Syllabus

BIOL 1406 Cellular & Molecular Biology

16-Week Fall 2023

Welcome to Biology 1406 Cellular & Molecular Biology! This is a rigorous and challenging, but very interesting beginning biology course designed to prepare students for work in scientific careers. This semester, we will take an in-depth look at the inner workings of cells, their various processes and the molecular machinery that makes them work. We will also explore the basics of biotechnology and its many, many applications. During lab activities, you will learn to use a variety of laboratory tools and techniques, the basics of good experimental design and how to analyze and present experimental data appropriately. 

This document is the syllabus for 1406.  It is a long document, but very important as it outlines not only the policies for the course, but also the resources you need to be successful. You should read through it carefully and refer to it often, especially when you have questions regarding the course. 

NOTE: This is a rigorous biology class primarily for students who wish to transfer to university as Biology or Pre-Med majors.  You will be expected to work at least 2 hours for every hour spent in class or lab to complete the reading, homework assignments, lab reports and studying for tests.  If you simply need a science credit, do not have adequate time to devote to this course, or do not already have a strong science background, you may wish to take BIOL 1408 before or instead of taking BIOL1406. Contact your instructor or advisor for assistance in deciding.

I. Orientation:

 The very first thing you need to do is complete the orientation assignment, which includes reading the syllabus and schedule, attending the first class meeting, completing the lab safety training, submitting some paperwork, and looking at your textbook.  You MUST complete all parts of the orientation to remain in the class. The orientation assignment (including all instructions and materials) is posted in a folder within the START HERE menu of our class’s blackboard page. After the due date for the orientation has passed, I will send you a confirmation email. Your orientation is not complete until you receive the return confirmation email from me.

You must complete orientation by Monday, August 28 by 11:59 pm or you may be dropped from the course. I will contact you via email if your orientation is incomplete before making withdrawals. 

II. Instructor Information:

Instructor: Jennifer Herrell (Ms. Herrell)

E-mail:  jherrell@austincc.edu 🡨  This is the best way to contact me

Phone Number:  512-223-1790, ext. 37472 (I rarely check this voice mailbox- email is preferred)

Blackboard: http://acconline.austincc.edu

A. How To Email Me:

Email to Use: 

I receive dozens of emails every day and use filters to organize them. To make sure I see and can find your emails, you MUST do one of the following: 

Option 1: Use Your ACC Gmail Account

When you send me emails at jherrell@austincc.edu, do so through your ACC-issued Gmail account. Every ACC Gmail account ends in @g.austincc.edu and I can use that information to locate your emails. 

Option 2: Use the send Email Feature on Blackboard

When you email me via the Send Email feature on Blackboard, the subject line of the email will automatically include 1406 Cellular & Molecular Biology in the subject line, which I can use to locate your message. 

If you don’t use one of these options while emailing me, your message will end up in my Trash bin and I won’t see it. It is your responsibility to ensure that that doesn’t happen! 

Subject Line to Use: 

Please always include either “1406” and/or “Cellular/ Molecular” and some information about your specific class (meeting location and time) in the subject. 

When Can You Expect a Response?

I check my email at least twice per day during the weekdays (Monday – Thursday) and at least once during the weekends (Friday – Sunday). You can expect a response to your messages within 24 hours of sending it on the weekdays and within 48 hours of sending it on the weekends. If you do not hear back from me within those time periods, please double-check that your message follows the rules for emails shown above and resend.

B. Google Chat 

Gmail has a built-in Chat feature that you can use to contact me during my virtual office hours. Email is also fine, but the chat gets my attention with a little noise and makes it easier to quickly type back and forth. You should see the Chat option in your ACC email when you are logged in. 

Here’s how to set it up, in case it requires that:https://youtu.be/TvZRkhtkooA

Here’s how to Chat with me, specifically (jherrell@austincc.edu): https://use.vg/goXYVz

If you send me a Chat outside my virtual office hours, I may not see it until my next set of office hours, but I will respond if I am at my computer. 🙂 

C. Office Hours

Office hours are times I will be available to work with you either in person or virtually (via email, chat or Zoom (Virtual Office)). You can also arrange for additional appointments outside of these times via email. 

My physical office is on the Highland Campus, Building 2000, Room 1426. This is on the first floor in the shared office space across the hall from the Accelerator and near the bottom of the big Social Staircase. (Look for the Faculty LunchRoom - the offices are in that same section). 

The link to my virtual office and information on setting up and using Zoom are available in the Virtual Office link on our course’s main Blackboard page (left-hand side). You will need to follow the instructions on the Getting Started with Zoom handout. If you have trouble, consult the documents within the Course Policies (START HERE) and Technical Support folders of Blackboard. 

 It may take me a few minutes to respond to your request to enter the Zoom room, especially if I am with another student, so please wait patiently after clicking the link. 

Additional meeting hours can be arranged outside of my regular office and teaching hours by appointment (email me). 

