Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Thank you for your interest in BI 213!

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Includes the process of science, evolution, systematics, and ecology. The third of a three-course sequence for students majoring in biology and the sciences, including pre-medical, pre-dental, chiropractic, pharmacy, and related fields. Prerequisites: BI 212. Audit available.

CCOG Course Outcomes:  

INSTRUCTOR STATEMENT:  I have been fascinated with science since the third grade when I first learned about atoms, but as I worked toward an education in science, I found it very challenging to understand, conceptualize and memorize.  As I have matured and grown, my love for asking questions and trying to understand the world has deepened, and my skills for studying it have slowly improved through lots of hard work and accommodations.  Because I found science so challenging as a student (in part because I am neurodivergent myself), I found a true passion in teaching it as it presents the opportunity to excite students.  My goal is to help convey difficult information in a digestible, enthusiastic way so that you may find it interesting on your path to your own success.  Science is very difficult and is analogous to learning a new language.  It requires hard work, time, good study habits, and grit.  This course covers a large amount of information at a fast pace, so students should come to class prepared to work hard.  I am here to help guide you on your journey.  

Your success in this class is important to me.  My hope is that no matter your background, you can (and will) be provided the opportunity to learn in an inclusive, supportive environment.

CLASS MEETINGS:   

This class is fully in-person.   We will meet for lecture twice a week (2 hours each), and in additional, lab once a week.  Expect to spend a significant time outside of class completing homework, studying, and completing an independent research project/paper.

RECOMMENDED WEEKLY WORKFLOW for 213

1. Read assigned articles and chapter(s) at the start of the week/prior to class.

2. Come to in-class lectures.  I recommend you take notes by hand each lecture.  You may print lectures prior to class (they are posted on D2L).  

• Be prepared to participate in active activities, group discussions, and lab work with classmates.  You will earn participation points and learn via these activities.  (8 hrs per week)

3. Attend Lab weekly, and complete weekly Lab Assignments (~3 hours).

4. Come to in-person office hours if you have questions or need help with the lab assignment or other work. 

5. Take Weekly D2L Lecture Quiz on lecture content (~0.5 hours) – Due by 11:59 pm on Mondays.

6. Work on upcoming presentations and final paper throughout the term (due dates indicated on syllabus). (Variable).  You will be working on an independent ecology project throughout the term, and producing a scientific paper as a final product.

 GRADING SUMMARY: (these may be changed throughout the term at instructors’ discretion)

Lecture:

Midterm and final exams 30% (15% each)

In class activities 10%

Online weekly Quizzes 10%

Homework and Activities 10%

Lab:

Weekly small quizzes 5%

lab attendance and assignments 5%

2 Super Quiz Practical 15%

Independent Study and Research Paper 10%

Prep assignments and Peer Review   5%

Total = 100% 

Expectations:  Introductory science classes frequently require more time and effort than students realize.  In many ways, this course is like learning a new language; just like learning a new language, the more time outside of class you spend thinking about the subject the more successful you will generally be.  In an introductory science course, it is especially important to stay caught up on the topics being covered.  You will probably need to put in 10+ hours of work each week outside of class in order to get a good grade.  It is especially important that you start the homework and writing projects ahead of the due date.  Not only will this help you to master the terms before the lectures, it will also give you a chance to ask questions before the homework is due.

 You can link to an old syllabus here.

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