Biology 109 Syllabus Fall 2020 - updated 8-26-20 PDF

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BIOLOGY 109 General Biology II Fall 2020 Department of Genetics, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology School of Biological and Chemical Sciences University of Missouri-Kansas City Instructor: Dr. Jess Magaña Office: Biological Sciences Building 190, (816) 235-2282 Email: [email protected] Response policy: within 24 hours Virtual office hours: Tues 9:00-10:00 am, Wed 1:00-2:00 pm, Fri 1:00-2:00 pm, or by appointment. Link through Canvas. SI Leaders and Schedule: Lauren Shaffer: [email protected] Sean Cassidy: [email protected]

Meeting Location and Time: Online, Synchronous. This class meets via Zoom (M)WF 12:00-12:50 pm. (Access the Zoom room through Canvas.) Credits: 3 credit hours Catalog number: 42408 Section: 0001

Monday 1:00-1:50 pm (online) Wednesday 11:00-11:50 am (hybrid)

Study Group Coordinator Brent Nolan: [email protected]

1. Course Description Fundamental studies in biology emphasizing the unity and diversity of life. Topics include prokaryotes, fungi, invertebrate-vertebrate zoology and phylogeny, human evolution, plant structure and development, animal development and physiology, ecology (population and ecosystems).

2. Course Details Instructional Mode: Online Synchronous Instruction Course attributes: All-digital class materials at significant savings; Focus B – Scientific Reasoning and Quant. Analysis; Supplemental Instructions offered on this Section. Course format: Lecture Required Prerequisites: Mastery of high school-level biology and chemistry course material is highly recommended.

3. Student Learning Outcomes Biology is an integrated study of living organisms from atomic interactions to global ecology. This is the second semester of a two-semester sequence covering a broad range of biological disciplines and areas. At the completion of the course students should be able to: • Demonstrate an understanding of prokaryotic diversity including the functional and structural adaptations that contribute to prokaryotic success.

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Explain how animals are organized and how this organization differs from that of plants, fungi, protists, and prokaryotes. Describe the relationship between plant structure and function, particularly as it applies to the processes of resource acquisition and transport in plants. Outline the structure and dynamics of an ecosystem and contrast the differences between nutrient cycling and energy flow in an ecosystem. Describe the basic principles of animal form and function especially as they relate to the various organ systems ad physiological processes in the human body.

4. Required Materials 4.1 Textbook Campbell Biology, 11th edition; Urry, L. et al.; Pearson Campbell’s Modified Mastering Biology, 11th edition; Pearson Remote response device: smart phone, laptop, or tablet (instructions below)

This course is part of our AutoAccess program designed to reduce the cost of course materials for students. You will be able to access the digital content for this course through Canvas on the first day of class automatically. Your student account will be charged for the cost of the digital course material. If you choose to opt out of the content, please do so by the deadline to receive a refund. You will be sent an AutoAccess Welcome Email that will provide charge amounts, the opt-out process, and any additional information needed for your AutoAccess course(s). If you have questions, call the UMKC Bookstore at 816-235-2665 or email [email protected].

4.2 Technological Requirements Class meetings can be accessed by any device with internet access and the Zoom app. Exams require a desktop computer or laptop computer (tablet computers are often incompatible with exam software) with a functional webcam and the Google Chrome browser.

5. Course Web Pages 5.1. Canvas https://online.umkc.edu/lms/ This is a password protected page. Use your UMKC SSO ID login and password. Use this site for access to course materials, announcements, and grades.

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5.2. Mastering Biology You will register through a link on the Canvas website. Instructions are provided on the course webpage in the Resources/Information block under “Mastering Biology Registration.”

