MOLECULES AND CELLS SYLLABUS

 

The mission of Culver-Stockton College is to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world through our distinctive experiential curriculum within a supportive learning community founded upon the best values of faith and the human spirit.

 

SEMESTER AND YEAR:               Spring 3-week 2024               

COURSE NUMBER:                       BIO 110 P3

TITLE:                                              Molecules and Cells

CREDIT HOURS:                            3

LECTURE:                                       SCI 121; M, W, T, Th  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; F  9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

INSTRUCTOR:                                Dr. Alex Benedict

OFFICE LOCATION:                     SCI 107

OFFICE HOURS:                            M, W, T, Th: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM or by appointment

CONTACT INFORMATION:        email: abenedict@culver.edu; Office phone: 573-288-6000 Ext 6818   

 

WELCOME AND COURSE DESCRIPTION:  An overview of the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cell division, DNA & protein synthesis, metabolism, inheritance, and evolution. This course is appropriate for non-majors and satisfies part of the science requirement for elementary education majors.

 

For each 1 hour of lecture, you are expected to work 2 hours outside of class. This includes reading the textbook, working on projects, preparing for presentations, and completing assignments.

 

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS: 

Good news: your textbook for this class is available online for free! If you prefer, you can also get a print version at a very low cost. You can also choose to purchase on iBooks or get a print version via the campus bookstore or from OpenStax on Amazon.com. You can use whichever format you want, but if you buy on Amazon, make sure you use the link on your book page on openstax.org so you get the official OpenStax print version. (Simple printouts sold by third parties on Amazon are not verifiable and not as high-quality.)

 

Concepts of biology from OpenStax, Print: ISBN-13: 978-1-50669-653-9 Digital: ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-03-6

 

Weblink: https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology

 

COLLEGE OBJECTIVE: To prepare each student for a career through programs that provide in-depth knowledge; disciplinary methodologies, and professional specialization

 

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Use scientific terms and vocabulary appropriately
• Understand the value of scientific inquiry
• Understand basic cell biology and biochemical requirements for life
• Understand the basis of Mendelian genetics and modern genetic engineering

 

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION:

Program: This course does NOT count towards the Biology major or minor.

Common Experience:  This course fulfills a requirement of the Natural Sciences category in the Common Experience.

DESE: This course fulfills DESE competencies 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 for elementary education (http://www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/teached/competencies/)

 

GRADING PROCESS AND CRITERIA:

Your most up-to-date grade can be found under the “Grades” tab on Canvas. Students are encouraged to check their grades frequently and contact the instructor if any discrepancies are noted. Grades are weighted to reflect the importance of the various instructional methods used in the course. A description of each category can be found on the pages following the grade-weighting information.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT/ACTIVITIES:

Lectures, Discussions, Assignments, Examinations & Quizzes

 

GRADING SCALE:

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = Below 60%

 

Grades will be determined as follows:

                        Exams                                                                                     45%

                        Quizzes, Assignments, Projects, Presentations, etc.          45%

                        In-Class Participation                                                            10%

 

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT / ACTIVITIES / STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

READING:

Students are to read the assigned chapters before coming to class. In-class activities and discussions are based on readings and students will not be able to participate without completing the readings.

 

IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION: 

The classroom setting will be one of active learning, for literature supporting the utilization of active learning over passive learning, see citations from the literature below. You will be called upon in lecture to answer questions on the reading, asked to participate in group discussions or learning activities, etc. All students begin the semester with a participation grade of 100%. Students must ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE in class and lab activities to keep this grade. Participation points are taken away at the instructor’s discretion. If a student is absent without an excuse, he or she will receive a participation grade reduction. If a student has an excused absence no deduction will be recorded. Participation can and will be deducted for lack of engagement, leaving class regularly, tardiness, talking while the professor is talking, any unauthorized use of electronics (phone or computer), and failure to be prepared for class. If a student does not agree with the points taken away it is their responsibility to discuss concerns with the instructor in person within 48 hours of the grade being posted. 

