WALLACE STATE COMMUNITY

COLLEGE
Biology 103- Biology-- 4 credit hours

Spring Semester 2015

School of Nursing and Center for Science: Room 101
9:30-12:30 Monday/Wednesday

InstructorOffice:
Office Hours:
Office Phone:
E-mail:

Ms. Shannon Quick, Department of Biology

Center for Science Room 113
Monday/Wednesday/Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30 9:30
Wednesday afternoon: 4:00 4:30
Or by special appointment
256.352.8162 Messages checked daily
shannon.quick@wallacestate.edu
*Email will be answered as quickly as possible.

**Note: Please feel free to e-mail, call, or come by my office at any time. An appointment
is not necessary for short visits. Appointments may be needed for more complex
issues.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~

Welcome to Biology! I just love teaching this fundamental course! This class
covers how organisms, small and large, interact with you and your world and affect
the way you live. That makes this class fun to teach!
I received an undergraduate degree from Auburn in Animal and Dairy Science. I
completed my Masters degree in Biology at Alabama A & M. My area of concentration
was in Microbiology.
What motivates me to learn about this subject is its application to life. Microbes

surround us daily and impact our lives, both good and bad. I learn best in motivational,
fun, and critical thinking environments. Therefore, I try to teach this class in that
manner. I am very organized and believe that guidelines keep the class on track.
I expect that you will learn the many aspects of biology, such as cell shape, metabolism,
and structure, DNA and its applications, Evolution, Taxonomy, and more. I hope that
this class does change the way you view your world.
The student-teacher relationship that I strive to achieve is one that is approachable. I
want students to be able to approach me, whether with questions or information that
they think is relevant. In return, I expect students to work hard, not complain, to have a
code of ethics, to be professional, and to value Wallace property by taking care of
books, lab materials, lab tables, and any other materials provided to us by WSCC.
It is important that you do not procrastinate in this class. It will directly affect your
grade in a negative manner. You must stay on top of things and look at your syllabus
schedule often so as not to get behind. It is your responsibility as a college student to
know what is expected of you and then just do it!
I know when class was successful for a student by their attitudes for the subject
material and their respect of hard work. Their grades will reflect this attitude. A student
will realize, that in my class, I provide all the information needed to be successful in this
class. All the student has to do is follow instructions, apply themselves, study, study,
and study.

I.

Course Resources:
A.

Blackboard site: www.wallacestate.edu

This website contains all class information, including your syllabus, class
schedule, all important information, and recent announcements. Check often,
usually before or between class meetings to stay up-to-date class details.

B.

Required Text Book and Lab Manual:

1. Text:
Biology; 11th edition; by Mader.
2. Lab Manual: Found at Bookstore or on Blackboard
3. Three-ring binder for notes (that you print off of Blackboard)
**Required for class.bring the above to every class.

4. Scantrons & holed paper for your notes or lab manual.

C.

II.

Additional Resources:
*
Refer
to
chapter
objectives
and
summarieswebsite:
www.mhhe.com/mader11.
This site is free and user friendly.
* Your notes, other lab material, and grades are found on Blackboard.
The
website is: www.wallacestate.edu , then click on my Wallace State
button to
Blackboard.

Course Information:
A.

Catalog Course Description:

This is an introductory course for science and non-science majors. It
covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all
organisms. These principles are explained through a study of cell

structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell

energetics, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular
genetics. Also included are the scientific method, basic principles of
evolution, and an overview of the diversity of life with emphasis on
viruses, prokaryotes, protists, and fungi. A 120 minute laboratory is
required.
B.

III.

Course Outcomes:
1. View of Life: Concepts and Organization
2. Compare and contrast the characteristics of Prokaryotic vs.
Eukaryotic cells.
3. Basic chemistry.
4. Cell Structure and Function
5. Cell Metabolism and Energy
6. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
7. Cell replication
8. Evolution, Origin and History of Life
9. Taxonomy
10. Demonstrate aseptic technique in performing bacterial transfers.
11. Demonstrate the use of a microscope.
12. Demonstrate lab equipment care and use.

Campus Information:
A.

Technical Support for Blackboard and Tegrity:

B.

Electronic Mail Policy and Procedures:

C.

Americans with Disabilities:

D.

Student Success Tips:

The student is responsible for obtaining technical assistance from the Blackboard
Support if any problems arise in regard to accessing this class or completing
assignments and exams. If you should experience computer or Blackboard
problems, the WSCC Blackboard Online Support Center Customer Care
Technicians are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Call 1-866-265-4848 for
live
assistance
or
Blackboard
Support
Center
Website
link
at
https:d2.parature.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=4158, also found on the
WSCC website.

WSCC has established email as the recognized means for sending official
information to students, faculty, and staff. Because the College has provided all
students with an email address, communications with WSCC employees should
be conducted through this address and comply with the Computer Use Policy
while noting that this correspondence becomes official college record. It is the
responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students to check their College email on a
frequent and consistent basis and to understand that they are not absolved from
the responsibilities associated with the contents of electronic communications if
the communications are not received and read on a timely basis.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with
Disabilities
Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the
essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable
accommodations. It is the students responsibility to provide appropriate
disability documentation to the College. The Director of Special Populations,
Lisa Harris, is located on JBC 8th floor and her number is 256-352-8218 . Please
note that it is the students responsibility to inform the instructor during the
first week of class if accommodations are needed.