V. Instructional Methodology

A. Course Format

This course consists of a series of in-person lecture and lab meetings and online components to support your learning. Both the lecture and lab sessions follow a “flipped” classroom format. This means that you will be required to complete some work (mainly watching videos and taking notes) to preview each session before the meeting time and will use class and lab time to complete activities and lectures to help reinforce the content. You will also complete homework assignments and lab reports after class meetings to demonstrate your learning. 

Attendance and Participation: Regular class attendance is both important and expected. You should show up to every class ON TIME and PREPARED. If you miss class, you will miss important information and potentially, graded assignments (in-class quiz). In my experience, students who do not attend class MAKE LOWER GRADES. Attendance will be taken each day at the beginning of class. If you have more than 5 absences for the semester, you may be dropped from the course. 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY! If you need to be tardy or miss a class for any reason, please talk to or email me immediately and let me know what’s going on. If you contact me BEFORE the next class period with a LEGITIMATE excuse (to be determined by me), I may be able to work with you. If you simply show up to the next class and try to hand in work, I will not accept it. 

The lecture material is divided into 4 units. An in-class exam will be given at the completion of each unit to assess your learning and reinforce the concepts. See Course Schedule for the unit content and exam dates. 

The lab material consists of 2 units, each consisting of 5-6 lab activities each. A practical (hands-on) exam will be given at the completion of each unit to assess your understanding and reinforce the concepts. See Course Schedule for the lab content and exam dates. 

All online materials will be available through the course’s Blackboard page and the Pearson Mastering Biology site. 

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

B. Required Textbooks and Materials

You will need the following items:

1. Textbook (Highly Recommended):  

Campbell Biology 12th ed by Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain. Pearson Publishing     

Although this textbook is not required for this class (you do not have to have this specific book to complete the assignments), it is an excellent resource that will be helpful to you during this course. It’s always a good idea to have another reliable place to access the information if it isn’t making sense! 

The average cost of this textbook online is around $75. 

Electronic versions (e-text/ eBook) and paper versions of the text are available via the below link or the ACC bookstore. https://austin.bncollege.com/course-material-listing-page

Month-to month eBook rentals are available at Pearson+: https://www.pearson.com/store/en-us/pearsonplus/p/9780135988046.html

You may also use a previous edition of the text if you choose (10th or 11th ed should be fine). 

First Day Access

This course takes advantage of an offer called FirstDay, in which the cost of the required textbook and software package are covered by your tuition. In other words, YOU HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED THE TEXTBOOK & SOFTWARE YOU NEED. You can set up your etext by clicking on the Textbook link on our Blackboard course’s main page (left-hand side). 

Opting Out of FirstDay Access

You may choose to opt out of this fee and receive a refund if you wish to purchase the course materials separately (or have already purchased them).  Opt-out requests must be received prior to the official reporting date for a full refund (September 6, 2023).  For more information see https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/first-day-classes.  

You can opt out by visiting the Textbook link posted on the main page of our Blackboard course and following the instructions. 

 2. Lab Handouts

There is no lab manual for this course. Instead, you will be provided with a series of Lab Handouts that correspond to the 12 lab activities to be completed this semester. The handouts are free and are available under the Lab Content link of Blackboard. 

3. Note-Taking Supplies/ Electronic Devices

You will be required to take notes before, during and after every single lecture and lab session. Whether you choose to do this manually (on paper) or electronically (on the computer), you need a system for keeping these resources organized and available. 3-ringed binders with tabs and/or folders work well for on-paper resources. ALWAYS bring your notes, something to write with and something to write on with you to each class. 

NOTE: You are encouraged to bring electronic devices with you to class that you can use to access our class materials online. If these devices are not disruptive, they are welcome. 

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Lab

With a very few exceptions (your instructor will let you know about these), you will need to bring your PPE with you to participate in lab. You will not be allowed to attend the lab session without these items.

Safety Eyewear/ Goggles

          You will be required to wear safety glasses or goggles during each lab. Safety glasses can be purchased at any local hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) and must have the Z87.1 standard stamped on them somewhere (usually the sides). You may not complete the labs without proper eyewear. Goggles are recommended if you wear glasses. Soft contacts are not recommended during lab sessions. 

  Closed-toed Shoes

          Only closed-toed shoes that cover the top of your feet are allowed in the lab room. Sandals, flip-flops, crocs and other open shoes will not be permitted, and you will not be allowed to complete the lab activities while wearing them.

C. Technology Requirements and Problems

You need a computer with reliable internet to:

• Stream online videos and lectures     
• Download the guided notes and assignments     
• Complete Blackboard Quizzes, Homework and Lab assignments    
• Create tables and graphs for lab data analysis
• Take the required exams
• Communicate with your instructor

You need the following technology for this course:

   1. Computer: This includes iPads, Windows or Mac desktop computers or laptops. 

   2. Reliable Internet: You will definitely need “good” internet access for this course. If your current internet connection is spotty or slow, you may want to consider an alternative (see options below under If I Need a Computer or Internet Access).   

