

Your field trip is scheduled to fall entirely within your normal lecture and lab periods. If you are unable to attend this field trip for any reason, you must inform me two full weeks before the date of the field trip, so that an alternate assignment (usually including both field and written components) can be arranged.

Due to possible inclement weather and other uncontrollable factors, please call my office voice mail on the morning of the field trip for any last-minute changes or announcements. If the field trip is cancelled, please plan to come to class at its regularly-scheduled time, unless otherwise instructed.

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Classroom and Laboratory Rules

Closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes: For safety reasons, only closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes are allowed in the lab room. You will not be allowed to enter the laboratory with any other footwear. I highly recommend that you store an extra pair of shoes in your car or backpack in case you forget to wear the appropriate footwear.

Cell phones, pagers, iPods, and all electronics: To ensure a learning environment free of disruptions, all electronic devices must be turned off and put away during class. If your cell phone, pager, or other electronic device goes off during class or is otherwise used, your total course grade will be reduced by 50 points per occurrence. If this disruption occurs repeatedly, then you will asked to leave the room for the duration of the class period. There will be no make-up work for any assignment, quiz, exam, etc., during your absence.

Personal calculators, cell phones, and other electronics are not allowed for any quizzes or exams. If quizzes or exams require any calculator work, you will be loaned one during the exam. No calculators are provided for basic math problems.

Food and drink: For safety and health reasons, as well as according to department, College, state, and federal regulations and safety codes, food and drink (including bottled water) are completely prohibited in the lab. All food and beverages must be secured inside your belongings. Nothing may be taken by mouth; for example, you may not chew gum, eat candy, apply lip balm, or take medication while in the lab.

Bringing materials to lab : You are required to bring the necessary materials for each lab class. Please consult the schedule to determine the materials you need to bring for each day. If you are not prepared with the correct materials for a lab, there will be a reduction in your grade (as explained in class).

Using and caring for lab equipment and supplies: You will be taught how to properly use our lab equipment and supplies. You are responsible for following care and use instructions. Any improper handling or use of equipment and supplies will result in a reduction in your course grade (as explained in class).

Recording: Recording of any kind is not allowed in the lecture or the lab.

Academic honesty: You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by the Academic Honesty Statement of the Las Positas College Faculty Senate.http://www.laspositascollege.edu/facultystaff/honesty.php. Please see me if you have any questions about this policy.

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Attendance Policy, Cancelled Classes, and What to Do if Professor is Absent or Delayed

Attendance Policy

"It is assumed that each student will consider attendance an absolute requirement. It is the student's responsibility to attend every class the scheduled length of time. Excessive absences, tardiness, and leaving class early may be taken into consideration by instructors in assigning grades...A student absent for a total of four consecutive, or six cumulative, instructional hours and/or two consecutive weeks of instruction may be dropped from that class by the instructor."-quoted from the College Catalog

Lab attendance is mandatory. Materials from the laboratory portion of the class are important and your understanding of this material will be assessed on tests, quizzes, lab practicals, etc. Make-ups are not always possible and are completely at my discretion.

Cancelled Classes

You can check for cancelled classes by checking the College homepage: http://www.laspositascollege.edu/

What to Do if the Professor is Absent or Delayed

First, please check the College homepage to make sure class is not cancelled. Then, if our class is not listed as cancelled, and I am absent or delayed more than five minutes at the beginning of class, please review the previous class session's notes and be prepared for a short quiz when I arrive. If I am still not there after 20 minutes, please call my voicemail for any further instructions (925-424-1344).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will you write me a letter of recommendation? I would be pleased to help you with a letter of recommendation. I write confidential, honest, and comprehensive assessments of your work and potential. I have written letters in support of student applications for scholarships, transfers, jobs, graduate and professional schools (medical, dental, vet, optometry, pharmacy, etc.), internships, and fellowships. You must make arrangements with me at least a month before you need the letter. Provide the following materials: current resume or CV, 1-2 page personal statement of purpose, copies of all college level transcripts, signed waiver forms (if applicable), addressed and stamped (with sufficient postage) envelopes for each separate recommendation that needs to be mailed.

How do I get my final exam grade and final course grade? Provide me a self-addressed and stamped (with sufficient postage) envelope or postcard by the day of your final exam. I will mail you the information when grades are completed. Grades will not be sent by email.

How long will you keep my work after the semester end? One semester.

How can I succeed in this class? I want each of you to succeed in this class.

Here are some effective Secrets of Success that previous students have used for doing well in this class:

1. Attend every single lecture and every single lab.
2. Be on time. Critical announcements, overviews, and quizzes occur at the beginning of class.
3. Sit as close to the front of the classroom as possible. This keeps you more alert.
4. Listen actively. Think as you listen.
5. Read actively. Think as you read.
6. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
7. Get help. Come to office hours or make appointments.
8. Turn in your assignments on time. Remember I do not accept any late work.
9. Make sure you reconcile your answers to the following questions: " What do I want out of this class?" and "Am I putting forth the effort to get what I want?"

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