Course Syllabus

2525 BIOL& 160 General Biology for Health Sciences – Spring 2022 – YVC Yakima

Instructor: Holly Ferguson, PhD

Email: hferguson@yvcc.edu From Monday morning through Friday afternoon, I will typically respond within 24 hours. I may not respond to weekend emails until Monday morning.

Telephone: 509-834-4517 Office: 229 Deccio

Office Hours: ZOOM drop-in hours: 12:30-1:30 pm MTWThF or by appointment

Zoom ID: 984 4804 0533

Class Hours: ZOOM class meetings will be held Tuesday afternoons, 2:30-4:30 pm. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87937443425

MATERIALS

Textbook: Concepts in Biologyby OpenStax (textbook - hard copy, PDF and online versions available)
Digital camera (the one on your phone is probably fine)
Computer with internet access (many Canvas features do not work on phones or tablets). Also note that Apple's Safari browser does not display some images on Canvas.
Presentation software (Powerpoint or Google Slides) -most labs will be submitted as a powerpoint or google slides upload
Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) for making spreadsheets and graphs (you’ll learn how to use Excel or Google Sheets in this class)
Lab supplies:

Metric ruler
Other common household items (scissors, string, beans, spoon, cup, tape, etc.)
Lab printouts (you will need to print later during the quarter

SCHEDULE

Use the schedule below to help plan your classwork schedule. Please DO NOT use the Canvas "To Do" list or Calendar as your only planning tool – it is incomplete and sometimes the dates are old.
Dates refer to the Tuesdays when we have ZOOM class meetings.
Numbers refer to chapters in the book which are organized into Canvas modules online. This schedule may not include ALL assignments. It’s best to go through each Canvas module that is made available to you each week. The schedule is subject to change for unforeseen circumstances; students will get ample notice of substantive changes to the schedule.
For a complete list of academic deadlines and other dates see Important Dates Page

WEEK 1 (Mar. 29)

Tue- 1-First ZOOM class meeting -- Introduction, Overview
Wed- 2-Diversity, 17-Viruses // Diversity Lab (due Sun)
Thurs - Metric Measurement Lab
Fri- 3-Science // Science Project (begin)
Sun - Quiz 1 (Intro, Diversity, Science) // Reply to Properties of Life Student Discussion

WEEK 2 (Apr. 5)

Mon- 4-Chemistry // Science Project (research proposal) Drop deadline (100% refund)
Tue- ZOOM class meeting// 4-Chemistry // SOLVENT LAB //Quiz 2 (Chemistry)/pH lab in class
Wed- 5-Biomolecules
Thu- 5-Biomolecules
Fri- Science Project (start measurement & treatment)//
Sun - Biomolecules scavenger hunt due//Quiz 3 (Biomolecules)

WEEK 3 (Apr 12)

Mon- Science Project (data collection)
Tue- NO ZOOM CLASS MEETING//Test 1 // Review of Organ Systems (revisit later)
Wed-6- Cell Structure & Function // Quiz 4 (Cells) // MICROSCOPE LAB
Thu- CELL EXPLORATION LAB
Fri- 7a-Cell Membranes & Passive Membrane Transport // OSMOSIS LAB // 7b-Active Membrane Transport
Sun - Quiz 5 (Membranes & membrane transport)

WEEK 4 (Apr 19)

Mon- 8-Resting Membrane Potential // Science Project (variables) (Drop deadline 50% refund)
Tue- ZOOM class meeting RMP Lab
Wed- 9-Energy & Metabolism
Thu- ENZYME LAB
Fri- 10-Enzymes
Sun-Quiz 6 (RMP, Energy, Metabolism, Enzymes)

WEEK 5 (Apr 26)

Mon- 11-Cellular Respiration (begin) // Science Project (preliminary results) // Practice experimental design essay (due Thurs)
Tue- ZOOM class meeting //Test 2
Wed- 11-Cellular Respiration (finish) // Start CELLULAR RESPIRATION LAB (online version)
Thu- CELLULAR RESPIRATION LAB
Fri-12-Fermentation & Other Metabolic Pathways
Sun - Quiz 7 (Cellular Respiration, Fermentation, Metabolic Pathways) // Practice experimental design essay (discussion responses due)

WEEK 6 (May 3)

