Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | BIO-1210-VU01 - Introduction to Biology

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Jeffrey Koch
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jen Guarino

General Education Requirements

Natural Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

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 computer recommendations Support page.

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

*** This is a low cost ($50 or less) textbook or resource class.
This does not include lab fees for 4-credit science courses. ***

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations.

Fall 2025 textbook details will be available on 2025-05-19. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

BIO-1210-VU01 Link to Textbooks 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.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Information for this course may be presented in any of the following forms: lecture, lab, discussion, small group work, student presentation, case studies, and videos.

Evaluation Criteria

Grading

It is my job to provide you with a clear understanding of what is expected for each assignment, and it is your job to produce work in a timely manner that meets those expectations based on what grade you want to earn in the class.

Students’ grades will be determined by the grades achieved on participation/discussion/assignments, labs, homework quizzes, exams, and a project in the proportions defined below:

Participation/Discussion/Assignments 20%

Labs 20%

Homework Quizzes (weekly) 20%

Exams (2) 20%

Project (1) 20%

Participation/Discussion/Assignments

• Participation and Discussion are critical to grasping the material we are learning in class. At the end of each class, you will submit a "Ticket Out the Door" (worth 10 points). A wide range of questions can be used for the "Ticket Out the Door". The type of question depends on the learning goals for a particular class and the other activities students are engage in during class.
• Assignments will be assigned throughout the semester to reinforce the learning goals for a particular class. Amount of points will vary from assignment to assignment.

Labs

• Labs are conducted almost every class day on the learning goals for a particular class. You will be submitting a lab notebook (which will be provided) at various times throughout the semester. A grading rubric for the lab notebook will be discussed further in class.

Weekly Homework Quizzes

• Weekly Homework Quizzes are online. These quizzes will be based on the week’s reading assignments, review key concepts, and consist of muliple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, short answer type questions.(worth 20 points each).

Exams

• Exams (Midterm and Final) will be cumulative, open book, open note, online exams consisting of multiple choice, short answer, and fill in the blank (worth 100 points each).

Project

• The goal for the project is for students to inform the public about a current environmental issue using a digital format. Project and grading rubric will be discussedfurther in class.

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

Attendance is required. Missing three or more class meetings can result in a failing grade. Students who have financial aid may lose their funding upon missing more than the designated allowable absences. The classroom participation/discussion/assignment grade is based upon the following habits and skills.

You'll have the opportunity to receive instructor feedback on each of these areas at the mid-point and the end of the semester.Attending and participating in class is an easy way to earn 20% of your grade.

• Attend class regularly, on-time and for the full session
• Complete all of the week's reading andassignments before the start of class
• Listen to others attentively and with an open mind
• Positively contribute to class discussions and activities
• Ask questions and seek help when you need it
• Challenge yourself to do your best work

Missing & Late Work Policy

Missing, Unsatisfactory, and Late Work Policy

• Participation and Discussion - If there is no "Ticket Out the Door" turned in at the end of class a grade of "0" will be awarded.
• Assignments should be handed in by the start of the class (11:45am) on the day that they are due. Assignments can be submitted online through Canvas or email and/or in paper format. After 11:45am the assignment is considered late.Late assignments will be accepted but "1" point will be subtracted from the grade each day it is late. Missing assignments will receive the grade of "0". No assignments will be accepted after 7 days late. If you are absent from class, you are responsible for emailing me your assignment or ensuring it is in my mailbox before class begins. When absent, you are also responsible for any assignments due the next week.

• Labs are conducted almost every class day. It is your responsibility to conduct the lab by you and your lab partner. For students who have missed a lab, several makeup options exist, including completing an alternative assignment like a report or project, participating in a virtual lab simulation, or analyzing provided data and writing a report. Lab notebooks will be collected at various times throughout the semester. Lab notebooks should be handed in by the start of the class (11:45am) on the day that they are due. Late lab notebooks will be accepted but "1" point will be subtracted from the grade each day it is late.Missing lab notebooks will receive the grade of "0". No lab notebooks will be accepted after 7 days late.

• Weekly Homework Quizzes - Homework Quizzescannot be made up and missing a Homework Quizwill receive the grade of "0".Homework Quizzes are online and are due by midnight the following Sunday by 11:59 pm.
• Exams -Exams cannot be made up and missing an exam will receive the grade of "0".
• Project- The project should be handed in by the start of the class (11:45am) on the day that they are due. After 11:45am the assignment is considered late.Late projects will be accepted but 1 point will be subtracted from the grade each day it is late. Missing projects will receive the grade of "0". No project will be accepted after 7 days late.

Please reach out to me if you are not able to turn in your work on time. Extensions will be granted only in extenuating circumstances.

Students who know they will not have access to the course materials for any reason should make arrangements with me to complete assignments.

Academic Integrity

CCV has a commitment to honesty and excellence in academic work and expects the same from all students. Academic dishonesty, or cheating, can occur whenever you present – as your own work – something that you did not do. You can also be guilty of cheating if you help someone else cheat. Being aware of what constitutes academic dishonesty (such as knowing what plagiarism is) does not absolve a student of the responsibility to be honest in his/her academic work. Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and may lead to dismissal from the College.

Using written text directly from a website, book, article or Artificial Intelligence (like ChatGBT) is considered plagiarism.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

CCV strives to mitigate barriers to course access for students with documented disabilities. To request accommodations, please:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center.
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.

Housekeeping –Food and drink are not allowed in the science lab classrooms. There is a small table outside of the classroom for you to leave drinks there. 10-15 minute breaks will be given during each class. You may get up and use the restroom when necessary. Do your best to be considerate of your classmates when leaving/returning to class. Please leave your area clean when you leave. When the instuctor and/or colleague is giving a formal presentation please wait until the student is finished before getting up, leaving, or returning to minimize distraction. Also, please silence your cell phones and electronic devices during class time. If you need to use them please wait until a class break. Lateness is not tolerated; please inform me if there are any issues.We all must work together to provide a supportive, respectful, and productive learning community.

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

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