Course Syllabus

Human Biology
Course Information
Course Number & Name:
Section Number:
Semester & Year:
Lecture:
Lab:
Final Date and Time:
Drop Policy:
Advisory:

BIOSC 011
38268
Spring 2015
ONLINE
F 12:40PM-3:50PM in GC 111
Friday May 22, 12:40PM-2:40PM in GC 111
Withdrawal dates w/o W 2/8/15, with W 4/17/15
Eligibility for ENGL 108 and READ 053

Lecture Instructor Information

Name:
Office Hours:
Phone:
E-mail:

Kelly Neary
T 2:15-5:15 in SCI 119
408-855-5588
kelly.neary@missioncollege.edu (response within 2 bus. days)

Lab Instructor Information

Name: Dr. James Smiley
Office Hours: S 8:15-9:15 in GC 111
E-mail: smiley@berkeley.edu
Required Course Materials
Textbook Title: Human Biology, 1st edition
Author: Belk & Borden
Publisher: Pearson
Additional Materials: 4 Scantron forms (type 882, found at bookstore)
Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce you to the biology of human beings. We will be covering the
evolution of humans, human diversity, heredity, ecology, the scientific method, and the basics of how
the major organ systems in the body work.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Describe the scientific method
List the components of a typical cell, describe the structure and function of each, and summarize
cellular respiration, transport mechanisms, cell division and protein synthesis
Describe the function of the major body systems and the different homeostatic mechanisms
controlling their physiological variables

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Describe the molecular basis of biological inheritance, summarize the principles behind Mendelian
genetics, and explain human genetics including a discussion of various genetic disorders
Explain the theory of evolution by means of natural selection, describe population evolution and
speciation, and summarize human evolution
Describe how organisms interact with their environments and explain the relationship that humans
have with their environment

