Biology 211 A and B
Course Information Winter 2011
Contents
General Information
Topics Covered
Required Materials
Class Preparation
Study Groups
Laboratory
Exams
Assignments
Quizzes
Grading
Special Needs
Classroom Expectations and Assumptions
Cheating Policy
Waitlist and Blue Cards
Course Withdrawal
Course Syllabus and Calendar

1. Instructor Information
Name: Rosemary Richardson
Office Location: S-340I
e-mail: rrichard@bellevuecollege.edu

Office Hours:Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 Ð 12:20; Friday 1:30 Ð 2:20

I am also available by appointment and by e-mail. Please identify Biology 211 in the e-mail subject line.

Biology 211 A and B website: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/rkr/biology211/biology211.html
Bellevue College's Life Science Program: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/lifesci/
Bellevue College's Science Division: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/
Bellevue Community College: http://bellevuecollege.edu/

2. Topics Covered
The three-quarter 211-212-213 sequence of introductory biology is designed for students preparing for science-intensive professions and for those who plan to have science majors requiring more advanced biology courses. The 200-level biology series studies plant and animal cellular structure, metabolism, inheritance, molecular genetics, gene regulation, comparative anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, diversity of organisms, evolution of species and groups of organisms, and ecology and conservation biology. This series includes an extensive laboratory component. Biology 211 is a prerequisite for both Biology 212 and 213. Biology 212 and 213 can be taken concurrently.

Biology 211 meets Bellevue College's General Education Outcome #16, Nature of Science, and General Education Outcome #17, Science and the Natural World, with ratings of "2". See the Bellevue College Catalog for more information on General Education requirements.

Topics included in Biology 211 are cell biology: structure, function, reproduction and metabolism; molecular genetics, genomics, inheritance, and genetic control of organisms. Details of subjects covered are listed on the course syllabus/calendar. The course calendar, lecture notes and laboratory exercises for Biology 211 are posted on the Biology 211 Internet site.

3. Required Materials:

  1. Textbook: Life: The Science of Biology, 9th Edition, by Sadava, Hillis, Heller and Berenbaum, Sinauer Associates Inc., Publisher
  2. Biology 211 Laboratory Exercises - To be downloaded from the Biology 211 Lab Exercises Website
  3. Package of Scan-Tron cards for exams
  4. Stapler

4. Class Preparation
It is your responsibility to read the syllabus/calendar and prepare in advance for all course materials. You are expected to read the assigned textbook and laboratory material before each topic is discussed. You should reread the material following lecture and classroom discussions to coordinate text materials with the classroom presentations.

The course syllabus/calendar may need revising during the quarter. Any revisions to the course syllabus/calendar will be announced in class. You will be responsible for any revisions even if you are absent at the time of announced changes, or for some reason, fail to note the revision at the time it is announced.

The course calendar lists references with links to lecture notes, supplemental lab materials and other course information. Syllabus updates are usually, but not always, posted on the course calendar.

Please note that all assignments and papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers are not accepted and receive no credit. If you anticipate being late to class on the day an assignment is due, you should turn your assignment in to the Science Division Office, L-200, prior to the start of class.

5. Attendance
Class attendance is expected. It is difficult to do well in any subject without attending class, and lecture and laboratory materials are essential for the exams. You are responsible for knowing class materials whether you attend class or not. You are also responsible for any announcements, including assignments, and/or changes in the syllabus, including exam dates or assignment due dates whether you have been attending class or not, or if for some reason, fail to note a change at the time it is announced. The course calendar may be updated (when the instructor has time) when course modifications are required. It is important that you notify me if you are unable to attend class.

6. Study Groups
It is valuable to form a study group with two or three other students. A good study group helps each of you learn the course materials more effectively as you collectively work with the pieces given in class to build a complete picture of the subject. Open hours for the Science Study Center, located in S-114, are posted on the Science Study Center website.

7. Laboratory Activities
Laboratory activities are an important part of this course and should be taken seriously. Since laboratory time is limited, it is essential that you come prepared for each laboratory, having read and understood the activities to be conducted during the laboratory period. You must work safely and efficiently in the lab. Often you will work with a partner or in groups. Report injuries, potential or actual hazards or accidents immediately to your instructor.

The laboratory exercises are available in pdf on the Biology 211 Lab Exercises Website You are responsible for downloading the files and bringing a copy of the laboratory exercise(s) to class.

8. Examinations
Four unit exams and a comprehensive final exam are scheduled for this term. Exams cover all course materials. Exams include objective, short answer and essay questions as well as a visual recognition and interpretation component. You will need to bring a scan-tron card and a soft lead pencil to each exam. (Both can be purchased in the Bellevue College bookstore.)

