Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

General Biology Lab I (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 1615-01

Course: BIOL 1615-01
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: BIOL
CRN: 30883

Course Description

Lab to accompany BIOL 1610. One two-hour meeting per week. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a biological science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other biology course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): BIOL 1610 Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Life Sciences

Required Texts

  • NO required textbook.
  • A reliable laptop or tablet is required; you MUST be able to access materials through Canvas during class. Alternatives may be requested if you are unable to access a device.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the General Education Life Sciences requirement, students will be able to:
  • Apply scientific methods: Describe and apply approaches to scientific discovery and interpretation of experimental data,
  • Understand: Demonstrate understanding of matter, energy, and their influence on biological systems,
  • Apply knowledge: Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and diversity of life,
  • Explain: Explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange in living organisms or ecosystems, and
  • Reflect: Reflect on the relevance of life sciences in a broader context

Course Requirements

Pre-Requisites: none
Co-Requisites: BIOL 1610

Required Item; Percentage of Final Grade
Syllabus quiz*; 1.1%
Lab worksheets*; 42.1%
Pre-lab quizzes; 18.9%
Find 2 Non-Technical Sources*; 5.3%
Find 1 Technical Source*; 3.2%
Individual Article; 10.5%
Group Contract*; 1.1%
Group Meeting Summary*; 6.3%
Group Magazine & Presentation; 10.5%
Peer Evaluations*; 1.1%

*These assignments can be submitted up to 72 hours late, but 10% will automatically be deducted for every 24 hours late, starting 1 minute after the due date. All other assignments will NOT be accepted late.

Description of Course Requirements
Syllabus Quiz: To highlight key items and policies from the syllabus, a Syllabus Quiz will be administered at the beginning of the semester. You may use the syllabus while you take the quiz.

Lab Worksheets: Each time you come to lab you will carry out an experiment with a group of 3-4 students. The Lab Worksheets contain instructions for how to carry out the experiments. They also contain the assignment for the day’s lab. You will submit a Lab Worksheet after each lab. You must have a device in class to access and complete the Lab Worksheets. Lab worksheets are worth 20 points each. 10 of those points are earned through attendance and engagement in the lab; excessive use of your cell phone, excessive bathroom/other breaks, failure to help your group complete and clean up the lab, or any other behaviors indicating lack of engagement will result in point deductions. The other 10 points are earned through accurate completion of the lab worksheet and originality; ask questions if you’re not sure of a correct answer, fill out lab worksheets entirely, and look at the preview of your submission on Canvas to ensure submission of the correct and complete assignment; lab worksheets must be done individually - identical worksheets will receive a 25% penalty per student. Lab Worksheets are due the day after lab at 11:59pm. For example, if your lab takes place on Friday, then your Lab Worksheet is due on Saturday at 11:59pm. Lab Worksheets can be submitted up to 72 hours late, but 10% will automatically be deducted for every 24 hours late, starting 1 minute after the due date. Here is a list of every Lab Worksheet this semester:
• The Scientific Method & Experimental Design
• Macromolecules
• Microscopes & Cells
• Diffusion & Osmosis
• Enzymes
• Cellular Respiration
• Photosynthesis
• The Cell Cycle
• Inheritance
• DNA Extraction & Gel Electrophoresis

Pre-lab Quizzes: Preparation is key to success in the lab. To gauge your level of preparedness, a Pre-Lab Quiz will be administered before every lab. To prepare for the Pre-Lab Quiz, read the instructions for the lab in the accompanying Lab Worksheet and watch/read any additional materials linked on Canvas in the lab’s module. Pre-Lab Quizzes are open book and open note but must be done individually. Pre-Lab Quizzes are due the day before your lab at 11:59pm. For example, if your lab takes place on Tuesday, then your Pre-Lab Quiz is due at 11:59pm on Monday. Pre-Lab Quizzes will not be accepted late. Here is a list of every Pre-Lab Quiz this semester:
• Macromolecules Pre-Lab Quiz
• Microscopes & Cells Pre-Lab Quiz
• Diffusion & Osmosis Pre-Lab Quiz
• Enzymes Pre-Lab Quiz
• Cellular Respiration Pre-Lab Quiz
• Photosynthesis Pre-Lab Quiz
• The Cell Cycle Pre-Lab Quiz
• Inheritance Pre-Lab Quiz
• DNA Extraction & Gel Electrophoresis Pre-Lab Quiz

