1. Instructor Information
Name: Rosemary Richardson
Office Location: S-340I
e-mail: rrichard@bellevuecollege.edu

Office Hours: Thursday 10:30 - 11:20 and 12:30 - 1:20

I am also available by appointment and/or by e-mail.

Biology 211 A, B and C website: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/rkr/biology211/biology211.html
Bellevue College's Life Science Program: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/lifesci/
Bellevue College's Science Division: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/
Bellevue Community College: http://bellevuecollege.edu/

2. Topics Covered
The three-quarter 211-212-213 sequence of introductory biology is designed for students preparing for science-intensive professions and for those who plan to have science majors requiring more advanced biology courses. The 200-level biology series studies plant and animal cellular structure, metabolism, inheritance, molecular genetics, gene regulation, comparative anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, diversity of organisms, evolution of species and groups of organisms, and ecology and conservation biology. This series includes an extensive laboratory component. Biology 211 is a prerequisite for both Biology 212 and 213. Biology 212 and 213 can be taken concurrently.

Biology 211 meets Bellevue College's General Education Outcome #16, Nature of Science, and General Education Outcome #17, Science and the Natural World, with ratings of "2". See the Bellevue College Catalog for more information on General Education requirements.

Topics included in Biology 211 are cell biology: structure, function, reproduction and metabolism; molecular genetics, inheritance, and genetic control of organisms. Details of subjects covered are listed on the course syllabus/calendar. The course calendar, lecture notes and laboratory exercises for Biology 211 are posted on the Biology 211 Internet site.

3. Required Materials:

1. Textbook: Biology, 8^th Edition, by Campbell, Reece et al; Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, Inc., Publisher
   
2. Biology 211 Laboratory Exercises - To be downloaded from the Biology 211 Lab Exercises Website
   
3. Package of Scan-Tron cards for exams

4. Class Preparation
It is your responsibility to read the syllabus/calendar and prepare in advance for all course materials. You are expected to read the assigned textbook and laboratory material before each topic is discussed. You should reread the material following lecture and classroom discussions to coordinate text materials with the classroom presentations.

The course syllabus/calendar may need revising during the quarter. Any revisions to the course syllabus/calendar will be announced in class. You will be responsible for any revisions even if you are absent at the time of announced changes, or for some reason, fail to note the revision at the time it is announced.

The course calendar lists references with links to lecture notes, supplemental lab materials and other course information. Syllabus updates are usually, but not always, posted on the course calendar.

Please note that all assignments and papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers are not accepted and receive no credit. If you anticipate being late to class, turn your assignment in early in the Science Division Office, L-200.

5. Attendance
Class attendance is expected. It is difficult to do well in any subject without attending class, and lecture and laboratory materials are essential for the exams. You are responsible for knowing class materials whether you attend class or not. You are also responsible for any announcements, including assignments, and/or changes in the syllabus, including exam dates or assignment due dates whether you have been attending class or not, or if for some reason, fail to note a change at the time it is announced. The course calendar may be updated (when the instructor has time) when course modifications are required. It is important that you notify me if you are unable to attend class.

6. Study Groups
It is valuable to form a study group with two or three other students. A good study group helps each of you learn the course materials more effectively as you collectively work with the pieces given in class to build a complete picture of the subject. Open hours for the Science Study Center, located in S-114, are posted on the Science Study Center website.

7. Laboratory Activities
Laboratory activities are an important part of this course and should be taken seriously. Since laboratory time is limited, it is essential that you come prepared for each laboratory, having read and understood the activities to be conducted during the laboratory period. You must work safely and efficiently in the lab. Often you will work with a partner or in groups. Report injuries, potential or actual hazards or accidents immediately to your instructor.

The laboratory exercises are available in pdf on the Biology 211 Lab Exercises Website You are responsible for downloading the files and bringing a copy of the laboratory exercise(s) to class.

8. Examinations
Four unit exams and a comprehensive final exam are scheduled for this term. Exams cover all course materials. Exams include objective, short answer and essay questions as well as a visual recognition and interpretation component. You will need to bring a scan-tron card and a soft lead pencil to each exam. (Both can be purchased in the Bellevue College bookstore.)

The anticipated exam dates are listed in the course syllabus/calendar. Any changes in exam dates will be announced, in class, in advance. You must take the exams at the scheduled time. If you have a conflict with the scheduled exam time, you may be able to take the exam earlier at the discretion of your instructor. No make-up exams will be given.

If you have an extenuating circumstance for missing an exam, you must discuss the situation with the instructor prior to the exam time, or if a documented emergency situation, as soon as possible. The instructor may, at her discretion, use the final exam score as a "makeĞup" exam for the missed exam. Missing an exam will seriously affect your course grade. Any extenuating circumstance must be documented in writing (physicianÕs statement, accident report, day care center policy, verification of loss, etc.) and approved by the instructor.

