BSC2010Syllabus

Course Information

• Course Hours: 1:20APM-2:35PM Tu/Th
• Course Meeting Location: HCB102
• Credit Hours: 3 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Recitation 2:30-3:30PM  Fri  KIN 1024 - NOT MANDATORY

Course Description

This is the first part of a two-semester introductory biology course designed for those interested in pursuing a career in life sciences.  The intention of this course is to provide the building blocks necessary for a student to gain a strong foundation in general biology.  Topics covered will provide an overview of biological processes and function at the molecular, cellular and organismal level: 1) Atoms and Biological Molecules, 2) Cellular Biology, 3) Biochemistry and Energy Transformation 4) Molecular Genetics and 5) Physiology. The diversity of knowledge gained in BSC 2010 will aid understanding in more advanced biology classes

Course Instructor

Emails will be responded to within 24 to 48 hours.

Course Teaching Assistant(s)

  Teaching Assistant(s): 

• Sarah Gallagher (smg18ca@my.fsu.edu)
• Max Gray (mmg18@my.fsu.edu)
• Seneca Randolph (sr19x@my.fsu.edu)

Office Hours: TBA

 

Course Attendance Associate: 

Ms. Natalia Westervelt

• • Excused absence will be accommodated
    • Email: attendanceBSC@gmail.com
    • Google form: https://forms.gle/KhMaMmbisVTvewB3A

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. describe the basic structure of atoms and important biological molecules

2. identify parts of the eukaryotic cell and describe fundamental cell functions

3. explain basic cellular biochemistry and energy-transformation processes in plant and animal cells

4. identify and explain the components of the Central Dogma of molecular genetics; describe the mechanisms and significance of gene regulation

5. explain some physiological processes underlying human functional systems (e.g., cell communication…).

 

Course Materials

E-Textbook/Mastering Biology

 

Biology, 12^th ed., Campbell and Reece.  Biology, 12^th Edition, by Campbell and Reece. This text is also used for Biological Science II (BSC 2011) and Eukaryotic Diversity (currently called Selected Topics in Biology BSC4933). You have access to an online version of the e-book through the Mastering Biology package. This is an on-line learning software package developed by the publisher of your textbook with a vast array of useful resources tailored specifically to the material covered in the text. Among these resources are; videos, mp3 tutor sessions, study tools, self-quizzes, practice tests and an online version of the textbook itself (i.e., an “e-book”). 

Student Responsibilities

• Students should log on to Canvas at least every other day to check for course updates.
• Students are expected to keep up with the class, engage with the course material, and submit assignments by the due dates.
• Assignments, quizzes, and exams are expected to be products of individual students per the FSU Academic Honor Policy. Students should not discuss any of the questions with each other before or during the actual assignments, activities, quizzes, or exams without instructor approval.
• To receive maximum points for questions, students need to follow the instructions carefully, follow word limits as instructed, and use spell and grammar checking. 
• To be successful in this course, students need to complete all required assignments and tests.

Grading Policy

Grades will come from six sources;  

 

• Participation in classroom activities (10%). Group activities during class time as well as reading quizzes, activity questions will be accounted for participation.

 

• Scientist Spotlight (5%)

 

• Chapter quizzes will be taken during class period (20%) using Honorlock proctoring

 

• Lecture notes-Active Reading to be uploaded on canvas each Sunday following the end of a chapter covered (15%)

 

• Three unit exams will be given throughout the semester (35%); students are required to attend all 3 exams to pass the class.

 

• One cumulative final will be given during the week of Finals (15%); students are required to attend the cumulative final to pass the class.

 

Grading Scheme

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Grading Scheme Breakdown

Grade	Range
A	100% to 93%
A-	< 93% to 90%
B+	< 90% to 87%
B	< 87% to 83%
B-	< 83% to 80%
C+	< 80% to 77%
C	< 77% to 73%
C-	< 73% to 70%
D+	< 70% to 67%
D	< 67% to 63%
D-	< 63% to 60%
F	< 60% to 0%

Technology Requirements

Course content is accessible through Canvas. Students will need to be able to view videos, write and upload assignments, post to discussion boards, and take assessments. Students should have access to high-speed internet and updated software. Mobile devices may be used to view course content, upload assignments, and take assessments as determined by the instructor. To view the most current technology requirements, visit the FSU Canvas support site.

