River Parishes Community College

River Parishes Community College Fall 2014

BIOL 1010L (SJ): General Biology Laboratory I MWF

Instructor (on record): Dr. Iris Henry

Instructor (FTF): Mr. Matt Dornier

Course Description This course provides a laboratory component that coincides with the BIOL 1010 lecture.

Course Goals Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:  Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory methods and practices of general biology in the areas of safety, microscopy, cellular metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, basic biochemistry, and cell structure and function.  Use the scientific method to conduct and interpret laboratory experiments and write laboratory reports;  Interpret biological images, scientific graphs and models to illustrate general biology concepts;  Use computer technology to access, retrieve, process, organize, and communicate data and information relevant to course content;  Use cooperative learning and team problem-solving approaches in laboratory activities

Course Policies

1. Attendance is mandatory. Roll will be taken each class period. 2. In the event of any absences, you are responsible for obtaining notes missed during your absence from a classmate. 3. Students will be expected to abide by the honor code and statement as described in the student handbook. This refers to all assignments. Students are expected to do their own work - - do not copy a classmates work. If copying/cheating/plagiarism is suspected, you will be given a zero for the assignment and referred to the Dean of Students. 4. Please turn off your cell phone and keep it in your purse, pocket or bag during class time. 5. Please be considerate of your fellow classmates. They are also here to learn. Class discussions will proceed in a civilized manner. Please raise

1 your hand to be acknowledged. Humor at another student’s expense will not be tolerated. 6. Some assignments will require you to work in groups. In order to receive credit for the assignment, participation is necessary. 7. Safety regulations are to be observed at all times during the laboratory period. Appropriate attire and behavior is expected during each lab period.

Course Assessment 1. There will be three examinations during the semester. 2. Each student will actively participate in the lab to receive credit. 3. Laboratory reports/assignments/exercises/quizzes will be completed as per instructions given in lab by Mr. Dornier.

Final Course grade will be assessed as follows:

Average: 90 – 100 = A 80 – 89 = B 70 – 79 = C 60 – 69 = D 59 & below = F

Topics Covered (tentative)

Lab Safety Orientation Lab 1 The Scientific Method Lab 2 Measurement Lab 3 Microscopy Lab 4 Macromolecules and You Lab 5 Structure and Function of Living Cells Lab 6 Diffusion, Osmosis, and the Fundamental Significance of Biological Membranes Lab 7 Photosynthesis Lab 8 Respiration Lab 9 Mitosis and Cytokinesis Lab 10 Meiosis Lab 11 Heredity Lab 12 Nucleic acids

2 Important RPCC Dates to Remember

September 1 Labor Day holiday September 3 Last day to resign/withdraw from classes without W Grade October 6 Mid-Semester October 13-14 Fall break November 12 Last day to resign/withdraw from classes with W Grade November 26-28 Thanksgiving holidays (November 24-29 Thanksgiving holidays – St. James Parish)

ADA Information At River Parishes Community College, the Office of Counseling Services (OCS), coordinates accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. These accommodations are provided to ensure that all students have access to the College’s services and programs. For more information please view www.rpcc.edu.

After receiving documentation from RPCC Office of Counseling Services, students must meet individually with instructor(s) to obtain required accommodations.

FirstCall Information FirstCall Interactive Network is an Emergency Notification System that strives to aid in the safety of the campus community. The mission of FirstCall is to increase the overall well-being of students and faculty by keeping them informed and aware when a crisis arises. In conjunction with your own campus administrators, FirstCall alerts you in the event of an emergency on or around-campus. The range of communication mechanisms includes voice, email and text messaging. The FirstCall Interactive Network is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist with any and all activations of the system. FirstCall is service-based, which means there is no hardware or software for the university to maintain. REGISTER YOURSELF: www.rpcc.edu. Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus. Students will be informed of any changes.

Rev. 9/2014