Download the entire syllabus by selecting the link: BIOL 100 Syllabus Fall 2023

or

Review important parts of the syllabus below:

Course Description:

In Introductory Biology, you will investigate five major topics and work to achieve the learning goal for each topic.

Nature of science

Understand the goal of science is to collect and analyze evidence to develop testable explanations and make predictions about natural phenomena.

Cells

Describe how cell structures and functions contribute to an organism’s maintenance and growth.

Genetics

Describe the process in which DNA codes for instructions for characteristics passed from parents to offspring.

Evolution

Explain how the mechanisms of evolution: mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection, can change the distribution of traits in populations over time demonstrating the unity and diversity of life.

Ecology

Investigate the interactions of abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems.

Course Content:

Grading Policy:

Your final grade will be calculated using a weighted average and the grading scale. 

• Late Submission Policy: Assignments that are submitted after the due date and time, will receive a 10% score deduction per day the assignment is late, no credit will be given for late work turned in five or more days past the due date. Lab quizzes and exams late submissions will not be accepted.
• Grade Dispute: Any grade dispute must be handled within one week of the return of the assessment.

Attendance Policy:

Success in this course depends on your active participation so your attendance is important to me. Below are specific details about the attendance policy:

• Students must attend the first class meeting. If a student cannot attend the first class meeting, they will notify the instructor via email no later than 24 hours prior to the first class meeting. Without prior notification, the student will be dropped from the class and a student from the waitlist will be admitted in their place.
• Students who are absent on the day of an exam will receive no credit for the exam UNLESS the reason for their absence is a documented college-approved reason AND I am contacted via email prior to the exam period. Failure to contact me prior to the exam period forfeits your make-up privilege.
• Students will not receive credit for a lab assignment if they are absent during the scheduled lab period.
• Students who are absent in excess of 10% of the total class hours are subject to being dropped from the course.
• Students are responsible for information missed due to absence. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to repeat information or make it available to a student in a manner not available to other students.

Important Notes:

• Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Learning Assistance authorization occurs after verification of a disability, which is required before any accommodation can be made. Students who do not have formal documentation but feel that they may have a disability are encouraged to visit the Learning Assistance Program website (https://www.hancockcollege.edu/lap/index.php) or call (805). 922-6966 Ext. 3274