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Biology 3, FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOLOGY Fall Semester, 2011
Sections 4045 Hybrid (lectures online; labs & exams in class) Instructor: Thomas Chen (Tom)
Office: Sci 271 Phone: 310-434-3515. email: chen_thomas@smc.edu
Lecture: online eCompanion Lab: Sci 225. 6:45 p.m. to 9:50 p.m., Mondays
Office Hour: M, 9 a.m.- 10 a.m. (virtual); M, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tu, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.; W, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Course webpage: eCompanion http://www.smconline.org or choose Technology Resources on SMC Homepage,
then click eCompanion right Menu (enter your student ID and your email PW) Please check >3x /week.
Required Texts:
Campbell et al. Biology Concepts & Connections. Custom ed., (loose leaf with 3-ring binder)
Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. 2011
Biology 3 Laboratory Manual, 5e, Santa Monica College, Life Sciences Department ‘11
or downloaded from eCompanion or the Newton folder of SMC My Network Places
Course Description: FROM SMC CATALOG FOR GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
This general biology course is for transfer students who are not biology majors. Topics include basic molecular and cellular
biology, genetics, the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals including humans, the diversity of life, evolution, and
ecology. Current environmental issues, new developments in biological science, and bioethics are discussed. Laboratory
experiences are integrated and stress scientific methodology and critical thinking. 4 units.
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences, + LAB) • Prerequisite: None. • Skills Advisory: Eligibility for
English 1.
Student Learning Outcome(s):
After careful observations of an organism or situation, pose appropriate questions and generate hypotheses;
design and perform a test; gather, analyze, and interpret data; evaluate and reformulate hypotheses.
Given a biological report from the mass media, evaluate and critique the findings based on knowledge of the
scientific method, the strength of the evidence, and independent research on the topic.
Course Objectives and Exit Skills
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a general understanding of basic biological concepts.
Recognize and use the scientific methods including experimentation and logical reasoning.
Discuss the capabilities and limitations of the scientific process.
Know the difference between science and pseudoscience through the development of critical thinking skills.
Discuss the role of human life in the larger framework of global ecology and the evolutionary history of life on
earth.
Describe the elements of biological literacy necessary for making informed decisions about issues with
biological relevance, such as general health, medicine, nutrition, and environmental concerns.
Model the collaborative process of scientific inquiry through working in teams in the laboratory.
Use computers and the Internet to research biological topics.
Methods of Instruction
The primary means of instruction are online PowerPoint presentation and laboratory experience. DVD and
short video clips are used as appropriate to supplement presented materials. Computer presentations and other
web-based instructional technologies may be used to illustrate important concepts and to clarify laboratory
exercises. Demonstrations, models, and live organisms are used when available and appropriate.
Hands-on activities are stressed in the laboratories. All exercises are designed to provide experience with
scientific methodology, in addition to teaching the biological concepts involved. Discussions and a cooperative
learning environment are encouraged.
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Course Requirements:
Reading: students are expected to learn the material covered in the online lecture (PowerPoint with narrative) as
well as all assigned readings in the required textbook.
Quizzes: weekly multiple-choice quizzes will be given in PowerPoint format at the beginning (6:45 p.m.) of the
lab covering reading assignments and lab from the previous week. One lowest quiz score will be dropped.
Lab quizzes: short quiz may also be given periodically at the beginning or at the end of lab exercises covering
materials from that day’s lab. Please skim through the lab manual before coming to the lab.
Lab worksheets: unless otherwise instructed, each lab group will turn in a single lab worksheet at the end of the
lab period. All group members’ full name must be on the worksheet. All group members will receive the same
score provided that all individuals contributed equally to the exercise and report. Late submission will not receive
full credit.
Exams: there will be two mid-term exams, and a final comprehensive exam (see schedule on p. 3). Exams are
primarily multiple-choice questions and will cover material from lectures, lab exercises, and other assigned reading.
Mid-term exams will be held during first half of the lab period.
Bioethics paper: instructions on pp. 7-8. This assignment encompasses web/internet/library research, synthesis of
ideas, and writing an opinion paper. Note: there are two deadlines – one online dropbox and one hardcopy which
is due at the beginning of class on 10/24. Late submission will not receive full credit.
Extra credits: NO EXTRA CREDITS/PROJECTS WILL BE GIVEN**.
Grading & Evaluation:
Final letter grades will be assigned according to the percentage of total points accumulated.
A: >90%; B: 80%-89.9%; C: 65%-79.9%; D: 55%-64.9%; F: <55%
ITEM POINTS (APPROX.)