Individual Article: In this assignment, you will write an article about your assigned topic and chosen sub- topic(s). Your job is to research your assigned topic and chosen sub-topic(s) and then write an informative, accurate, and interesting article about the topics. This assignment will be done individually. A grading rubric can be found on Canvas. To prevent use of AI, this assignment will be written by hand in class the week of October 20-24.

There are 3 additional assignments related to the Individual Article. These assignments are designed to help you prepare to write the Individual Article:
1. Find 2 Non-Technical Sources
2. Find 1 Technical Source
3. 30-minute SUU Writing Center Appointment (optional extra credit)
Instructions and due dates for these 3 assignments are displayed on Canvas. You will be given time in class to work on the finding sources assignments.

Group Magazine & Presentation: In lieu of a final exam, you will prepare and present a standalone magazine that educates the general public about your assigned topic and 3-4 related subtopics. The presentation will take place on the last day of class. A grading rubric can be found on Canvas.

The magazine must include the following:
1. A catchy and relevant cover
2. Each group member's Individual Article*
3. Content pieces**
4. Cohesive, professional, & visually engaging colors, fonts, and other formatting choices.
*Each group member will independently write their own Individual Article. These Articles will then be compiled into the group magazine.
**Content pieces are any form of media about your topic that is reasonable to place in a magazine, is highly educational to a reader of the magazine, and is created by you. Examples of content pieces include: advertisements, letters to the editor, original art/infographics, crossword puzzles, common misconceptions, interviews, featured guest columns, short stories, etc. The number of required content pieces is equal to the number of people in your group.

The presentation must include the following:
1. Spend about 5 minutes showing the class your magazine page by page
2. Each student should briefly summarize (in 3-5 sentences) their Individual Article
3. Present 1-3 key educational takeaways of each content piece
4. Be prepared to answer several questions from the audience at the end of your presentation
5. Be clear, engaging, and professional
6. Demonstrate strong group coordination

You may choose 1 of the following formats to present your magazine:
• Hard copies - bring 6 printouts in color (or in black & white if the formatting looks intentional in black & white) on the day of the presentation
• Digital - use Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint, etc. Each article & content piece should get its own slide

There are 4 additional assignments related to the Group Magazine & Presentation. These assignments are designed to help you complete the Group Magazine & Presentation:
1. Group Contract
2. Group Meeting 1
3. Group Meeting 2
4. Group Meeting 3
Instructions and due dates for these 4 assignments are displayed on Canvas. You will be given time in class to work on the Group Contract and Group Meeting 3.

