BIOL 11 Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus
 Edit
BIOL 11:  Introductory Biology I
The Pennsylvania State University
Eberly College of Science/World Campus
3 credits (units), GN
Instructor: Jennifer Gruber MS, ABD PhD
Jag60@psu.edu and in Canvas Inbox
Please feel free to ask questions at any time by Canvas Inbox email, or give
comments (the good, the bad and even the ugly are welcome!).  I welcome any
input so as to make this a fun, educational experience for all of us.  I can’t read
minds—please tell me what’s on yours!  I can be reached 24/7 by the 2 email
addresses above.  You may also contact your classmates through Canvas Inbox
and through Canvas Module Week 1 Ask the Class discussion forum. You can
also access the WC Student Center https://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/Links to
an external site.
Catalog Description:
BIOL 11: Introductory Biology I (3): An evolutionary approach to biology, for non-
majors in biology-related fields. Stresses biodiversity, ecology, genetics, and
molecular biology.

An introduction to fundamental biological topics (including cells, energy
transduction, genetics, evolution, organismal structure/function, ecology) for non-
majors biology-related fields.

BIOL 011 Introductory Biology I (3) (GN)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of
Arts degree requirements.
The twelve primary topic areas within Biology 11 are:
•        An introduction to major themes within the course, defining life, and how
natural selection operates through differential reproduction.
•        All organisms are composed of matter and must obey the laws of chemistry - a
review of basic chemical principles, the study of water and carbon-based
macromolecules, the building blocks of organisms.
•        The cell is the fundamental unit of life - a detailed study of the structure and
function of eukaryotic cells.

•        Organisms require energy to maintain organization - an exploration of the
processes of photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into chemical bond
energy, and cellular respiration, the production of ATP.
•        All cells arise from previously existing cells - a discussion of mitosis and
meiosis.
•        Genes carry information between generations - an examination of the
principles of Mendelian genetics and their application to human disorders. The
structure of DNA, how it codes for information in proteins, and the effect of
mutations are explored.
•        This history of life on earth, a discussion of the role of natural selection in
populations and speciation.
•        Plants are the only multicellular eukaryotes that photosynthesize - an inquiry
into their evolution, function, structure, reproduction and response to the
environment.
•        Animals are multicellular eukaryotes that must acquire their energy/nutrients
from other organisms - an exploration of the basics of the animal body plan and
two human organ systems.
•        Organisms must interact with their environment - a discussion of energy flows
and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, as well as ecosystem distributions.
•        Interactions among communities of species can be complex and these
relationships will be investigated.
•        Humans have an increasing impact on the environment, affecting all aspects of
the world in which we live - an examination of human activities and solutions to
environmental damage we have caused.
The target audience is students who are majoring in biology-related fields, such as
some of Agriculture (not biology majors). This serves as a foundation course for
students who require a solid grounding in the fundamentals of biology before
taking more advanced courses in their major. The course will serve as breadth
course in biology for non-science majors, fulfilling a three-credit GN requirement.
  Prerequisites:
None.
Required Text:
None.  I will provide all materials in Canvas, that are needed to be successful in
this course.  You provide a reliable internet connection, time management skills
and a healthy curiosity and dedication to this class!
Technical Specifications:

 Reliable web access is required in order to complete this course. All
communications should utilize your PSU email address and Inbox in
Canvas.  Please do not use incompatible software with Canvas---
Canvas no longer supports Internet Explorer. Please use the latest version of one
of the supported browsers listed below:
•        Chrome
•        Firefox
•        Edge
•        Safari
For more information, please refer to the following Canvas community article
Note:  Honorlock will only work with Chrome.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact
the World Campus HelpDesk.
Course Objectives:
By the time you complete this course, you should have learned about the
following:
•        the role of natural selection, which shapes organisms in response to
their environment through differential reproduction
•         the mechanisms of inheritance, and how DNA encodes the genetic
information for all living organisms
•         the chemical basis of life, the origin of life on Earth, the structure and
function of the two basic types of cells, and how cells utilize energy
•         the fundamentals of plant biology, including plant structure,
response, and reproduction
•         the basic organization of the animal body, with a focus on the
digestive and reproductive systems
•        how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and
how human activities have modified the environment for other
organisms
Methods of Instruction:
BIOL 11 will consist of online commentary and interactivity, links and visuals,
short YouTubes, documentaries, Canvas discussions, and online quizzes
(assessments).
Grading Information:
•        Discussion forums ---where you will post your thoughts and then
reply to those of other group members, if required
•        Online activities ---includes commenting on/participating in website
animations, YouTubes, documentaries