The anticipated exam dates are listed in the course syllabus/calendar. Any changes in exam dates will be announced, in class, in advance. You must take the exams at the scheduled time. If you have a conflict with the scheduled exam time, please discuss your reasons with your instructor. You may be able to take the exam earlier at the discretion of your instructor. No make-up exams will be given.

If you have an extenuating circumstance for missing an exam, you must discuss the situation with the instructor prior to the exam time, or if a documented emergency situation, as soon as possible. The instructor may, at her discretion, use the final exam score as a "makeÐup" exam for the missed exam. Missing an exam will seriously affect your course grade. Any extenuating circumstance must be documented in writing (physicianÕs statement, accident report, day care center policy, verification of loss, etc.) and approved by the instructor.

Graded exams are provided to students for learning and evaluation after each exam. All exams are to be returned on the final exam day to the instructor. All course materials provided to students, including exams, are the work of the instructor. Making copies of exams and sharing exams with others is a form of cheating.

9. Assignments and Laboratory Reports
All assignments and reports are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers are not accepted and receive no credit. If your paper is more than one page in length, you must staple the pages together. Pages held together with folded edges or paper clips will not be graded. If you are using paper from a spiral-bound notebook, please remove the spiral edges before turning in your paper. Assignments and reports are to be word-processed unless otherwise noted at the time the assignment is given.

Due dates for assignments, projects and laboratory reports are announced in class on the day the report or assignment is given. Credit earned for assignments and lab reports will be added to the total course point total. You are responsible for assignments even if you do not attend class on the day an assignment is announced, or for some reason, fail to note the assignment at the time it is announced. If you anticipate being late to class on the day an assignment is due, you should turn your assignment in to the Science Division Office, L-200, prior to the start of class.

If you are doing a report or assignment as a group project, it is in your interest to have a duplicate available to submit should the designated group member miss class.

  1. Laboratory Reports You will submit a number of lab reports during the term. Laboratory report requirements and due dates will be announced during the laboratory period and posted on the class assignments website following the laboratory period. Laboratory reports may be submitted individually or by lab groups. When group reports are expected, it will be noted at the time of the assignment. Lab reports are to be word-processed unless otherwise noted at the time the assignment is given. If you do not fully participate in the laboratory activity, you can not submit a report or earn credit for that activity.

    Please note: A copy of the laboratory assignment with answers filled out is not acceptable for a laboratory report.

  2. Group Assignments
    You may have group assignments on which members of the group work collaboratively. Each member of the group may receive a common score on the project or an individual score depending on his/her contribution to the assignment's completion. Group members will be consulted when there are questions about participation. A collaborative assignment means that one comprehensive report/project is turned in. Although each member uniquely contributes to the whole, the project is not a sequential compilation of each individual's component part. For example, a laboratory report should not just be each group member's "contribution" stapled together. All members of the group are collectively responsible for ensuring that the paper or project is turned in on time. It is in the group's interest to have a copy available to turn in if the designated person fails to attend class or is late to class on the due date. Group members, with the concurrence of the instructor, may submit individual reports..

  3. Term Project
    A portion of the Biology 211 course materials addresses molecular genetics, a field of study that has the potential to impact our lives in many ways. You may be assigned a term project in molecular genetics identifying an issue you select, the status of research on this issue and the potential impacts of this research on life. It is acceptable for this assignment to discuss both science and ethics, and you may include your own opinions when substantiated by your research.

  4. Additional Assignments and Projects
    Just in case you aren't busy enough, you may be given additional assignments to complete and turn in during the quarter. Credit received for such assignments will be added to the total course point total. You are responsible for assignments even if you do not attend class on the day an assignment is announced, or for some reason, fail to note the assignment at the time it is announced.

10. Quizzes

11. Grading
Your grade will be determined at the end of the quarter as a percentage of the total points possible on exams, writing assignment(s), lab reports, quizzes, and any additional assignments and projects that may be required. Grades of borderline students are carefully evaluated at the end of the term before the course grades are submitted. Factors such as final exam score, class participation, missed assignments and attendance may be considered in the borderline grade evaluation.

The Grading scale is:
A 4.0 95% or higher of total points possible
A- 3.7 90-94% of total points possible
B+ 3.3 87-89% of total points possible
B 3.0 83-86% of total points possible
B- 2.7 80-82% of total points possible
C+ 2.3 77-79% of total points possible
C 2.0 73-76% of total points possible
C- 1.7 70-72% of total points possible
D+ 1.3 66-69% of total points possible
D 1.0 60-65% of total points possible
F . Less than 60% of total points possible

12. Course Grade Information
Your Biology 211 course grade is computed on a spreadsheet. A copy of the grade spreadsheet is posted on the class website so you can track your progress in the course. It also allows you to verify that your scores have been recorded correctly. The grades spreadsheet is updated after each exam. The spreadsheet uses a code to identify each student. You may choose a code (a combination of any 4 keyboard characters) to be used on the spreadsheet.

