BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus Course Title: Principles of Biology Laboratory- II Number: BSC-2011-L Schedule: 6-10-12-16 week syllabus Term: Current Academic Year Reference: TBA Credits: 3 credits Last Update: 08/20/13 @ 2:30 pm

This syllabus is:

 A contract between student and instructors.  A written guide and orientation for the entire operation of the course.  A written documentation of the instructor's policies relative to the course.

INSTRUCTOR INTORMATION

Name/title: Jorge L. Obeso, Ph.D. Department: Biology Health and Wellness Office Location Room A-331, Science Complex, MDC-North Campus Office Hours: http://faculty.mymdc.net/faculty_member_selector.asp or by appointment Telephone: (305) 237-8088 (direct) Department: (305) 237-1101 E-mail [email protected]

Faculty Web Page http://faculty.mdc.edu/

COURSE DESCRIPTION - OVERVIEW

Catalog Description: This laboratory course is designed to complement BSC 2011, Principles of Biology 2. It covers population genetics, evolution, phylogeny, biological diversity, plant and animal form and function, behavior, and ecology. Experiments are designed to test possible explanations for the queries and observations. Through scientific investigations, we gather an understanding about the structure and function of living things and how organisms interact with each other and the physical environment. In this class students will have the opportunity to conduct scientific investigations that 4/7/2018 BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus

will broaden investigative skills and applications.

Organization: This hands-on laboratory is designed to emphasize maximum amount of student observation, experimentation, teamwork, and other practical aspects of learning. This course is organized on a 16- week format, but it may be offered in a 6- 12- 10- 14-week terms. The course may be delivered in a hybrid or Web-enhanced format with an appropriate on-line component supplementing classroom instruction. The format of this course will be primarily lecture and discussions, and hands-on experiences addressing the course competencies and objectives for the course. Every opportunity will be used to introduce current events and developments in the areas of health, science, environmental impact, technology, etc. which are relevant to the topics discussed in class. Students are expected to participate in organized classroom discussions and presentations.

Ethical LO#7: Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to Considerations issues in society.

Because of the nature of the topics, classroom discussions and presentations may impinge on issues of ethical/moral nature. At times, course images and/or videos might be graphic and/or mature in nature. It is expected for students to approach these topics/images/discussions with upmost maturity, and to show respect for diverse points of view. Students will be encouraged to “ think out of the box ” in the application of concepts/ideas learned; and learn from each other and the classroom experience. Any student(s) unable to handle these topics with appropriate maturity and/or demeanor will be asked to leave the classroom discussion.

Prerequisites: CHM-1040 or CHM-1050; BSC-2010; co-requisite: BSC-2011 lecture

Instructional The laboratory will be supplemented by short lectures and Approach: discussions of the topics at hand. Everyone is expected to read the laboratory exercises in advance, and come prepared for an active participation in laboratory discussion and group/team work. Students will be quizzed weekly.

The format of this course addresses the course [competencies and] objectives as described. Everyone is expected to read the assigned chapters, and come prepared to class to enter into the discussion. There may be readings (not from the textbook) that will be discussed in class. As you read the laboratory textbook you are responsible to know/understand the terms used, along with any other term(s) used during the class period. Material may be discussed in class that is not in the text or the emphasis may differ from that of the text. Every opportunity will be used to introduce current events and developments in the areas of health, science, and 4/7/2018 2 BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus

technology which are relevant to the topics discussed in class. COURSE COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES

After successful completion of this course, students should be proficient in the understanding of the concepts / areas of:

1. Population Genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg Theorem 2. Biodiversity: Protista and Fungi 3. Biodiversity: Bryophytes and Seedless Vascular Plants 4. Biodiversity: Seed Plants 5. Biodiversity: Sponges, Cnidarians, Flatworms, Roundworms, Annelids, Mollusks, Arthropods, and Chordates 6. Anatomy of Plants 7. Anatomy of Vertebrates: Integumentary and Digestive Systems 8. Anatomy of Vertebrates: Excretory, Reproductive, and Nervous System. 9. Ethology –animal behavior 10. Ecology: Florida’s ecosystems

General Education Outcomes

All students who graduate from MDC have one thing in common – General Education. General Education is the part of the curriculum shared by all students regardless of major or degree type. The outcomes, summarized below, reflect skills and knowledge that allow you not only to succeed in your chosen field, but also to enable you to be a lifelong learner.

