Syllabi for Brantley
BSC1005 – Biological Science
Course Syllabus, Fall 2014
General Information:
Instructors: Betsy Brantley
Phone: 407-582-5750
E-Mail (best way to contact):
Blackboard coursemail or if unable to access Bb,
bbrantley3@valenciacollege.edu
Office Hours: See the post in Blackboard on office hours
Required Text:
Campbell’s Essential Biology: Simon, Reece, Dickey 5th Ed. (The 4th Ed. can also work)
Supplemental Course Materials:
Lecture notes and additional resources posted in your course in Blackboard
Course Description
An introduction to essential principles of biological science. Topics include, but are not limited to, the nature of science and the scientific method, chemistry for biology, cell structure, metabolism, reproduction and genetics, organisms and ecology. This is a general education course for non-biology majors. It is also recommended for students who need preparation before enrolling in a biology course for science majors.
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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES |
Students will be able to explain the scientific method. Students will be able to identify levels of organization within and between organisms Students will explain how living organisms function
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| VALENCIA STUDENT CORE COMPETENCIES |
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Evaluation:
Summary of evaluations
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| Total |
| Exams (9) | 900 |
| Final exam | 100 |
| Classwork/homework (10 points each) | 100 |
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| Grand Total | 1100 |
Grading Scale
| Grade | A | B | C | D | F |
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| 990-1100 | 880-989 | 770-879 | 660-769 | <660 |
Exams:
There will be 9 chapter exams given in the course. Lecture exams may include multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, labeling, or short answer questions.
All exams MUST be taken on scheduled dates ONLY. If an exam is missed, a grade of 0 will be given for that missed exam. There are NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. However, your lowest exam grade will be dropped.
Logistical Information:
Absences – Missing more than 4 class meetings may result in being withdrawn from the course by your instructor. Communication is the key. You will be contacted via Blackboard and/or Valencia email prior to the withdrawal.
Withdrawal – During the “no-show” period (Sept 3-11), you may be withdrawn from the course by your instructor. The basis for a withdrawal for non-attendance has two parts:
1. Failure to attend any class meetings
2. Failure to contact your instructor.
“A student who withdraws from class before the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade of “W.” A faculty member is permitted to withdraw a student from the faculty member's class up to the beginning of the final exam period, for violation of the faculty member's attendance policy, as published in the faculty member's syllabus. A student is not permitted to withdraw from this class after the withdrawal deadline; if you remain in the class after the withdrawal deadline, you can only receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I. An I grade will only be assigned under extraordinary circumstances that occur near the end of the semester. If you receive an I, the work missed must be made up during the following semester, at which time you will get an A, B,C,D or F. Failure to make up the work during the following semester will result in you getting a grade of F in the course. Any student who withdraws from this class during a third or subsequent attempt in this course will be assigned a grade of “F.” (Valencia Policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals). In this class a student missing 4 lectures or 2 labs will be withdrawn from the class.
Before withdrawing from the class you are advised to consult the professor and an advisor or counselor. The drop/refund deadline is Nov 7.
Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must work through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with me during the first week of classes. The OSD determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (West Campus SSB102, ext 1523)
Academic Honesty
Please review Valencia’s policy on academic dishonesty (student handbook – college policy 6HX28: 10-16). The short version is – do your own work and submit your own ideas. Any violation of the policy (submitting someone else’s work as your own, cheating on an exam, etc.) will result in a grade of zero on that assignment. Repeat offenses will result in an F in the course and referral to the Dean of Students.
| STUDENT SUPPORT | Baycare Behavioral Health’s Student Assistance Program: Valencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. Students have 24 hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.”
Tutoring Center: Bldg 7: 240 (Phone: 407 582 1633)
Testing Center: Bldg 7: 217 (Phone 407 582 1323)
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Course Sequence/Tentative Schedule
| Class Date | LECTURE |
| 8/25/14 | Ch 1: Introduction: Biology Today
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| 9/1/14 | Labor Day – no class |
| 9/8/14 | Ch 2: Essential Chemistry for Biology
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| 9/15/14 |
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| 9/22/14 | Ch 3: The Molecules of life
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| 9/29/14 | Test on Chapters 1-3
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| 10/6/14 | Ch 4: A Tour of the Cell
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| 10/13/14 | Test on Chapter 4 Ch 5: The Working Cell |
| 10/20/14 | Test on Chapter 5 Ch 6: Cellular Respiration |
| 10/27/14 | Test on Chapter 6 Ch 7: Photosynthesis |
| 11/3/14 | Test on Chapter 7 Ch 8: Cellular reproduction |
| 11/10/14 | Test on Chapter 8 Ch 9: Patterns of Inheritance |
| 11/17/14 | Test on Chapter 9 Ch 10: The structure and function of DNA |
| 11/24/14 | Test on Chapter 10 Ch15: Microbial Life and Ch 16: Plant, Fungi and the Move to Land |
| 12/1/14 | Test on Chapter 15 & 16 Ch 17: Survey of the Animal Kingdom |
| 12/8/14 10am-12:30pm | Final Exam – includes questions on all chapters including chapter 17 |