Course Syllabus
Instructor: Kevin Davis, PhD "Dr. D" email: kdavis@peralta.edu
Office hours: Mon 10-11am Fri 10-11am or by appt (Use Calendar Slots to sign-up).
When you email me I will respond within 24hours (weekdays). Expect 48-72 response during the weekends.
Here is a quick tutorial on how to use the Canvas calendar. Click this Canvas "Calendar Student Tutorial."
Here is a digital version of the BIOL 10 Davis Spring 2022 Syllabus (Note - assignments unlock via Modules)
Course Description:
This class is an introduction to the science of biology for non-majors. We cover the fundamentals of biology for the non-major: Scientific inquiry, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, DNA and genetics, evolution and ecology, and an overview of living organisms. This class also includes laboratory exercises designed to complement lectures. As a first semester course, we will also be addressing study skills for Biology and biological thinking.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course (Your learning goals):
- Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory
- Discuss the principles of biology as the study of living things including biological hierarchies, classification of living things, chemical processes of the cell and organisms.
- Improve confidence in scientific knowledge and ability to apply knowledge to related situations.
- Read and discuss articles related to current issues in biology. Form opinions on these issues and express and defend those opinions biologically in discussions and written essays.
LAB GOALS -
- Cooperate with others working as a group, delegate work to others, collaborate with group.
- Use microscopes and other equipment correctly and care for them properly.
Although most of this course material is based on European science, which was mainly conducted by a homogeneous group, we value and honor the information gathered by people outside of what might be reflected in your textbook. We will be highlighting biologists and other researchers with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. We also encourage you to bring your own thoughts to the discussions and class chats. Science is not without bias, in fact much of science has been used to justified biases of dominant culture We will be discussing scientific bias from the first day of class. If you come across information that you think would be valuable to the class, we encourage you to share it.
How inclusive is this class? Use this Peralta Equity Rubric Let me know what you think and maybe what we can work on it with your feedback! Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you!
Textbook & Required materials:
Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Biology from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-02-6
You have several options to obtain this book:
- View online (Links to an external site.)
- Download a PDF (Links to an external site.)
- Order a print copy (Links to an external site.)
- Download on iBooks (Links to an external site.)
Alternative text: Essentials of Biology w/Physiology, Campbell option for a digital textbook
You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.
Computer or device where you can upload documents/photos, watch videos and take quizzes. Here is a link to Chromebook lending resource from Laney Library
Reliable internet service to access Canvas and be able to take timed exams.
WRITING ASSIGNMENT - To help you better understand and communicate in the language of science and biology . . .
You will be assigned several short writing assignments to complete this semester. For the different units, you need to find a current topic in the news that relates to what we are discussing in class. Then, you will to write a 1 page of analysis on your article, 5-paragraph form. In the essay, be sure you address the topic, the name of the researcher or research group and where the research was conducted. You should explain what the research is, what benefit it has to the world, how it relates to the course material (a sentence that starts with ‘this relates to class’ is good) and why the research is important. Pay particular attention to the hypotheses presented and state those in your writing. View essay grading rubric for specifics on what is required of you. Due the week before your lecture exam, yet, you can turn it in early! Check the dates the assignment is open for submission along with the grading rubric for specifics.
Here is a link to a page that provides more information about the essay including a link to the rubric we use to grade your essay. Have this out while you write!
STUDY GUIDE ASSIGNMENT - To help you prepare for exams…...
To encourage you to utilize the study guide to its fullest, you can earn points by answering all the questions on the study guide for exam 1 or 2. To earn full credit, you must write out the question then write out a complete answer. In addition, you can add drawing or figures/charts/tables about topics. The goal is that once you see how much it improves your scores you do this for all the tests. The study guides are due the day of the lecture exam (except final exam). Once you take the exam, you cannot submit the study guide. Each study guide submission expires at beginning of the exam period.
You can submit the Study guide here: Study Guide Assignment
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (HW)- To prepare you for class……
We have some assignments to help you explore different topics. Those Homework (HW) assignments will be listed in the modules. Scores will be compiled and will be part of your final grade
LECTURE EXAMS - To assess your understanding of the material presented ….
There will be three lecture exams consisting of a material covered in lecture and reading from text. Tests may include multiple choice, true/false, matching questions, short answer and essay questions to help you learn to and to improve your written communication and the reasons for your answers.
Exams are open for a 48hr period during the exam.