Mon- Test 3 // Science Project (final measurement this week)
Tue-ZOOM class meeting//MITOSIS LAB
Wed- 13-Genome & Chromosomes //14-Cell cycle & Mitosis
Thu-15- Binary fission // Experimental design essay (due today) (May 5: Final deadline to withdraw)
Fri- 16-Sexual Reproduction & Life Cycles // Science Project (finish experiment)
Sun- Quiz 8 (Genome, Cell cycle, Mitosis, Binary fission, Sexual Reproduction)

WEEK 7 (May 10)

Mon-17-Meiosis // Science Project (data entry in spreadsheet)
Tue-ZOOM class meeting MEIOSIS LAB // Quiz 9 (Sexual reproduction, Meiosis, Meiosis errors)
Wed-18-Inheritance
Thu- 18-Inheritance // Classwork on inheritance and pedigrees
Fri- 19-Pedigrees // PEDIGREE LAB (online)
Sun- Quiz 10 (Inheritance, Pedigrees)

WEEK 8 (May 17)

Mon- // Science Project (graphing)
Tue- ZOOM class meeting Test 4// Start on DNA chapters and activities //17 Viruses
Wed- 20-DNA Structure // 21-DNA Replication
Thu- DNA REPLICATION LAB
Fri- Science project (graph due) // Start 22-Gene Expression
Sun- Quiz 11 (DNA structure and replication)

WEEK 9 (May 24)

Mon- 22-Gene Expression// Science Project (publish results - due Wednesday)
Tue- ZOOM class meeting // GENE EXPRESSION LAB // Quiz 12 (Gene expression)
Wed- ADVISING DAY 23-Gene Regulation// Science Project (read other results)
Thu-NATURAL SELECTION LAB (due Sunday)
Fri- 24-Natural Selection// Science Project (edit published results - add conclusion)
Sun- Quiz 13 (Gene regulation, Natural Selection) // Science Project (review 2 student publications)

WEEK 10 (May 31)

Mon-Final exam prep // 25a Anatomy Introduction // Science project (review characteristics of science)
Tue- ZOOM class meeting Test 5 // ORGAN LAB //Final exam prep
Wed-25b. Physiology Introduction
Thu-25b. Physiology Introduction //
Fri-Test 6 // LAB TEST (online) opens // Final Exam Essay opens

FINAL EXAM WEEK

Mon, June 6 - LAB TEST (online) due // Final Exam Essay due
Tue June 7- study day
Wed June 8 - Final Exam due (multiple choice and short answer sections)

GRADES

This is your foundational class. You should mindfully approach each assignment and put your best self forward to complete each assignment with intention to score BIG. There are up to 1000 points available in the class (actual number of points is likely to be lower, which means that there will be fewer assignments—YAY, right?). Final grades are based on cumulative point totals (grade point percentages) as follows:

Points accumulated	Overall percent	Final grade
925+	92.5+	A
895+	89.5-92%	A-
865+	86.5-89%	B+
825+	82.5-86%	B
795+	79.5-82%	B-
765+	76.5-79%	C+
725+	72.5-76%	C
695+	69.5-72%	C-
665+	66.5-69%	D+
600+	60-66%	D
<600	<60%	F

Final grades are determined by your cumulative point total - they are not open for discussion. However, I am willing to discuss any individual assignment and consider reasonable (and respectful) requests to reconsider grading.

There are up to 1000 points possible in the class(actual number of points is likely to be lower, which means that there will be fewer assignments—YAY, right?). The general points breakdown by assignment category is as follows:

CATEGORY	POINTS
TESTS	347
LABS	239
QUIZZES	185
APPLICATION	106
PROJECTS	64
PREP	59
TOTAL	1000

The High Demand Course Repeat Rule applies which means you have 2 attempts to earn a C+ or better to move on to the next class (Human Anatomy & Physiology I: BIOL&241). See the section on this rule in the catalog for further details.

ASSIGNMENTS

The following assignment types will be found throughout this course.

TESTS: Tests focus on comprehension, application, main ideas, connections, and analytical reasoning.

Regular Tests: there will be 6 regular tests, most worth 40-50 points each plus a couple smaller ones. Online tests are time-limited.
Final exam (113 pts) is a cumulative test focusing on major concepts. Your previous tests and study guide should prepare you for the final. One long essay question will be assigned/discussed in the last lecture.
TEST HONESTY: Honesty during test-taking is very important. You are not required to use the web cam monitor for this course. The tests will likely be in Respondus Lockdown Browser. You will be allowed access to a small card with notes. However, while you are free to use notes, the tests are timed so you may lose significant points searching furiously for answers and you may run out of time to finish the test. Copying from other sources (even via your notes) or getting help from other people during the test are both considered CHEATING and will result in FAILURE from the class. Starting in spring quarter, Tests and the Final Exam will likely be taken in the computer lab with a proctor.