The General Education Outcomes have been embedded in the course design, and addressed during the course delivery. Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills, and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.

As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data. 3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning. 4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives. 6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society. 8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively. 9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities. 10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.

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TEXTBOOK – RESOURCES – SUPPLIES

Textbook Title: Symbiosis Author(s): MDC-North Campus Biology Faculty Year 2010 Edition: Most current edition [preferably]; please check online for information Publisher(s): Pearson/Benjamin Cummings Student Edition ISBN: 9780536138996 (please check for newer ISBN edition info online) Publishers Web: http://school.cengage.com/ MDC-Follett http://www.efollett.com/ Bookstore:

Note: this is the same laboratory manual used by BSC-2010-labs (if taken at MDC-North Campus).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Calendar – Topics – Assignments - Exams

A hard copy of the laboratory course calendar will be provided in class. You are provided with a course schedule in order to assist you in preparing for class. This course schedule has been developed in compliance with the course competencies and objectives for the course. Every effort will be made in order to comply with the course timeline / schedule. Please understand that this is a TENTATIVE course schedule, in that there might be events (beyond the instructor’s control) which might speed-up and/or slow-down the coverage of the subject areas (e.g. College closing during hurricane season). Modifications to the course schedule will be done by the instructor, as needed, in order to secure proper coverage of the course competencies and objectives.

COURSE EVALUATION: Assessment Methods and Grading Policy

Assessment

For this course will be based on the following categories as described below:

Classroom Participation: Class participation will consist of in-class and online discussions (if Hybrid course), group activities, reviews and quizzes.

Research Topics: Research topics [for extra credit] may be assigned for specific lecture sessions. Students will complete presentations in accordance to guidelines provided.

Tests: There will be two partial tests; a mid-term and a final test. Both are hands-on practicums set up in laboratory stations throughout the room. There will also be a short quiz at the beginning of 4/7/2018 4 BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus

each laboratory period, unless otherwise specified. All quizzes will be on the material from the preceding (previous week) laboratory section. There will be a short review previous to each laboratory quiz. All quizzes and tests will be discussed, corrected, and scored in class. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the material covered and to ask questions

Dropping lowest grades: No tests grades (practicums) will be dropped. One third of the lowest quiz grades will be dropped (e.g. if we have 10 quizzes, three of the lowest quiz grades will be dropped). The compounded quiz average will be used as a [third] test grade.

Grading Policy: Course evaluation will be based on assessment of performance on quizzes and practicum tests. Final grade will be based in accordance to a standard curve (below):

Grade Percent Range A 90 – 100% B 80 – 89% C 70 – 79% D 60 – 69% F < 60%

Deviations to the standard curve (i.e. grading on a curve) may be applied [to the whole class] at the discretion of the professor. Deviations from the standard curve are an exception, rather than the rule.

Students failing exam(s) are encouraged to visit the professor during office hours in order to discuss alternative study strategies, and/or to discuss any issues which might be precluding their proper performance in class or during the term.

SCANTRON SHEETS: You must bring a Scranton answer sheet FORM: 882-E [long green and white forms for 100 questions] for all tests; these are available in the bookstore, you will need at least three of these forms for the term. Make sure to buy in advance for all the term, buy a few extra ones just in case.

Pencils and Erasers: Make sure to bring a # 2 pencil with a good eraser for your tests. I do not correct poor Scranton erasures. If your eraser is not working properly please use another Scranton sheet or another eraser.

DISCLAMER: The professor will NOT correct for blotches and/or smears in the Scranton sheet which might be misread (i.e. marked incorrect) by the Scranton reader. It is the responsibility of the student to check his/her Scranton sheet and with the course instructor to make sure no answers were erroneously marked by the Scranton reader.

GENERAL POLICIES: College – Department - Course

LABORATORY Pay careful attention to the laboratory rules as we review them SAFETY in class; they are posted in the lab and must always be Followed. Students out of compliance with the safety guidelines may not participate in lab activities nor be inside the laboratory classroom.