FSU Libraries Resources & Services

Whether on campus or learning online, you can access library resources easily. You'll find databases, tutorials, workshops, and other helpful resources in the FSU Libraries for Students Canvas org site (all students are enrolled automatically). For recommended research resources and ways to connect with your librarians, look for "Library Tools" in your Canvas course navigation.

 Course Policies

Communications/In-person and Online Etiquette

Behavioral Guidelines for Discussions:

• Please use respectful language when posting your responses to prompts in the Discussion Boards.
• Be mindful of how you express your emotions and humor, and be sensitive to cultural and ability differences of your peers. 
• Keep postings to the point, and make sure your comments are relevant to the topic of discussion. Be sure to follow the instructions outlined for each specific discussion. 
• Avoid messages such as, "Wow," "Way to go," or "Ditto" and aim for comments that validate other members’ ideas through careful explanation of why you agree. 
• When replying, give a short description in the subject line of what you are replying to, and use correct punctuation and spelling throughout your post.

For Email Communication:

• For email, please respond to your instructor’s and peers’ messages promptly. 
• Use a brief description in the subject line that outlines the topic of discussion. 
• Avoid using slang or profane words.
• Use the title your instructor prefers for communication.
• Avoid using emoticons, such as smiley faces, and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Sign your email messages using your full name.
• AVOID USING ALL CAPS. This makes the message visually difficult to read and is perceived by the reader as "shouting."
• Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, just as you would for any communication.
• Ask yourself whether you would be comfortable if someone other than the intended receiver were to read the message. Remember, email is not a completely secure form of communication.
• Report anything inappropriate considered to be of a serious nature to your instructor, as it may be a violation of University policy.
• Treat others with respect by making messages clear and succinct.

Participation & Lateness Policy 

Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the family and other documented crises, call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holy days, and official University activities. These absences will be accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students who have a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious illness.

Policy for Missed Tests

In case of an excused absence, make up work/exam must be scheduled by email with the Attendance Associate [Ms. Natalaia Westervelt] within 72h post missed period and has to be completed within a week of the missing period. Unit exams and finals will be rescheduled in case of an absence.

Policy on Responding to Students

• Email responses typically within 24 to 48 hours.
• Graded assignments are typically returned within 1-2 weeks after the due date.

Public Health Protocols

In our classroom, I will expect everyone to wear a proper, well-fitting mask. As our President has informed the university community, FSU expects everyone on campus to use face-coverings. In regions where virus rates are high, the CDC recommends that even vaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor spaces, like classrooms, especially where social distancing is not possible. Florida infection and hospitalization rates are greater now than they were at the height of the 2020 surge due to the Delta variant, a more infectious and easily transmissible version of the COVID-19 virus. The best way to protect against serious illness is to be fully vaccinated, but not everyone among us can be. Because the Delta variant can infect even vaccinated individuals and can be spread by them to others, it poses a special threat to members of the community with underlying health conditions and children at home who are too young for vaccination.

For these reasons, FSU expects each member of the community to comply with the public health protocols our President set forth on August 9, 2020, including (1) wearing masks in public indoor spaces, (2) getting fully vaccinated, (3) being tested for the virus if you have symptoms, and (4) staying home and away from others if you are sick. Please remember that you should NOT attend class in person if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are quarantining after exposure. Finally, please bear in mind that the COVID-19 situation is fast moving and that university guidance on the issue may change at any time.

Course Recording Permitted

In this class, consistent with state law and university policy, students are permitted to make recordings of class lectures for personal use only. As noted, sharing, posting, or publishing classroom recordings may subject you to honor code violations and legal penalties associated with theft of intellectual property and violations of other state law. Moreover, students and educators have expressed concern that recording classroom activities may negatively impact the learning experience for others, especially in classes that involve questions, discussion, or participation. To protect a learning environment in which everyone feels free to experiment with ideas, we ask you refrain from recording in ways that could make others feel reluctant to ask questions, explore new ideas, or otherwise participate in class. Students must monitor their recording so that they do not include participation by other students without permission. Students with disabilities will continue to have appropriate accommodations for recordings as established by the Office of Accessibility Services.

Course Summary

All course assignments and texts with due dates are listed below. To be successful in this course, be sure to complete all required assignments and tests by the due date.