Midterm exams1A & B (75 questions,150 points x2) AccuScan #25110RR 300
Final comprehensive exam (100 questions plus essay, comprehensive) 250
Weekly lecture/lab quiz (11 @ 20 pts) QUIZZSTRIP #25140-RR 200 (drop one)
Lab worksheets (16 @ 10 points each) From Lab manual 160
Bioethics paper (Instructions provided later) 50
Discretionary: attendance, punctuality, active participation in online and 140 +
class discussion, and other assigned/impromptu activities*
TOTAL** ~1100 adjusted at end
* Points may be deducted for disruptive behaviors. For example, 5 points deducted for not turning off cell phone,
carrying on conversation or monkeying around during lectures, or leaving lecture/lab without permission. 10 points
deducted for eating/drinking/chewing gum in the classroom or lab. Cumulative for repeated offense.
Grades will not be curved. But many factors will be considered in final grade assignment. These include but are
not limited to:
Student’s demonstration of seriousness and interest in learning as reflected by the discretionary points.
As a general rule, about 10 – 20% of students in final class size will receive an A; B students will have total
points above the class mean (average); below class mean will be a C; below 60% will receive a D; F is
lower than 50%.
Consistently performing well in all exams, quizzes, and the final exam.
Different grades are assigned when a big gap is present between two students when the class is ranked, e.g.,
different grades are assigned between 700 and 650, but not between 700 and 698.
Online and class participation such as volunteering, asking well thought-out questions and offering
thoughtful answers in class or in online Threaded Discussion.
Being responsible in class/lab and responsive to instructions.
Students with serious AWOL problems (including habitually leaving class/lab without informing the
instructor) will be dropped or assigned a W grade as per college policy. Leaving the classroom without
informing the instructor will be counted as absent.
Please purchase and turn in three blank AccuScan #25110RR exam forms by 6:45 p.m., Monday,
9/12.
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Biology 3, Fundamentals of Biology (Section 4045)
Week Date Lecture For the Week Campbell Lab
1 M, 8/29 Biology: Exploring Life Ch. 1 Snail Races - Scientific Methods
1 The Chemical Basis of Life Ch. 2
2 M, 9/5 The Molecules of Cells Ch. 3 Labor Day Holiday (Take home lab)
2 A Tour of the Cell Ch. 4 Drop to Receive Refund by 10 p.m. 9/8
3 M, 9/12 The Working Cell (Q1:1,2, Ch. 5 Microscopes
syllabus; Q2:3,4)
3 How Cells Harvest Chemical Ch. 6
Energy,
4 M, 9/19 Photosynthesis (Q3:5,6) Enzymes
Ch. 7 Drop to Avoid W Deadline by 9/19
4 The Cellular Basis of Ch. 8
Reproduction
5 M, 9/26 Patterns of Inheritance (Q4:7,8) Ch. 9 Respiration/Photosynthesis
5 Reproduction Ch. 27
6 M, 10/3 Midterm Exam 1A (1-9,27) Reproduction
6 Molecular Biology of the Gene Ch. 10
7 M, 10/10 DNA Technology and Genomics Ch. 12 DNA Fingerprinting
(Q5:10)
7 How Populations Evolve Ch. 13
8 M, 10/17 The Origin of Species (Q6:12,13) Ch. 14 Human Genetics (online)
8 Tracing Evolutionary History Ch. 15 Drop with Guaranteed W by 10/23
9 M, 10/24 The Evolution of Invertebrate Ch. 18 Natural Selection. Color and Pattern
Diversity (Q7:14,15) Bioethics paper due in Dropbox by3 a.m.
10/23. Hardcopy due in class.
9 Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity Ch. 19
10 M, 10/31 Midterm Exam 2 (10,12-15, Animal Diversity
18,19)
10 Circulation Ch. 23
11 M, 11/7 How Animals Move (Q8:23) Ch. 30 Heart
11 Plants, Fungi, Colonization of Ch. 17
Land.
12 M, 11/14 Plant Structure, Repro & Develop Ch. 31 Bones
(Q9:17,30)
12 Nutrition & Transport Ch. 32, 33 Instructor Online Drop With Grade
Control Systems in Plants Check Deadline Sunday, 11/20
13 M, 11/21 Population Dynamics (Q10:31- Ch. 36 Flowers
33)
13 Communities and Ecosystems, Ch. 37
14 M, 11/28 The Biosphere: An Introduction Ch. 34 Seed Dispersal
to Earth's Diverse Environments
(Q11:36,37)
14 Conservation Biology Ch. 38
14 Sat. 12/3 Malibu Lagoon State Beach Field Trip (Both sections)
15 M, 12/5 Open Review
15 M, 12/13 Final Exam (1/2 + 1/2) Comprehensive Have a nice & safe holiday season
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COURSE POLICY [PLEASE READ CAREFULLY]
Add-drop: The number of students in each section is limited by the space available in the laboratory.