LABS: Labs will be done as a mix of in-ZOOM class, online, or at home activities. Almost all have online pre-lab quizzes that you must complete before lab in order to receive credit for the lab activity. You will often be expected to submit several pictures of your lab as you progress through. Some have quizzes over the information parts of the lab. There will also be an online lab test at the end worth about 50 points.
PROJECTS: These are about the scientific process - designing experiments, discussing science done by others and graphing data.
QUIZZES: Quizzes cover 2-3 topics, are worth 16 points each and usually have a time limit of up to 15 minutes. These are a good early indicator of how well you are understanding the material. Most questions are basic knowledge, but some require more application of knowledge or analysis. You can review the quiz but answers are not revealed. The lowest 2 quiz scores will be dropped (including missed quizzes).
APPLICATION: LEARN-ing pages have a list of application questions. These will be repeated (or modeled) in the application quizzes. These are also "low stakes" – worth a few points and you can take them 3 times. Answers will be revealed after the due date (so late submissions won't get credit). These require you to think deeper and more critically about the subject you just covered. They will help prepare you for test questions.
PREP: You might see some quizzes like these. These are "low-stakes" quizzes over the basic facts and vocabulary for a topic. They are worth very few points (2-3 pts each) and you can take them 3 times. You can review each quiz attempt for hints about what the correct answer should be. My recommendation is once you are getting around 2/3 correct, then move on to the next task. You can always retake it later for a better score.
Practice quizzes are not graded. They usually cover one subject and are a mix of PREP QUIZZES and APPLICATION questions. You can take them as many times as you wish. Use these to monitor your understanding and for some review on a subject.
BONUS POINTS?: I may have pop-up bonus assignments and there will always be extra credit/bonus questions on the tests. These are all optional. They are primarily intended to help students make up points from late or missing assignments.

ONLINE EXPECTATIONS

Canvas and online classes: All online work will be delivered through Canvas including links to other online resources. Navigate this course mainly by working through modules IN ORDER. It is EXPECTED that you have access to a computer and reliable internet connection of sufficient speed to access this class online. If you do not have a reliable computer to work with, you can check out a laptop from the library. Also, the computer labs on both campuses will be open for longer hours in spring quarter for use of computers and for online exams that need to be proctored.
Apple products: Apple products (Safari and iPhone, especially) do not work well with Canvas.
Mobile devices: While the Canvas app for phones provides some of the content, it does not allow you to do everything you need. Plan to use a computer to do coursework.
Internet outages. Even reliable services are prone to disruptions. Plan to work ahead of schedule if you have frequent outages. Your instructor will adjust deadlines for widespread outages. However, if outages/bad wifi/ become a frequent excuse or was a problem only because you waited until late on the night an assignment was due, then do not expect extensions.
Submitting work online: Online submissions should have correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation to receive full credit. Many online assignments will require you to submit a PowerPoint file; you should know how to create one of these and submit it through Canvas.
Online research: While it is acceptable for you to look up information online to help you answer a question, it is NOT ETHICAL to look up answers and copy the text as your own answer [this includes copying from text copied into your notes]. Please be aware that it is usually easy for your instructor to detect work that is copied. Paraphrasing technical material is difficult but not impossible. You would use the necessary technical words and phrases in your answer while phrasing the answer in a way that makes sense to you and tells me that you understand the question and the answer. See rules about Academic Integrity below.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Behavior (including online behavior) that is unsafe or disrupts the learning process of others is not acceptable. Disruptive behavior, depending on severity, will result in a warning, dismissal from class and/or a referral to the Dean of Student Services, and possibly further sanctions by YVC in accordance with Code of Students Rights & Responsibilities.
Online work requires daily logging in to complete coursework. If you know you will miss a day, it is your responsibility to work ahead of schedule.
Announcements- these are posted regularly and you are responsible for ALL the information in announcements.
Group work, such as discussions and labs, are important for learning. Keep comments polite and constructive. Harassment, bullying, or persistent rude comments to other students will result in loss of credit for the assignment, dismissal from the classroom for the day, and/or loss of access to future group assignments.
Lab safety: Whether at home or in a science laboratory, work safely. When in doubt, ask your instructor for guidance on safe procedures. Follow procedures in labs including all safety precautions. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with potentially dangerous chemicals.