6. Course Format 6.1. Online Synchronous This class will meet via Zoom from 12:00-12:50 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and some Mondays. Class time will not reiterate all information and concepts needed for exams; instead, class time will focus on difficult concepts. This course is designed to encourage the development of critical thinking and self-assessment and to provide a structured mechanism for self-directed learning, which is required in any college-level course. Learning resources include: • Textbook • Lecture slides with narrated explanations • In-class polls with discussion • Weekly homework assignments (basic knowledge) and problem sets (application) • Study guides and practice exams

6.2 Lab Enrollment in the Biology 109 laboratory (BIOL 109L) is not a requirement for this course. The lab is an entirely separate course; you must enroll in BIOL 109L separately if interested. Questions about lab schedule or content must be directed to the Lab Director.

6.3. Weekly Class Schedule •

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Mastering Biology (MB) assignment due Tuesdays at 11:59 pm. o These assignments cover the basic knowledge needed for the week’s lesson. Embedded within these assignments are interactive animations and video tutorials. MMB assignments are low-stake, graded assignments to assist students in learning the knowledge and comprehension component of the course. Answers to questions are provided immediately. Class Discussions Wednesdays and Fridays 12:00-12:50 pm o The focus of instructor class time will be to correct common misconceptions, to review in detail concepts students have traditionally struggled with, and to develop critical thinking skills such as application, analysis, and evaluation. Inclass polls will be used to assess understanding and guide the discussion toward the problem concepts. Problem Set due Fridays by 11:59 pm o These assignments focus on critical thinking skills for the previous week’s lesson. Corrected problem sets will be available after the assignment deadline. Forum Response due Fridays by 11:59 pm o Once per unit you will read, analyze, and respond to a published article made available through the Canvas site.

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7. Points Distribution 7.1 Standard Points Distribution • • • • • •

Mastering Biology (MB) assignments: 225 points (~11% of total) o 15 assignments, 15 points each Problem Sets: 300 points (15% of total) o 15 problem sets, 20 points each In-class polls: 100 points (5% of total) o 25 points per unit o Students may opt out Study Groups: 75 points (~4% of total) o 15 meetings, 5 points each Forum Responses: 100 points (5% of total) o One per unit, 25 points each Exams: 1200 points (60% of total) o Four unit exams, 240 points per exam o Final exam: 240 points

Total points: 2000

7.2 Opting Out of Polls Students may opt out of the in-class polls assignments. Opting out excuses the student from the polls assignment, effectively making the course asynchronous. Students would not be required to attend class Zoom sessions, but Zoom sessions will be recorded and posted on Canvas for later review if desired. The downside of opting out of in-class polls is that it becomes a little more important to do well on homework and exams, as these assignments now constitute a larger percentage of the final grade. The opt-out contract will be submitted through Canvas and is not reversible. Points distributions: Points

MB Problem Sets Polls Study Groups Forums Exams Total Points

% of Total Grade Polls 225 300 100 75 100 1200 2000

No Polls 225 300 0 75 100 1200 1900

MB Problem Sets Polls Study Groups Forums Exams Total %

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Polls 11.3% 15.0% 5.0% 3.8% 5.0% 60.0% 100%

No Polls 11.8% 15.8% 0.0% 3.9% 5.3% 63.2% 100%

8. Grading Scale The final grades are assigned according to the following ranges: Polls Total Points 1860 to 2000 1800 to 1858 1740 to 1798 1660 to 1738 1600 to 1658 1540 to 1598 1460 to 1538 1400 to 1458 1340 to 1398 1260 to 1338 1200 to 1258 0 to 1198

Percentage 93.0% to 100.0% 90.0% to 92.9% 87.0% to 89.9% 83.0% to 86.9% 80.0% to 82.9% 77.0% to 79.9% 73.0% to 76.9% 70.0% to 72.9% 67.0% to 69.9% 63.0% to 66.9% 60.0% to 62.9% 0.0% to 59.9%

Grade A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF

Percentage 93.0% to 100.0% 90.0% to 92.9% 87.0% to 89.9% 83.0% to 86.9% 80.0% to 82.9% 77.0% to 79.9% 73.0% to 76.9% 70.0% to 72.9% 67.0% to 69.9% 63.0% to 66.9% 60.0% to 62.9% 0.0% to 59.9%

Grade A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF

No Polls Total Points 1767 to 1900 1710 to 1765 1653 to 1708 1577 to 1651 1520 to 1575 1463 to 1518 1387 to 1461 1330 to 1385 1273 to 1328 1197 to 1271 1140 to 1195 0 to 1138

At the end of the semester, when final grades are calculated, your grade will be automatically rounded up to the next highest letter grade (e.g., B- to B) if your total points are within 10 points of the cut-off for that higher letter grade. No grade will be rounded down.