 

Active Learning Resources:

Michael, J. 2006. Where’s the evidence that active learning works? Advances in Physiological Education 30: 159 –167. doi:10.1152/advan.00053.2006.

Prince, M. 2004. Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. Journal of Engineering Education 30: 59 –167. doi:10.1152/advan.00053.2006.

Brame, C. 2016. Active learning. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching.

 

Note-taking and Retention Resources:

Bui, D. C., Myerson, J., & Hale, S. 2013. Note-taking with computers: Exploring alternative strategies for improved recall. Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(2), 299. doi: 10.1177/0956797614524581

Crumb, R. M., Hildebrandt, R., & Sutton, T. M. (2022). The Value of Handwritten Notes: A Failure to Find State-Dependent Effects When Using a Laptop to Take Notes and Complete a Quiz. Teaching of Psychology, 49(1), 7–13.

Kraushaar, J. M., & Novak, D. C. 2010. Examining the affects of student multitasking with laptops during the lecture. Journal of Information Systems Education, 21, 241–251.

EXAMINATIONS:

Examinations will test specific knowledge of the studied topics. However, the field of biology does inherently depend on some degree of cumulative knowledge so be prepared to see some previously tested basic concepts incorporated into later exams. The exams are designed to test your ability to not only recall but apply the information you learn in lecture; they will be challenging. You will find it impossible to do well on any exam if you do not pay attention in lecture, complete assignments, participate in discussions, and read. If a student has an excused absence, it is their responsibility to contact the professor and arrange to complete the exam within two days.

 

QUIZZES:

Pop quizzes may be given at the beginning or end of class. These quizzes are used to encourage students to review class material after EVERY class, and to properly prepare for lectures. If a student does not do this, they will not be successful on the quizzes or examinations. If a student has an unexcused absence, they cannot make up the quiz. If a student has an excused absence, it is their responsibility to contact the professor and make up the quiz.

 

PROJECTS:

Students will work individually and in groups to research a current topic in biology and present that topic to the class. This project will take place over the course of the semester and will have two major components. The annotated bibliography is to be done individually and summarizes all the sources of information used by the student and provides a citation. A group presentation will take place near the end of the semester. More detailed instructions and grading rubrics can be found on canvas.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

Various assignments will be assigned throughout the semester, some in-class and some take-home. Pay attention to due dates.

 

CLASSROOM POLICIES

ATTENDANCE POLICY: 

Attendance will be carefully and accurately recorded for contact tracing purposes. Students must correspond with their instructor to make other arrangements for either attending virtually or making up the missed work if they have an excused absence due to quarantine or isolation. As always, students are expected to make up missed work regardless of the nature of the absence. In case of illness, emergencies, or approved scheduled events, you should e-mail or talk to me well in advance. You are required to provide documentation of excused absences (medical excuse or athletic events) in order to not be penalized for not attending class. See MEDICAL RESOURCES below for information on how to get health-related care nearby.    

Faculty will record attendance in MyCulver as follows:

• Present - physically present for face-to-face class meeting
• Absent (excused) - participating in class virtually either synchronously or asynchronously OR absent from face-to-face class for other legitimate excuse, e.g. funeral, athletic contest
• Absent (unexcused) - not present, participating virtually, and/or no legitimate reason for absence
• AFTER THREE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, FINAL GRADE WILL DROP BY ONE FULL LETTER

 

MEDICAL RESOURCES:

Express Clinic – 34^th & Broadway, Quincy IL

Open: M-F 8AM-8PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-5PM

Phone: 217-214-9626

$75 for whole school year

Membership covers:

• Allergies
• Cold & Flu symptoms
• Ear infections
• Rashes
• Sinus infections
• Sore throats
• Urinary tract infections
• Testing for STDs

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

thevirtualcaregroup.com/culver  email: care@thevirtualcaregroup.com

Director of Counseling &Wellness Services:

