Course Syllabus

BIOL 100 GENERAL BIOLOGY LAB

Summer 2023 SYLLABUS

Professor Paria Azami, M.S.

Email: pazami@valleycollege.edu

Office Hours: Tuesdays 11-1pm or by appointment through Zoom.

https://ucr.zoom.us/j/4865266961

Bio 100-Ref# 3092 Section 10:

Lecture: Asynchronous, online through Zoom https://ucr.zoom.us/j/4865266961

Lab: MTWTH, in-person at HLS 245, 6:00-8:30pm.

*Please allow me up to 24-48 hours to respond to emails excluding weekends and holidays.

Required Material for Class

-attend tutoring once a week minimum

-additional 18 hrs of study time per week

-Ruler with metric units

-Basic calculator

-Sharpie

Course Description

This is an introductory course for non-majors emphasizing the scientific method in investigating the origins, physiology, ecological roles, and comparative characteristics of living organisms.

Student Learning Outcome for Lab

Students will demonstrate their ability to meet the lab objectives through their ability to write a scientific lab report meeting the requirements set forth in the scientific report guidelines. A passing score will be 65% and will be based on the highest of the last two lab reports written in formal lab report format

Course Objectives for Lab

Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to:

Create simple scientific hypotheses and generate questions from biological observations.
Collect qualitative and quantitative scientific data using basic biological measurement tools such as metric rulers, analytical balances, thermometers, and microscopes.
Manipulate and interpret biological data by organizing data tables, calculating averages, preparing graphs, and evaluating results.
Prepare laboratory reports in a scientific report format.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the points you accumulate from each area in lecture and laboratory. A single course grade will be given for the combined lecture and lab.

The point basis of class is tentative, and I reserve the right to change point values during the semester.

Laboratory Grade:

Lab assignments 10 points each

Attendance & participation 10 points

Two Lab Exams 80 points each

1 Lab Final 80 points (non-cumulative)

The following letter grades and their corresponding values will be assigned as follows:

90-100% A Outstanding

80-89.9% B Good

70-79.9% C Acceptable

60-69.9% D Poor

Below 60% F Failing

Laboratory

There is no laboratory manual for this class. You will find the handout for each lab on Canvas in the laboratory folder or handed out the week before lab. Please download and read this handout before you come to lab class so that you are prepared for the lab activity. You should work in groups and actively participate in each lab experiment. The laboratory assignment for each lab is due the week after we complete the lab. These assignments must be in your own words. There will be 2 lab reports due and more information will be given for this.

I will not accept late laboratory papers unless there is a valid excuse
If you are absent for a lab you cannot turn in that lab report.
Each report and exam must be in your own words. You cannot copy answers from any source. Also, you cannot let anyone copy answers from you. If you do copy answers or let someone copy your work, you will receive a zero for that grade.
Exams for the laboratory will consist of two sections. The first section of the laboratory exam will be practical questions at stations (25 pts), and the second portion (50 pts) will consist of calculations, data interpretation, short answer and essay questions. Laboratory exams cannot be missed or rescheduled due to the nature of the practical portion of the exam.
You must take the lab exams during your scheduled lab class.

Attendance/ Make-up policy

Attendance is required for credit. You are expected to attend each lecture and laboratory meeting.

If you miss the first or second week of classes or have excessive absences, I will drop you from the class.
The lab activity of the day must be signed by your instructor prior to you leaving for the day. Students who are not present for the lab or missing the signature will not receive lab credit for that assignment
There will be no make-ups for missed laboratory exams.

COVID Considerations

If you have COVID symptoms please stay home and get tested. You will be allowed to turn in your assignments late. If you have contracted COVID please stay home and isolate. Email me your Dr. note or COVID test and I will work with you to stay on schedule with the class. If you miss three or more weeks due to COVID we will discuss your options of catching up in class, taking an incomplete in the course, or possible other options. Please keep me in the loop with any health issues so that I can work with you

Withdrawing from Course

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the course. Do not depend on me to withdraw you just because you stopped attending. However, if you have excessive absences, I will drop you from the course.

Taking an Incomplete in the Course

You may take an incomplete in this course and complete the course the following semester only if it is medically necessary (doctor’s note) and you have a grade C or higher in the course. An incomplete for a grade is under my discretion.

Academic Integrity

San Bernardino Valley College Students’ Standards of Conduct regarding Academic Dishonesty guidelines will be strictly enforced. You are expected to take seriously your responsibility as a student.