It is a good idea to review your exam once it’s graded. If you believe your answer is correct and you can explain it biologically speaking, you can turn that in, in writing, to try to gain points. Due 3 days from the date you took the exam.
LAB WORK - To assess your ability to conduct experiments and answer questions on the material….
You have labs to complete at home almost every week. Check the schedule for which labs to conduct when. The "due date" is the day recommended to complete the work. However, they are open for an additional day so you can ask for assistance if you need help completing the work. To receive full points, you must submit your completed lab (summary questions and all) online via Canvas. This will count as your lab points. 20% of your grade). Be sure you read the lab before you start the lab. The answer keys will be posted online after the last day to submit. You are responsible for checking your answers to ensure you have the most accurate information. Answers can be reviewed during office hours.
LAB PRACTICALS - To assess your understanding of the material you learned in the lab….
There will be 3 lab practicals give during the semester. These exams are designed to test your knowledge of both the experimental procedures and the hypotheses tested for each experiment. The exams consist of stations with questions you need to answer within a limited time as well as a few short answer questions. Exams are open 48 hours and are timed. You will have 1 hour to complete the test once it starts so plan accordingly. We suggest making vocabulary, an archive of important structures & figures and activity lists for each lab and try the practice practicals first.
DISCUSSIONS- To help be a part of a scientific community
As part of our online learning community participation, you have Discussion to take part on in Canvas. You can also set up Conferences with each other to create study groups. You'll see directions for each discussion with a grading rubric.
PARTICIPATION - To be sure you are keeping up with the requirements of the class overall…
Each person is expected to attend class regularly, and to participate in the office hours ( Each of you is required to schedule one virtual office hour visit), discussions and virtual interactions with your fellow students and instructors. Setting up a schedule when you regularly work on the class is important to your success in the class. Participation includes timely posting in discussions and replies to colleagues, check ins/office hours with instructor, working in groups for lab work/discussions of data. If we meet in the lab that will include following safety/masking protocols and cleaning the lab area before you leave. You will be given points dependent upon how well you achieve these goals.
ASKING QUESTIONS/ASKING FOR EXTRA HELP
Questions are not only welcome, but encouraged. You have a few places to ask your questions. There will be scheduled check in days, Discussion boards to work out questions with your group, online meeting times with our tutors or instructors. We also suggest setting up Conferences with your Group and with us. If you have any concerns about the class, please feel free to discuss them with us. We will reply to email within 24-48 hours with the exception of weekends Click on Need help with Canvas on the left if you need technological support.
If you need support in other ways, our Community Resources page has links to health care services, mental health counseling, access to food pantries, public transportation information and other things you might find helpful.
ACCESSIBILITY
It is our goal to make our courses as accessible as possible to all of our students. We encourage you to chat with us by the second week of the course regarding any accommodations that will improve your experience in this course. Up to date documentation for accessibility should be submitted to the instructor within the first week of class. You can also contact the Disability Services and Programs for Students at 464-3428 for assistance. Link to Accessibility Services at Laney College.
The grades you earn in this class are based on your performance:
| Quizzes (Lecture materials) | 15% |
| Homework activities | 10% |
| Discussions | 5% |
| Assignments/Activities | 20% |
| Weekly lab work | 15% |
| Lab practicals (x3) | 10% |
| Exams (x3) | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Letter grades are determined by percent:
A 88 – 100%
B 87 - 78%
C 77 – 68%
D 67 –58%
F below 57.9%
Extra Credit is available through several activities through the semester.Some options include visiting local zoos, science museums, parks and science lectures. There is a limit of 1 extra credit assignment per testing section with a total of 30 points maximum. Once the test has been taken, the opportunity is lost so try to plan ahead. You will turn it in through Canvas.
Important Notes:
- All first week assignments need to be completed and submitted by the due date to avoid possibly being dropped from the class.
- Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) [link to your college's DSPS website] early in the quarter so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact the DRC by visiting the Center (located in room A205) or by phone (541-4660 ext. 249 voice or 542-1870 TTY for deaf students). All information will remain confidential.
- Academic dishonesty and plagiarism will result in a failing grade on the assignment. Using someone else's ideas or phrasing and representing those ideas or phrasing as our own, either on purpose or through carelessness, is a serious offense known as plagiarism. "Ideas or phrasing" includes written or spoken material, from whole papers and paragraphs to sentences, and, indeed, phrases but it also includes statistics, lab results, art work, etc. Please see the Laney College Handbook for policies regarding plagiarism, harassment, etc.