Course Outline

  • Lab 1: The Scientific Method & Experimental Design. Participate in a group activity aimed at learning the key elements of experimental design.
  • Lab 2: Macromolecules. Carry out experiments to detect the key types of macromolecules present in organisms.
  • Lab 3: Microscopes & Cells. Learn how to use a microscope. View various cell types and observe how their structures enable their functions.
  • Lab 4: Diffusion & Osmosis. Carry out experiments to demonstrate the concepts of diffusion and osmosis.
  • Lab 5: Enzymes. Carry out experiments to demonstrate the effects of various environmental variables on enzyme activity.
  • Lab 6: Cellular Respiration. Carry out experiments to quantify the rate of cellular respiration in organisms under various conditions.
  • Lab 7: Photosynthesis. Carry out experiments to observe the effects of different types of light on the rate of photosynthesis.
  • Lab 8: The Cell Cycle. Observe cells in various stages of mitosis.
  • Lab 9: Inheritance. Participate in a group activity aimed at learning the key principles of inheritance.
  • Lab 10: DNA Extraction & Gel Electrophoresis. Participate in a group activity that simulates forensic DNA analysis.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Make-Up Work Policy (also known as “Section Swaps”)
All section swaps must be arranged PRIOR to your absence and per the following instructions:
  • Check the schedule posted on Canvas for all BIOL 1615 sections. If one of the other sections fits your schedule, you can potentially attend that section instead of your registered section, but you must request a section swap, described below.
  • To request a section swap:
    • compose an email to the instructor of the section you want to attend (email addresses are listed on the “Attendance Policy” page on Canvas)
    • CC me on the email so I know what's going on - if you don't CC me, I will not accept your section swap
    • politely ask if they have any space in their section for you to attend and if they would be okay with you attending their section that day. Important NOTE: they are NOT obligated to allow you to attend their section
  • If the section swap you attend occurs after the assignment's due date:
    • If you swapped sections for an avoidable reason, then the late policy described in the syllabus will apply to your assignment.
    • If you swapped sections due to a legitimate emergency, then the emergencies policy described in the syllabus will apply.
  • Each student may conduct up to 2 section swaps in the semester.

Late Work Policy
  • Some assignments can be submitted up to 72 hours late with a 10% penalty for every 24 hours late. All other late work will NOT be accepted. See Course Requirements in this syllabus for a list of assignments that can be submitted according to this policy.
  • Technical difficulties are NOT a legitimate excuse for submitting late work. If you are having Canvas issues, please email your completed work to me prior to the deadline.

Attendance Policy

  • Attendance for the entire lab session and timely arrival is required in this class. To monitor attendance, you will be required to sign in and sign out of every lab session.
  • If you do not attend lab at all, then you will receive a zero for the day's assignment.
  • If you arrive late or depart early, the percentage of class you missed will be the percentage deducted from your assignment score. For example, if you arrive 30 minutes late to class, the percentage of class missed is 30 minutes out of 110 minutes (27%), so I will deduct 27% from your assignment score.
  • If you anticipate regular attendance conflicts due to work, travel, weddings, or other currently planned commitments, I encourage you to consider enrolling in a different section that better aligns with your schedule. Please note that I am unable to offer accommodations for absences that can be avoided.

Grading Policy

The following grade scale will be used to assign letter grades to your work:
A: >= 94%
A-: 90-93.9%
B+: 87-89.9%
B: 84-86.9%
B-: 80-83.9%
C+: 77-79.9%
C: 74-76.9%
C-: 70-73.9%
D+: 67-69.9%
D: 64-66.9%
D-: 60-63.9%
F: < 60%

  • If you identify an error in your grade, please inform me within 7 days of the grade being posted. After 7 days from the initial posting of the grade, the grade becomes final.
  • It is your responsibility to upload viewable assignments. You will not be allowed to resubmit assignments for any reason after the due date has passed.

Emergencies Policy

  • I am willing to make reasonable accommodations for you, at my discretion, if an emergency arises.
  • It is your responsibility to contact me about an emergency as soon as possible. When you contact me, please provide documentation of your emergency. For example:
    • If you are physically or mentally ill, please provide a doctor’s note.
    • In the unfortunate event of a death in your family, please provide a death certificate, obituary, memorial service, or other form of documentation.
  • The following list includes, but is not limited to, examples of non- emergencies: family trips (whether planned or spontaneous), inclement weather where campus remains open, technical difficulties prior to a deadline, roommate disagreements, weddings, your job, etc

AI Policy

  • Use of artificial intelligence for any reason is not allowed in this course.
  • Use of artificial intelligence will be treated as academic misconduct according to SUU Policy 6.33.

Statement of Safety / Risk Assumption

There is inherent risk associated with any laboratory course, and this General Biology Lab 1 course is no exception. Risk in this laboratory includes, but is not limited to, thermal burns, cuts, eye damage, chemical burns & poisoning. Following stated safety guidelines; heeding verbal warnings; and wearing closed-toe shoes, gloves, and safety goggles will help minimize risk and help keep you and your classmates safe.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.