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9. Assignment Details 9.1. Mastering Biology Assignments Each week will begin with an MB assignment worth 15 points. Because questions in MB assignments require self-learning and cover knowledge and foundational material, scores are indicated immediately for each question upon submission. These assignments are due on Tuesdays by 11:59 pm with the exception of the first MB assignment, which has an extended deadline to allow any technical difficulties to be resolved. Every student may contact Dr. Magaña to have one MB deadline extended, no questions asked. Beyond this, late submissions will not be accepted.

9.2. Problem Sets Each week will conclude with a Problem Set worth 20 points, administered through the course web site. The assignments will have questions that primarily require application, analysis, and evaluation of material. These assignments are due on Fridays by 11:59 pm. Problem set scores are released after submission; correct answers will not be released until after the deadline. Every student may contact Dr. Magaña to have one Problem Set deadline extended, no questions asked. Beyond this, late submissions will not be accepted.

9.3. In-Class Polls Each class discussion will be guided by poll questions taken over Zoom. Polls are designed to make class discussion more effective by focusing on the most challenging concepts and to help you assess your own understanding. There will be no make-ups for absences, technical problems, connection issues, etc. No exceptions.

9.4. Study Groups To facilitate collaborative learning, students will meet once per week in a small group facilitated by an Undergraduate Learning Assistant. Students will be able to choose among several options for weekly meeting times. The instructor plans for at least one study group to be offered in a hybrid format, contingent on university guidelines on in-person instruction; this study group will comply with social distancing requirements. Grades are based on attendance and participation.

9.5. Forum Participation Understanding scientific concepts presented in popular media requires practice. This activity will be posted on the Canvas course site. One forum article and associated questions will be given per unit with each response worth 25 points.

9.6. Unit Exams There will be four unit exams worth 240 points each. Exams are 55 minutes. All exams will be given online and will be proctored using Proctorio. Exam procedures will be provided on Canvas, in class, and by email. Exams will occur during scheduled class times. It is important to begin the exam on time; if you begin late, you will not have the full time to take the exam. Accommodations for extended exam 6

times are granted only with accommodation letters issued by the Office of Student Disability Services. Alternate exam times are permitted only for excused absences with appropriate documentation and notification of the instructor at least 12 hours before the scheduled exam time. Correct answers for exam questions will be released after all students have taken the exam.

9.7. Final Exam A final comprehensive exam worth 240 points will be given during Final Examination Week and is required of all students. The final will not be rescheduled to accommodate personal travel plans or students having multiple exams on a given day (exception: students having more than three final exams scheduled on one day may submit a written request to the Office of the Dean of Biological Sciences to reschedule an exam). Carefully note the time of the final exam. Students will not be able to take the final exam at an alternate time due to missing the scheduled time. Students obtaining a score on the final greater than or equal to 168 (70%) may substitute their final exam grade for their lowest unit exam score. Exam score substitution will be governed by the following conditions: 1) only one unit exam score can be substituted with the final grade, 2) substitution will not be allowed to replace unexcused missed exams, 3) substitution will only be made if it is to the student’s advantage, and 4) if a student has an excused absence from a unit exam in which the final is used for the make-up (see above), the final will substitute for that exam only.

