DE Individualized Learning

Distance Education Programs INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING COURSE SYLLABUS BIOL102: Laboratory in Biology (1) Course length: 15 weeks Last revised: 6 October 2003

Prerequisite(s)

None.

Course Materials

Textbook(s)

Basic Concepts in Biology, Starr, C., Thompson Learning

Additional Materials

Biology Micro-Lab Kit to Accompany the Cycles of Life Series, Edutype

Additional common household and kitchen items

BIOL 102 CD. The course modules are contained on this CD.

Description

A laboratory study of the concepts underlying the structure and functioning of living things. Laboratory exercises will emphasize the scientific method and explore topics such as the chemical foundations of living organisms, pH, cell structure and function, metabolism, DNA structure and function, mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, evolution, classification, and population biology and ecosystems.

Objectives

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• state the principles of sound experimental design
• form sound scientific questions and answer them using the scientific method
• collect data and conduct experiments in fields of chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, population biology, and ecology
• use quantitative reasoning and critical thinking to solve problems
• interpret quantitative and qualitative information, form reasonable conclusions based upon this information, and communicate these conclusions clearly and effectively

Course Introduction

Some labs may require Internet access.  If you do not have Internet access, contact your instructor concerning alternative exercises or further instructions.  Due to materials that must be purchased for lab exercises, this course may not be suitable for students in deployed areas without access to a commissary.  Students should review the list of required materials under Laboratory Assignments below before enrolling in the course.

This is an introductory laboratory course that illustrates the concepts underlying the organization and interrelationships of living organisms through hands-on activities. We begin with an introduction to the scientific method and its practical application to science as well as everyday questions and problems. Upon this foundation, the molecular and cellular processes common to all living organisms will be studied. We will then investigate the principles of genetic inheritance, evolution, and scientific classification in the context of the importance of DNA to individual living organisms and to species of organisms as a whole. Finally, we'll examine the interdependence of living organisms with each other and the environment, especially with respect to the impact of human populations on the environment and other organisms.

This course is intended for students not specializing in biology or the natural sciences. It is recommended that the companion introductory lecture course be taken concurrently.

The course is broken into three modules, based on the content of the laboratory exercises. The material covered in each module is as follows:

Module 1: Chemical and Energetic Processes Within Cells

• Lab 1: The Scientific Method
• Lab 2: Basic Chemistry
• Lab 3: Cells and Cell Processes
• Lab 4: Metabolism

Module 2: Inheritance and Variation in Living Organisms

• Lab 5: Mitosis
• Lab 6: Meiosis
• Lab 7: Genetics
• Lab 8: DNA/RNA/Protein Synthesis

Module 3: Diversity and Interactions in Organisms

• Lab 9: Microevolution
• Lab 10: Classification
• Lab 11: Evolution
• Lab 12: Behavior
• Lab 13: Ecology

Grading Information

Your final course grade will be determined as follows:

Your grade will be determined as follows:
 

Laboratory Activities (13 Lab Activities, 20 points per Lab Activity)	260 points
Proctored Final Exam	100 points
Total	360 points

Grading Scale

The grading scale in this course is as follows:

A = 324-360 points = 90-100%
B = 288-323 points = 80-89%
C = 252-287 points = 70-79%
D = 216-251 points = 60-69%
F =     0-215 points =   0-59%

Late Policy

Permission must be obtained in advance if assignments are to be submitted late, and an extension will be granted only for legitimate reasons, e.g., sudden deployment, illness.  The instructor must agree to the revised due dates.  For significant delays, see the rules for an Incomplete listed below.

Laboratory Activities

A total of 13 Laboratory Activities are required in this course.  You will find the Laboratory Activities in the Modules portion of this course.  Within each Lab you will find a Lab Report form that include both directions for completing the Lab and questions that you should answer and submit to your instructor.  Your instructor will give you further instructions as to how your answers should be submitted.

This course covers a lot of information in a single semester and uses several different types of materials. Here are some tips on how to use your time efficiently and effectively, be successful, and learn something too!  It is highly recommended that you adopt the following approach for each lab:

1. One or two weeks before the due date for a given lab, check the materials list for the lab and begin to gather the items that you will need. This practice will ensure that you will indeed have all the materials you need when you are ready to start the lab activity. Some labs require access to a stove or refrigerator (this will be indicated in the materials list).

2. Also one or two weeks before the due date for a given lab, check the time necessary to complete the activity so that you can schedule your time accordingly. For example, some labs may be spread out over a couple of days or require two hours of work—these labs cannot be started an hour before they are due and successfully completed.

3. Before you begin a lab activity, print a hardcopy of the lab activity.  This is important, because you will perform many of the lab activities away from the computer and you will want to have the detailed directions in front of you when you perform the lab activity.

4. Read the assigned portion of the textbook and the entire lab activity before you begin the activity. It is especially important that you read the directions to the activity before you actually perform the activity. In some cases, you may need to re-use materials in subsequent experiments. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the questions that accompany each activity ahead of time so that you know what to look for and take note of while performing the activity.