For classes meeting in person or if you are on campus during spring quarter, please know that while we are still in the middle of a pandemic, YVC has updated college-wide protocols in place for indoor settings.

indoor masking on campus is VOLUNTARY starting on Sunday, March 20. That said, YVC strongly supports individual masking decisions by anyone on campus; everyone should be respectful of the choices of others. Please note that masking is still required in the dental hygiene clinic and still strongly recommended for people who have been exposed to or ill with COVID-19 for a period of time following exposure or end of symptoms (see CDC guidelines).
Starting on March 20, we will no longer require students, employees or visitors to complete a health assessment when coming to campus or to observe 3-foot physical distancing. YVC still strongly encourages 3 ft distancing between humans.
Illness: Do not come to class if you are sick. Notify your instructor that you are ill via email.

COVID Exposure: If you are exposed to COVID, follow the recommended CDC Guidelines for your situation. Please notify your instructor via email if your exposure will result in absences.
Contingency Plan for Illness /Quarantine: Hopefully the precautions above keep everyone safe and healthy. However, if you need to miss class due to illness or quarantine, please discuss your situation with the instructor as soon as you are able. We can discuss your situation and make a plan that will enable to you get at least part if not all of the work done.

LATE AND MISSED WORK

To avoid penalties from late or missed work, I strongly suggest you work ahead when possible for online assignments. Make arrangements in advance if you know you will be unable to attend. However, if you are planning to go on vacation or some other plan that results in you being unable to complete the work online for an extended period of time (one week, two weeks), then you should consider dropping the course. With all of the course materials online and the class meetings being held via ZOOM, there is no excuse…you should be able to keep up with class work even if you are on a Caribbean island.

Missed tests. You are expected to communicate with your instructor IN ADVANCE if you cannot take the test at the scheduled time. Only exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness or major family emergencies, would necessitate making arrangements after the fact.
Missed work: Most missed work done in-person cannot be made up for credit.
Late work is penalized 30% per day late (even if just past midnight). Assignments that are manually graded will not be accepted after on-time submissions are graded.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Be honest ~~~ Do your own work ~~~ Give credit to others for their work.

Cheating and plagiarism are violations of academic standards and Washington State law (WAC 132-33-170).

plagiarism is using another person’s words or ideas as your own and not giving them credit
cheating is the inappropriate use of outside information like copying or use of notes on tests

Discipline for academic dishonesty depends on the severity and apparent intent (intentional or unintentional).

First offense (if unintentional; carelessness or poor judgement): zero on all parts of the assignment
First offense (if intentional; deceptive intent such as copied answers or buying answers for a test): referral to Dean of Student Services and course failure.
Second offense (if unintentional): referral to Dean of Student Services and course failure
There may be rare circumstances that warrant redoing the assignment.

STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The current YVC catalog reviews your rights and responsibilities as a student. A document entitled “Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities” may be obtained from the Student Life Office. Policies regarding academic violations, such as cheating and plagiarism, are outlined. (Online Link)
YVC is committed to providing access for all students wishing to attend its campuses and complies with Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As part of this commitment, the college’s Disability Support Services (DSS) program works on an individual basis with qualifying students by providing appropriate classroom accommodations, access to adaptive equipment, and barrier-free facilities.
Washington state law SB 5166 requires that YVC provide accommodation for student absences or significant hardships due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The YVC procedure, including a form that you may use to request leave day under SB 5166, is available on the YVC Consumer Information Website (see Student Holidays for Reasons of Faith or Conscience). Student leave for reasons of faith or conscience must be requested by the use of this form, within the first two weeks of the quarter.

Course Description & Outline

Description:

This course integrates the fundamental concepts of biology including basic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and energy transfers. This class is intended for students in Healthcare Pathways such as Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Sciences, or Veterinary Technology.

Outcomes & Objectives

Outcome:Students will understand the process of science.

Objective: demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and identify characteristics of good science (AR)
Objective: design a controlled experiment, including appropriate use of independent, dependent and controlled variables (AR)
Objective: generate and interpret various types of graphs and tables

Outcome: Students will understand the common characteristics that define life and apply them to the diversity of organisms.

Objective: describe common characteristics of living organisms (C)
Objective: describe the Domains of life, as well as major groups within Eukarya (AR)

Outcome: Students will investigate the mechanisms and implications of evolution and the evidence supporting evolutionary theory.

Objective: explain the basic mechanism of evolution by natural selection and apply it to a specific example (AR)
Objective: provide evidence that supports the theory of evolution (AR)

Outcome: Students will understand the basic principles of chemistry as they relate to human biology.