Graded exams are provided to students for learning and evaluation after each exam. All exams are to be returned on the final exam day to the instructor. All course materials provided to students, including exams, are the work of the instructor. Making copies of exams and sharing exams with others is a form of cheating.

If you are doing a report or assignment as a group project, it is in your interest to have a duplicate available to submit should the designated group member misses class.

9. Assignments and Laboratory Reports
All assignments and reports are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers are not accepted and receive no credit. If your paper is more than one page in length, you must staple the pages together. Pages held together with folded edges or paper clips will not be graded. If you are using paper from a spiral-bound notebook, please remove the spiral edges before turning in your paper. Assignments and reports are to be word-processed unless otherwise noted at the time the assignment is given.

Due dates for assignments, projects and laboratory reports are announced in class on the day the report or assignment is given. Credit earned for assignments and lab reports will be added to the total course point total. You are responsible for assignments even if you do not attend class on the day an assignment is announced, or for some reason, fail to note the assignment at the time it is announced. If you anticipate being late to class on the day an assignment is due, you should turn your assignment in early in the Science Office, L-200.

If you are doing a report or assignment as a group project, it is in your interest to have a duplicate available to submit should the designated group member miss class.

1. Laboratory Reports You will submit a number of lab reports during the term. Laboratory report requirements and due dates will be announced during the laboratory period and posted on the class assignment website following the laboratory period. Laboratory reports may be submitted individually or by lab groups. When group reports are expected, it will be noted at the time of the assignment.

2. Group Assignments
   You may have group assignments on which members of the group work collaboratively. Each member of the group may receive a common score on the project or an individual score depending on his/her contribution to the assignment's completion. Group members will be consulted when there are questions about participation. A collaborative assignment means that one comprehensive report/project is turned in. Although each member uniquely contributes to the whole, the project is not a sequential compilation of each individual's component part. For example, a laboratory report should not just be each group member's "contribution" stapled together. All members of the group are collectively responsible for ensuring that the paper or project is turned in on time. It is in the group's interest to have a copy available to turn in if the designated person fails to attend class or is late to class on the due date. Group members, with the concurrence of the instructor, may submit individual reports..

3. Term Project
   A portion of the Biology 211 course materials addresses molecular genetics, a field of study that has the potential to impact our lives in many ways. You may be assigned a term project in molecular genetics identifying an issue you select, the status of research on this issue and the potential impacts of this research on life. It is acceptable for this assignment to discuss both science and ethics, and you may include your own opinions when substantiated by your research.

4. Additional Assignments and Projects
   Just in case you aren't busy enough, you may be given additional assignments to complete and turn in during the quarter. Credit received for such assignments will be added to the total course point total. You are responsible for assignments even if you do not attend class on the day an assignment is announced, or for some reason, fail to note the assignment at the time it is announced.

10. Quizzes

General Quizzes
may be given during the quarter on specific subject areas of biology, including review topics from prerequisite courses to help you identify those areas from classes previously taken that need review. Quizzes not listed on the syllabus will be announced in class prior to the day given. Credit earned on these quizzes will be a formal part of the course point total. There will be no makeĞups for quizzes. If you are absent or unable to take the quiz, you will receive a zero (0) for the quiz.

Laboratory Preparation Quizzes
Laboratory preparation quizzes may be given at the beginning of the laboratory based on the lab to be completed that day. Credit for pre-lab quizzes is a part of your course grade. Credit is given for the lab quiz only when you also complete the laboratory exercise. If you leave lab before the completion of the exercise you will receive a zero (0) for the quiz for that lab, no matter how well you did on the quiz

Quizlets
Occasionally you may have the opportunity to take quizlets. Credit received on quizlets will be added to your total course grade as bonus points. Quizlet topics may come from all areas of your Biology 211 experience or elsewhere. Quizlets are not announced in advance. If you are absent or unable to take the quizlet you will receive a zero (0) for the quizlet. Points earned on quizlets are added to your course point total and will benefit your grade.

11. Grading
Your grade will be determined at the end of the quarter as a percentage of the total points possible on exams, writing assignment(s), lab reports, quizzes, and any additional assignments and projects that may be required. Grades of borderline students are carefully evaluated at the end of the term before the course grades are submitted. Factors such as final exam score, class participation, missed assignments and attendance may be considered in the borderline grade evaluation.