Jill Miller, MSW, LCSW | Gladys Crown Center 205

573-288-600 EXT 6720 | email: jmiller@culver.edu

 

CLASS CONDUCT: 

Mastery of course content is greatly enhanced through professional conduct in the classroom.  You will be expected to conduct yourself professionally at all times.  Professionalism includes but is not limited to:

• Civility and courtesy to everyone in the class, including your instructor.
• Courtesy and professionalism in written communication.  All written communication should be through your C-SC email account.  Initial emails should be addressed “Dr. Benedict”, “Good afternoon” etc. and use an appropriate closing (such as “Sincerely”).  Be sure to use an appropriate subject line and avoid abbreviations or slang.  Use appropriate grammar and sentence structure.  Begin a new email for each new discussion thread rather than just responding to the last email in your inbox. 
• Prohibited use of tobacco products in all campus buildings
• Inappropriate wearing of hats, caps, sunglasses, earphones, or like garments/devices in the classroom.  Please refrain from doing so.
• Prohibited use of electronic devices for any purpose other than the direct relation to the course.
• Unless otherwise stated, absolutely no electronic devices are allowed to be on or visible in the classroom at any time during lecture or lab. That means that your cell phones, laptops, tablets etc. should be left at home, or if with you, put away in your bag. If you disregard this rule, you will receive a participation grade reduction. For information on the advantages on taking notes by hand please see literature below.
• Any disruptive behavior to the learning environment (talking, sleeping, etc.).  This is subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the instructor or (when appropriate) a student conduct officer assigned by the dean of students.
• The classroom is to be left clean and orderly. Students are not to leave lab until they are dismissed. If a student leaves without being dismissed for the day, they will receive a participation grade reduction. 

 

ZOOM CONDUCT:

• Clothing is not optional
• Be aware of your surroundings (background noise, anything distracting to the class)
• Mute is your friend
• Raise your hand and wait to be called on, or use the chat
• FYI: the chat is visible to the professor at all times and your messages are recorded in the minutes of the session

ZOOM LINK: https://zoom.us/myabenedict

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 3994915575

Passcode: 923998

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

College faculty strictly forbid cheating and plagiarism and will not tolerate either. All faculty are required to notify the academic dean of all actions taken with respect to academic dishonesty even if you drop the class. The first and second offenses carry the sanctions imposed by the instructor and a letter from the provost. The third offense carries with it the possible expulsion from the college. These offenses are cumulative throughout your tenure at Culver-Stockton.

Plagiarism in this course is defined as deliberately using someone else’s language, ideas, or other original (not common knowledge) material without acknowledging its source (this includes the use of AI software like ChatGPT). If you use any ideas that are not your own, you must properly cite it. If you are found to have willfully plagiarized any assignment or to have cheated in any way, it will result in a formal report to the Provost, and either a zero on the assignment, a drop in letter grade, or an automatic failure of the class. Do not jeopardize your enrollment in college, your ability to play on a sports team, or your qualification for scholarships and financial aid for the sake of a grade.

 

ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS: 

If you are or believe you may be entitled to disability-related academic accommodations, please contact the Coordinator of Accessibility in Student Success by email at accommodations@culver.edu or in office at JOH 304D as soon as possible. No services can be provided without first registering with this office. 

 

LATE WORK POLICY:

Late work is not accepted. An assignment is considered late if it is not turned in before class starts on the day the assignment is due. No assignments will be accepted after class begins. A grade of zero will be assigned for assignments that are submitted after a due date.

 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OR TUTORING:

The Tutoring and Academic Success Center offers by appointment peer tutoring in a wide range of classes. See the bulletin board of tutor information in the TASC (2nd floor, Johann Library) or contact Academic Success (studentsuccess@culver.edu) for assistance.

 

 

 

THIS SYLLABUS IS NOT A BINDING CONTRACT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  SUCH CHANGES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS.