TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

This schedule is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class.

No textbook is required. Students complete the modules posted on Blackboard!

Course Information:

The course will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods. Lecture will be held virtually through  Zoom during the listed lecture time. Lecture materials will be available on Blackboard. Students will join live lecture sessions in a synchronous virtual classroom by video on Zoom. The course requires access to the internet. ACC can assist you in obtaining iPad (has a webcam) or financial aid. That type of info can be found through https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus

There will be a mandatory meeting on the first day of class via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra & Zoom for a class orientation. Students that do not attend the mandatory orientation and do not make up the orientation with the instructor by the end of the first week of class will be dropped from the course.

Course Description:

An introduction to basic biological concepts including the metric system, physical and chemical properties of life, cell structure and function, cell reproduction, and metabolism. Critical thinking skills, study skills, and basic math skills are also included. This course is designed to prepare students to take anatomy and physiology courses (BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2404), and general biology courses (including BIOL 1408 and BIOL 1406).

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..

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.

Instructional Methodology:

This course is a modified flipped classroom model that optimizes the use of current technology. A flipped classroom is a form in which students study online modules before class and take notes.  During class students work together to complete hands-on activities, case studies, etc. and receive tutoring. This approach allows teachers to spend more time interacting with students. Students are encouraged to be actively engaged in their own learning.Fundamental concepts will be emphasized throughout the course.

In general, the class will proceed as follows:

BEFORE CLASS

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.

DURING CLASS

Based on the results from their assessment questions, students interact in groups and individually to complete hands-on activities and case-studies and receive tutoring.

AFTER CLASS

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

Students attend Open Lab and/or 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.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course-Level:

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

Course Rationale:

This course was designed to provide the fundamentals of biology and critical thinking skills to prepare students for BIOL 2401 (Human Anatomy), BIOL 2402 (Human 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 test.

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