Points to be Earned:
Lecture portion of the course:
The lecture portion of the course is conducted online through the Angel course management system.
You are expected to spend a minimum of 3.4 hours per week on the lecture content. This time will be
spent through a combination of lecture presentations, discussion boards, quizzes, exams and a writing
assignment. Participation in all activities is required. A total of 800 points will be earned for the
lecture portion of the course.
Lecture presentations:
You will complete all lecture activities from Saturday to Thursday of each week in preparation
for your weekly labs on Friday. Each week you will begin by viewing lecture presentations.
These Flash presentations, found on Angel, are narrated PowerPoint lectures. The length of the
presentation varies from chapter to chapter. PowerPoint handouts have been uploaded to
Angel as well. You may print these handouts and use them to take notes. While you do not
earn points for viewing these presentations, it is in your best interest to view them because
they will be vital in helping you understand the information and also your quizzes will include
questions that can only be answered by viewing them.
Study guide:
Each chapter has study guide questions. It is not mandatory that you answer these questions;
however, they will help you study for exams.
Lecture participation:
Each week will have a discussion forum dedicated to it, and you are required to post at least 2
meaningful answers/comments on each. I will post a question to begin the discussion, to which
you will then reply with the answer. After your first post, you will then be able to see responses
from other students. Your second and subsequent posts will be a reply to one or more of your
classmates. You are required to post your responses on at least two different days. Postings
must be relevant and substantive, and must demonstrate real reflection on the topic, not
simply a repetition of information given or other students postings. Posting should be at least
4 complete sentences long. The discussion forums will end on Thursday at 11:59PM; please
plan accordingly! Postings made after the deadline will receive no credit.
There are a total of 15 discussion boards worth 6 points each.
Lecture quizzes:
You will be taking one quiz for every lecture reading assignment and corresponding
presentation. These quizzes are administered online through the Angel course website. You
only have one attempt at each quiz and a maximum of 10 minutes. Do not begin the quiz until
you are prepared and have a 10 minute block of time to complete the quiz. All quizzes are due
on Wednesdays by 11:59PM (see attached schedule). After the submission deadline the quiz
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will remain open and you will still be able to take the quiz. However, if you want to earn points
for the quiz, you need to complete it by the deadline. If you miss a quiz and take it the morning
after the deadline, you will still be able to complete the quiz but will receive no credit for it.
Some students in this situation still opt to take the quiz so that they can use the quiz as a study
tool for the lecture exam, but you are not required to complete the quiz once the deadline has
passed. Quizzes must be taken during the scheduled window of opportunity and cannot under
any circumstances be made up. You may not work with any other students on these quizzes.
Doing so will constitute cheating and you will receive 0 points on the quiz.
There are a total of 23 lecture quizzes worth 10 points each; your highest 21 out of 23 scores will
count toward your final grade.
Lecture exams:
Lecture exams are to be taken in person, on campus. See the attached schedule for dates and
times. If you are unable to attend the mandatory, in-person lecture exams due to class, work or
other conflicts, please do not add this course. Lecture exams will cover topics discussed in
lecture. A study guide for each exam is posted on Angel. Each exam consists of multiple choice
questions; you will need to bring a Scantron form to each exam. Anything found in the
textbook which I do not cover will NOT be found on the exam. Four exams are scheduled for
the lecture portion of the course (3 midterms and a final). None of the exams, including the
final exam, are comprehensive.
Each exam is worth 100 points.
Make-up exam policy:
Lecture exams must be taken at the scheduled time. Again, if you are unable to attend the
mandatory, in-person lecture exams due to class, work or other conflicts, please do not add this
course. If you have a valid reason for missing an exam, which is accepted by the instructor, you
will be excused from the exam. In that case, your other three exam grades will be averaged
together to obtain the grade on the exam that you missed. This can only be done ONCE during
the semester. The ONLY reasons that will be accepted: illness accompanied by a doctors note;
death in the family accompanied by proper documentation. It is the students responsibility to
notify the instructor no later than the day of the exam if unable to make the exam date, or zero
points will be awarded. College regulations state that all students are required to take the Final
Exam.
Writing assignment:
Each student will submit a writing assignment; the first part is due by February 20th and the
second part is due by May 1st. This assignment will be graded on content, spelling, grammar
and adherence to the guidelines. Specific directions for the assignment are posted on Angel.
The writing assignment is worth 100 points.
Laboratory portion of the course:
The laboratory portion of the course is conducted on campus, in person, every Friday from 12:40pm3:50pm in GC 111. If you are unable to attend the mandatory, in-person laboratories due to class,
work or other conflicts, please do not add this course. The laboratory section is intended not only to
reinforce concepts covered during lecture, but also to introduce you to new concepts we dont have
time to cover in lecture. This is the hands-on portion of the course. Each lab will consist of a short
lecture/introduction followed by activities and assignments. You are expected to come to lab prepared
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to do the activities; reading the labs and familiarizing yourself with the procedures prior to class is
required. Participation is expected from every student in the class. You must attend every lab for the
entire session; leaving lab before the class is done is unacceptable and will be reflected in your final
course grade. A total of 300 points will be earned for the lab portion of the course.
Lab Manual:
In lieu of a purchased lab manual, all lab activities will be posted on the Angel website for you
to download and print. You must be a registered student to access these files. It is your
responsibility to print these handouts prior to coming to lab every day. The cost to print these
files is significantly less than if you were to purchase a published manual through the
Bookstore. Students who fail to bring a printed version of the lab activities will lose lab
participation points for the day (see below). I recommend that you print all the lab handouts at
the beginning of the semester and put them in a binder that you can bring to lab each week.
Lab attendance policy:
Lab will meet during the first week. You must attend the first meeting in order to ensure your
enrollment in the course. On-time, regular attendance in lab is required. Roll will be taken
during all class meetings. All students are required to stay in lab for the entire duration, even if
you have finished the activities earlier than other students; this is a college regulation that we
need to follow. Students missing more than 2 labs, unexcused, may be dropped. Students
must be enrolled in the course to attend labs.
Lab assignments:
You will be given a lab assignment at the end of every lab, except on the first lab meeting and
lab practical days. Details about what is required for these assignments will be clearly defined
at the time of the lab. All assignments are distributed toward the end of class and are due by
the end of lab. These assignments cannot be made up and cannot be turned in late.
There are a total of 11 lab assignments; the highest 9 out of 11 scores will count toward your
final grade.
Practical exams:
There are two practical exams in the lab. One will test material covered during the first half of
the class. The second practical will test material covered SINCE the last practical exam. Study
guides for each practical exam are posted on Angel. During a practical exam you will be given
models, instruments or even data and will be asked questions about them. This is different
from a conventional written exam. It is more interactive and requires you to move about the
room through stations which contain questions. Due to the nature of the exam you cannot
make up a practical exam. In the case of illness or death in the family, contact your instructor.
Each practical exam is worth 60 points.
Lab participation:
Five subjective laboratory participation points are earned during every lab session, except on
lab practical exam days. These points are intended to award students who demonstrate
excellent laboratory behavior. How to earn participation points: be an active participant in all
of the lab activities throughout the lab session, bring a hard copy of the required lab handout to
each lab session, attend lab on time and remain until you are excused, clean up after yourself
when lab activities are completed, and keep breaks (e.g. bathroom) and socializing to a
minimum. If you are absent from lab, you are not participating and therefore do not earn
participation points.
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Lab participation is worth 130 points.