•        Quizzes/other assessments ---all of these are untimed and can be
completed in Canvas
•        No Exams!
•        All graded assessment deadlines are in Canvas Calendar and are also
posted in the Canvas Modules.
•        Your grades are accessible 24/7 in Canvas, and will follow this
conversion:
A  92-100%
A-  90-91.9%
B+  88-89.9%
B   82-87.9%
B-  80-81.9%
C+  78-79.9%
C   70-77.9%
D  60-69.9%
F below 60%
Please Note:  This course may require you to take assessments using
certain proctoring software that uses your computer’s webcam or other
technology to monitor and/or record your activity while completing
assessments in this class. We will be using Honorlock and TurnItIn
when appropriate in this course.
•        This course may require you to take exams using certain proctoring
software that uses your computer's webcam or other technology to
monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring
software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen,
viewing you and your surroundings, recording and storing any and all
activity (including visual and audio recordings) during the proctoring
process. By enrolling in this course, you have consented to the use of
the proctoring software selected by your instructor, including but not
limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded.
You will need to use one of the compatible operating systems which are
listed in Honorlock's Minimum Requirements tableLinks to an external
site.. Additionally, you will need to use Chrome and download
the Honorlock Chrome ExtensionLinks to an external site.. You may
also review Penn State's statement on privacy in online proctoringLinks
to an external site.. Please contact your instructor with any questions.

Honorlock support is available 24/7/365. If you encounter any technical
issues, you may contact them through live chat on the support
pageLinks to an external site. or within the exam itself. Some additional
guides you should review are the Student FAQLinks to an external
site., Honorlock Knowledge BaseLinks to an external site., and How to
Use HonorlockLinks to an external site..
•        Google Chrome is the only supported browser for Honorlock.
•        If you have questions about your Penn State account, please reach
out to honorlock@psu.edu
Get Started
•        Student TutorialLinks to an external site.
 (video, 2m, 31s)
•        Minimum System RequirementsLinks to an external site.
•        Install the Honorlock ExtensionLinks to an external site. (Google
Chrome)
•        Student FAQLinks to an external site.
NOTE: If you have an extension from another proctoring platform (e.g., Examity)
installed in your Chrome browser, you must remove it before you can use
Honorlock. Both extensions cannot co-exist.
•        Honorlock: User Support InformationLinks to an external site.
Attendance:  There is no formal attendance policy.  Per Penn State, you need to
access your Canvas class and post at least once a week for attendance, financial
aid etc. purposes.
Discussion Forums:   You will be expected to participate in discussions with your
peers. There are 15 participation points available for each discussion prompt. The
quality of your participation will determine how many points you earn.  If you fully
answer the questions posted, in an original post with no quotes or copy and
paste, then you will earn 15 pts.  If the DF requires you to make 2 substantial
replies to your classmates’ posts, then you will earn 4 pts each (8 pts total) and 7
pts for your original post for a total of 8 + 7 = 15 pts for each discussion
forum.  Upon submission of each graded assessment in this course, you are
agreeing to abide by Penn State’s Academic Integrity policy. Please be advised
that plagiarism software may be used (Turnitin.com). Due date for your
discussion forum post is Monday 11:59p Eastern Time.  Please see the Canvas
Calendar. Please note: You may incur a 50% late penalty if you submit an
assessment up to one week after the due date. The assessment closes one week
after the due date. You will earn 0% if you do not submit an assessment.  If you
run into any difficulties, please email me in Canvas Inbox asap.