The Tutoring Lab is located on the 8th floor of the Bailey Building. The Tutoring

Lab offers free services to WSCC students; appointments are not necessary.
Tutoring Lab hours are posted on our Website. There are also SLA tutors available
for difficult subject matter.
Biology Tutor: Caseylocated in our building Room 236 Phone: 256/352-7851
csmith45@student.wallacestate.edu or www.wsccbiology.weebly.com
Action Center: 352-8040 (Advise, computer lab for orientation, STARS, GED
testing)
Learner Success Center: 352-8073

IV.

Classroom Procedure:
A.

Grading Policies:
5 lecture exams (covering notes & assigned reading).500 pts
2 Comprehensive Lab Exams (reading & practical material)...200 pts
Lab Grades/Quiz Grades200 pts
*Simply divide by 9 for your grade.
*Test dates are subject to change, depending on material covered.
*Students need 1 to 2 scantrons per each exam.
*If a student is late to class on a test day, his/her exam time will be
limited. When
the last student leaves who was on time for the exam, the late student's
time is up
and is expected to turn in his/her exam immediately.

B.

Make-up Policies:
* You are allowed to drop 2 LAB GRADES and 2 QUIZ GRADES.
* NO Lab exam or Lecture exam will be dropped. No lab exercises will
be received
late without prior approval from the instructor or without documented
excuse.
Labs will not be accepted late!
* If you miss an exam, you will take the comprehensive final for your
make up.
This exam will be given on your last day of class! If you miss your
make-up
class, you will receive a zero for that exam. The comprehensive exam
can only
replace one missed exam. Ex if you miss 2 exams, you will receive a
zero for 1.
* The comprehensive lab exams can only be given on their scheduled
days. There
cannot be a make up given for these exams. Make every effort to
be there
for all exams, but especially the comprehensive lab exams! Again, if
you miss
any one of these three, you will receive a zero for each one missed.
*
Students participating in a school function will be given the
opportunity to take
the exam prior to the scheduled event. It may be a different exam. It
is the
students responsibility to schedule make-up work, secure missed
notes, and

finish all assignments that are missed.

* Exceptions to the no make up rule involves documented emergency
Hospitalization/court subpoena/or jury duty. This does NOT apply to
doctor

visits, sick apptmts, or any other type of apptmt made during my

class time.
C.
are diverse.

D.

Learner-Centered Activities and Learning Outcomes:

Activities

A.
Lab material/quizzes/activities are on a 10 point scale. Exams on a 100
point scale.
B.
Exams and quizzes, are completed individually, while labs are completed
in groups.
C.
Lab/Class activities require reports to be turned in at the end of each lab
period.
D.
All labs are interactive between students, lab groups, and the instructor.
E.
Most labs are examples of how microbes relate to you and your daily life
and are to aid your understanding of how microbes travel and invade
tissues to cause disease.

Classroom Policies:
Attendance is explained in the Wallace Student Handbook. In my class, attendance
is expected! Being absent does not excuse you from covered material (and your
grade will reflect your absences). If you miss class, for any reason, it is your
responsibility to get all the material covered in your absence from someone in class!
If you miss a lab or exam, you will receive a zero for each one missed.
Any class session missed reduces the academic opportunities of the student and can
adversely affect their grade. This is particularly true for labs, where make-up is
impossible due to the nature of the instruction, equipment involved, etc.
Daily quizzes will be given for that days lecture material, usually at the beginning of
class within the first 10 minutes. If given at the beginning and you are late and
students are still taking their quiz, you will not be allowed to take that quiz. If given at
the end and you leave early, you will also receive a zero for the quizzes. Only those
present when quiz is being passed out are allowed to take the quiz.
My lectures are a combination of provided outlines enhanced with visuals from your
text. These outlines are used for note-taking and are found on Blackboard. I will not
provide notes for you in class. It is the students responsibility to get
notes. If you do not use Blackboard, you miss notes!!! Labs will correspond to
the lecture material; however, not necessarily the same week.
You are expected to print the notes from Blackboard, read, and understand your notes
prior to class. You may use your textbook, the below website, lab manual, or any
other materials needed for your understanding. This is a lab-oriented class with
limited lecture time. Therefore, lecture time is used to review any questions you may
have about the information and/or the covering of certain more complex topics, when
needed. All information found in your notes, regardless of being covered in
lecture, is test material.

Refer to chapter objectives and summaries. A useful website:

www.mhhe.com/mader11. This site is free and user friendly. It provides
chapter outlines, tutorials, quizzes, animations, study guides, flash cards,
and other tools. Great for missed classes!
If you do not have a home computer, or access to the internet, Wallace State
has several computer labs you can use (ex. library).
Blackboard makes available the syllabus, schedule, grades, and other
materials, such as notes, that will be needed for class. Some material I may
have to pass out in class due to the fact that I cannot scan them well. These
will only be provided for those who are present. If you miss class, you miss
this information. Students can chat within Bb to other students. You will
need to log into Blackboard as needed to stay informed.