   3. Appropriate Internet: Browser: This is especially important for watching the required streaming videos and for completing the Mastering Biology assignments. Firefox and Chrome work well, but Internet Explorer is problematic. Be sure that pop-ups are turned on. 

NOTE: Be sure to work through the Check Your Browser steps listed under the Course Policies (START HERE) and/or Technical Support folders of Blackboard before using the Mastering biology software. This can save you big headaches later on when the assignments are due! 

4. Adobe Acrobat: Reader:  You may need to use Adobe Reader to open PDF documents. You can

download it for free at: https://get.adobe.com/reader/  If for any reason, you cannot or will not download the free software to your computer, you will need to use another computer that has the software. 

5. Microsoft Office: You may need to use Microsoft Office software (Word and/or PowerPoint) to open documents. You can download a copy of the Microsoft Office Suite here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

If for any reason, you cannot or will not download the free software to your computer, you will need to use another computer that has the software. 

6. Google Suite: As an ACC student, you automatically have access to a Gmail account and all the associated Google software. We will use Google Docs and Sheets for lab analysis in this course (you will be provided with instructions). These programs can be accessed through your ACC Google email account (login and click on the 9 dots symbol on the top right). 

7. Zoom:  We may use Zoom to communicate during office hours and any optional study sessions. If so, you will need to download software to use Zoom on your device. Consult the Getting Started with Zoom for Students Guide posted in the Course Policies (START HERE and/or Technical Support) link of our course’s main Blackboard page to set up this software.

Technical Support

If You Need a Computer or Internet Access: Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing

Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit  https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services

Austin Community College now provides free, secure on campus and drive-up WiFi to students and employees (in the parking lots) at all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Details are available at  https://www.austincc.edu/sts

Additionally, all ACC campuses have computers available in the libraries and learning labs and ACCELERATOR LABS are available at the Highland, Rio Grande, Round Rock and San Gabriel campuses. See the below links for locations and hours.

    Student Technology Services Help Request Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Br_YiF8eo78BK-WgWJoDbftsvZ9PdCRMWAxBmCo_zd0/viewform?edit_requested=true

Student Technology Services Phone: 512-223-4636 (option 8) 

Note: Not open on Sundays.

    ACC Library Locations: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/index.php

ACC Accelerators: https://www.austincc.edu/students/accelerator

 If You Have Trouble:  Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard and/or Respondus, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit https://www.austincc.edu/help

Look under Help and Support on the above webpage or call the Student Help Desk at 512-223-4636 and select option 8.  

Pearson (Mastering Biology) Contact 24/7 Tech Support: https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/contactsupport

NOTE: The Pearson Customer Support team will ask you to go through a series of steps to check your browser, cache and pop-up settings before troubleshooting your issue. To save yourself time, you should complete these steps before contacting customer support. The instructions are posted in the Technical Support  folder on our course’s main Blackboard page (Course Policies  heading, left-hand side). 

D. Required ACC Materials

1. ACCeID Number: You will need an ACCeID to use ACC Online Services and Blackboard. If you don't already have an ACCeID, go to the ACCeID page at: https://students.austincc.edu/student-id-card/  and follow the instructions.

2. ACC Photo ID: You must have an ACC photo student ID to access ACC campuses. You can get more information at this web site: http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/admission-steps/student-id-card

3. ACC Email: All College email communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC mail, including instructions on setting up an account can be found at https://students.austincc.edu/help/accmail/

For privacy reasons, I must use the Blackboard system to email students. Because Blackboard automatically uses your ACCMail address when sending emails, it is imperative that you set up and check your ACCMail account regularly. You can have your ACC email forwarded to another email address if you prefer. See more information at: http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=10957

4. Blackboard Site for This Section: You will be using Blackboard extensively throughout this class to access course materials and graded online exams and other assignments.  Announcements and grades will be posted on Blackboard. I will also use Blackboard to send emails to the class.

To get started on Blackboard, go to the login site at: http://acconline.austincc.edu/  and log-in to Blackboard using your ACC eID number. Find the Student Support link on the left side of the Blackboard page. Click on it and you will find many useful links about using Blackboard. To start on the course materials, find the link for Cellular & Molecular Biology on the right-hand side of that first Blackboard page. Click on it to enter the Blackboard course.

For help with Blackboard problems, visit Student Technology Services t: http://www.austincc.edu/sts

You are expected to check Blackboard regularly. Announcements clarify course materials, remind about deadlines, correct problems with URLs, and give hints about difficult concepts.

E. Course Grades

We will use a Total Points Grading System for this course. Every time you complete an assignment, the points earned will be calculated into a sum and your total grade for the course will be a percentage of that total. For example, if you earn a total of 850 points for the semester out of 1000 available points, your average will be 850/1000 or 0.85 or 85% (B) for the semester.

NOTE: This table shows the approximate number of each assignment and their point values. This estimate is tentative and may change. If the number of total points available for the class is less than 1000, the final course grades will be calculated out of this new total (example: 950/975), but if the total is over 1000, the final grades will be calculated out of 1000. 

See below for more information about exams and homework.

Grading Scale: 

Final grades for the course will be based on these percentages:

Extra Credit: All extra credit opportunities will be announced by your instructor. Special extra credit assignments will not be assigned to individual students. Grades will not be curved. Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams and other assignments. 

Rounding: Percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole number before assigning a letter grade. For example, 89.5% rounds up to an A (90%); 79.4% rounds down to a C (79%).

How to Calculate Your Grade- Example

Grades You Have Earned So Far: 

Lecture Test 1 = 85

Lecture Quizzes = 12 (from four quizzes)

Analyses = 16 (from 2 analyses)

Total Points Earned So far = 85+18+12+16 = 131

Available Points So Far = 100 + 20 + 12 + 20

Your Grade so Far = 131/152 = 0.86 = 86%

Grading Errors 

Although I am very attentive and conscientious when I grade your assignments, mistakes do occasionally occur. If you believe my grading to be in error you may point it out to me and may earn points back if you are correct, however, be aware that I DO NOT give points for incorrect answers.

Grade Evaluation 

While you are always welcome to look over any work you submit to me, the time to do so is immediately after the assignment is returned to you. I will not dig out assignment results that I have kept for my records after the assignment has been evaluated by yourself and recollected.

All graded assignments will be returned to you within a reasonable amount of time (usually within one week of turning it in).

F. Pre-class Videos & Quizzes (Quizzes = Graded)

This course will use the “flipped” classroom model. In a flipped classroom, students are exposed to the material to be learned BEFORE they attend each class and spend class time working together to complete activities that reinforce the concepts. Flipping the classroom is effective because it gives students time to think about and work with the required information with immediate feedback from the instructor. 

Previewing material before you commit to memorizing it is a very efficient way to learn new material. In this course, the pre-class (and pre-lab) videos will serve as the first step in your learning process. You are required to watch and take notes on a lecture video and complete a quiz before attending each class meeting. 

The specific videos to watch will be assigned by your instructor as we progress through the semester (check your ACC email after each class period). The quizzes are due BEFORE the next class period starts. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

You should always bring your completed notes to class with you as we will likely use them to complete activities. 

How to Complete a Pre-class Video Assignment

1. Locate the assigned video/ quiz in theUnit and specific chapter folders on Blackboard (see instructor email for the specific videos assigned). 
2. Locate and obtain a copy of the associated Guided Notes document (electronic or paper), if you intend to use them. These will be posted on the same page as the video and quiz. 
3. Open the Lecture Video (Narrated Lecture) link (example: Ch 1, Pt 2). Watch the video  and take notes (using Guided Notes documents or other methods). 
4. Open the associated Lecture Quiz link and use the information you gathered to answer the quiz questions. Click Save Answer after each. 
5. You can leave and re-enter the quiz before turning it in. Be sure to click Save All Answers before you leave. Once you are satisfied with your answers, click Submit. You only have one opportunity to submit your work for grading and only one attempt at the quiz. 
6. Review your answers carefully by clicking OK at the bottom of the submission screen. Contact your instructor immediately with any questions you have. You can also return to the quiz later by clicking on the quiz link, then Begin, then View All Attempts, and finally, by clicking on the Calculated Grade for the attempt you want to view (Example: 2.00). 

The Videos: Each video is 15 – 30 min long and is available in two formats: VoiceThread and YouTube. You may use either format to view the lectures as they are identical. Both VoiceThread and YouTube apps are available for mobile devices. The YouTube lectures include closed-captioning (CC - text that appears on the screen and follows the audio lecture). The links for the videos are posted next to the link for each associated quiz. The lecture slides for each video are posted in the same folder as the quiz link. 

Taking Notes: You may choose to take notes by filling in the Guided Notes documents or using your own method.  The Guided Notes help organize the information presented in the videos and ask practice questions to help you think about each concept. The link for the Guided Notes are posted in the same folder as the link for the quiz. 

The Quizzes: You will practice what you learned from the videos by answering the quiz questions shown below each video.  Each quiz consists of a few multiple-choice, true-false, and matching questions. You can leave and re-enter each quiz by clicking the Save button. You should only click Submit when you are ready to turn the quiz in for grading. You only get one attempt at each quiz. Once you have completed the quiz, you can immediately review the results by clicking OK at the bottom of the page. I HIGHLY recommend you do this as the quizzes cover key concepts you may be tested on again later. Be sure to email me with any questions that arise as you review. 

All materials for the Lecture Videos and Quizzes are available in the Unit folders on your course’s Blackboard page. 

G. Lecture Homework (Graded)

Outside of class, you will use your notes and in-class activities to complete a homework assignment (Blackboard) for each chapter we covered in class.  These assignments are required and excellent practice for exams. Each consists of multiple-choice, true-false, and matching questions like those you will see on the unit exams. Some of the questions will refer directly to the activities completed during class time. Only the first attempt of each homework assignment counts for a grade, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take a few attempts before the exam. Some of the questions will change with every attempt. 

