Syllabus

General Biology 2 (Biol 222)

Spring 2023

Lecture

Tuesday and Thursday
10:00a – 11:21a
Carson Hall 612

Lab

Wednesday
10:00a – 12:51a (S1)
2:30 – 5:21 (S2)
Carson Hall 615

Professor: Dr. Matthew Lundquist

Office: Carson 603
Email: [email protected]

Office hours: Monday 10-11a and Thursday 1-2p or by appointment

Required lecture textbook

P. Raven, G. Johnson, K. Mason, J. Losos, T. Duncan. Biology (12th edition). ISBN: 9781260169614

Required lab materials

Vodopich et al. Biology Lab Manual (12th edition)
ISBN 9781260200720

eBook available and encouraged

Lab exercises will be provided as .docx referencing the lab manual

Full length lab coat

Purchase on Amazon or see list posted in Biology Lab

Course description

This course introduces the science of organismal biology. It studies the mechanisms that organisms have evolved to adapt to varying environmental conditions. The modifications that occurred to sustain life in diverse habitats will be compared among the major groups studied. Physiological systems will be explored from a structural/functional standpoint. All organisms will be considered: bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals. Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular and morphological evidence expressed as cladograms (branching trees) will be presented to explore the current theories of classification. The mammalian systems will be studied in detail. The course emphasizes the scientific process involving both observation and experimentation, in both the lecture class and the accompanying laboratory section. Critical thinking skills are underscored throughout the course.

Pre-requisite: Biol 220

Learning Goals

  • Describe, explain, and apply basic principles of biology
  • Demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Explain and practice scientific laboratory skills
  • Describe and apply the Scientific Method
  • Interpret and generate scientific data in a variety of forms
  • Apply these skills to everyday scientific and medical information

Tips for success

  • Plan your schedule out early, noting assigned readings, lecture topics, labs and exams.
  • Do the readings!
  • Do the optional study guides after your readings to test yourself on your knowledge.
  • Ask questions, Prof. Lundquist is available via email or office hours to answer any questions you have, either related to course organization or course content.
  • There will be optional virtual labs to supplement in-person labs on Brightspace that you should preform to increase your exposure and understanding of the material.

Grading

  1. Exams (300 points): There will be three exams that consist of major concepts from the textbook, readings, assignments, and in-class discussions/activities. Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. The lowest of the three exam grades will be dropped.
  2. Final exam (200 points): The final exam will be during the final week of class and will consist of a written component and a lab practical and is cumulative. All students are required to take the final exam.
  3. Animal for a day (100 points): Students will choose an obscure animal and research their behavior, ecology, and habitat, and you will write a short internet article about a day in the life of that animal, from the animal’s perspective. Students will present your report to the class during lecture.
  4. Urban ecology paper report (100 points): Near the end of the semester, we will be discussing urban ecology, including a primary literature article. Students will prepare a short analysis of the paper prior to the discussion (80 points) and then must actively participate in the discussion of the article (20 points).
  5. Lab (300 points)

    Prelab questions (12 x 5 points): All labs will have a short multiple-choice pre-lab quiz that covers the basics of the lab you should know before coming to your lab session. Prelab must be completed and shown to professor at the beginning of the lab period for credit. (First lab does not have a pre-lab quiz, bring this syllabus and the last page questions filled out for 5 points)

    Lab assignments (12 x 20 points): All labs will include a lab worksheet that corresponds to your lab manual that includes questions and sketching and labeling specimens and recording answers to questions.

    Lab assignments must be completed and handed in to the professor by the end of the lab period. 

Grade equivalents

A ≥ 930B+:860-894C+: 755-789D: 600-684
A-: 895-929B: 825-859C: 720-754F < 600
B-:790-824C-:685-719
Grades are calculated out of 1000, x/100 to determine %

Important policies

Recording of Classes
Please be aware that audio recording or photographing online or in-person classes is strictly prohibited unless a student has received explicit permission from the instructor. An exception is made for students who have registered with the Office of Disability Services and have been granted prior approval to receive audio recordings, which can be provided by the course instructor. Students with approval to receive recordings must sign a contract agreeing to keep all recordings confidential, not share or disseminate them in any form, and to destroy all recordings after completing the course. Instructors are also required to inform students if they will be recording a class session.

 Attendance
The course will meet at its regular time in person and all students are expected to attend during those meeting times. To be successful in this class, you must attend all class meetings. All homework and in-class assignments must be handed in during their assigned times.

 With the continuing uncertainty around the COVID-19 crisis, the attendance policy will be somewhat flexible. However, students must still notify Dr. Lundquist via email for any missed classes to make sure that they do not fall behind.

Brightspace
This class will make limited use of Brightspace , instead using a dedicated course website. A general grade book will be kept on Brightspace but the grading capabilities on Brightspace are limited and Dr. Lundquist holds the official grade book. Dr. Lundquist will be happy to address any questions about grades or status in the class via email or during office hours. Do not rely on Brightspace for continuously updated grades.

Email
Dr. Lundquist will be available by email if you have concerns or questions about the class. However, please understand that since he teaches multiple classes, he may take up to 24 hrs to respond. If you email during the weekends, they might not be responded to until the following Monday.

