BIOL 1000
Instructor: 
Darlene Martin
Welcome to
General  Biology


Instructor Darlene Martin

Macomb Community College
Center Campus - J105-1
44575 Garfield Road
Clinton Township, MI 48038

E-Mail: martind@macomb.edu

Phone:    586.286-2022 - Office 
               586.286-2147 - Science Dept. Office

 

Textbook 

Johnson, George B., The Living World, 4th edition
Mader, Sylvia S., Inquiry Into Life, 11th edition


 
Description
An introductory lecture, discussion and laboratory course in basic biological  principles aimed at the understanding of the life processes common to all living things.  The major areas of emphasis include the physical and chemical basis of life, reproduction, growth, development, heredity, behavior, evolution, ecology and the contemporary biological problems confronting man and society.  In the laboratory, the dissection of preserved specimens will be utilized to reinforce the learning of anatomical structures.
Learning Outcomes - Lab
A student will be able to perform the following:
  • proper use and care of a microscope
  • observe prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • observe general cell functions (processes of diffusion and osmosis)
  • compare and contrast plant and animal cells and their functions
  • dissection of the fetal pig, mammalian eye, heart, and brain
  • experiments illustrating homeostasis
  • observe mitosis in plant and animal cells
  • observe chick (slides), and Medaka fish development
  • solve Mendelian genetics and Pedigree problems
  • DNA fingerprinting using gel electrophoresis
  • identify and classify organisms
Learning Outcomes- Lecture
A student will have an understanding of:
  • evolution as it applies to the unity and diversity of life
  • chemical basis of life
  • the Cell Theory
  • cell structure and function (prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells)
  • plant and animal organs
  • vertebrate body systems
  • the role of body systems in homeostasis
  • cell division (mitosis, meiosis)
  • Mendelian genetics
  • molecular genetics
  • biotechnology
  • taxonomy and the classification of organisms
  • ecology
  • apply scientific method to problem analysis
Methods of Instruction
  • lecture
  • discussion
  • video
  • handouts
  • document camera (ELMO)
  • demonstrations
  • hands on experiments
Grading Policy A.    Final grade computation

10 Lecture Quizzes @ 10 points each =  100 points
4 Lecture Exams @ 100 points each =    400 points
10 Lab Assignments @ 10 points each = 100 points
4 Lab Exams @ 100 points each =          400 points
                                                          1000 points


B.    Grading scale

 94 - 100% = A
 90 - 93% = A-
 87 - 89% = B+
 84 - 86% = B
 80 - 83% = B-
 77 - 79% = C+
 74 - 76% = C
 70 - 73% = C-
 67 - 69% = D+
 64 - 66% = D
 60 - 63% = D-

Less than  60% = E

C.   Testing and Assignments

There are eight exams given during the semester (four lab, four lecture).  The lecture exams cannot be made up unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor AHEAD of time.  If notified, an essay makeup exam can be arranged for you.  If a lab exam is missed, it is impossible to make it up.  You will receive an "I" grade and will need to come back next semester to take the exam missed.
The lecture exams will consist of two parts.  Part one will have objective questions, both multiple choice and true/false types.  Part two will be of the short answer and problem solving variety.  This is to encourage college level thinking and applications of principles learned in class.
Lecture quizzes are unannounced and cannot be made up.  Eleven quizzes are given with only ten counting towards the final grade 
Lab assignments are generally worth ten points each and are given out periodically during the semester for a total of 100 points.  You will be awarded full credit or no credit for these assignments.

D.    Withdrawal Policy

A student must OFFICIALLY WITHDRAW  to receive a "W" grade by filling out the appropriate paperwork at the enrollment office.  Failure to withdraw formally and officially can subject you to an automatic "E" grade.  Disappearance does not equal withdrawal.  Check the schedule book and Enrollment office (Building) for dates.

 

Attendance All students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions.  It is the student’s responsibility to make up work missed due to absences.
Help If at any time during the semester help is needed, please contact the instructor.  DO NOT wait until near the end of the semester to ask for help.  The Learning Center (C building) is a great place to receive additional help.
Course/Classroom Assessment Several assessment techniques will be used during the class to evaluate student learning.
    1.    Quizzes (lecture only)

    2.    Exams (lab and lecture)

    3.    Lab assignments

     

Course Outline
Week
Lecture
Text - Johnson
Lab - Mader
1
Introduction, Study of Life
Chemistry, Origin of Life
Ch 1, 2, 3, 15
Exercise 2

2
Cells
Plants - form and function
Ch 4, 19

Exercise 3
Exercise 4
3
Tissues, Organs of vertebrates
Energy, Photosynthesis, Respiration
Ch 24, 5, 6
Exercise 9, 11
Exercise 6, 7, 8
4
LECTURE EXAM 1 LAB EXAM 1

5
Circulation, Respiration Ch 25
Exercise 13, 14
6
Nervous System
Homeostasis:  Excretory System
Ch 28
Ch 26
Exercise 15,18
7
Digestive System
Skeletal, Muscular Systems
Ch 26
Ch 24
Exercise 16, 19
8

LECTURE EXAM 2

LAB EXAM 2


 
9
Cell Division
Ch 7
Exercise 17, 5
10
Reproduction, Development Ch 30
Exercise 20, 21
11
Genetics, DNA Ch 8, 9
Exercise 22, 23 (DNA) 
12
LECTURE EXAM 3

LAB EXAM


13
How Genes Work, Gene Technology
Taxonomy
Ch 9
Ch 12
Exercise 22 (fingerprinting)

4
First Organisms, Eukaryotes
Multicellularity, Evolution of Plants
Ch 14
Ch 15, 16, 17, 18
Exercise 25-30
15
Evolution of Animals, History of Vertebrates
Ecology
Ch 21
Ch 22, 31, 34
Exercise 25-30 cont.
16
LECTURE EXAM 4

LAB EXAM 4


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