5. Perform the lab activity, and while doing so take thorough notes so that you will be able to answer the questions that accompany each activity.

You will perform a number of activities in this course that are designed to reinforce the basic principles of biology. To complete this course, you are required to purchase the Biology Micro-Lab Kit that contains materials which must be used responsibly only by adults enrolled in this course for experiments provided in the course laboratory manual at your own risk.  You will also need to supplement the Lab Kit with various commonly used items that you may have at home or that you can obtain from a standard grocery store – these materials include:

• ammonia
• balloons (2 small)
• baking soda

beans or beads (two bags of dried beans from the grocery store - these should be about the same size but of distinctly different colors, pinto beans and great northern beans work well, but any similar combination will work. You can also use inexpensive children's beads in two different colors, as long as they are big enough to pick up comfortably one by one)

• beet – sliced, canned or fresh
• bowls (2 large size)
• clear glasses or jars (small & large in size, 2-3 of each, with straight sides)
• clock or watch - with a second hand
• clothes pins
• coffee creamer – 1 tablespoon dry creamer
• coffee filter
• containers with covers/lids (4)
• cornstarch
• cutting board (as used in cooking)
• drinking straws
• dropper
• envelopes (8)
• food coloring – red and green
• gelatin – unflavored (this is often sold next to Jell-O in the grocery store)
• glue
• heat source (for boiling water)
• ice
• measuring cup
• measuring spoons – teaspoon & tablespoon
• newspapers (or other material to protect your workspace)
• onion
• paper
• paper clips
• paper towels or tissues
• pencil
• pepper (as used in cooking)
• pitcher with a spout (if the measuring cup has a spout, you can use that)
• plants (4 small plants that are as similar as possible; these plants should not have fuzzy leaves)
• potato – white
• rolling pin (as used in cooking)
• rope
• rubberbands
• rubbing alcohol
• ruler – with millimeter markings
• salt (common table salt as used in cooking)
• saucepan (small, as used in cooking)
• scissors
• shampoo or laundry detergent
• socks (several pairs)
• spoon
• spray bottle
• string
• sugar (common table sugar as used in cooking, do not substitute artificial sweetner)
• tape
• urine
• vegetable oil
• vinegar – red wine
• vinegar – white
• water – distilled
• water – tap
• wooden coffee stirrer (or a glass rod)
• yard stick or meter stick
• yeast – dry

Proctored Final Exam

A proctored final examination is required this class.  Your instructor will provide you with more information about the format and content of the exam.

Course Schedule

Week 1:	Topic: The Scientific Method Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 1 Module 1 – Approach, Overview, Goals, Lab 1 Due: Lab 1 – Part A
Week 2:	Topic: The Scientific Method Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 1 Module 1 – Approach, Overview, Goals, Lab 1 Due: Lab 1 – Parts C, D, E
Week 3:	Topic: Basic Chemistry Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapters 2-3 Module 1 – Lab 2 Due: Lab 2 – Parts A, C, D, E
Week 4:	Topic: Cells and Cell Processes Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 4 Module 1 – Lab 3 Due: Lab 3 – Overview & Parts A, B
Week 5:	Topic: Metabolism Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapters 5-7 Module 1 – Lab 4 Due: Lab 4 – Part B
Week 6:	Topic: Mitosis Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 8 Module 2 – Approach, Overview, Goals, Lab 5 Due:Lab 5 – Parts A, C
Week 7:	Topic: Meiosis Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 9 Module 2 – Lab 6 Due: Lab 6 – Parts A, B
Week 8:	Topic: Genetics Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapters 10-11 Module 2 – Lab 7 Due: Lab 7 – Parts A, B, C, D
Week 9:	Topic: Genetics & DNA/RNA/Protein Synthesis Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapters 10-14 Module 2 – Lab 7 and Lab 8 Due: Lab 7 – Parts E, F Lab 8 – Part A
Week 10:	Topic: Microevolution Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 16 Module 3 – Overview, Goals, Lab 9 Due: Lab 9 – Parts A, B
Week 11:	Topic: Classification Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 17-18 Module 3 – Lab 10 Due: Lab 10 – Parts A, B
Week 12:	Topic: Evolution Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 17-18 Module 3 – Lab 11 Due: Lab 11 – Parts A1, A2, A3
Week 13:	Topic: Behavior Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 28 Module 3 – Lab 12 Due: Lab 12 – Parts A, B, C, D, E
Week 14:	Topic: Ecology Read: Basic Concepts in Biology, chapter 32 Module 3 – Lab 13 Due: Lab 13 – Part B
Week 15:	Proctored Final Examination

Additional Information

Cross Curricular Initiatives

UMUC has cross-curricular initiatives that must be met in every course. They are:

• effective writing
• competence in information technology
• historical perspectives
• international perspectives
• civic responsibility
• information literacy

Here is additional information about those initiatives from the UMUC Undergraduate catalog:

"Cross-curricular initiatives, promoted both by specific courses and by integration throughout all program, build the student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and integrate knowledge, perspectives, and techniques. The cross-curricular requirements in effective writing, competence in information technology, historical and international perspectives, civic responsibility, and information literacy ensure that students are able to:

• define problems, develop and articulate informed judgments, and think critically and systematically
• function in professional roles requiring an appreciation and understanding of the interdependency among all disciplines in the global workplace
• put learning in the context of historical events and achievements through time
• function responsibly as adult citizens of the world, engaging and negotiating different perspectives and exercising ethical judgment in their personal and professional lives"

Course Modules

Course modules are located on the CD.