Accommodations
Students with disabilities (learning, physical or psychological) who require reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for a course must be registered with the Office of Disability Services or enrolled in the Academic Access Program. With students’ permission, faculty members are notified each semester by CONFIDENTIAL email that a student with documented disabilities is enrolled in their class and is eligible for accommodations. If a student has questions regarding the Office of Disability Services or accommodations, please email [email protected]. This office is located in Nugent 353. Please be aware that audio recording class lectures and discussions is an accommodation some students may use when it is approved through the Office of Disability Services. If approved, the student signs a contract agreeing to keep all recordings confidential, not share them with others, and to destroy all recordings after completing the course.

Academic honesty
MMC fosters an academic community where students and faculty work together to create a learning experience that imparts knowledge and forms character. To achieve this, the College requires all members of the community to adhere to the policy of Academic Honesty that can be found in the Student Handbook, the College Catalogue and on the College website (bit.ly/mmc-ah)

ChatGPT and other generative AI
Recently, artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI have introduced generative AI programs that take simple prompts and generate new content including essays, images, and audio. While this technology is extremely exciting and useful, students in particular should be cautious when utilizing these tools. In particular, these tools can be used for writing inspiration or answering simple questions, but any work that involves real-world information needs to be written in the student’s own words and all sources of information properly cited (see citation guide).

If students have any concerns related to using ChatGPT or any other AI technology for their assignments, they should bring them to the attention of their instructor.

Inclusivity statement
Marymount Manhattan College respects and honors the dignity and value of every human being. We aspire to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community in which people with different identities – whether based on race, color, class, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, political viewpoint, disability, physical appearance, or additional identities – are valued and respected, and where differences in intellectual interest and personal perspective are explored and embraced as central to the College’s educational mission.

 We recognize the regrettable role that higher education has played in reinforcing inequality in our society, and we believe that our College has a special responsibility to prevent those same inequalities from being perpetuated in our campus community. As a College we hold in common a set of core values and beliefs – in the open and free exchange of ideas; in celebrating those whose perspectives and experiences may differ from our own; and in advancing the cause of social justice. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment free from bias and harassment, one that maximizes each person’s capacity to learn, work, and make meaningful contributions both here and beyond.

Center for Academic Support and Tutoring
The Center for Academic Support and Tutoring, CAST, offers students of all grade levels free, one-on-one tutoring support in a variety of academic subjects, such as, Business, Math, Philosophy, Biology, Writing, Languages and many more. We are staffed primarily with professional tutors who hold advanced degrees and teaching experience in their discipline. CAST tutors are friendly and welcoming, and they aim to empower students with skills that will help them grow confident in their abilities and thrive academically. Appointments can be made online through the MMC website by clicking, 1.) Current Students, 2.) Tutoring Scheduler under Study & Register, or, in person at Nugent 451. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Policies Against Discrimination and Harassment
Marymount Manhattan College strives to create an academic environment that excludes all types of harassment and discrimination. We each have a responsibility to uphold these values. If you or someone you know has experienced bias, discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconductplease use this form to file a report or email the Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer or the Title IX Coordinator. 

Please be aware that all MMC staff and faculty members are “responsible employees”, which means that if you share a situation involving an incident of bias, discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, they must share that information with the Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Title IX Coordinator. Although faculty and staff are obligated to share this information, you are in control of how to proceed with a reported incident, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint. Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources you need.

If you wish to speak to a confidential resource who is not obligated to report information shared, you can contact any of the following on-campus resources:

Counseling and Wellness Center
212-774-0700
[email protected]

Dow Zanghi Health Center
212-759-5870
231 E. 55th St. (in the 55th St. Residence Hall)

Tentative lecture schedule

WeekDatesChapter: TopicAssignment
0101/31-02/02What is biodiversity
and how did we get here?
Chap. 20 (20.1-3),
Chap. 21 (21.1-2, 21.4-6),
Chap. 22 (22.1–22.4),
Chap. 23 (23.1-3),
Chap. 25
0202/07-02/09ProkaryotesChap. 25,
Chap. 27 (27.1-5)
0302/14-02/16ProtistsChap. 28
0402/21-02/23FungiChap. 31
0502/28-03/02Exam 1 (02/28),
Non-vascular plants
Chap. 29
0603/07-03/09Seed plantsChap. 29,
Chap. 30
0703/14-03/16Plant form and function,
Exam 2 (03/16)
Chap. 35 (limited)
0803/21-03/23No class, spring break
0903/28-03/30Early animals,
No class (03/30), advisement
Chap. 32
1004/04-04/06Protostomes IChap. 33
1104/11-04/13Protostomes II,
No class (04/11), Honors Day
Chap. 33
1204/18-04/20Echinoderms and vertebratesChap. 34
1304/25-04/27Exam 3 (04/25)
Animal for a Day,
1405/02-05/04Population and community ecologyChap. 54,
Chap. 55
1505/09-05/11Ecosystem and urban ecologyChap. 56
1605/16–05/18Final exam week

Tentative lab schedule

WeekDateExercise
0102/01Evolution and systematics
0202/08Prokaryotes
0302/15Protists
0402/22Fungi
0503/01Plants I
0603/08Plants II
0703/15No lab, advisement
0803/22No class, spring break
0903/29Animals I
1004/05Animals II
1104/12Animals III
1204/19Animals IV
1304/26Central Park Zoo
1405/03Community ecology
1505/10Ecosystem ecology
1605/17Final exam week
The Central Park Zoo trip will cost $20 for each student. Therefore, it is optional and an alternative assignment will be provided.

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