. Wear a lab coat and closed toe shoes at all times. Lab coats may be purchased at the bookstore. . Never conduct experiments without instructions from the professor . Handle all lab equipment and specimens with care . NO eating or drinking in the lab room . Tie hair, loose objects and clothing . Keep tabletops clear of bags, etc. . Cuts especially on hands should not be exposed . Know the location of the First Aid Kit . Become familiar with the location of fire exits, extinguishers, and blankets. . Locate fire evacuation route and use it in case of fire. . Know the location of sinks, showers, eye wash fountains . Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources . Never leave hot plates unattended . Do not pick up broken glass, or attempt to clean spills etc. please inform the instructor of any broken glass or sharps. . At the end of the laboratory exercises leave the lab tidy . Dispose of materials according to instructions . Wash your hands after conducting laboratory exercises

Attendance: MDC does not allow unregistered students to attend class.

- Unregistered Students who are dropped “by the system” due to non-payment of students [registration] fees and/or problems with any financial aid must re- register in the course. It is the responsibility of the STUDENT to re-register in the course. - Course The professor will make every effort to inform the student if attendance his/her name is no longer included in the roll call list. Students must take the appropriate action(s) in order to have his/her name - Final grades re-instated in the class roll; e.g. solve any financial aid problem(s), attend to any non-payment of fees, secure the departmental Add and/or Override Cards and signatures from the professor and department chairperson; and process these form(s) at the Registrar’s office.

Final Grades: Students will NOT receive a grade in the course if their name does not appear in the final grade roll provided by the College. It is the students’ responsibility to be re-instated in the course in order to receive a grade for a course for which they have properly completed all the work. Please contact the instructor and/or the Department Chairperson for further assistance and/or information.

Records: Attendance is required for optimal learning to take place. You are expected to attend all classes and participate fully online. - Attendance Attendance records will be maintained in accordance to MDC guidelines. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes, assignments and work missed.

All student grade records will be kept in accordance with MDC - Academic and Florida State Department of Education directives. - Grade Nevertheless, due to space limitations, hard copies of student assessments (quizzes, tests, projects) will only be kept on file for one academic term after the final grade has been reported to the registrar. Students are strongly encouraged to review their quizzes & tests for [grading/scoring] accuracy while they are enrolled in the course.

Attendance: Tardiness and exiting class early are disruptive and inappropriate behavior. If you find yourself unavoidably in either of the above - Late arrivals situations, please sit in a seat as near the door as possible and move into or out of the classroom as quietly. You have to be on time for - Class disruptions tests.

- Testing Students arriving late to an exam may finish the test in the remaining time allotted for the class test.

- Test make ups Students are expected to take exams on the date and time scheduled.

No laboratory tests (practicums) will be dropped. Check the dates of these tests on your lab schedule and make plans to be there on the exam dates. Tests must be taken at their scheduled times.

Missed practicums can’t be made up due to the nature of the lab set- ups and materials. Make sure to discuss with me – in advance -- any scheduling conflicts/attendance problems that you might have. I might be able to accommodate a few students at other sections of this lab during the same week (pending of seating availability), should you be unable to attend your lab exam on a particular day.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that she or he receives a grade for all exams. Any student who misses a test (practicum) will

receive zero (0) points for that test. Please be on time for scheduled tests. Students arriving late to an exam may finish the test in the remaining time allotted. Students failing an exam are required to meet with me during office hours to discuss alternative study strategies. Tests will generally be [multiple choice, fill in the blanks, identify, match, etc.] questions similar in nature to those found in the self-quiz at the end of each chapter in the laboratory manual. All laboratory practicums will be set up in stations, where laboratory materials will be displayed and properly labeled in accordance to test questions. A review for laboratory practicums will be provided in advance (schedule permitting).

Academic Deadlines: Please adhere to the withdrawal deadlines published in the MDC academic calendar for full refund and withdrawal with a “W”. It is - Withdrawals the students’ responsibility to formally withdraw from the course in accordance to MDC guidelines and deadlines. - Drops It is the student's responsibility to determine his/her status in the course at all times, and make that decision, if necessary.

Academic Deadlines: Students who do not attend classes on a regular base will be purged from the class roll according to MDC guidelines and - Purges timelines; and a grade of “IW” or “Instructor Withdrawal will appear on the students’ transcript.

It is the responsibility of the student to drop/withdraw the course according to College timelines. Those who remain in the final grade role and have not attended or taken the tests or exams will receive the grade of “F”.

Academic Deadlines: Incompletes are not an endowment. Incomplete (I) grades will be given in accordance with MDC bylaws and/or Virtual College - Incompletes guidelines [if applicable for hybrid courses]. Requests for incompletes should be processed on a timely fashion, in order to provide appropriate time for their processing. No requests for a grade of incomplete will be processed after the end of the term, once final grades have been entered.

Guidelines: students must have completed at least 75% of their work in the course, have already earned D – B grades, and provide documentation of serious illness, death in the immediate family, or other extenuating circumstances before granting incomplete grades. Faculty have the final decision on whether an “I” may be granted. Students have the right to appeal a grade. Students must fill an Incomplete Agreement Form (contract), and must complete the required work within one major term of the date of the incomplete. A grade of “I” will automatically turn into and “F” if the required 4/7/2018 8 BSC-2011-L-Course Syllabus

work is not completed within one major term of the “I” grade. No requests for “Incompletes” will be processed by phone or e-mail without the processing of an incomplete agreement form! An Incomplete Agreement Form MUST be filled, signed and filed with the Professor/department in accordance to MDC guidelines, at least one week before the end of the term and/or final exam.

Standards of Student Disruptive behavior and/or academic dishonesty are not Conduct: acceptable. Students enrolled at Miami-Dade Community College are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect - Classroom credit on the college, the community and themselves. Food and behavior drink are not allowed in the classroom. Cellular phones and pagers should be on vibration mode. - Netiquette Proper use of “netiquette” Is required from students on hybrid courses. - Academic Students are advised to become familiar with, and to abide by the dishonesty general regulations and rules of conduct listed in the MDC Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, which includes the Student Conduct Code and MDC procedures for the handling of student disciplinary cases. Students must be familiar with Procedure 4035, Academic Dishonesty, page 20.

Class Participation: Readings will be assigned from the required textbook according to the schedule of topics to be covered and should be completed prior - Reading to class covering that material. Additional readings may also be assignments assigned. This is a required component of the class and completion of these assignments in preparation for an active class participation/discussion is necessary for receiving a satisfactory grade for the course

Student Contact Students are responsible to verify that there are no discrepancies Information: between their “given name” and the name under which they are enrolled in the College and/or in the class roll. Students must - Changes in name notify the instructor ASAP of any discrepancies in names and/or and/or surname if there have been a change in their name and/or surname(s) [e.g. due to marriage, divorce, religious conversion and/or acculturation (e.g. Westernization of Asian names)].

- E-mail address Students are responsible for keeping their e-mail address current on College records/contacts. The instructor will not, and can not, update this information for the student.

To forward emails from your MDC email to your personal email: Once a student is in their email they can click on settings then they will see multiple tabs. The tab they need to select is the forward tab. They will then see an option to forward copies from the MDC email to whatever email they would like, in that section they would have to enter the alternate email.

The instructor is NOT responsible for the missing of e-mailed course materials due to errors in students’ e-mail address, outdated e-mail addresses, fire walls, spam mail, and/or recipients’ full e-boxes.

Emergency Procedures: If you, or a classmate, are injured (even a minor injury) while in class, please contact your instructor immediately. An accident / - In class incident report must be completed as soon as possible.

In case of a medical emergency summon an ambulance immediately by dialing 911. Give the operator your exact location, building and room number. Have someone else call the MDC Campus Police Department at 305-237-1100 or 7-1100 if using a campus phone.

- Hurricane When South Florida is under a hurricane watch: Everyone is urged to make necessary preparations at home and in the workplace in preparation for a hurricane. The College will remain open for classes until officially notified, otherwise. Please stay in touch regarding a possible closing. The following communication sources are available:

MDC Hotline (general advisories): 305-237-7500

TDD phone number for hearing impaired: 1-800-955-8771

Hybrid courses: If the College is operational, it has computer courtyard that will accommodate students who have lost electricity or internet access after the hurricane.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES: Additional Resources and Information

Academic Calendar http://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/academic_calendar.aspx Information

Students’ Rights and http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student_rights_and_responsibilities.pdf Responsibilities

Students with special http://www.mdc.edu/north/accessservices/services.asp needs: ACCESS services Students who experience learning difficulties or have disabilities are urged to visit an ACCESS advisor to determine if eligible for any special services.