Steps For Completing Homework

1. Locate the homework assignment in the Unit and specific chapter folders (example: Ch 1) folders on your course’s Blackboard page. 
2. Click on the link for the homework assignment and click Begin.
3. Use your noters, the textbook, and in-class activities to answer the questions. Click the Save button after you answer each question. 
4. You can leave and re-enter the quiz before turning it in. Be sure to click Save All Answers before you leave. Once you are satisfied with your answers, click Submit. You only have one opportunity to submit your work for grading per attempt. 
5. Review your answers carefully by clicking OK at the bottom of the submission screen. Contact your instructor immediately with any questions you have. You can also return to the quiz later by clicking on the quiz link, then Begin, then View All Attempts, and finally, by clicking on the Calculated Grade for the attempt you want to view (Example: 2.00). 
6. Although the first attempt is the only one that counts for a grade, you may attempt the homework as many times as you like during the availability period for practice. You will be presented with different questions with each attempt. 

G.  Lab Activities & Assignments (Assignments = Graded)

You will complete Lab Activities to accompany each lecture chapter covered  this semester (about 14  total) (see Course Schedule for specific assignments). You will be tested on your knowledge about the lab activities and the lab material on the Lab Midterm and Final exams. 

Lab activities will either take the form of ACC Blackboard Labs (which you will complete in person during lab sessions) or Mastering Biology activities (in which you will perform online  lab simulations outside of lab meetings). 

You will attend one 3-hour lab session each week, during which time you will complete the hands-on portions of the ACC Labs. Please expect to arrive for these sessions on time and stay the entire time. 

You must complete a pre-lab quiz before lab time to participate in the in-person ACC Lab Activities. These are designed to prepare you for the activities to be accomplished that day and to make you aware of any safety considerations and required PPE. They are graded assignments and also serve as your “ticket in”. 

ACC Labs are generally group activities that require you to perform experiments or demonstrations and collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. It is important for each student to participate actively in lab activities to gain the most from them. So, jump in and get your hands on stuff, engage your mind, talk and discuss! 

  You will use the data you collect during lab activities to complete Post-lab Assignments, which will consist mostly of multiple-choice, true-false and matching questions but may also require you to write short paragraphs and/or create tables and graphs. 

The Lab Assignments for each week are included in the Unit folders on Blackboard. They are due on Wednesday nights by 11:59 pm. 

Some lab quizzes will be graded automatically and the results reviewed immediately while others will require grading by your instructor. Either way, I highly recommend that you review your answers after grading is complete and reach out for help if you have questions. 

Lab Activities can be quite lengthy and may take a lot of time to complete (at least 2 - 3  hours per week). Be sure to leave yourself enough time to finish the work – it’s very important that you understand the material before you take the Unit Exam. 

Instructions and links for all lab materials can be accessed through the individual Unit folders on this course’s main Blackboard page (left-hand side). 

Even though some of the lab activities will be completed online, you will likely benefit from working in groups on the material. Although this is not required, I recommend that you reach out to your fellow classmates and arrange online or in-person meeting times during which to tackle the lab activities together. 

What If I Miss a Lab?

In general, you MUST be present and participate in the lab fully to be eligible to earn postlab analysis points. However, I will make an exception for ONE missed lab activity. If you miss a lab session, come speak with me about the absence and (assuming you have a legitimate excuse) I will allow you to complete the postlab analysis for the activity on your own. You will not be allowed to make up more than one missed lab activity. 

K. Lecture Exams

You will take a lecture exam at the completion of each unit of material.  These tests are rigorous and will require that you answer many higher-level analysis, application, and evaluative questions (see Bloom’s Taxonomy on Blackboard) using the information in each chapter. Be aware that memorizing the information in each chapter is NOT ENOUGH to earn a high score on these assignments. 

 A total of 4 lecture tests (100 points each) will be given this semester. Lecture tests consist of a multiple-choice, true false and matching section and a written section. Testable material includes lecture topics and anything that appears on the Guided Notes, In-Class Activities, Pret-Class Quizzes and Homework assignments. Tests will pertain to specific units of material (they are not comprehensive).  

 Exams are NOT OPEN-BOOK. NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE OFFERED, and NO TEST GRADES ARE DROPPED.   Any cheating will result in a zero for the assignment - this includes violating any of the Testing centers policies. 

Exams will be given during class periods (see Course Schedule) in either the lecture or lab rooms on computers. 

Exam 3 will include two take home assignments for Chs 19 (Viruses) and 20 (Biotechnology). 

Missing a Test Date 

The lecture tests will be taken in class during specific class sessions (see Course Schedule for dates). Please contact me ASAP if you need to miss a test date. I may or may not allow you to make up the test, depending on your excuse and willingness to communicate with me. If you have a schedule conflict with an exam date, you may arrange to take the exam early. If you miss a test date and fail to communicate with me before the next class period, you will not be allowed to make it up, regardless of excuse.