 Weekly Assessments:  You will be expected to participate in assessments on a
weekly basis. These short assessments are to help you understand and apply the
material being learned that week.  You have one chance to take each untimed
assessment before the weekly deadline of Monday 11:59p Eastern Time. Upon
submission of your completed assessment, it will be automatically graded or
graded shortly after the due date. You cannot resubmit for any reason.  Penn
State’s Academic Integrity policy is in full effect whenever you submit any graded
assessment.  Please be advised that plagiarism software may be used
(Turnitin.com), as well as proctoring with Honorlock.  Due dates are Mondays
11:59p Eastern Time.  Please see the Canvas Calendar. Please note:  You may
incur a 50% late penalty if you submit an assessment up to one week after the
due date.  The assessments close one week after the due date.  You will earn 0%
if you do not submit an assessment.  If you run into any difficulties, please email
me in Canvas Inbox asap.
ALL materials in this course are the property of Penn State and the Biology
Department. Posting any information from this Canvas course site is a copywrite
infringement and an academic integrity violation. Legal measures will be taken,
and academic integrity charges will be leveraged against any student who is
found posting course information to study sites or social media platforms.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and
responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all
academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the
University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle.
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic IntegrityLinks to an external site.,
an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted
violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to
advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor
tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own,
using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not
assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your
instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another
person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as
ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated
information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share
instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should
ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from
the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic
IntegrityLinks to an external site.). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed,
and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course
deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations

face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy
for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail
elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from
their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational
programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities.
Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contact information for
every Penn State campus Links to an external
site.(http://equity.psu.edu/sdr/disability-coordinator). For further information, please
visit Student Disability Resources websiteLinks to an external site.
(http://equity.psu.edu/sdr/).
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must
contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are
officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation:
See documentation guidelinesLinks to an external site.
(http://equity.psu.edu/sdr/guidelines). If the documentation supports your request
for reasonable accommodations, your campus disability services office will
provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your
instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early as possible. You
must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES STATEMENT
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological
needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or
emotional wellbeing. The university offers a variety of confidential services to
help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis
intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These
services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a
philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and
sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS)Links to an
external site. (http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/): 814-863-0395 Counseling
and Psychological Services at Commonwealth Campuses Links to an external
site.(https://senate.psu.edu/faculty/counseling-services-at-commonwealth-campuses/)
Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 877-229-6400 Crisis Text Line (24
hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741
EDUCATIONAL EQUITY/REPORT BIAS STATEMENT Penn State University has
adopted a “Protocol for Responding to Bias Motivated IncidentsLinks to an
external site. (http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/reports/protocol-for-responding-to-

bias-motivated-incidents)” that is grounded in the policy that the “University is
committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance
directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an
environment that fosters respect for others.” That policy is embedded within an
institution traditionally committed to academic freedomLinks to an external site.
(https://guru.psu.edu/policies/OHR/hr64.html) Bias motivated incidents include
conduct that is defined in University Policy AD 91: Discrimination and
Harassment, and Related Inappropriate ConductLinks to an external site.
(https://guru.psu.edu/policies/ad91.html). Students, faculty, or staff who experience
or witness a possible bias motivated incident are urged to report the incident
immediately by doing one of the following: · Submit a report via the Report Bias
webpageLinks to an external site. (http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/)
· Contact one of the following offices:
University Police Services, University Park: 814-863-1111 Multicultural Resource
Center, Diversity Advocate for Students: 814-865-1773 Office of the Vice Provost
for Educational Equity: 814-865-5906 Office of the Vice President for Student
Affairs: 814-865-0909 Affirmative Action Office: 814-863-0471
Dial 911 in cases where physical injury has occurred or is imminent.
This course discusses how we are alive and how we live together with others and with
other living things.  Everyone's opinion matters! I reserve the right to monitor all
communications in this class in order to maintain a respectful dialogue.
  Thank you for choosing Introductory Biology I as your GN course or required
major course!  I hope you enjoy the journey!
WE ARE!!!!!
*Professor Gruber

 BIOL 11 COURSE OUTLINE
Subject to change
Specifics are in Canvas Calendar and Canvas Modules

WEEK                                                             TOPIC

1                                                               Course Orientation; What is Biology?
2                                                               Evolution Based on Scientific Fact
3                                                               The Chemistry of Life
4                                                               The Biochemistry of Life
5                                                               Cells: The Smallest Unit of Life
6                                                               Energy of Life
7                                                               How Cells Divide-Binary Fission/Mitosis
8                                                               How Cells Divide--Meiosis
9                                                               Punnet Squares Explain Heredity
10                                                             The Central Dogma of Biology
11                                                             Natural Selection
12                                                             Some Plant Biology
13                                                             Animals:  Human Digestive System
14                                                             Animals:  Human Reproductive System
15                                                             How We All Live Together
16                                                             NO FINAL EXAM during finals week