9.8 Exam Proctoring Exams in this course require the use of the Proctorio Learning Integrity Platform. Proctorio is an online, remote proctoring system that uses advanced machine learning and identity-verification technology to ensure test integrity. Taking assessments with Proctorio requires the use of the Google Chrome browser; you cannot use any other browser. You must have a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and a microphone; you cannot use a smartphone or tablet. You must have a stable internet to take the assessment. Please review Taking Proctorio Tests to ensure that your hardware and software meet the minimum requirements. If you do not have access to the minimum technology requirements, or have disabilities that require the use of a screen reader or keyboard navigation shortcuts, please inform your instructor at the beginning of the semester. You will have an opportunity to take a practice assessment with Proctorio before you take a graded assessment. You should do this ahead of your first real assessment with Proctorio, as required adjustments may take a few minutes and take valuable assessment time. Please be aware that: • You, your computer, and physical test-taking environment may be recorded. • As you may be recorded, please dress appropriately. • You will be required to show a picture ID to the camera.

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You will need a quiet place to take the assessment -- both for your concentration and as interruptions (voices, another person on camera) may be flagged for potential cheating.

If you have concerns about your privacy or data security, please see Proctorio’s statement on Personal Data Protections. See the Taking Proctorio Tests page in the Keep Learning website to learn how to: • install the Proctorio extension for Chrome; • set up your assessment environment; and • complete the pre-assessment checks. Specific exam procedures will be available on Canvas and by email before exams.

10. Interacting with Others Everyone involved in this course is part of a supportive community working together to learn the foundational biological concepts that will support your future education, careers, and choices as scientifically literate citizens. When interacting with other students, Undergraduate Learning Assistants, Supplemental Instruction leaders, and the professor, please be respectful and polite. Avoid the use of offensive language, personal attacks, interrupting a speaker, and other behaviors that make class difficult or stressful. Such behaviors will be addressed on a case by case basis; potential consequences include being removed from a Zoom meeting, meeting with the professor to discuss the incident, or being reported to UMKC’s Title IX office. If you have concerns, please discuss them with Dr. Magaña.

11. Additional Student Resources 11.1. Supplemental Instruction The class is supported by Supplemental Instruction (SI) from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction. SI sessions are regularly-scheduled out of class review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. The sessions are facilitated by experienced students who have been successful in the course. SI sessions are listed below. They are free, and students can attend as many sessions as their schedules permit. For more information please contact the SI Coordinator, Ms. Jessica Elam, at [email protected]. Session Times and Locations: Monday 1:00-1:50 pm (online) Wednesday 11:00-11:50 am (in person/hybrid)

11.2. Tutoring Free tutoring provided by UMKC Tutoring is available via Zoom. You can schedule an appointment or attend drop-in times through UMKC Connect. More info is available at https://www.umkc.edu/asm/mast/index.asp.

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11.3. COVID-19 For up-to-date information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit this page: https://www.umkc.edu/news/coronavirus.html. To seek COVID-19-realted academic accommodations, contact Scott Laurent at (816) 235-5696 or [email protected].

11.4 COVID-19 Academic Accommodations If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, are required to self-isolate because you may have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or are at high-risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you should seek academic accommodations. Those at high-risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are people: aged 65 years and older, or living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, or with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, or who have serious heart conditions, or who are immunocompromised, or with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40), or with diabetes, or with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis or people with liver disease. It is especially important to seek accommodations if any of these conditions are not well controlled. Student Disability Services requires medical documentation of the condition and recommendations for accommodations from a qualified medical professional. Once you have the documentation please contact Scott Laurent at (816) 235-5696 or by email at [email protected]. We will then schedule a Zoom meeting to complete the accommodation plan.

12. Questions, Comments, Concerns 12.1. Questions about Grading Questions regarding grading should be submitted in writing within three days following posting of grades. Indicate the exam question you wish to have re-graded, and explain your reasoning.

12.2. Grade Appeal Policy Students are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled. The establishment of the criteria for grades and the evaluation of student academic performance are the responsibilities of the instructor. The University grade appeal procedure is available only for the review of allegedly capricious grading and not for review of the instructor's evaluation of the student's academic performance. Capricious grading, as that term is used here, comprises any of the following: • The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than the performance in the course; • The assignment of a grade to a particular student according to more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the course; (Note: Additional or different grading criteria may be applied to graduate students enrolled for graduate credit in 300‐ and 400‐level courses.) • The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor's previously announced standards.