BSC1010C - Principles of Biology I

3 hours Lecture, 2 hours Lab, 4 credit(s)

Lower-Division College Credit

Prerequisite(s): Requires placement at the college level or satisfaction of developmental education requirements in reading, writing, and mathematics.

AA Elective: Yes

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255 PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101 PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Course Description:
This course is the first of a two-term sequence in the biological sciences that is designed specifically for pre-professional majors. Basic concepts and principles of biology are covered in detail. Topics include scientific measurement, basic biochemistry, cytology, energy relations, reproduction, and a detailed analysis of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, as well as classical and molecular genetics. Lecture presentation, in combination with laboratory study, emphasizes critical thinking, observation, and experimental assessment.

This course is also offered in Honors format. For Honors Program sections, Honors Program permission is required.

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality-driven institution serving Polk County and beyond, transforms students’ lives through the power of teaching and lifelong learning by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degree programs, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered through various modalities and innovative technologies by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s General Education courses develop competence in the areas of 1) Communication, 2) Critical Thinking, 3) Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning, 4) Information Literacy, and 5) Global Socio-Cultural Responsibility. A complete description of these outcomes is located in the Polk State College Catalog. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the areas of:

2. Critical Thinking

Demonstrate the ability to reflect on, analyze, synthesize, and apply information through problem solving.

3. Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning

Apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods to solve abstract and real-world problems.

4. Information Literacy

Demonstrate the ability to access, evaluate, incorporate, organize, and document information.

Course Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in analyzing written or graphical data to interpret results regarding topics such as chemistry, cells, energy reactions, DNA, and genetics. (3)
2. Use laboratory experiences and materials to demonstrate competency with biological concepts and applications regarding topics such as chemistry, cells, energy reactions, DNA, and genetics. (3)
3. Demonstrate the ability to interpret or apply appropriate terminology in cellular biology. (4)
4. Integrate biological concepts by demonstrating an understanding of: basic chemistry as it applies to living organisms, biological energy systems, energy transfer and energy storage, and the role of DNA in determining form and function of organisms. (2)
5. Engage in collaborative tasks (i.e. work in teams).
6. Demonstrate knowledge-base in biology at the cellular level.

Course Content:

Lab Topics	Lecture Topics
1. Scientific investigation	1. Introduction
2. Microscope and cells	2. Diversity and unity of life
3. Measurements	3. Chemical background
4. Organic molecules	4. Biochemistry
5. Osmosis and diffusion	5. Cell structure and function
6. Enzymes	6. Photosynthesis
7. Mitosis and Meiosis	7. Cell respiration
8. Photosynthesis	8. DNA structure
9. Cell respiration	9. Protein synthesis
10. DNA modeling	10. Mendelian genetics
11. Human genome	11. Modern genetics
12. Electrophoresis	12. Reproduction

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030, requires each Associate in Arts (AA) degree program student to complete six credits of college-level Mathematics; taking the appropriate General Education Mathematics courses satisfies the Mathematics portion of this requirement.

In addition, State Rule 6A-10.030 requires each AA degree program student to complete six credits of English coursework, and six credits of additional courses in which the student demonstrates college-level writing skills through multiple assignments. Because Polk State uses a “Writing across the Curriculum” approach to meeting the writing requirement, in addition to the required composition courses, any required Social Sciences or Humanities courses can fulfill this writing requirement.

A minimum grade of C is required for all courses used to fulfill the Communications and Mathematics areas of the General Education requirements.

This course does not emphasize writing, but it may include writing assignments as a part of the course requirements.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours, and the student is encouraged to seek assistance whenever it is needed. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JD Alexander (JDA) Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College’s website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop Period, a student may officially withdraw from any course without receiving a grade, provided this is done before the published withdrawal deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited-admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in each specific program’s handbook.

If a student stops attending class, the grade earned (usually an F) is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, course withdrawal may have on his or her financial-aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who is engaged in processes related to academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college-credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the third attempt. Limited-admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course repeats that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in each specific program’s handbook. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course may have on his or her financial-aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

The student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and abides by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating or plagiarism, the situation is dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. More specific information regarding academic dishonesty can be found in the instructor’s Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (including, but not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: vbaker@polk.edu

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Coordinator or Director of Disability Services.

Note: Limited-admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

Evaluative Criteria:

The final course grade will be determined from a combination of lecture and laboratory assessments.

LECTURE COMPONENT
Grades will be determined using a combination of assessment methods. These may include exams, quizzes, written assignments, projects, presentations, and original or Internet research.
The last lecture exam will be given during final exam week.

LAB COMPONENT
Note that a minimum of 25% of the course grade will be determined by the laboratory component.
Lab grades will be determined using a combination of assessment methods. These will include lab practicals, and may also include lab reports written assignments, projects, presentations, and original or Internet research. Exact course grade calculations will be explained by individual instructors, on the first day of class, through their specific course information sheet.

The grading scale is as follows:

A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 0-59%

Attendance:

Regular attendance is the student’s responsibility. Failure to attend class regularly severely hinders your chance of successful completion of this course. Tardiness OR leaving a class early will count as 1/2 an absence. A student may be dropped from class for excessive absences (more than 5 lecture or lab hours). A student dropped before the no-fault drop deadline will receive a grade of “W” (unless it is a third attempt of the class). Withdrawals are not permitted on the third course attempt. A student dropped AFTER the no-fault drop deadline OR dropped on his/her third attempt of the class will receive a grade of “F.” It is not the instructor’s responsibility to drop a student who stops coming to class; this is the responsibility of the student.

Work Missed:

As a general rule, students need to take exams in their scheduled class section and must complete assignments and class papers according to their due dates. There are no make ups for missed lab exams, or in class activities and quizzes. In addition there are no dropped exams, retests, or extra credit.

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