Course Syllabus

Introduction to Biology

Faculty

Not Yet Assigned
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement

Course Description

This course is an introduction to biological principles and concepts. Topics include cell biology, genetics, physiology, evolution, and ecology. These topics are studied in a diversity of organisms, including microbes, protists, fungi, plants, and representative animal groups. Includes a lab.

Essential Objectives

1. Explain what is included in the study of biology, how it has evolved, how biology is related to the other major branches of science, and how it relates to the issues confronting humanity.
2. Define and utilize the terms necessary to the study of biology.
3. Describe the structure, function, and chemical composition of the cell.
4. Analyze the importance of energy transfer in biological systems.
5. Compare and contrast the two types of cellular reproduction.
6. Summarize the relationships between DNA, genes, chromosomes, and genetics.
7. Summarize the principles of classification of living things.
8. Discuss the evidence and mechanisms for evolution.
9. Construct a definition of ecology using the terms population, community, and ecosystem.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, evaluating, and applying quantitative data and information.
11. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss the impacts of diversity and inclusion on scientific research and practice.
Lab Objectives:
1. Apply knowledge of the scientific method to:
a. formulate and evaluate real-world scientific questions;
b. ethically plan and implement accurate data collection;
c. analyze and evaluate data;
d. generate conclusions based on analysis and justify claims with evidence;
e. integrate the related work of other scientists; and
f. propose ideas for further inquiry.
2. Communicate findings in a format appropriate to the discipline and type of investigation, such as a laboratory notebook, laboratory report, observational study, field investigation report, poster, or presentation using appropriate evidence to support these findings.
3. Understand the structure and purpose of peer-reviewed publications.
4. Evaluate scientific information for validity, accuracy, reliability, and methodology.
5. Identify and follow lab safety techniques that are aligned with CCV’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, Lab Safety Agreements, and chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

Link to Textbooks/Resources Information for this course in eCampus.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Methods

Methods

Discussions

Labs

Homework assignments

Quizzes

Midterm and Final Examination

Evaluation Criteria

Grading Criteria:

15% Discussion Posts

20% Lab Participation

15% Homework

15% Quizzes

35% Exams

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Student participation is an important part of any CCV course. Missed classes will result in a loss of points.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Labs in this course will be completed online. We will use McGraw-Hill Connect. All lab assignments are now integrated with the Canvas course site and can be accessed in the Module or Assignment tabs in Canvas. Access/voucher codes can only be purchased via ecampus.com (CCV's online bookstore).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other resources needed: Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, etc, are also needed to watch videos and to read pdf files.

Install Microsoft Office for Free

Everyone going to school or working for the Vermont State Colleges can download the full Microsoft Office client suite for free on their Windows or Mac computer. The Microsoft Office suite can be installed and activated on up to five computers at once.

1. Log into your CCV email at ccv.edu/mail
2. Click on the app launcher in the upper left corner and choose Office 365
3. Click Install Office and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the Microsoft Office software compatible with your computer.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Be sure to pay close attention to deadlines—there will be no make-up assignments, quizzes or late work accepted without significant mitigating circumstances and instructor approval.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity