Skills and Prerequisites:

This course has skill prerequisite R which means you must have reading skills at ACC placement skill level 5 or above or you must have passed a state-approved assessment test (TASP or COMPASS) in reading or you must be exempt from assessment through transcript hours from another college or you must have appropriate ACT, SAT, TAKS, or TASS scores. For more details see http://www.austincc.edu/support/assessment/assessmenteligibility.php.You do not have to bring proof of your skill levels—they are provided to the instructor during the first week of classes. If you do not have the skill prerequisite you will have to withdraw from the class. Here is a TENTATIVE Point break down subject to change!

Grading breakdown is as follows:

   575 points from Unit Exams                                      57.5%

300 from Homework and Corrections                       30.0%

115 points from Quizzes                                            11.5%

    5 points for online orientation                                    .5%

    5 points for Myth worksheet                                     .5%

1000 points total                                                       100%

Final Course Letter Grade:

A = 90–100%           (900-1000 pts.)

B = 80–89.5%          (800-895 pts.)

C = 70–79.5%          (700-795 pts.)

D = 60–69.5%          (600-695 pts.)

F = 0–59.5%            (0-599.5 pts.)

There is no book assigned for this course. Instead, this course is a modified distance learning model that optimizes the use of current technology.  Students study online modules and take notes. Students are encouraged to be actively engaged in their own learning via the homework and other online activities. Students have access to online tutoring for help

Fundamental concepts will be emphasized throughout the course. Test-taking, reading, math, internet, and critical thinking skills will be taught and tested throughout the entire semester.

In general, the class will proceed as follows:

Students complete an interactive online lecture module (available on Blackboard).

Students take notes while watching the lecture modules.

Students will be able to pace themselves and repeat the modules as many times as necessary to master the information.

Instructors receive confirmation of each student’s participation and completion of the module.  Not completing the lecture module will have negative consequences on the student’s ability to engage in activities designed to help the students understand the material.

Students will complete module objectives in order to reinforce their understanding of the information presented in the lecture module.

Students may use online technology for further one-on-one instruction or for additional hands-on and on-line activities to ensure they understand the information presented in the module.

Course Rationale:

This course was designed to provide the fundamentals of biology and critical thinking skills to prepare students for BIOL 2401-2401 (Anatomy & Physiology),  BIOL 2404 (Intro to A&P), BIOL 1406 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and BIOL 1408 (Introductory Biology—Unity of Life). This course is recommended as preparation for the anatomy and physiology assessment tests.

The following online modules will be completed in BIOL 1308:

Module 1:  Biological Hierarchy & Metric System

Module 2:  Basic Chemistry

Module 3: Water & Acids and Bases

Module 4: Biomolecules

Module 5: Cell Structure and Function

Module 6: Cellular Metabolism

Module 7: DNA Replication & Gene Expression

Module 8: Cell Division

Module 9: Body Systems

Attendance/Class Participation:

You won’t becoming into a classroom, but you are required to keep up with the daily announcements, weekly modules and homework and be prepared to take a test roughly every 10 days! I will also discuss the topics of exams during office hours, but you cannot obtain a copy of the exams.

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Describe basic physiochemical concepts that underlie the structure and function of cells
• Describe the structure and function of the four classes of biomolecules
• Describe the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and their organelles
• Describe the processes by which substances move into and out of cells
• Describe the structure and function of enzymes
• Discuss energy transfer in cells and the pathways of cellular respiration
• Describe DNA replication, protein synthesis, mitosis and meiosis
• Analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information
• Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods

General Education:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Demonstrating higher level critical thinking skills, solving problems, and following directions
  • Directing their own learning activities to meet course objectives