Please observe the add/drop deadlines listed in the course schedule. It is your responsibilities to adhere to
College add/drop deadlines. Failing to attend classes or follow the established procedures may result in
being dropped from the course or receiving an F grade.
Attendance and Tardiness: Attendance and full attention during class is expected. Roll will be taken at
the beginning of class/lab. Discretionary points will be a major part of the final grade. Leaving
classroom during lecture or lab without permission may be counted as absent. Points deducted for
repeated offense are cumulative. If you must leave briefly during class, slip a note to the instructor
before stepping out. Please plan to arrive on campus well ahead of class time as traffic, road condition,
and parking situation are highly unpredictable around class time. Late submission of lab reports or
other assignments will lose 3 points the first day and 2 points each day thereafter.
Exams: RESTROOM SHOULD BE VISITED BEFORE THE EXAM. Student will remain seated
during exam and raise his/her hand if there are questions. Student who leaves the room during an exam
will NOT be allowed to continue the exam. Make ups: Missed lab exercises CANNOT be made up.
Exams can be made up only under extraordinary circumstances and only if the instructor has been notified
in writing or by phone before the exam. Verifiable documentation such as a physician’s note, court
summons paper, or obituary must be provided. Make-up exams will be in essay format only.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: THE ACADEMIC HONOR CODE OF Santa Monica COLLEGE WILL
BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. Dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, or allowing other students to do the
same) on exam/lab report is considered misconduct or “good cause” for disciplinary action. Student will
forfeit his/her grade for the exam/lab report and a letter describing the incidence will be sent to the Dean
of Students. A second offense in this or any other class may lead to failure in the course(s) or dismissal
from the college. Please do not cheat and do not believe that “everyone does it”.
Special Needs: Students with special needs or medical concerns should discuss their needs with the
instructor or college counselors during the first week of classes.
Correspondence: General questions should be posted in Threaded Discussion for everyone’s
benefit. Questions/inquiries of personal nature could be addressed by email. Please allow 24 - 72
hours for responding to email/phone messages. Be certain to include your name and section # in your
email and make sure your inbox is not full. Email with no name or your section number will be
considered as junk mail and deleted without reading the content.
Food and Clothing: For your own safety, ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD/DRINK/GUM IN THE
LAB. The lab temperature is usually cooler. Please dress appropriately. Santa Monica College is a
smoke-free campus. Smoking is only allowed outside of the perimeter or in designated
areas of the campus.
Disruptive Behavior: Every student is accountable for his or her own action. Every student has the right
to learn and the responsibility not to deprive others of their right to learn. Student who disrupts the
instructor or classmates by carrying out conversation during lectures will be required to sit in an
assigned seat. Student who repeatedly disrupts the class may face dismissal from the classroom.
Dictionary and Calculator: Dictionary, calculator, iPod, iPhone or other similar electronic devices are
not allowed during exams/quizzes. Please raise your hand if you have questions during the exam.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices: please turn off such gadgets before you enter the classroom.
Thank you for your cooperation. I wish you success in this course and in your academic endeavor.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY AGREEMENT
FOR BIOLOGY 3 STUDENTS
Some class work is designed for group collaboration, but exams, essays, quizzes, lab reports, and
all other graded assignments are to be done by each student alone. Any method of attempting to gain
credit for graded work that avoids this individual responsibility is considered cheating, and cheating is an
intolerable offense in an academic community.
Do not plagiarize term paper/individual lab reports. Although you may engage in
general discussions of problems with other students, your professors, or anyone else
about your thinking, you must do all your writing on your own without showing or
sharing your work with anyone else. Sharing of answers is a violation of the trust
placed in all students in the class. Do not use old lab reports, papers, or any form of
collaboration from current or previous biology students.
Please behave in a manner that allows your instructor to believe that you are working
independently when that is required. For instance, do not look around during exams or crane your neck or
look sideways toward someone else’s work or exam.
Any case of cheating will result in a zero on the assignment affected and will be reported to the
disciplinary dean who will keep a record of the incident for a period of two years. Repeat or especially
outrageous incidents may lead to failure in the course or even dismissal from the college.
