Welcome to Metropolitan Community College

Class Syllabus 2016/Spring

CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE: Genetics
PREFIX/SECTION: 16/SP_BIOS_2050_WW
CREDIT HOURS: 4.5
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: 03/09/17-05/24/17
WX CENSUS DATE: 03/22/17
LAST DROP DATE: 05/10/17
CLASS LOCATION: Online through BLACKBOARD at http://Blackboard.mccneb.edu/

CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME: James Buescher
OFFICE TELEPHONE: 531-622-8731
TOLL-FREE 1-800-228-9553 (Use only during instructor's MCC office hours. Identify
NUMBER: yourself as a student and give the operator your instructor's office number.)

EMAIL ADDRESS: jbuescher@mccneb.edu

ACADEMIC AREA: Natural Sciences

COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Understanding many of the advances taking place in biology and medicine requires a good
understanding of genetics. This course discusses both classical and modern genetics.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:
College-level reading, writing, and math proficiency; and BIOS 1010 or equivalent

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of the two types of cell division in multicellular
organisms.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Mendelian genetics in the transmission of
hereditary information from one generation to the next.
3. Describe how the molecular structure of genetic material governs the patterns of variation seen
within organisms.
4. Evaluate the social consequences of biotechnology and human manipulation of genetic material.
5. Apply concepts of genetics to the evolutionary process.

REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:

Textbook and other print materials can be purchased through the South Omaha Campus bookstore.

Online: http://shop.efollett.com/htmlroot/storehome/metropolitancommunitycollege141.html You might verify

the text title, edition, and other bookstore items at www.mccneb.edu/bookstore.asp?Theme=2/. You might also refer to
the MCC Textbook Exchange at www.mccneb.edu/bookexch/ or to OnTheHub at www.onthehub.com for
free and discounted academic software specifically for MCC students, faculty, and staff.
Textbook: Concepts of Genetics, 11/E, 2015 (You have an option to use the older 10th edition of
the text book due to minor changes in the new edition 11th.)
Authors: William S. Klug, Michael R. Cummings, Charlotte A. Spencer, and Michael A.
Palladino Publisher: Benjamin Cummings: Pearson
Optional: Mastering Genetics Access code is required to access publisher materials online.
You have an online text book as etext and study area (which includes animation, practice test,
web resources, etc.)

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS: The computer you use for MCC online courses must be able to
run one of the Blackboard-compatible web browsers listed on the Browser Support Page:
http://www.mccneb.edu/online/browsers.asp.

Recommended PC Requirements:
at least a Pentium class processor 100Mhz or higher
32MB or more memory (RAM)
28.8 kbps or faster modem
Windows 95,98,NT,2000 or XP
Additionally you must be able to do the following:
Use a web browser and internet search engines.
Save and back up files to a local drive.
Transmit files (written assignments) over the internet to your instructor.

SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Metropolitan Community College uses

Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do the same. You
may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format.
If your software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf). I cannot
accept WordPerfect files.

CLASS STRUCTURE: This course involves completion of on-line exams, Learning Activities,
Discussion Forums, Concept Papers, and a Final Project. It is important you keep up with the
assignments. In case of emergency, contact the instructor immediately before the due date.

RESPONSE TIME: Faculty will respond within 48 hours, Monday through Friday, to student
emails concerning course content, learning activities, and private matters appropriate for discussion
within the teacher-student relationship. Posting of feedback and grades for major assignments is
addressed under Assessment of Student Work.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK

Citations and references: All written assignments should have appropriate citations within the
writing part and a list of references at the end. In academic references, Wikipedia should not be
used. If you use Encyclopedia or dictionaries, they are not counted as references. Please go the
following link if you need help with your resources:
http://www.apastyle.org/learn/quick-guide-on-references.aspx

TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

o Quiz and final comprehensive exam:

