Syllabus for

BIO104 Biological Science

Mission: Rich Mountain Community College exists to provide all citizens of the Ouachita Mountain Region with exemplary educational and enrichment opportunities to improve the quality of life and standard of living. It is in the spirit of this mission that this course is presented by the Division of Mathematics and Science.

Course Description: This course represents a study of the fundamental concepts and principles upon which the modern science of biology is founded. The course is designed to satisfy a general education requirement in the biological sciences and will provide the necessary background for those desiring additional course work in the field of biology.

Rationale for the course: Since biological issues and ideas are becoming increasingly important in our society, it is vital that educated persons have a basic understanding of those concepts and principles which govern the very nature of life itself. At the foundation of biology are those basic concepts that tie a hodgepodge of facts and terms into a meaningful and integrated whole. By balancing these concepts and facts, students of biology are better able to visualize the integrated processes of life and thus view things differently. The world assumes a greater degree of connectedness and has infinitely more texture than is apparent to those without a working knowledge of biological science.

Instructor: James H. Lynn

B.S., University of the Ozarks--1964

M.S.E., Henderson State University--1966

M.S., University of Arkansas--1975

Currently in 44^th year of teaching, the last 25 of those years at RMCC

Office: Room 207 Spencer Hall

Phone: 479-394-7622-ext 1336

Email: jlynn@rmcc.edu

Required Textbook:

Mader, Sylvia S. Biology. Ninth edition. Boston: WCB/McGraw-Hill, 2007.

Laboratory Manual: Lab sheets furnished

Learning Goals: Upon successful completion of BIO104 Biological Science, the student should be able to do the following:

§ Describe the relationship that exists between biology and the other major scientific disciplines.

§ Identify the major fields of biology and describe the particular aspect with which each is concerned.

§ List and describe the steps of the scientific method and explain the role that this methodology plays in scientific problem solving.

§ Recognize in a general way the diversity of those chemical compounds within the cell, while describing the contributions of the more important ones to the phenomenon we call life.

§ Describe the components of a typical cell, relating cytological function to cell structure.

§ Compare and contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration in significant detail.

§ Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis by giving a detailed description of both.

§ Describe the nature of the gene in both structural and functional detail.

§ Synthesize information from the traditional principles of Mendelian genetics and from the new molecular order into a coherent view of the mechanism of inheritance.

§ Explain the theory of evolution by the process of natural selection as envisioned by Charles Darwin.

§ Define species and describe in a general way the process by which speciation occurs.

§ Correlate the history of man’s efforts at classification with modern attempts toward development of a phylogenetic scheme.

Class Procedures: Classroom presentation is basically of the lecture-demonstration type. Liberal use will be made of the equipment in the classroom’s technology center. This will be supplemented with various scientific models, representative specimens, supplemental handouts, and special projects. The laboratory consists of a series of exercises that are designed to reinforce some of the principles we will learn in class.

Course Requirements: Typically four (or five) tests are given at convenient intervals throughout the semester. The final examination is comprehensive.

Grading and Evaluation: The final grade assignment will be based upon ¾ from the lecture exams and ¼ from laboratory activities. Grades are assigned on the basis of a standard percentage scale:

90 - 100 = A

80 - 89 = B

70 - 79 = C

60 - 69 = D

0 - 59 = F

Attendance Requirements: It is my belief that you cannot derive the maximum benefit from this course without being present for all lectures and laboratories. Therefore, it is expected that you will be both regular and punctual in your attendance. To ensure this, roll will be taken at the beginning of each class and laboratory session. As a student, you are responsible for all material presented during lecture, whether present for the class or not. You are also responsible for all assigned readings, both within the text or elsewhere. Assignments are to be completed in a timely fashion, therefore all make-up work must be completed within 5 calendar days of your return following an absence. Missed laboratory sessions will count as 1 absence and normally cannot be made up. For further information, see “Attendance/Retention Policy” on pages 64-65 of the 2007-2008 RMCC Catalog. When you are officially enrolled in this course, I, as your instructor, will ultimately be charged with assigning a final course grade. Therefore, if for any reason you find that you must drop the class, please do not just quit attending. I urge you to go to the Office of the Registrar (Abernathy 301) and go through the official drop procedure. Failure to do so will result in your receiving a final grade of “F” in the course. Official withdrawal is noted by a “W” on your transcript.

Make-up Exam Policy: A student who misses a scheduled examination because of an officially sanctioned college activity will be permitted to make up the test without penalty. Others may also make up missed exams, but will be penalized 20% for each occurrence. Any deviation from this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Student Conduct: Behavior that is disruptive to an orderly educational process will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the class. Readmission will be at the discretion of your instructor. Instances of academic dishonesty, i.e., “cheating,” will be dealt with in accordance with those policies outlined in the current RMCC Student Handbook.

Resources, References, and Supplies: A loose-leaf notebook will be required for utilization in the laboratory.

Additional Information: Food and drinks are not permitted in this class. Also, please make sure that your cell phone is turned off (or to a non-sound) mode during the class session.

ADA Statement: It is the policy of RMCC to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to state and federal law. Any student requiring such accommodations, for example in seating, placement, examinations, or access to information on the web, should contact the Vice President for Student Affairs Office located in the Abernathy Building, Room 301 (phone: 394-7622-ext 1400).

Course Outline: See the following page.

Reading Syllabus for

BIO104-Biological Science

It will be your responsibility to keep up with the assigned readings. Be prepared to monitor and adjust this schedule based upon our progress during the lecture.

Week #	Text Chapter(s)	Chapter Title	Tests
1	1 2	A View of Life Basic Chemistry	Test 1
2	3 + pp 106-109	The Chemistry of Organic Molecules “Metabolic Pathways and Enzymes”
3	5	Membrane Structure and Function
4	4	Cell Structure and Function	Test 2
5	---
6	6	Metabolism: Energy and Enzymes
7	7	Photosynthesis
8	8	Cellular Respiration
9	13 14 15	DNA Structure and Functions Gene Activity: How Genes Work Regulation of Gene Activity and Gene Mutations	Test 3
10	16 9	Biotechnology and Genomics Cell Cycle and Cellular Reproduction
11	10	Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
12	11	Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance	Test 4
13	12	Chromosomal Patterns of Inheritance
14	---
15	17 18 19	Darwin and Evolution Process of Evolution Origin and History of Life	Test 5
16	---		Comprehensive Final Exam