Energy Requirements Handout:
We will be doing an Energy Requirements and Body Composition lab. Prior to that lab, you will
be tracking your food intake and physical activities over a three day period using a
Weight/Diet/Activity Record (found on Angel). If you bring the handout with all sections
completed on the due date (see schedule), you will receive full credit. Note that you can only
earn points for the handout if you are present in the lab on the day that the handout is due.
The completed handout is worth 30 points.
Grade computation:

Points:
Lecture Exams (4 @ 100 pt. ea.)
400
Lecture Quizzes (21 @ 10 pt. ea)
210
Writing Assignment
100
Lecture Participation (15 @ 6 pt. ea)
90
Practical Exams (60 + 60 pt.)
120
Lab Assignments (9 @ 10 pt. ea)
90
Lab Participation
60
Energy Requirements Handout
30
Total Points
1100

Letter grades are assigned as follows:

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

(990 - 1100 total points)

(880 - 989 total points)
(770 - 879 total points)
(660 - 769 total points)
(below 659 total points)

Other Resources:
In addition to PowerPoint handouts and study guides, there will be a Questions discussion board. This
forum will be open all semester long and will provide a venue for you to post questions about lecture
material. This is different from the discussion boards mentioned above. The Questions board is
entirely optional and is not graded. I will check it regularly and will respond within 2 business days. Do
not post questions from the quizzes on the discussion board; doing so will constitute cheating and as a
result you will be blocked from posting to the Questions board and will lose points from your final
grade. Since everyone can view the Questions discussion board, do not post questions about your
grade or any personal information that you do not want shared. Personal issues and grading questions
should be emailed directly to me at kelly.neary@missioncollege.edu. You should expect a response
within 2 business days.
Netiquette:
All students and instructors have the right to a respectful learning environment. When posting
comments online, please be polite, use appropriate language, and avoid off-topic postings. Be
courteous of other peoples opinions when you make your comments. It is okay to disagree, as long as
it is done in a tone of respect. Any student who exhibits disrespectful behavior online will be locked
out of the discussion forums, will lose points from their final grade and may be reported to the Vice
President of Student Services.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all sessions of each class. Instructors may drop students from the
class if they fail to attend the first class meeting, or do not attend at least one class meeting during the
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first two weeks. Moreover, instructors may drop students when accumulated unexcused hours of
absence exceed 10% of the total number of hours the class meets during the semester.
FACULTY ABSENCE: If the instructor is not in attendance after 20 minutes from the scheduled start
time of class, the class is cancelled and the students may leave.
Angel Information:
Angel Learning is a course management system adopted by the WVMCCD for all classes. When you log
into the system, you will see a listing of classes that you are taking.
http://angelsupport.missioncollege.org/
Course Policy on Cheating:
Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated on any class assignment, quiz or exam. Students found
cheating will receive an F on the exam/quiz/practical/activity. You may also be referred to the Vice
President of Student Services. Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for
academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means. Examples of cheating
include copying from someone elses exam or quiz, consulting with others during exams or quizzes, or
using materials like dictionaries or notes during exams or quizzes. If two students are involved, both
will be penalized since it is impossible prove who copied from whom. Please review the principles of
academic honesty, which are defined in the Student Handbook and Catalog.
Code of Student Conduct:
It is my responsibility to ensure that all students enjoy a supportive, respectful learning environment. I
have a zero-tolerance policy toward any speech or behavior that disrupts the learning environment or
prevents any student from achieving their educational goals. This includes, but is not limited to,
disruptive behavior in the classroom such as speaking over the instructor, interrupting other students,
monopolizing the instructors attention such that other students cannot be served, disrespectful,
demeaning, or discriminatory remarks of any kind, and any form of coercive behavior toward the
instructor or other students. Any student who engages in such speech or behavior will be told to
leave the class for the day, and if the behavior occurs a second time the student will be referred to
the Vice President of Mission College for disciplinary action.
Disability Statement:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should
contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact DSPS located on the second floor of
the campus center (408-855-5085 or 408-727-9243 TTY or dsps@missioncollege.edu) to coordinate
reasonable accommodations for students with verifiable documentation.
Safety/Emergency Information:
1. Emergency procedures can be found in the orange colored flip chart posted in your classrooms.
Each classroom is also equipped with a phone that any student or faculty member can use to call
for help during an emergency. Emergency numbers can be called via speed-dial buttons
programmed on the phone.
2. Evacuation plan: In the event of an evacuation, the emergency assembly area for this classroom is
Parking Lot D. When directed to evacuate the classroom, be sure to take all or your belongings