10 module/weekly quizzes (multiple choice questions) will be completed on-line. Dates and
times of exam availability are listed in the Course Schedule. Exams are expected to be
completed during the specified times.
 You will be able to view your results after the exam has closed for all students
Each quiz is for 10 points (weeks 1-10) and you are given 30 minutes to complete it.
During Module/week 11, you will complete a final comprehensive exam with 25 multiple
choice questions (25 points) and you will have one hour and 15 minutes to complete it.
You will be given one question at a time and you do not have the option to save or
back track the pages.
Total Points for quiz 10X10=100
Total Points for Final Comprehensive Exam 25 points. The Final Exam will be open
during Module 11 and it will close one day prior to the last day of the course.
o Discussion and Participation/ Learning Activities this is where you will interact
with others in the course.
The Discussion posting to be completed is found within the Module/Weeks tab
Due dates are listed in the Course Schedule
Each Discussion Forum is worth 20 points
Total Points 10X20=200

Read the questions & respond appropriately. Your responses should be between 50-75 words. You
are expected to add references to your posting, including your text book. Submit your responses
under each specific thread and in addition respond the postings from your peers and the instructor.
During each module/week, you are expected to respond to all 4 DQ (discussion points) and post 1
other post responding to your peers (participation points). In each module/week, you will be
submitting total of 5 posts under this forum. Do not submit your response as attachment. Remember
to do grammar and spell check prior to posting. You have an opportunity to earn 20 points per
week (4 points for each post including a point for the reference). Responses which do not meet
the requirement will not be counted towards grading purposes. Late submissions are not accepted.

Concept Papers You are required to complete 10 short (Each paper should be two pages
full in length) papers on genetic topics. See Concept Papers Instruction within the
Concept Papers folder found on the Lessons tab for further description.
o These are to be submitted in the appropriate drop box for each Concept Paper
o Due dates are listed in the Course Schedule
o Each Concept paper is worth 10 points
o Total Points 10X10=100 points
Final Project Paper - You are required to complete one 5-8 pages paper (which does not
include the title page and reference page) on a genetic topic of your choice.
o Get your topic approved during module/week 5.
o This is to be submitted in the Final Project Paper drop box
o The due date is listed in the Course Schedule (during module/week 10)
o This is worth 25 points
Total Overall Points=450 points

NOTE: All items (except discussion posts) are submitted through the drop box corresponding
to each assignment. This will enable instant grade recording and will allow you to know at any
time what your grade is. Your writing should follow APA sample paper format, excluding
discussion-participation responses and learning activities. A good paragraph includes minimum 4 or
5 complete sentences. Complete spell check and grammar check prior to submission of all your
assignments. Include citations and references with all your postings.

GRADING POLICY:
Your grade will be determined by the following scale:
A - 90% - 100% C - 70% - 79% F Below 60%
B - 80% - 89% D - 60% - 69%
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM: Metropolitan Community College is
committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to
accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires.
In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with
faculty and used for assessment purposes.

USE OF STUDENT WORK: By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community

College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be
required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not
have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).

INSTRUCTORS EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Keep in touch with your instructor: you are encouraged to be in touch with the instructor by
Internet as deemed necessary
Read your text book.
Post Responses to questions listed under each discussion thread. Respond to others responses.
Take advantage of this opportunity to interact with classmates.
Use the appropriate drop box to turn in assignments.
Use the Blackboard mail tool to interact with your instructor. Please contact the Help desk if
you need access to Blackboard and MCC email.
FIREFOX browser is recommended for Blackboard learning.
Use the appropriate drop box to turn in assignments.
Quiz/ final exam should be taken online during the time periods listed in the schedule.
Extensions are not allowed, because you have one week time period to complete the work. In
case of any emergency, please contact the instructor immediately before the due date.
There are no extra credits and makeup exams for this course.
For students to remain eligible for financial aid, they are responsible for meeting
Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
For technical issues, please contact the help desk immediately and get the issue resolved.

Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each students eligibility to remain registered for

the class, the instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date.
Students in this online section of BIOS/2050 must participate in a class activity by 03/22/17.

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS: When you communicate with others in this course, you
must follow the Student Conduct Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-
Catalog/Student-Services/Student-Conduct), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior.
Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of
others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class.
You may also wish to review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette.

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT: Students are reminded that materials they use as
sources for classwork may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about
copyright is provided on the library website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library. In response to
incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the
College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the
course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are
available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/getattachment/About-
MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.aspx
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you are
encouraged to contact your instructor and consult an MCC advisor, counselor, or the Financial Aid
Office to evaluate the consequences of dropping the class. You can officially withdraw through My
Services on the MCC My Way portal athttps://myway.mccneb.edu/ or by calling Central
Registration at 531-622-5231 or 1-800-228-9553.