The spreadsheet displays percentage scores rounded to whole numbers. The final letter grade does not round up so there can be minor discrepancies in the spreadsheet display relative to the actual percentage score and grade earned.

13. Special Needs (Special needs syllabus information included at Disability Resource Center's request.)
If you need course modifications, adaptations or accommodations you should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) staff, room B-132 (425) 564-2498 or TTY (425) 564-4110), to establish eligibility for accommodation. Disability resource information is also available on the DRC Website. The DRC provides eligible students with an accommodation letter. Please make an appointment with your instructor the first week of the quarter to discuss accommodation needs.

If you have medical information that your instructor should be aware of, or might need assistance during an emergency situation or evacuation, please let your instructor know.

14. Class Expectations and Assumptions
Assumptions your instructor makes about you:

Assumptions you can make about your instructor:

Assumptions we share as members of the Bellevue College community:

Classroom discussion can be challenging and even disturbing at times. It is important to respect and listen carefully to others' viewpoints that are different from our own, and examine the merits of alternative positions based on evidence presented. If a situation unrelated to the subject content of the course occurs that causes discomfort and/or disrupts class activity, please let me know.

Students who disrupt the educational process may be asked to leave the classroom and/or be reported to the Dean of Student Services for possible disciplinary action.

Cell phones, PDAs and similar devices are not to be used during class time, other than during laboratory sessions when accessing features of the device facilitates doing the laboratory work.

15. Bellevue Community College Science Division Policy on Cheating
Cheating is not tolerated in this class. You are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. When you cheat, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on tests or homework, glimpsing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, using any resource not explicitly allowed during an exam, stealing, plagiarizing, giving or receiving help on exams or assignments or writing false information on reports or assignments. If you cheat the following actions may be taken:

  1. You will receive a grade of 0 on the exam, lab, quiz, etc., where evidence of cheating has been demonstrated. This grade cannot be dropped.
  2. A report of the incident will be sent to the Dean of Student Services. He/she may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college.

If you feel you have been unfairly accused of cheating, you may appeal. (For a description of due process procedures see WAC 132H—120, copies of which are available in the Student Body Government Office)

Note: If you are involved in more than one cheating incident in this class, you will be given a "F" grade for the course no matter how well you have performed on the other course components.

16. Waitlist and Blue Cards
Bellevue College uses a waitlist for students who wish to take a class that is already at capacity at the time of their registration date. From the date of registration through the third day of the quarter, if there is a withdrawal, students from the waitlist are automatically enrolled in the class in the order in which they registered for the waitlist. Students are notified via e-mail and must officially register within the time frame given or they lose their spot in the class. The instructor has no "input" in this process.

For Winter 2011, from January 6 Ð January 14, no student will be enrolled into any class without a permission (blue) card. Blue cards are provided exclusively at the discretion of the instructor. Consideration for blue card admissions will be done by the instructor on an individual basis, but in no case will blue cards be distributed to students who have not been attending class and doing the course activities from the first day of the term. Science laboratory class size is limited by the number of laboratory stations; overloading laboratory classes creates potential safety issues.

17. Withdrawal From the Course
Withdrawal from a course is the termination of the student's registration in that course. You must complete an official withdrawal form to withdraw. For Winter 2011, withdrawal is permitted through February 18 in person (by 5:00 pm PST), or February 20 online (by noon PST).. Students who withdraw will have a "W" posted on their transcript. Students enrolled after that date will be graded. If you stop coming to class and do not complete the course, you will receive an "F" at the end of the quarter. If an extraordinary situation arises after the withdrawal deadline that prevents the student from completing the course, a grade of "HW" (hardship withdrawal) may be given at the discretion of the instructor.

18. Anticipated Course Syllabus
Please see the Course Calendar for a class schedule that includes links to course lecture notes, laboratory exercises and assignments. Note: Clicking on the Calendar link takes you out of this page. Use your browser's back button to return to this course information page.

Note: Laboratory exercises must be downloaded from the class website and brought to class.