Academic Policies

• Attendance:  Individualized learning courses do not have class attendance.  However, you have regular study and other assignments with deadlines.
  
• Contact Information: You are responsible for keeping your contact information current. This is necessary for receiving both your returned assignments and other information.
  
• Proctored Exams:  A proctored final exam is required for successful completion of this course. UMUC will mail your exams directly to the education center you designated on your application. If you will not be in close proximity to that education center, the Exams Clerk will coordinate directly with your proctor.

  It is your responsibility to schedule your final exam within the designated period according to the procedures at your education center.

  Further questions on the exam process should be directed to the Distance Education Office or your education center.

• Course Load: One traditional face-2-face course, or 3 semester hours (s.h.), is considered a normal course load for a student who is fully employed. This course load will require at least six hours of class time per week and approximately 12 hours per week of additional out-of-class study time. Although there is no "face-2-face" class time with individualized learning courses, a student should expect approximately 9 to 12  hours per week of study time and additional time in preparing assignments for a 3 semester hour individualized learning course.

Students should carefully and realistically assess other commitments before registering for more than 6 s.h. a term. In no case may a student register for more than 9 s.h. a term without permission from the UMUC-Europe registrar in Heidelberg. Permission to register for more than 9 s.h. is based on demonstrated academic excellence at UMUC. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 and an enrollment history indicating success in carrying a heavier-than-average course load at UMUC are required.

• Academic Research: Learn more about academic research through UMUC at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/de/defacguide/academic-research.htm.

Grading Policies

The Mark of "I"

The mark of I (Incomplete) is exceptional. It is given only upon the request of a student whose work in a course has been satisfactory, and who is unable to complete the course because of illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control. In no case will the I be recorded for a student who has not completed the major portion (60%) of the work in the course. The student must consult with the instructor and present documentation substantiating the reasons for requesting the Incomplete.

The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the Incomplete. When recording the Incomplete on the Final Grade Report, the instructor will state the quality of the student’s work to date, the requirements remaining, and the deadline – not to exceed six months – for completion of the work. If the student does not complete the requirements of the course within six months from the course end date, the student cannot thereafter make up the Incomplete. The mark of I will become terminal and subsequently may not be changed. An Incomplete not removed after six months is converted to the grade of F.

It is the responsibility of the student, not of the Education Center nor of UMUC, to arrange with the instructor for the assignment of and subsequent removal of an Incomplete. Students should realize that it is virtually impossible to remove an I after transfer out of the European Division. A student no longer in contact with the instructor who assigned the I should write to the instructor, c/o UMUC, Unit 29216, APO AE 09102, and the mail will be forwarded. An I cannot be removed by an X or W. A student who elects to repeat the course must register, pay the full fees, and repeat the entire course. In such cases, the mark of I for the first attempt is not changed if the course is repeated. For purposes of academic retention, the mark of I is counted as hours attempted. It is not used in determining grade point averages.

For Bowie State University graduate courses, an Incomplete not removed after one year is converted to the grade of F. For University of Maryland, College Park graduate courses, an Incomplete not removed after six months becomes terminal and subsequently may not be changed.

Mark of "W"

If for whatever reason a student is no longer able to participate in the class, the student should formally withdraw. When a student officially withdraws, a W is assigned. The W can be posted only when it is documented by an Application for Withdrawal (UMGR-003). For purposes of academic retention, the mark of W is counted as attempted hours. It is not used in determining grade point averages. Students that neglect to withdraw formally, may receive the grade of Fn (Failure for non-attendance).

Students in online distance education classes which span over two terms cannot withdraw after the Friday before the final week of the class. Additional information for students receiving VA educational benefits and financial aid can be found in the VA and Financial Aid sections of the Catalog.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is failure to maintain academic integrity. It includes, but is not limited to, obtaining or giving aid on an examination, having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination, doing work for another student, and plagiarism. Academic dishonesty can result in severe academic penalty, including failure in the course and/or dismissal from the institution.

Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s idea or product as one’s own. Examples of plagiarism are: copying verbatim and without attribution all or part of another’s written work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, computer programs, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions or research without citing the source; and using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, computer program, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator.

Students can avoid unintentional plagiarism by carefully following accepted scholarly practices. Notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, quoted, paraphrased or summarized, and research or critical papers should acknowledge these sources in footnotes or by use of direct quotations.

UMUC provides an interactive Web-based tutorial on plagiarism through its online writing center called “How to Avoid Plagiarism” at http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html