 Student Behavior During Exams

Tests are designed to assess individual understanding of the material. You may not work with other students or use any outside sources or devices during exams (text, websites, other people, etc.). Violation of the testing policies is considered cheating and will not be permitted. 

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Cheating on an exam or quiz by bringing information to the testing area (no use of cell phones or PDAs for calculations; only approved calculators); talking to another student during the test; looking at another student's test during the examination; or removal of privacy screen on computer.
• Plagiarizing– When students steal ideas, wording or organization from another source
• Unauthorized collaboration/ collusion with another in preparing outside work for fulfillment of course requirements
• Unauthorized entry into test banks or examinations
• Assisting others in academic dishonesty
• Sharing the details of an examination or assignment with other students
• Having a copy of the examination outside the time and place of test administration or review
• Falsely presenting lab data from previous semesters as work completed during the current semester

Consequences of Violating the Testing Policies

Any violations of the testing policies will result in a grade of zero for the exam. You will not be allowed to retake exams if this occurs.  If multiple violations of the Testing Policies occur, you will be dropped from the course. 

 L.  Lab Practicals

Two Lab Practicals (Midterm and Final) worth 100 pts each will be given this semester (See Course Schedule for exact dates). The practicals will include multiple-choice, true-false and fill in the blank questions and short problems to solve, and practical questions that test your ability to identify lab tools and carry out skills learned during lab. Absolutely NO makeups will be given for lab practicals.

Lab practical questions may be taken from the Pre-lab assignments/ quizzes and  Analyses. You should also understand how each experiment was performed (the overall steps), how the data was collected and analyzed and the conclusions drawn.  You do NOT need to memorize every single step of every single procedure (unless specified by your instructor). 

M. Extra Credit 

You will have the opportunity to complete several extra credit assignments this semester. Your instructor will inform you when they are available and when each is due. Absolutely no extra credit projects will be assigned to individual students this semester. All extra credit assignments will be made available to all students. 

N.  Course Schedule 

A detailed course schedule with topics and assignment deadlines can be accessed from the Start Here (left-hand menu on course Blackboard page) → Syllabus, Course Schedule, and Grades folder. In general, we will cover about 2 chapters per week. Pre-class Videos/ Quizzes will be due at the beginning of each class period, Pre-lab Assignments/ Quizzes will be due at the beginning of each lab session, Pre=lab assignments will be due at the beginning of the lab session each week. Postlab assignments will be due the Tuesday following lab (the night before the next lab session) by 11:59 pm.  Tests will be taken in class at the conclusion of each unit see Course Schedule). 

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

• Miss Mandatory Orientation Deadline Dropped from the course

Monday, August 28)

• Miss Pr-class Assignment, Homework, No credit for the assignment

or Lab Analysis(Submission Deadline: See

 Course Schedule)

• Miss Pre-lab Quiz You may not participate in lab or the lab analysis
• Miss Unit Exam You will not be able to take the exam.

(See Course Schedule) You will get a 0 on the exam.

(Exception: Documented proof of medical emergency). 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY! If you need to be tardy or miss a class for any reason, please talk to or email me immediately and let me know what’s going on. If you contact me BEFORE the next class period with a LEGITIMATE excuse (to be determined by me), I may be able to work with you. If you simply show up to the next class and try to hand in work, I will not accept it. 

O. Lab Safety 

Health and safety are paramount values in science classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn, understand, and comply with environmental health and safety (EHS) procedures and protocols, and must agree to abide by the ACC science safety policy. Students are expected to conduct themselves with appropriate professional behavior and with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day's activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending all activities. Specific safety information for each activity will be discussed at the beginning of the activity. For those activities that require specific safety training, a student who is late and misses the safety training will not be able to participate in the activity. The comprehensive science safety policy can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/sci_safe/

You will receive general safety training during the second week of class. If you miss the general safety training, you will not be able to attend labs until you have completed the general safety training. In this case, get in touch with me immediately. A limited number of general safety training sessions may be scheduled outside of regular class hours. It will then be your responsibility to make arrangements to attend any scheduled safety training.

Any points that you miss in lab because you have not completed safety training cannot be made up.

Labs involving chemicals will require the use of safety glasses or goggles. If you do not have your safety glasses or goggles with you and the lab requires them, you will not be able to attend the lab. Also, on days we are doing labs that involve chemicals, you must wear closed toed shoes in order to attend the lab. Otherwise, you will have to leave the lab and you will not earn any points for the lab. You may be required to wear a lab apron or coat, depending on your attire.

If you violate a safety policy, I will withdraw you from the class as per department policy. If you have not signed the safety contract by the end of the second week of class, you will be dropped from the class. If dropped for safety reasons, you will not be reinstated into the class. For safety reasons, students should wait outside of the lab room until the instructor is present.  Do not enter the lab room until your instructor arrives.

 P. Student Injury Insurance:  

Students enrolled in lab and field courses are covered by student insurance if they are injured as a result of the lab or field activity.  The instructor will provide the student with the necessary forms and complete an injury report for the office of Environment Health, Safety and Insurance.  There is a small deductible.

 Q. Student Discipline:

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook at https://www.austincc.edu/catalog 

• Cheating: Students are expected to do their own work at all times. If cheating is suspected, a zero will be given or the assignment will be nullified for the entire class.
• Cell phones/ Texting: While you are welcome to use cell phones and tablets for “class-appropriate” activities (viewing lecture notes, photographing lab models, taking notes, recording lectures), such devices should be turned down, off, or to vibrate mode while you are in class and should be put away when not being used for these specific purposes. You may not answer cell phones or text message during class. If you are anticipating an urgent call, please discuss the situation with me before class so as to minimize disruption. Using your device for activities such as checking your email, texting, surfing the internet, listening to music and/or watching videos is inappropriate during class time and is not allowed. Such activities divert your focus from class activities and distract your fellow students. You cannot pay attention and text/ surf the net at the same time. If you don’t want to/ can't pay attention during class, just go home. You will be asked to leave for the day if you cause such a distraction.
• Talking: While the discussion of class material is encouraged, talking during lecture and note-taking is very distracting and is not permitted. If you can’t wait until after class to talk to your classmate, you are welcome to leave class for the day.
• Snacks: Food and drinks are allowed during lecture sessions (eat/drink at your own risk). Trash left in or on the tables will not be tolerated. Food and drink are NEVER allowed during lab sessions or in the lab room.
• Children: As part of school policy, children are not allowed in the classroom. If you can’t find a babysitter for the day, you will have to miss class.
• Disruptive Behavior: Any behavior which I deem disruptive is not allowed during class time. This may include, but is not limited to, use of inappropriate language or humor (of an offensive, sexual or racial nature), not following directions, moving around the room during class, continuously asking questions unrelated to the topic at hand (ie what's my grade), writing anything other than your own name on the roll sheet, etc.

R. Bad Weather/ Unexpected Closures

If classes are cancelled because of bad weather or other unexpected circumstances, ACC notifies instructors and students on the ACC homepage (http://www.austincc.edu) and on local radio and television stations.ACC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ACCDistrict/

“The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.” 

S. Withdrawals

 It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he/she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retrain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

Texas Education Code Section 51.907 mandates that all students who enroll as first time freshmen at a Texas public institution of higher education in Fall 2007 or later may not drop more than six courses during their academic career.  Information about this rule is located at: http://www.austincc.edu/admrule/1.04.010.htm

Student-initiated withdrawal: 

If you decide to withdraw from the class, you will complete this activity through Online Services.

Per state law, any student taking a class for the third time or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course. This is the Rule of Three or Third Course Attempt. There is more information at  http://www.austincc.edu/students/registration/registering-for-a-course-for-a-third-time

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog. This is the Texas Six Drop Rule.

Instructor-initiated withdrawal: 

You will be withdrawn from the class by the instructor if you do not complete the orientation materials by the orientation deadline of Wednesday, September 7(11:59 pm). To complete orientation, you must complete the Student Information Sheet by Thursday, November 17 (11:59 pm). You may also be dropped for failing to complete the Lab Safety Training. This course policy applies to ALL students, even those who are repeating the class or those who added the class during late registration. You will be dropped from the course if you are unable to take your exams. 

If you are dropped for this reason, you will not be reinstated.

T. Incompletes

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for a passing grade in the course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

A grade of "I" (Incomplete) for this class will be given only if:

 1. You have taken exams on a regular basis.

2. You have completed your homework on time.

3. You have participated in your online discussion group regularly.

4. You have taken and passed successfully at least 4 out of the 5 exams with a minimum average grade of C (70%).

5. You have completed four exams with a minimum average grade of C (70%) before the drop deadline.

6. You have spoken with me prior to the last day of class, requested an incomplete grade in

writing, and supplied documentation of the cause for requesting an incomplete.

7. Once these criteria are met, I will decide whether to give an incomplete grade. If an incomplete grade is given, you must complete and sign an incomplete form. 

ACC Incomplete Process

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

1. Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 
2. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
3. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   
4. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  
5. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  
6. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 
7. If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

U. Attendance/ Class Participation Policy

 Regular class participation is expected of all students. If compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Everyone is expected to participate regularly in class activities, including homework and online discussion groups.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY! If you need to be tardy or miss a class for any reason, please talk to or email me immediately and let me know what’s going on. If you contact me BEFORE the next class period with a LEGITIMATE excuse (to be determined by me), I may be able to work with you. If you simply show up to the next class and try to hand in work, I will not accept it. 