DOWNLOAD CODE OF ACADEMIC CONDUCT (AR4411) AND HONOR CODE (AR4412)
http://www.smc.edu/policies/pdf/AR4000.pdf
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SAFETY RULES FOR BIOLOGY LABS
Do Not Eat Or Drink Anything In Lab; Wash Your Hands Frequently And Before Leaving
The Lab. Substances never intended for human consumption may be used in the lab. Even if
your lab is not actively using something unsavory, the lab before you may have. These rules are
intended to protect you from accidentally ingesting or being exposed to something that may cause
you harm.
Beware Of Broken Glass In Sinks, On Lab Benches, On The Floor. Always wear shoes in the
lab. Since glass is commonly used in this lab and is occasionally broken, you should protect
yourself against inadvertent injury. If you notice broken glass, clean it up immediately to help
protect others. Be especially careful not to contribute to the problem by keeping track of your
coverslips as they sometimes wind up unattended in the sinks. Broken glass goes in the broken
glass container, not the wastebaskets.
Do Not Pipet By Mouth. Use the pipeting bulbs for pipeting. We use only materials thought to
be harmless in the lab, but most are still not recommended for human consumption nor are they
prepared under sterile conditions.
Use Care And Proper Procedures With The Microscopes. Microscopes are one of the most
expensive pieces of equipment you will use this semester. Always use both hands when lifting
and moving microscopes (never drag it on the bench). Follow instructions carefully during and
after you have finished using the microscope.
Dispose Of All Lab Materials, Especially Chemicals in a Manner Described For You By The
Instructor. Pollution control laws and good common sense guide the decisions we have made
about disposal. A few chemicals are collected in containers for controlled disposal. Please follow
these instructions carefully.
Clean Up All Lab Materials And Glassware Whenever Appropriate And Especially At The
End Of The Lab Period. Dirty glassware or lab materials can occasionally create a hazard for
other students. Always keep your and the common work areas clean.
Work In The Laboratory Or On Projects Only When Supervised. You may come to the lab
when there is no class in session, but only if one of the instructors or the lab technician knows you
are there and agrees to supervise.
Immediately Report Any Accidents, Injuries, or Unusual Events to the Instructor or Lab
Technician. There is a safety shower and eyewash in the lab. Notify the instructor or
appropriate personnel in case of an accident or spill.
Follow All Directions Given By The Instructor And Use Common Sense in the Lab.
Behave In A Cooperative Manner That Is Considerate Of Your Fellow Students.
Please sign the acknowledgement statement on the student information sheet showing that you
have read these rules and agree to abide by them.
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WRITING THE BIOETHICS PAPER
Points: 0 – 50 points.
The paper is due in Dropbox by 3 a.m., Sunday, October 23, 2010. Bring a hard copy and turn in
by 6:45 p.m., Monday, October 24.
Research the subject extensively and comprehensively using any online or print source. You must
present arguments for both sides of the issue.
Length of paper: 2 - 3 pages including References, double-space, typed. BE CONCISE.
The topics will be assigned in a separate Excel file titled Bioethics Assignment. You will have three
topics to choose from which you will only write one. Find the last four digits of your student ID
number and the topic # – no substitutions.
Do not cut & paste from other sources. Use quotation if you quote a statement (NO MORE THAN
10% MAY BE QUOTATIONS). Plagiarizing papers or statements will result in a “0” for the work.
Format of the paper:
Topic # (You do not have to re-type the topic descriptions) and your name and section #.
Description of the issue: background and introduction
Points (Pros)
Counterpoints (Cons)
Conclusion: You may be neutral or take a side in drawing the conclusion based on the
strength of the pros and cons arguments that you presented. If your opinion is based on
religion, you should present a balanced argument based on the view of all major religions.
References: cite the source of the material you used in your text (MLA or APA style).
TOPICS FOR BIOETHICS PAPER:
Topic #
1. If an individual has been in a coma for ten years, and medical experts have concluded that the person has
virtually no chance of recovery, is it morally OK for a doctor or healthcare worker to perform euthanasia or
other life-terminating procedures if his/her closest family members so request?
2. There are approximately 400,000 leftover frozen embryos in fertility clinics throughout the country. Most of
these embryos probably will never see the day of light. Should Congress pass laws prohibiting destruction of
these embryos because many of our representatives believe that life begins at conception?
3. Outsourcing is a highly charged issue in globalization economy. What is not generally known is that most of
the human clinical trials before a drug is approved are conducted offshore in poor third-world countries where
stringent regulations protecting human subjects are lacking and the cost is low. Is it morally or economically
justifiable for pharmaceutical companies to continue this practice to keep the drug cost down?
4. You frequently see this ad on college newspapers. “Exceptional women needed for confidential egg donation to
an infertile couple” The compensation is about $5,000 to $10,000. Should this be allowed and if so, what type
of regulation if any, should be imposed on this kind of transaction to protect the donor?