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when you leave and remain with your class in the assembly area until you receive further directions
from me or another responsible official (college administrator, police, fire, etc.). In case of
emergency, CALL 911.
3. Additional emergency information
Student health services: 408-855-5140 (5140 if dialing from campus phone)
Safety escort: 408-855-5435 (5435 if dialing from campus phone)
Nearest campus phone: GC 111, near front door
Nearest fire alarm: GC 111, near emergency exit
Nearest fire extinguisher: GC111, near eye wash station
Nearest first aid kit: GC 111, near eye wash station
Fees:
All fees are due and payable at the time of registration. Mission College will be enforcing the Pay-to
Stay registration payment policy effective Fall Semester 2011. This is the policy that allows Admission
and Records to drop students for non-payment of fees. If the payment is not made at the due date, the
student will be dropped from all classes for which they are currently registered. Holds will be placed
on students records for fees and any other financial obligations owed to the college. Mission College
will not allow a student to re-register in the college nor will the college forward transcripts or any other
records to other institutions when those students have holds on their records. Degrees and certificates
will also be held until all outstanding fees have been paid or cleared.
Tutoring Information:
Upon referral by an instructor or a counselor, students can enroll in the Supervised Tutoring course, IS
947, where they can receive assistance on the basis of a learning need. Tutoring is available for all
subjects. Tutoring is provided at no charge by qualified, trained tutors. Tutors can give students
feedback on their course work, help them understand assignments and provide students strategies for
improving their learning skills.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
(20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education
records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S.
Department of Education. For additional information, you may call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)
(voice). Individuals who use TDD may call 1-800-437-0833.
Harassment Information:
If you have a complaint or someone has shared information with you as a student or employee that is
unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment, contact the Director of Human Resources at West
Valley-Mission Community College District, Human Resources Department, 408-741-2060. If the
Director of Human Resources is not available, contact the President of the college at 408-855-5123.
Mission College is a No-Smoking and Drug-Free Campus
The West Valley-Mission Community College District policy 5.18.1 prohibits the unlawful use,
distribution, sale, or possession of alcohol, narcotics, dangerous or illegal drugs, or other controlled
substances, as defined in California statues, on District property or at any function sponsored by the
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District or colleges. Also, the campus community voted its preference for a non-smoking
environment, and the decision is reflected in District policy: The Colleges non-smoking policy is
enforced in all areas except for campus parking lots.
Grievance Process:
The grievance process is a formalized process to ensure the timely resolution of conflict at the lowest
possible level. The first step is the informal resolution stage which involves the student who has a
complaint and the staff member or specific group who is the other party in the grievance. The student
must notify the staff person or representative of a group that she/he wishes to make an appointment
for an informal meeting to review an action within ten (10) days of its occurrence. In the absence of
the instructor or staff person and after a good faith effort to make contact, the grievant may directly
contact the department chair. Additional information is available from the Vice President of Student
Services.
Policy for Course Repetition:
Title 5 code 55040: District Policy for Course Repetition. A student may repeat any course in which a
substandard final grade (D F, NP, or W) was earned. A course may be repeated only once under this
policy for a total of two attempts. A student wishing to repeat a course for a 3rd attempt will be
required to submit a Student Petition Form.
Additional information:
1. Students wishing to earn a P/NP for this course rather than a grade must inform Admissions and
Records by the end of the fifth week of the semester. The form can be found on the Portal.
2. Eating or drinking in lab is not permitted.
3. You may not use personal laptops, tablets or cell phones during the lab. Points will be deducted
from your course grade if you use these devices. If you have an urgent phone call to make, please
excuse yourself outside of the lab room to do so. You are entitled to two 10-minute breaks so such
activity should occur during your break.
4. The only times that the lab will be open for you to review materials is during the class hours.
Please make good use of lab time!
5. No extra time will be given to students who arrive to exams late. Be on time!
6. While not likely, any of the scheduled events may be changed. Adequate notice will be given to the
students in the event that this should happen.
7. Observe all safety policies as outlined in your lab manual or covered in class. Use common sense
and dress appropriately for a science course with a laboratory portion.
8. No children are allowed in class, and no visitors are allowed without the instructors permission.
9. Important phone numbers:
a. Counseling
408-855-5030
b. DSPS
408-855-5085
c. EOPS
408-855-5055
d. Financial Aid
408-855-5065
e. Health Services
408-855-5140