All work handed in MUST be your own words. Any ideas, quotes, or summaries must be cited within your work.
All exams will be completed on an individual basis without any unauthorized assistance-this includes cell phones, electronic dictionaries/ translators, and graphing calculators.
Any incidents of cheating or plagiarism (copying anything from another source – including a fellow student - without citing the source, and/or attempting to receive credit for work that is not your own OR if you allow someone to copy your work) will result in a zero grade for the assignment for the first incident. For the second incident, you will be reported to the Dean of Students, you will receive an “F” in the entire course, and cheating will be put on your academic record permanently.

Classroom Conduct

San Bernardino Valley College Students’ Standards of Conduct will be strictly enforced. Students are expected to take responsibility for helping to create a quality classroom environment. Students are expected to show:

Respect for the instructor: This would include being punctual, staying for the duration of the class, bringing assignments, textbooks, pencils and other appropriate materials to class, refraining from talking, eating OR any other behavior that is disruptive to me while I am lecturing (ie. texting, talking to a neighbor, and doing your homework in class). Please leave cell phones and other electronic devices (iPods, etc.) off during class, and use a moderate, mature  and respectful tone when participating in lecture and laboratory classes.
Respect for other students: This would include refraining from talking, using cell phones, or computers during class OR any other behavior that is disruptive to students trying to learn. You must use appropriate behavior and language in the classroom, when working with other students and in public areas. Physically or verbally harassing others in any way will not be tolerated in my class and if you see this behavior, please let me know immediately.

Respect for your environment: Clean up after yourself in the lecture and lab room. Throw away trash, put away supplies and clean lab benches after use. Do not litter outside of classrooms

Diversity Statement

This course seeks to foster an inclusive learning environment for all students in class. Diverse perspectives should be respected, heard, and seen as a source of strength for learning. Please respect each other’s voice and be considerate and empathetic towards your classmates. Most scientific medical research was performed on white men and because of this our medical knowledge is not always accurate for females or minorities. As we go through the course, I will highlight a few of these misconceptions. If you have a concern or if a classmate or I offend you, please let me know privately so I can address the error.

Disability Accommodations

If you have a disability or special need for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, please contact the Student Accessibility Services as early as possible in the term. For more information the Student Accessibility Services can be reached by calling (909) 384-4443, or by visiting the Administrative/ Student Services Building Rm. 105. https://www.valleycollege.edu/student-services/specialized-counseling-services/student-accessibility-services/index.php

Free Campus Services

There are many venues for outside help. Please take a moment to look them over and decide what resources can benefit you. http://www.valleycollege.edu/student-services/

VALLEY 360 RESOURCE CENTER: Free food pantry and resources are available on campus at certain times.

https://www.valleycollege.edu/about-sbvc/facilities/360-resource-center/index.php

HEALTH SERVICES/COUNSELING: During this difficult time counseling services are offered online. Please visit the site to make an appointment. https://www.valleycollege.edu/student-services/specialized-counseling-services/health-services/
Nursing/Psych Tech Counselor: Athena Corrales, (909) 384-4450, acorrales@valleycollege.edu. If you earn a C in Human Physiology you cannot retake the course; consider going into the psychiatric technician program on campus or taking the 250-251 A&P series.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Program (STEM program): STEM program provides support for underrepresented student populations to go into STEM careers. http://sbvcstem.org
STEM-MESA Center: The SMC is a free study area open to all students. While at the center laptops, iPads, study rooms, and other resources can be checked out for free. Tutoring is offered for science and math classes (trigonometry and above) at no charge. Printing is available as well. The SMC is located in the Physical Science building (PS 121) and it is open M-F 8AM-8PM. https://www.valleycollege.edu/student-services/tutoring-academic-support/student-success-center/
STAR: STAR, Success Through Achievement and Retention, (ADSS, Room 201) provides free tutoring, academic workshops, personal and academic counseling, cultural enrichment activities, and more, to qualifying SBVC students. STAR provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their AA/AS degree. The goal of STAR is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants, and facilitate the process of transferring to a four-year university. https://www.valleycollege.edu/student-services/specialized-counseling-services/success-through-achievement/
EOPS/CARE: SBVC recognizes that, as a result of financial need, language differences, and academic difficulties, some students will need special assistance for college success. Participants must meet financial and educational disadvantage criteria. EOPS services include the following: specialized academic, career, and personal counseling, book service, tutoring, priority registration, transfer assistance, and special activities and workshops. EOPS also offers CARE (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) to EOP&S students who are single parents on TANF/CalWORKs with children under the age of fourteen. CARE services are in addition to what a student would receive as an EOPS student. https://www.valleycollege.edu/student-services/specialized-counseling-services/eops-care/eops.php

Student Learning Strategies: It is your responsibility to take charge of your learning in this class. To be successful in this class you need to master the core concepts of human physiology and apply them. In your professional programs they will expect you to have a working knowledge of how the body works. The following is a list to help you be successful in this class.

In Class Success:

Due to the fast pace and intensity of this class you must attend all lecture and laboratory meetings. Being on time for class helps as well.
Print out the notes version of class PowerPoints and bring them to class to take notes on.
Record my lectures and review them frequently for missed information.
Do not be afraid to ask questions in class.
Arrive on time and do not leave early. Use the time in class to review concepts, complete lab reports, study with others, and ask questions.
Do your own work. You should perform all the experiments in lab as part of a team and you should have a working knowledge of the experimental concepts before you leave class. Never ask to see other’s papers and never let someone borrow your paper to write down answers. It is ok to use other groups’ data as long as you note that in your report. You are responsible for your own learning in the class.
See me right away if you don’t understand something.

Out of Class Success:

As a general rule you should spend two hours of studying per night for each hour of lecture/ lab you attend.
Go over class material on a regular basis to understand concepts and how to apply concepts. Thinking critically takes lots of practice, so be prepared to make your brain work!
Expect to struggle. Make sure you understand the sequence of steps in depth and then work on actively learning the material (see below). Learning isn’t linear!
Use the text that you purchased and complete the readings and prepare any questions you might have before I lecture on the material so you will have a greater understanding of the material.
Come to my student office hours and ask me specific questions about the material you do not understand.
Go to Supplemental Instruction workshops and tutoring! They are free-use it! We have the Student Success Center and the Tutoring Center on campus (info. under outside help section of this syllabus). The advantage of seeing a tutor for your class is they have already completed the class successfully and you will earn a grade higher than without tutoring. Our tutors are Richard, Diana, and Edwardo. They will be great assets to help you master the concepts in class. Their schedules are posted in the Success center and on announcements in Canvas.
It is beneficial for you to draw out processes, form study groups and quiz each other, or try to figure out exam questions in order to actively learn the material and develop your critical thinking skills. You should be doing these activities the first week.
Draw diagrams and flow charts that connect ideas to form concepts and increase your critical thinking. A dry erase board helps for this.
If you can talk through each step of a process and draw it from memory, then you are on your way to mastering the concepts in this class.
Keep in mind the more work you put in today the more successful you will be in your career.
Check Canvas and your email before you come to class. I do email students with updates and I will post announcements and the lectures on Canvas for you to download and print off before you come to class. If you need help with the portal, Canvas, or PowerPoint let me know and I will be happy to help you.

Tentative Lab Schedule

Day	Week	DATE	LAB ACTIVITY
1	1	05/30	Introduction, lab safety, orientation
2	1	05/31	What is science?
3	1	06/01	Microscopes and Intro to cells
4	2	06/05	Osmosis
5	2	06/06	Plant Cell
6	2	06/07	Cardiovascular (Day 1)
7	2	06/08	Cardiovascular (Day 2) (lab exam 1, online, proctored)
8	3	06/12	Salivary Enzyme-Catalase
9	3	06/13	Ectothermic Metabolism
10	3	06/14	Yeast Carb Metabolism
11	3	06/15	Yeast Enzyme
12	4	06/19	Bacteria Growth (Parts 1 & 2)
13	4	06/20	DNA (lab exam 2, online, proctored)
14	4	06/21	Human Mendelian Traits-
15	4	06/22	Patterns in Nature
16	5	06/26	Natural Selection
17	5	06/27	Pond Water
18	5	06/28	Allopathy
19	5	06/29	Lab Final (online, proctored)

Week	Week of:	Tentative Lecture Schedule
1	05/30	Module 1: Getting a Great Start Module 2: Molecular Basis of Life All assignments due by Sunday of that week at 11:59pm.
2	05/05	Module 3: Biology of the Cell Module 4: Energy Sources & Use and Role of DNA in Reproduction All assignments due by Sunday of that week at 11:59pm.
3	05/12	Module 5: Evolution Module 6: Diversity of Life on Earth All assignments due by Sunday of that week at 11:59pm.
4	05/19	Module 7: Animal Form and Function Module 8: Ecology and Behavior All assignments due by Sunday of that week at 11:59pm.
5	05/26	TBD