V. Official Biology Department Policy Concerning Student Use of Organisms in the Classroom and Laboratory:

• Most ACC biology classes, particularly those with laboratory components, use actual organisms during instruction in addition to images and models. ACC students generally are preparing for real-world careers requiring workers with hands-on experience. These careers include health care, veterinary work, horticultural and agricultural work. Other students plan to transfer to four-year colleges and will be participating in biological research where hands-on experience is equally important.
• Organisms used at ACC are fundamental in biology instruction and they are utilized to teach specific skills and knowledge. Their condition and usage varies from course to course. Students will be expected to actively participate in these activities. Students with particular concerns in this matter should consult with their instructor and/or departmental officials before enrolling in a laboratory course so that they can know what will be required of them.
• Some organisms are observed alive while others are dead and preserved in various ways. Student manipulation of organisms ranges from culturing living organisms to dissecting preserved ones. Some examples include, but are not limited to: bacterial culturing for microbiology courses; cat, pig or rat dissection for anatomy courses; skeleton and pelt examination for field biology; and use of frogs in physiology experiments.

III. Course Information:

Title: Cellular & Molecular Biology     Course Number: BIOL 1406

Section Number: 004 Synonym: 66564

Campus:  Highland Learning Center Building: 1000

Room (Lecture): HLC 2102 Time (Lecture):  Mon & Wed: 1:30 – 2:50 pm  

Room (Lab):  HLC 2113 Time (Lab):  10:30 am – 1:20 pm 

     Credit Hours: 4 Classroom Contact Hours per week: 6 (3 lecture + 3 lab)

This is a face-to-face course with regularly scheduled meeting times. Attendance at all meeting times (virtual and in-person, lecture and lab) is required by all students. 

IV. Course Goals

A. Course Skills and Prerequisites:  

Skills:  Reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.

 Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry or one semester of college chemistry; two years of high school algebra or MATD 0390.

 NOTE: This is a rigorous biology class primarily for students who wish to transfer to university as Biology or Pre-Med majors.  You will be expected to work at least 2 hours for every hour spent in class or lab to complete the reading, homework assignments, lab reports and studying for tests.  If you do not feel ready yet to succeed in this environment, you may wish to take BIOL 1408 before taking BIOL1406. Contact your instructor or advisor for assistance in deciding. 

You will be asked to sign a statement confirming that you have completed the required prerequisites for this course. 

B. Course Description: 

General Biology course designed for science majors and students with a strong science background who desire an in-depth approach to biological topics. An introduction to the physical and chemical organization of living organisms; cell structure, function, and metabolism; classical and molecular genetics; gene regulation and genetic engineering. BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1408 may not both be counted towards graduation.

 C. Course Rationale:

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content of this course in the departmental common course objectives. The departmental objectives are located at http://sites.austincc.edu/biology/common-course- objectives/.  

Biology 1406 is a major’s level course for those who wish to pursue careers in biology, biotechnology, the health sciences and other related fields. There are four units (Modules) that will be explored during the semester:

1. The chemistry of living organisms including the structure of atoms and molecules, pH, the macromolecules of living organisms, and energetics, enzymes and enzymatic pathways.
2. The structure and function of cells including the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the  eukaryotic organelles and biological membranes and intercellular communication.
3. Nucleic acids including mitosis and meiosis, DNA structure and replication, RNA transcription and translation and gene regulation
4. DNA technology, viruses, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, and Darwinian evolution.

D. Student Learning Outcomes:    

Course-Level:  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Identify the 4 classes of macromolecules, their monomers, and their functions in cells.
• Describe the structures and functions of cell organelles
• •Discuss energy transfer, enzyme function and the pathways of cellular respiration and     photosynthesis.
• Describe prokaryotic binary fission, the eukaryotic cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis.
• Identify DNA structure and replication, transcription, translation and gene expression.
• Solve problems in Mendelian genetics, including multiple alleles and X-linkage along with the Laws of Segregation and Independent Assortment
• Describe modern biotechnological techniques and their impacts on society.

Program-Level:

• As a required course for an Associate of Science in Biology, students will be able to:
• Compare the structure and function of cells.
• Describe the chemical basis of life including the importance of water, gases and macromolecules.
• Explain energy movement, enzyme structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis.
• Illustrate DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, mutations and genetic analysis.

E. General Education:

• As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:
• Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information.
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning - Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

VI. Student Rights and Responsibilities

Visit this link for more information on: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies

• ACC’s Statement of Rights & Responsibilities
• Scholastic Dishonesty
• Senate Bill 212 & Title IX Reporting Requirements
• Student Privacy
• ACC’s Recording Policy
• Discrimination
• Student Complaints 
• Copyrights

VII. Student Support Services/ Resources

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Visit this link for more information on: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies

• Student Support
• Student Accessibility Services
• Academic Support/ Learning Labs
• Personal Support
• Library Services
• Student Organizations

VIII.  Campus Safety & Access

Visit this link for more information on: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies

• ACC’s Safety Statement
• Health & Safety Protocols for ACC Campuses
• ACC’s Campus Carry Policy

All course reading comes from the textbook (specified under Course Requirements).