LEARNING SUPPORT: MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing
Centers offer friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational
success. Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing,
reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading,
vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way
portal, the College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/ltc/.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Metropolitan Community

College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying
disabilities. It is the students responsibility to request accommodations from Disability Support
Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students have arranged for
accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss these
accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Metropolitan

Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and
activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.
If you need help connecting to the course from the BLACKBOARD login page, refer to
Getting Started Online at http://www.mccneb.edu/elearning/orientation.asp.
If you are unable to solve the problem, contact MCC Online Support:
Blackboard Support 531-622-2834
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help
Desk at 531-622-2900 or helpdesk@mccneb.edu.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: By using the information technology systems at MCC

(including the computer systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of
use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable
Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar
with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following
website: https://www.mccneb.edu/getattachment/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-
MCC/Procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.aspx
IMPORTANT DATES https://myway.mccneb.edu/StudentServices/Documents/Important
%20Dates%20for%20Class%20Syllabus/16FA_2016_Important_Dates.pdf

SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
You must complete all your weekly work within the specified time. Exams will not be
reopened after they are closed. In case of any emergency, contact the instructor immediately.
Assignments are due by 11:59 P.M. Central Time. All times given are in CST.
Each Module will start on a Thursday and end on a Wednesday. For your convenience, the
Final Exam is open from Module 10. You have to complete your final exam in Module 11 on or
before Wednesday 05/24/17 11:59 pm.

Module/ Text 11TH Concept

Modul Weekly Ed. Read- Discussion paper Due Quiz/ Exam Open Dates and
es/ dates Absolute Last Day and time to
Dates ing Ch.
Weeks Take Exam

1(general),
1 Mar. 9-15 2, 7, & 8 During Module/Week 1 Quiz
Due
week 1 Opens Mar. 9 @ 12:00 am
Mar. 15
Closes Mar. 15 @ 11:59 pm

3&4
2 Mar. 16- During Module/Week 2 Quiz
Due
22 week 2 Opens Mar. 16 @ 12:00 am
Mar. 22
Closes Mar. 22 @ 11:59 pm

10, 11, &

3 Mar. 23- 12 During Module/Week 3 Quiz
Due
29 week 3 Opens Mar. 23 @ 12:00 am
Mar. 29
Closes Mar. 29 @ 11:59 pm

13, 14,
4 Mar. 30- &15 During Module/Week 4 Quiz
Due
Apr. 5 week 4 Opens Mar. 30 @ 12:00 am
Apr. 5
Closes Apr. 5 @ 11:59 pm

16, 17,&
5 Apr. 6-12 19 Module/Week 5 Quiz
During Opens Apr. 6 @ 12:00 am
Due
week 5 Closes Apr. 12 @ 11:59 pm
Apr. 12
Submit Final Project Papers topic
by email to the instructor
 20 &21
6 Apr. 13- During Module/Week 6 Quiz
Due
19 week 6 Opens Apr. 13 @ 12:00 am
Apr. 19
Closes Apr. 19 @ 11:59 pm

22, 5, & 6
7 Apr. 20- During Module/Week 7 Quiz
Due
26 week 7 Opens Apr. 20 @ 12:00 am
Apr. 26
Closes Apr. 26 @ 11:59 pm

Chapter 23
8 Apr. 27- & special During Due Module/Week 8 Quiz
May 3 topics week 8 May 3 Opens Apr. 27 @ 12:00 am
Closes May 3 @ 11:59 pm

24 & 25
9 May 4-10 During Module/Week 9 Quiz
Due
week 9 Opens May 4 @ 12:00 am
May 10
Closes May 10 @ 11:59 pm

26 (only in
10 May 11- 10th ed; During Module/Week 10 Quiz
17 refer to week 10 Due Opens May 11 @ 12:00 am
power May 17 Closes May 17 @ 11:59 pm
Submit your Final Project Paper in
point)
the drop box

Final Final Comprehensive Exam

11 May 18- Review Final Opens May 18 @ 12:00 am
24 chapters 1- Comp Closes May 24 @ 11:59 pm
Exam Last day of Fall Quarter\Grades
26
Due Posted
May 24 May 24, 2017

NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and
expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to
enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or
objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan
Community College.