Hurricane Watch http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and http://www.mdc.edu/main/

Computer Courtyards http://www.mdc.edu/north/courtyard/

Ancillary Learning http://www.mdc.edu/libraries/links.asp Instruments Students are also encouraged to use any CD-ROMs and/or ancillary - MDC library materials accompanying the textbook; and to consult the web sites sponsored web provided in class to find materials for the discussions. Please make links sure to use recommended Web-sources for reliable information.

Virtual College http://virtual.mdc.edu Information: or Virtual College help desk at 305-237-3800

Study Guidelines for 1. Make a commitment to succeed Success in the Course 2. Get help/assistance right away 3. Participate actively in class 4. Have a study plan: study regularly 5. Work on your on-line class[component] regularly 6. Work with a study group 7. Tie ideas and concepts together 8. Learn the vocabulary of the field 9. Utilize additional resources available to you 10. Prepare before class 11. Organize the information

Students with Disabilities

Guidelines for implementing the American Disabilities Act, Section 504 (as amended) are described below.

Students who believe they have a disability, which would interfere with their success in the course, (or a particular program component such as a lectures and/or laboratory), are encouraged to contact the ACCESS (A Comprehensive Center for Exceptional Student Services) Office at the appropriate campus, to discuss possible accommodations. Special assistance may be available with orientation, registration, academic planning, and special supplies and equipment.

“A student does not have a disability unless he/she chooses to self-identify as a person with a disability and request Special Accommodations.” Once the student self identifies as having a disability, they should be referred to the Disabilities Resource Center for counseling and documentation of the need for academic adjustments or accommodations. The Disabilities Resource Center has the authority to coordinate disability-related arrangements and advocate for the students as needed.

Students with disabilities must be able to achieve the course/program competencies. Student and co-worker safety are critical consideration in laboratory and learning situations.

 Students with a learning disability must be certified as such through the ACCESS Center and must meet with the instructor at the beginning of the term to establish an academic plan.

 Information regarding a student’s disability is confidential. Faculty members do not have the right to know the specific disability, only the academic adjustments or accommodations necessary to meet the student’s disability-related needs.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students requesting academic accommodations based on a disability are encouraged to contact the appropriate ACCESS (A Comprehensive Center for Exceptional Student Services) Office at the appropriate campus.

ACCESS Disability Services is a support program in the Student Services Division. Students with a disability may voluntarily register with our office to receive assistance. It is our goal that students be given every opportunity for success in their pursuit of higher education.

The ACCESS department at the different Campuses serves as a full-service advisement center. In addition to general advisement, the staff provides individualized guidance, registration, and orientation, taking into consideration the unique needs of students with various disabilities. The ACCESS department also coordinates and supplies any auxiliary aides/services necessary to facilitate student success.

For further information on ACCESS services and facilities:

MDC-North Campus: http://www.mdc.edu/north/accessservices/services.asp

OTHER INFORMATION:

LATEX ADVISORY: Allergies

Latex Advisory: The use of latex/latex based products may exist in health care universal precautions and in environments such as, but not limited to, Science classrooms and training labs, hospitals, nursing care facilities, laboratories, clinical areas, and medical/dental offices. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care field. Please let me know if you know, or might think that you have latex allergies.

Limits in Class Size

Please take note that there is a maximum limit of students allowed for each classroom (or reference number). Biology laboratories are limited to 24 students/laboratory. This limit is STRICTLY enforced due to safety reasons (fire hazard regulations). Students who are dropped from the class roll might lose their place in the particular lecture/lab section(s). Every effort will be done to assist students in re-registering and/or finding another section when dropped “by the system” due to delays in financial aid payment.

Recording Class Lectures

Students are welcome to record class lectures. The instructor will greatly appreciate you letting him know in advance should you be recording class lectures.

Student Grade Tally Form Course: BSC-______Term: 200__-0__ Reference # : ______Professor: Jorge L. Obeso, Ph.D. Student Name: Class #:

Q-1 Q-2 Q-3 Q-4 Q-5 Q-6 Q-7 Q-8 Q-9 Q-10 MT FT

Total Points Accrued Formula Average: TP (100) / 300 = %

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