Objective: explain the significance of covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds (AR)
Objective: explain how biomolecules are formed and broken down in organisms (AR)
Objective: identify major biomolecule types using molecular structures (AR)
Objective: explain major functions of each biomolecule type (AR)
Objective: explain the pH scale (AR)
Objective: explain how buffers work and their physiological role in organisms (AR)

Outcome: Students will understand the principles of metabolism and thermodynamics as they apply to organisms.

Objective: explain fundamental concepts of energy transfer as it relates to biological processes (AR, C)
Objective: explain fundamental concepts of enzyme-catalyzed reactions (AR,C)
Objective: analyze and explain energy usage and conversion in cellular respiration
Objective: describe the basic process of how proteins and triglycerides can be used for energy (AR, C)
Objective: explain the significance of lactic acid and ethanol fermentation in terms of maintaining glycolysis under anaerobic conditions (AR, C)

Outcome: Students will understand the basic structure and function of cells with emphasis on animal cells.

Objective: explain the important similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (C)
Objective: identify the major eukaryotic organelles and describe their main functions (AR, C)

Outcome: Students will understand basic structure and functions of cell membranes.

Objective: describe the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes (AR, C)
Objective: identify and explain different membrane transport mechanism (AR, C)
Objective: explain how the resting membrane potential is maintained (AR, C)
Objective: describe the process of osmosis and predict the direction of water movement across a membrane (AR, C)

Outcome: Students will explain the process and importance of cell reproduction and its role in reproduction, growth, and development.

Objective: explain the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction and their significance (AR, C)
Objective: discuss mitosis, meiosis, fertilization, and cellular differentiation in the human life cycle (AR, C)
Objective: explain the major events of interphase (C)
Objective: identify and explain the phases of mitosis and meiosis, emphasizing how chromosomes are separated (AR, C)

Outcome: Students will understand the principles of Mendelian genetics with emphasis on understanding simple patterns of inheritance.

Objective: determine gametes, perform crosses, and calculate probabilities for outcomes of one and two character crosses using the principles of Mendelian Inheritance (AR, C)

Outcome: Students will understand the basic principles of molecular genetics.

Objective: describe the basic process of DNA replication (AR)
Objective: demonstrate a basic understanding of the significance of genetic mutations including their role in evolution (AR, C)
Objective: describe the process of transcription (AR)
Objective: describe the process of translation (AR)

Outcome: Students will understand the basic principles of homeostasis and feedback control loops.

Objective: define homeostasis and illustrate several examples using the concept of a normal physiologic range (AR, C)
Objective: describe negative feedback control loops, including examples of sensors, integration/control centers, and effectors (AR, C)
Objective: contrast positive feedback loops with negative feedback loops (AR, C)

Outcome: Students will understand the principles of gradients, flow down gradients, and resistance to flow.

Objective: discuss the concept of gradients related to concentration, temperature, and pressure including barriers to flow ( AR, C)
Objective: explain how gradients store and release energy (AR, C)

Institutional Assessment Statement – In addition to the content of each discipline, YVC emphasizes the development of the following three outcomes: Communication (C), Computation/Analytical Reasoning (C/AR), and Human Relations (HR). As a student, your abilities may be assessed in one or more of these outcome areas. For further information, refer to general education outcomes in the catalog.

Reading Schedule

Week 1

Openstax Ch. 1; Scan Chs. 12-15; Ch. 17.1 (viruses); Appendix C (Metric Conversions)

Week 2

Openstax Ch. 2; Ch. 16.1; Appendix A (periodic table)
Biology 109 module on chemistry: (animation doesn’t work anymore) https://www2.yvcc.edu//Biology/109Modules/Modules/ChemistryModule/Chemistry.html

Week 3

Openstax Ch. 3; Ch. 13.2
Some key pages with good animations and interactive activities:

For more on Endosymbiotic Theory visit this page by University of Utah

Week 4

Openstax Ch. 3.6; Ch. 4.1
Openstax Anatomy & Physiology section on The Action Potential

Week 5

Openstax Ch. 4; scan Ch. 5

Week 6

Openstax Ch. 6; Ch. 7.1

Week 7

Openstax Ch. 7; Ch. 18.3; Ch. 8
Online readings on Pedigrees – “Biotopics - Genetic Pedigrees”

Week 8

Openstax Ch. 9

Week 9

Openstax Ch. 9; Ch. 11

Week 10

Openstax (scan) Chs. 16, 17, 18
Focus on Ch. 16.1