1/3  
1/4 Introduction (Assigned)
Studying Life (Assigned)
Chemistry Review (Assigned)
Carbon Chemistry (Assigned)
Biological Molecules		 Biology 211 Course Information 1
2
3.1
3, 4.1		 Group Work Assigned
Data Analysis

Laboratory Policies

1/5  
1/6 Biological Molecules
Cells: Working Units of Life		 3, 4.1
5, Appendix A 		Data Analysis
Microscopes - Review
1/7 Cells: Working Units of Life 5, Appendix A Data Analysis Report Due
Cells
1/10  
1/11 Cells: Working Units of Life
Cell Membranes		 5, Appendix A
6, 7.5		 Microscopes - Review
Cells and Cell Structure
1/12  
1/13 Cell Membranes 6, 7.5 Cell Fractionation
1/14 Cell Membranes
Cell Signaling and Communication		 6, 7.5
7.1 - 7.4		  
 
1/17 Martin Luther King Holiday - No Class
1/18 Cell Signaling and Communication 7.1 - 7.4 Membrane Properties
Using the Data Recorders
1/19      
1/20 Energy, Enzymes and Metabolism 8, 9.1 pp. 170-171 EXAM I
1,3,4, 5, 6 and 7
All Labs in Unit
1/21 Energy, Enzymes and Metabolism 8, 9.1 pp. 170-171  
 
1/24  
1/25 Cell Respiration Pathways 9 Enzyme Activity
Using the Spectrophotometer
1/26  
1/27 Cell Respiration Pathways 9 Aerobic Respiration and Fermentation
Yeast Respiration Rate
Using the Data Recorders
1/28 Professional Development Day - No Class
 
1/31  
2/1 Cell Respiration Pathways
Photosynthesis		 9
10		 Absorption Spectra - Chromatograhpy Prep
2/2  
2/3 Photosynthesis 10 Absorption Spectra
Using the Spectrophotometer
Leaf Structure and Function
2/4 Photosynthesis 10  
 
2/7      
2/8 The Cell Cycle and Cell Division 11.1-11.6, 19.2 pp.408-410 Exam II
8, 9 and 10
All Labs in Unit
2/9      
2/10 The Cell Cycle and Cell Division 11.1-11.6, 19.2 pp.408-410 Mitosis and the Cell Cycle
2/11 Inheritance, Genes and Chromosomes 12 Inheritance Problems Assignment
       
2/14      
2/15 Inheritance, Genes and Chromosomes 12 Meiosis and Life Cycles
2/16      
2/17 Inheritance, Genes and Chromosomes 12 Cat Coat Genetics
Mendelian Inheritance in Corn
Human Inheritance Patterns
2/18 Inheritance, Genes and Chromosomes 12 Inheritance Problems Due
       
2/21 President's Day Holiday - No Class
2/22 DNA and Its Role in Heredity 13 EXAM III
11 and 12
All Labs in Unit
2/23      
2/24 DNA and Its Role in Heredity
DNA to Protein: Gene Expression		 13
14		  
2/25 Mutations, Gene Alterations and Genetic Diseases 15.1, 11.5: pp.228-229
12.4: p.257
15.3 pp.327-330
15.4-15.5 pp.333-335
15.6 pp.337-338		  
       
2/28      
3/1 Mutations, Gene Alterations and Genetic Diseases 15.1, 11.5: pp.228-229
12.4: p.257
15.3 pp.327-330
15.4-15.5 pp.333-335
15.6 pp.337-338 		 
3/2      
3/3 Mutations, Gene Alterations and Genetic Diseases



Regulation of Gene Expression I
Regulation of Gene Expression II

 15.1, 11.5: pp.228-229
12.4: p.257
15.3 pp.327-330
15.4-15.5 pp.333-335
15.6 pp.337-338
16.1 - 16.2
16.3 - 16.5, 19.3 - 19.5 		 
3/4 Regulation of Gene Expression II 16.3 - 16.5, 19.3 - 19.5 Homework Assignments:
Detecting Cancer Genes
Human B-globin (Hemoglobin) Activity
Plasmid Mapping
       
3/7      
3/8 College Issues Day - No Class
3/9      
3/10 Regulation of Gene Expression II 16.3 - 16.5, 19.3 - 19.5 Exam IV
13. 14, 15 and 16.1 - 16.2
All Labs in Unit
3/11 Cancer and Gene Regulation 11.6 - 11.7 Homework Assignment Due
Detecting Cancer Genes
       
3/14      
3/15 Genetic Technology 18, 15.2 pp 323-327
15.4-15.5, 15.6: pp 338-339
19.2 pp.410-412		 Homework Assignment Due
Plasmid Mapping
3/16      
3/17 Genetic Technology
Genomes		 18, 15.2 pp 323-327
15.4-15.5, 15.6 pp 338-339
19.2 pp.410-412
17 		Homework Assignment Due
Human B-globin (Hemoglobin) Activity
3/18 Genomes 17  
       
3/21 BC Final Exam Day - No Class    
3/22 BC Final Exam Day - No Class    
3/23 Biology 211 Final Exam All References 11:30 am - 1:25 pm Room S-224

This page most recently modified on December 31, 2010.