E.
LAB PROCEDURES:
Labs are not made up! Zeros are given for missed labs.
Labs are to be turned in at the end of the class in which they were
completed.
Lab attendance and participation is required. Copying another persons lab
work and turning it in does not constitute doing a lab.
F.
OTHER POLICIES:
Cell phones, pagers, or other such electronic devises are prohibited
from class. This is a school policy. (Turned Off!) Tape recorders and
laptops are not a problem and may be used if needed and you have asked
permission.
This is a smoke free building. E-cigs or other versions are prohibited in class!
No visitors. No children. No pets. No eating or drinking in classrooms/labs.
Cheating, classroom disruption, or disrespect toward another student or the
instructor will not be tolerated!
I reserve the right to alter this schedule at any time during the semester as I
see needed in order to further benefit your education. EX. microbes do not
grow on cue.
If you decide to drop the class you must go to the admissions office and fill
out the required paperwork. Failure to do so will result in an F. Refer to the
college calendar for last day to drop.
G.

you will

Final Expectations:
1. This is a college level class; therefore, I expect you to:
A. take this class seriously (your behavior should reflect good
study habits,
preparation prior to class, read micro text and lab manual,
know ahead
of time what we will cover each day in class);
B. treat this class & class members with respect
C. be able to work independently and in groups
D. remember that every class meeting is important (therefore,
miss something important every time you are not present!)
2. I expect you to be a professional and I will do the same. If you have
enrolled in this class without the intent of learning and reasonable
effort,
you should change you intentions or drop the class.

On a separate page, you will sign a statement saying you have received,
read, and understood this syllabus, along with the academic integrity pledge.
You will sign each and return this page to me.

GRADE SHEET
LABS:
Title
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________

Score
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Lab 11 ___________________
Lab 12 ___________________
Lab 13 ___________________

_____
_____
_____

**Drop 2 lowest lab grades (total of 20 pts). Then simply add the
remaining 11 labs and divide by 1.1 for your final lab grade. Labs are
worth 10 pts each.
QUIZZES:
Title/Chapter
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:
Quiz:

Score

Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________
Chapter___________________

_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

**Drop 2 lowest quiz grades. Then simply divide the remaining labs for
your final quiz grade.
EXAMS:
Final Lab Grade
_____
(worth 100 pts)
Final Quiz Grade
_____
(worth 100 pts)
Exam 1
_____
(worth 100 points for each exam)
Exam 2
_____
Exam 3
_____
Exam 4
_____
Exam 5
_____
Lab Exam 1
_____
Lab Exam 2
_____
Comp Final to replace 1 lecture
_____
Total points (from above)

_____/ divide by 9

FINAL GRADE=______

HOW TO Study Guide for my Quizzes and Exams

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quizzes:
1)
Your quizzes will come from the terminology within your notes, chapter, and at
the back of each chapter. Quizzes are terms that you will match to their definitions.
You will have more that one quiz on most days. Always check with your syllabus to
keep up. Quizzes are given at the beginning of class, within the first 10 minutes.or
sometimes at the end of class depending on that days scheduled load. Then the
chapters (for which the quizzes were given) will be covered.
2)
Quizzes will be counted as an exam grade at the end of the semester. It is
important that you take quizzes seriously.

Exams:

1)
Your exams will be from material throughout each chapter. Therefore, you
may want to purchase a book for this class. It is your responsibility to read (&
study!!) chapters before class and definitely before each exam. Also, study your
notes thoroughly!
2)
For example: To study for your first exam you shoulda.
Read each chapter that is on the exam.
b.
Pay attention to: tables, charts, bold terms
c.
When you have studied the chapter, read over the chapter summary at the end of
each chapter. Pay attention to the Key Terms.
d.
Study the Multiple-Choice Questions and the Concept Questions.
Your exam will include some of these questions.
e.
Continue this for each chapter on each exam.
3)
My exams will have between 50 and 100 questions consisting of True or False, Multiplechoice, matching, and occasional essay questions.
STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!

Lab Exams:
1)
2)

Will be explained as the semester progresses.

You will have two exams: one mid-semester and the other at the end of the semester

I have read and understand the course syllabus for BIO 103, Biology, taught by
Mrs. Quick at Wallace State Community College. I understand the grading
system, attendance expectations, and make-up policies. I understand that this is
a college level class covering an extensive amount of information. I will do my
best to study, learn, and maintain college level effort for the class. I also realize
that missed lab sections may not be made up and that lab work will not be
accepted late.
DATE:________________________________
NAME:________________________________
SIGNED:______________________________

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLEDGE:

I pledge on my honor that I will neither give nor receive any unauthorized
assistance on any assignment or examination for this course.
DATE:________________________________
NAME:________________________________
SIGNED:______________________________