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BIOSC 11 Schedule
Wk.
1

Dates
1/24-1/30

1/31-2/6

2/7-2/13

2/14-2/20

2/21-2/27

2/28-3/6

3/7-3/13

3/14-3/20

3/21-3/27

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Lecture Activities
Lab Activities
Ch. 1: The Scientific Method
Mandatory orientation
Discussion forum 1 due by 1/29
Microscopy
Ch. 2: Chemistry
DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis
Ch. 4: Genes
Quizzes 1, 2 and 4 due by 2/4
Discussion forum 2 due by 2/5
Activity: Writing Assignment Step One
HOLIDAY NO LAB
Discussion forum 3 due by 2/12
Ch. 3: Cells
Cell Structure and Transport
Quiz 3 due by 2/18
Bring hard copy of writing assignment article
Discussion forum 4 due by 2/19
Ch. 5: Tissues
Tissues
Quiz 5 due by 2/25
Discussion forum 5 due by 2/26
LECTURE EXAM 1 is on 2/27 at 4:00 in SCI 140 (covers chapters 1, 2, 4, 3, 5)
Ch. 6: The Skeletal System
Musculoskeletal System
Quizzes 6.1 and 6.2 due by 3/4
Discussion forum 6 due by 3/5
Ch. 14: Brain Structure and Function
Nervous System
Ch. 15: The Senses
Quizzes 14 and 15 due by 3/11
Discussion forum 7 due by 3/12
Ch. 12: The Immune System
LAB PRACTICAL 1 (covers wk. 1-7)
Quiz 12 due by 3/18
Discussion forum 8 due by 3/19
Ch. 8: Blood
Cardiovascular System
Ch. 9: The Cardiovascular System
Quizzes 8 and 9 due by 3/25
Discussion forum 9 due by 3/26
LECTURE EXAM 2 is on 3/28 at 4:00 in SCI 140 (covers chapters 6, 14, 15, 12, 8, 9)

Wk.

Dates

10

4/4-4/10

11

4/11-4/17

12

4/18-4/24

13

4/25-5/1

14

5/2-5/8

15

5/9-5/15

16

5/6-5/22

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Lecture Activities

Lab Activities
SPRING BREAK 3/28-4/3
Ch. 10: The Respiratory System
Digestion, Energy Requirements and Body
Ch. 7: Digestion
Composition
Quizzes 10 and 7 due by 4/8
*Bring completed weight/diet/activity record
Discussion forum 10 due by 4/9
Ch. 11: The Urinary System
Homeostasis
Ch. 16: The Endocrine System
Quizzes 11 and 16 due by 4/15
Discussion forum 11 due by 4/16
Ch. 17: DNA, Mitosis, Meiosis
Cell Division and Gametogenesis
Ch. 18: Human Reproduction
Quizzes 17 and 18 due by 4/22
Discussion forum 12 due by 4/23
LECTURE EXAM 3 is on 4/25 at 4:00 in SCI 140 (covers chapters 10, 7, 11, 16, 17, 18)
Ch. 19: Heredity
Genetics
Ch. 20: Patterns of Inheritance
Writing Assignment due in lab 5/1
Quizzes 19, 20 due by 4/29
Discussion forum 13 due by 4/30
Ch. 22: Evolution
Human Evolution
Quiz 22 due by 5/6
Discussion forum 14 due by 5/7
Ch. 23: Ecology
LAB PRACTICAL 2 (covers wk. 9-14)
Ch. 24: Biomes and Natural Resources
Quizzes 23 and 24 due by 5/13
Discussion forum 15 due by 5/14
FINAL EXAM is on 5/22 at 12:40 in SCI 140 (covers chapters 19, 20, 22, 23, 24)