The Grading scale is:

A	4.0	95% or higher of total points possible
A-	3.7	90-94% of total points possible
B+	3.3	87-89% of total points possible
B	3.0	83-86% of total points possible
B-	2.7	80-82% of total points possible
C+	2.3	77-79% of total points possible
C	2.0	73-76% of total points possible
C-	1.7	70-72% of total points possible
D+	1.3	66-69% of total points possible
D	1.0	60-65% of total points possible
F	.	Less than 60% of total points possible

12. Course Grade Information
Your Biology 211 course grade is computed on a spreadsheet. A copy of the grade spreadsheet is posted on the class website so you can track your progress in the course. It also allows you to verify that your scores have been recorded correctly. The grades spreadsheet is updated after each exam. The spreadsheet uses a code to identify each student. You may choose a code (a combination of any 4 keyboard characters) to be used on the spreadsheet.

The spreadsheet displays percentage scores rounded to whole numbers. The final letter grade does not round up so there can be minor discrepancies in the spreadsheet display relative to the actual percentage score and grade earned.

13. Special Needs (Special needs syllabus information included at Disability Resource Center's request.)
If you need course modifications, adaptations or accommodations you should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) staff, room B-132 (425) 564-2498 or TTY (425) 564-4110), to establish eligibility for accommodation. Disability resource information is also available on the DRC Website. The DRC provides eligible students with an accommodation letter. Please make an appointment with your instructor the first week of the quarter to discuss accommodation needs.

If you have medical information that your instructor should be aware of, or might need assistance during an emergency situation or evacuation, please let your instructor know.

14. Class Expectations and Assumptions
Assumptions your instructor makes about you:

• You have made an informed choice to be a member of this class.
• You will read the syllabus and are aware of the workload required.
• You will be able to spend between two and three hours outside of class on your own (reading, studying, making notes, working on assignments, etc.) for each class hour.
• You will do the required readings for this course. This may mean reading something more than once so that you can fully understand it.

Assumptions you can make about your instructor:

• It is my responsibility to determine the material and amount of expected work in this course.
• I will give you the respect and trust that I ask you to give me and other members of the class.
• I will do my best to help you, but I cannot learn the course material for you.
• I will encourage and be receptive to constructive comments about my teaching.

Assumptions we share as members of the Bellevue Community College community:

• We commit to maintaining an environment in which all of us, from our many different backgrounds, feel welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and discrimination.
• We treat each other with dignity and respect.
• We follow college policies, rules and regulations.
• While participating in college activities, we exhibit and practice civility, including:
  • Communicating in a professional and courteous manner
  • Taking responsibility for our individual and group choices and actions
  • Accepting consequences of our inappropriate choices and actions

Students who disrupt the educational process may be asked to leave the classroom and/or be reported to the Dean of Student Services for possible disciplinary action.

15. Bellevue Community College Science Division Policy on Cheating
Cheating is not tolerated in this class. You are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. When you cheat, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on tests or homework, glimpsing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, stealing, plagiarizing, giving or receiving help on exams or assignments or writing false information on reports or assignments. If you cheat the following actions may be taken:

1. You will receive a grade of 0 on the exam, lab, quiz, etc., where evidence of cheating has been demonstrated. This grade cannot be dropped.
2. A report of the incident will be sent to the Dean of Student Services. He/she may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college.

If you feel you have been unfairly accused of cheating, you may appeal. (For a description of due process procedures see WAC 132H—120, copies of which are available in the Student Body Government Office)

Note: If you are involved in more than one cheating incident in this class, you will be given a "F" grade for the course no matter how well you have performed on the other course components.

16. Waitlist and Blue Cards
Bellevue College uses a waitlist for students who wish to take a class that is already at capacity at the time of their registration date. From the date of registration through the third day of the quarter, if there is a withdrawal, students from the waitlist are automatically enrolled in the class in the order in which they registered for the waitlist. Students are notified via e-mail and must officially register within the time frame given or they lose their spot in the class. The instructor has no "input" in this process.

For Fall 2009, from September 24 - October 2, no student will be enrolled into any class without a permission (blue) card. Blue cards are provided exclusively at the discretion of the instructor. Consideration for blue card admissions will be done by the instructor on an individual basis, but in no case will blue cards be distributed to students who have not been attending class and doing the course activities from the first day of the term. Science laboratory class size is limited by the number of laboratory stations; overloading laboratory classes creates potential safety issues.

17. Withdrawal From the Course
Withdrawal from a course is the termination of the student's registration in that course. You must complete an official withdrawal form to withdraw. Fall 2009, withdrawal is permitted through November 6 in person (by 5:00 pm PST), or November 8 online (by noon PST). Students who withdraw will have a "W" posted on their transcript. Students enrolled after that date will be graded. If you stop coming to class and do not complete the course, you will receive an "F" at the end of the quarter. If an extraordinary situation arises after the withdrawal deadline that prevents the student from completing the course, a grade of "HW" (hardship withdrawal) may be given at the discretion of the instructor.

18. Anticipated Course Syllabus
Please see the Course Calendar for a class schedule that includes links to course lecture notes, laboratory exercises and assignments. Note: Clicking on the Calendar link takes you out of this page. Use your browser's back button to return to this course information page.