5. By genetic engineering, scientists have produced transgenic pigs rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the kind of good
fat that benefits the heart and cardiovascular system. Given that cardiovascular diseases are the #1 killer in this
country, should genetically modified (GM) foods such as this one be approved for public consumption by the
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)? [Note: currently no GM foods are allowed in the human food chain]
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6. South Dakota passed a law last year that criminalizes all abortions except when life of the mother is
endangered. Based on your understanding of this specific case (research the actual law first), what are the
implications of this law? What is the current status of this piece of legislation?
7. Environmental endocrine disruptors (EED) are chemical (mostly industrial pollutants) that may interfere with
the body’s endocrine system resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune
effects in both humans and wildlife, especially during pregnancy. Endocrine disruptors may be found in many
everyday products– including plastic bottles, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides
such as dioxin-like compounds, DDT, and bisphenol A. If you are the Chief Administrator of the US EPA,
what will you do with this group of essential everyday products?
8. The United Nation-sponsored Global Warming conferences have documents the evidence of recent trends,
potential consequences, and possible solutions of global warming. In your own words, describe the evidence for
and against global warming trends, and then describe the environmental and biological impact, and what you
individually should or should not do about this phenomenon.
9. Recombinant DNA technologies have allowed production of numerous drugs that have benefited millions of
patients with e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Controversies also arose in the use and abuse
of some of these products. One example is the use of growth hormone to treat children with short stature. Fast
forward 10 years and imaging that these drugs are widely available and affordable (like aspirin). What are the
issues you should start addressing to maximized their benefits and minimize unintended consequences.
10. A couple who both have achondroplasia (p p. 162-3 of Campbell’s textbook), an inherited form of short stature,
desire a child with short stature as well. They informed the genetic counselor they would abort a fetus destined
to grow to normal height. If you were the counselor, how would you advise the parents about the pros and cons
so they will be fully informed before they reach a decision?
11. After years of delay, The Food and Drug Administration finally allowed individuals 18 and older to purchase
the “emergency contraception” (or Plan B) without a doctor’s prescription, but only from pharmacies. Girls 17
and younger will still need a prescription to buy the pill. The two opposing sides, easier vs. strict access for
girls 17 and younger, cite avoiding unintended pregnancies vs. increased promiscuity as their reason,
respectively. If you were the FDA administrator, what would you do?
12. A new vaccine against cervical cancer which is caused by a common sexually transmitted virus, human
papillomavirus, and killed about 288,000 worldwide each year. The LA Unified school District plans to make
this vaccine available to middle and elementary school girls. Some parents object to this plan on grounds that
this will present a false sense of security and will encourage promiscuity. If you were Mayor Villaraigosa, what
would you do and why? [Texas governor just signed an executive order mandating similar action)
Name
Comment
Topic # 2
Description of the issue: 10
background/introduction
Points (Pros) 10
Counterpoints (Cons) 10
Conclusion 5
Page limitation 2
Reference 5
Overall 6
Total 50
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SAFETY RULES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Please turn in this form at the beginning of second week’s class
I have read the course policy and safety rules for Biology 3 and agree to abide by them.
[DO NOT TURN THIS FORM IN UNLESS YOU HAVE CAREFULLY READ ALL PAGES OF
THE SYLLABUS]
Print Name_____________________________________________
Sign Name_____________________________________________
Date__________________________________________________
BIOLOGY 3 STUDENT INFORMATION
Please complete this form as best as you can. Name you would like to be called? _________________
Phone in case if I need to contact you ________________________
Current email (the one that you check frequently): ___________________________________________
What is your college standing?
__ Freshmen; __ Sophomore; __ Junior; __ Senior. Others _____________________________________
__ Graduated from college. Name of college ____________________________. Major ______________
This course is intended for non-majors. What is your intended major or professional goal?
Do you have any physical conditions or other situations that might affect your performance in this class?
Please describe or make an appointment to speak with the instructor.
Are you working during this semester? (Yes, No) If yes, how many hours/week? ____________ hours
Have you planned enough time in your schedule to permit about 12 hours/week online lecture and study
time for this course? (Yes, No)
Do you have any other concerns that you would like to share?
The field trip (Malibu) is scheduled for Saturday, 12/3 between 9:00 – 11 a.m. Will you be able to attend?
(YES, NO)
The final exam may be scheduled for Monday, 12/5 between 6:45 – 9:45 p.m. Will you be able to
attend? (YES, NO)
Thank you for completing this form. I wish you success in this and other courses.
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