Lecture Hour: Monday & Wednesday 1:00 – 2:25 pm Rm 305
Lab Hour: Wednesday 2:30 – 4:20 pm Rm 207
This biology survey course is intended for non-science majors to satisfy the general education laboratory science requirement. Course topics include scientific methodology, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. AAS: Life science (laboratory science) elective.
Course Alignment
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Critical Thinking
- Responsibility
Course Description
This biology survey course is intended for non-science majors to satisfy the general education laboratory science requirement. Course topics include scientific methodology, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. AAS: Life Science (laboratory science) elective. IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites
Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.
Course Alignment
IAI Number L1-900L
IAI Title General Education Biology (lab)
Faculty Contact Information
By appointment only, 30 minutes prior to lecture or afterwards on Mondays
Karen Benoit
kbenoit@kcc.edu
Adjunct Professor
Math, Science, and Engineering Division
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method in conducting a basic investigation in the biological sciences.
- Identify basic chemical structures of the types of macromolecules found in living organisms.
- Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular structure.
- Compare and contrast the flow of energy through living organisms
- Demonstrate the ability to apply Mendelian genetics to interpret hereditary patterns.
- Describe the evidence for organic evolution and relate that evidence to the process.
- Describe how the taxonomic hierarchical system of classification reflects evolutionary patterns of descent.
- Distinguish between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem and describe how human interactions with these components may influence the biosphere.
- Examine the impact of biology in today’s society.
1. Introduction to Life/ Scientific Method
2. Basic Chemistry
3. Basic Organic Chemistry
4. Cellular Structure & Function
5. Cellular Transport
6. Cellular Metabolism & Enzymes
7. Cellular Respiration
8. Photosynthesis
9. Cell Division (mitosis & meiosis)
10. Genetics (Mendelian & Human)
11. Molecular Genetics (DNA & RNA)
12. Evolution
13. Ecology
14. Population Growth & Global concerns
- Concepts of Biology. From OpenStax College (Rice University) ISBN 1-938168-11-9
- Free online at www.openstax.org/details/concepts-biology
- Lab Manual: Principles of Biology. (Bio 1504) (KCC Bookstore)
- Pencil (#2) with eraser AND Color Pencils for lab
- Safety Goggles (KCC Bookstore)
- Professor will provide note templates and study guides
6 Unit Exams (6x50) = 300
Study Guides (6 x 5 pts) = 30
15 Lab Reports (15 out of 17) = 75
Lab Beaker Quizzes (15 x 1) = 15
Comprehensive Final Exam (100) = 100
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
College Policies, Resources & Supports
College Policies
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal, Email Policy, and Non-Participation Policy, please review the college's Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
Resources
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyrightLinks to an external site..
*Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
Course Policies
Make-up Policy: Labs are due at the end of the period. Due to lab schedules, students are not able to make up missed labs. Therefore, Canvas will drop the two lowest lab assignments of those assigned during the semester. Lecture exams taken after the assigned date and time, for any reason, will consist of short answer and essay questions. NO FINAL EXAM MAKE-UPs!
Make-up lecture exams must be taken within two weeks of the assigned test date at the testing center. The final exam must be completed at the scheduled time.
- Attendance: Attending class and being an active participant are crucial to your success in this course.
- Please turn off all electronic devices (cell phones, headphones, watches, etc.) prior to the start of class/lab to prevent class disruption.
- Safety goggle must be worn in labs while handling chemicals and specimens.
- Pencil (#2) must be used on all exams. None will be provided.
- Audio recordings: Students may make audio recordings of lecture and/or lab for their own personal use while enrolled in this class. However, the student may not share and/or distribute these recordings without the written consent of the instructor.
- Students may review old exams by appointment only until the last lecture of the semester. Students may NOT take pictures, copy or write anything down while reviewing the exams.
Grades are available on Canvas, our online course management system.
Course Calendar
Week # Lecture Topic Readings Lab
Week 1 Introduction to Life/ Scientific Method (M, W) Ch. 1 1-Use of the Microscope
Week 2 Basic Chemistry (M) Ch. 2 2-Scientific Method
Basic Organic Chemistry (W)
(Ch 1 & 2 study guide due on day of Exam 1)
Week 3 Cellular Structure & Function (M) Ch. 3 3-Chemicals of Life
Exam #1 (Ch 1-2: Intro & Chemistry) Wednesday
Week 4 Campus Closed – Labor Day
Cellular Structure & Function/ Transport (W) Ch. 3 4-Structure of Cells
(Ch 3 study guide due on day of Exam 2)
Week 5 Cellular Metabolism & Enzymes (M) Ch. 4 5-Diffusion & Osmosis
Exam #2 (Ch 3: Cells) Wednesday
Week 6 Cellular Respiration (M, W) Ch. 4 6-Enzyme Activity
Week 7 Photosynthesis (PSN) (M, W) Ch. 5 7-PSN & Respiration
(Ch 4 & 5 study guide due on day of Exam 3)
Week 8 Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis) (M) Ch 6 & 7 8-Cell Division
Exam #3 (Ch 4-5: Enzymes & Energy) Wednesday
Week 9 Genetics (Mendelian & Human) (M, W) Ch. 8 9-Electrophoresis & Genetics
(Ch 6, 7, & 8 study guide due on day of Exam 4)
Week 10 Genetics/ Molecular Genetics (M) Ch. 9 10-Genetics Problems
Exam #4 (Ch 6-8: Division & Genetics) Wednesday
Week 11 Genetics (DNA & RNA) & Biotechnology (M, W) Ch. 10 11-DNA Isolation &
“Secrets-Photo 51” Week 12 Evolution & The Processes (M, W) Ch. 11 12a-DNA Fingerprinting
12b-Molecular Genetics
Week 13 Wednesday No Class – Veterans Day
Evolution & Biodiversity (M) Ch. 11 & 12 13-Video: “What Darwin
(Ch 9-12 study guide due on day of Exam 5) Never Knew”
Week 14 Ecology/Populations & Community (M) Ch. 19 14-Evolution
Exam #5 (Ch 9-12: Molecular & Evolution) Wednesday
Week 15 Thanksgiving Break Begins Wednesday @ 5 pm – No Class
Ecosystems & Biosphere (M, W) Ch. 20
(Ch 19-21 study guide due on day of Exam 6)
Week 16 Population Growth & Global Concerns (M) Ch. 21 15-Ecosystems Dynamics
Exam #6 (Ch 19-21: Ecology & Pop. Global Concerns) Wed. 16-Human Population
Week 17 Final Exam (Ch 1-12, Ch 19-21: Intro – Pop. Concerns) Wed., Dec. 9th, 12-1:50 pm
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.