Course Description

Introduction to the major themes and principles in Biology through lecture, laboratory and field experiences. Students investigate topics ranging from molecules to the ecosystem. Meets general education requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Distinguish questions that can be addressed scientifically from those that cannot, and identify basic components of the scientific method as it pertains to biological systems ranging from molecules to the biosphere.
• Identify basic components of the scientific method in laboratory setting.
• Recognize unifying theories and concepts in biology (e.g. structure & function, ecological relationships, organismal diversity, & inheritance) within an evolutionary context.
• Demonstrate the ability to comprehend current events related to a broad range of biological topics.
• Experience the sense of discovery achievable through science and demonstrate a motivation to continue learning about a broad range of biological topics outside the classroom.

Required Materials

• Concepts of Biology from Open Stax.  This book is available for free online, on your mobile device, and as a pdf.  A print version is also available for purchase through their website.  A paper copy of the book is available through the Chaffey Campus Store.
• Lab Materials such as:
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Computer with internet access
  • Printer
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • Access to Microsoft or Google Suite of software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, or Google Sheets
  • Calculator
  • Basic kitchen supplies
  • Potatoes
  • Fresh pineapple (I’ll let you know the best week to buy it)
  • Canned pineapple
  • Milk (I’ll let you know the best week to buy it)

Grades

The final grade in the class is calculated as a percentage of the total possible points from the assignments listed below:

• 4 Exams X 100 points each = 400 points
• 17 Quizzes X 10 points each = 170 points
• Lecture Assignments = 150 points
• Lab Assignments = 250 points

A+ =      98 – 100%         B+ =      88 – 89%          C+ =      78 – 79%          D =       63 – 67%

A =       93 – 97%              B =       83 – 87%            C =        70 – 77%           D- =      60 – 62%

A -=      90 – 92%             B- =      80 – 82%           D+ =     68 – 69%           F =        0 – 59%

Drop Policy

Students who do not login to Canvas during the first week of class are dropped from the course.  After the first week of class, I will not drop any students from the course.  I respect that circumstances may arise that cause you to consider dropping the course, and I only ask that you talk with me first to consider all your options before making that choice.

Attendance

Well, this is awkward, right? It’s an online course, so we don’t have set days or times that we will meet.  Please set up a routine schedule of specific days and times that you plan to complete activities for class.  You know what works best for you.  I recommend that you block out 9-12 hours per week to complete lecture and lab activities, as well as another 3 hours to devote to reading and studying the material.

Assignments

Quizzes & Lecture Assignments will be assigned on Mondays and due on the following Mondays. 

There are assignments and a quiz associated with each topic covered.  Please make every attempt to complete the assignments on time as late assignments are not accepted.

Discussion Assignments will be assigned on Mondays and due on the following Wednesdays and Mondays.

Many discussion posts will have two components – the original post and the response to a post.  The original post will be due on Wednesdays and the response to a post will be due on Sundays. Please make every attempt to complete the assignments on time as late assignments are not accepted.

Lab assignments are assigned on Mondays and due on the following Mondays.

Lab activities are completed at home since this is a 100% online class.  Instructions to complete the lab activities will be given in Canvas.  There will be materials for you to pick up from Chaffey College at the beginning of the semester.  The details of pick up will be shared on Canvas. Please make every attempt to complete the assignments on time as late assignments are not accepted.

Exams will be assigned on Mondays and due on Wednesdays.  

You will have an unlimited time to complete them but will only be allowed to complete one question at a time without returning to any questions once completed.  Please make every attempt to complete the exams on time as late exams are not accepted.

Academic Integrity

I have never taken an online class, but I’ve heard that the temptation for cheating increases in this environment.  Examples that I’ve learned about include copying/pasting text from the internet directly into your assignment, using unauthorized materials during exams and quizzes, or submitting someone’s else’s work as your own for an assignment.  Please don’t do any of these.  My policy is that when caught, the student will earn a grade of 0% for the assignment.

Treating Others With Respect & Dignity

Nobody likes an internet troll – the person who wants to hurt others through callous words.  Please don’t be that person by respecting the dignity, values, belief systems, biology, and life circumstances of each person you encounter in our class, especially in Zoom meetings and discussion boards. Thank you.

Weekly Schedule

It is possible that small changes may be made to the schedule during the semester.  I will notify you of any changes on Canvas.

Click on Syllabus to view this syllabus as a Word Document.