BIOL 1011: Human Biology & Biochemistry – Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview: Human Biology & Biochemistry (BIOL 1011)

Introduction to the Course

This course provides a foundational understanding of human biology at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels, with a focus on the chemistry of life and its impact on human organ systems. It is designed for nursing students and emphasizes the development of biological literacy, critical thinking, and the application of biological concepts to health care topics such as drug therapy, cancer biology, and immunology.

• Course Instructor: Corina Irwin, M.Sc

• Textbook: Human Biology: Concepts and Current Issues (9th Edition) by Michael D. Johnson

• Course Platform: Blackboard, Mastering Biology (Pearson)

Levels of Biological Literacy

• Nominal Biological Literacy: Recognizing biological terms and questions, but with misconceptions.

• Functional Biological Literacy: Correct use of biological vocabulary and definitions, often memorized.

• Structural Biological Literacy: Understanding biological concepts and procedures, able to explain in own words.

• Multidimensional Biological Literacy: Understanding biology's place among disciplines, its history, and its societal interactions.

Source: Alters, B., Alters, S. (2005). Teaching biology in higher education. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Course Structure and Weekly Topics

The course is divided into two main modules: Cell and Molecular Biology, and Systems Biology. Each week covers specific chapters and topics aligned with the core themes of human biology and biochemistry.

Week	Topic	Relevant Chapters	Assessment
Jan 5-11	Human Biology, Science and Society	Ch. 1	Quiz, Homework
Jan 12-18	The Chemistry of Living Things	Ch. 2	Quiz, Homework
Jan 19-25	Structure and Function of Cells	Ch. 3	Quiz, Homework
Jan 26-Feb 1	From Cells to Organ Systems	Ch. 4	Quiz, Homework
Feb 2-8	Cell Reproduction and Differentiation & Cancer	Ch. 17 & 18	Quiz, Homework
Feb 9-15	Midterm Exam	Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 17, 18	Exam
Feb 16-20	Reading Week	-	-
Feb 23-Mar 1	The Immune System & Mechanisms of Defense	Ch. 9	Quiz, Homework
Mar 2-8	The Respiratory System	Ch. 10	Quiz, Homework
Mar 9-15	The Endocrine System	Ch. 13	Quiz, Homework
Mar 16-22	The Digestive System and Nutrition	Ch. 14	Quiz, Homework
Mar 23-29	The Urinary System	Ch. 15	Quiz, Homework
Mar 30-Apr 5	Review & Final Exam	Ch. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15	Exam

Assessment Overview

• Quizzes (15%): Weekly, covering textbook and lecture content. Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or short answer.

• Homework (25%): Weekly assignments on Mastering Biology, designed to reinforce textbook concepts.

• Midterm Exam (25%): Covers material from Weeks 1-5.

• Final Exam (35%): Focuses on Weeks 6-12, with some content from Weeks 1-5.

Key Study Strategies

• Follow the weekly schedule and complete all readings and assignments on time.

• Take hand-written notes and draw labeled diagrams to reinforce understanding.

• Use Mastering Biology for additional practice and visualization of concepts.

• Participate in live sessions or view recordings for clarification of course expectations.

• Prepare for quizzes and exams by reviewing both textbook chapters and Blackboard notes.

Academic Integrity and Exam Policies

• Strict adherence to academic honesty is required; plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated.

• LockDown Browser with Monitor and Screen Recording is used for all major assessments.

• Proper environmental checks are mandatory before starting exams.

Course Relevance to ANP College Curriculum

This course directly aligns with the following ANP college curriculum chapters:

• Ch. 1 Human Biology, Science, and Society

• Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Living Things

• Ch. 3 Structure and Function of Cells

• Ch. 4 From Cells to Organ Systems

• Ch. 7 Blood

• Ch. 8 The Heart and Blood Vessels

• Ch. 9 The Immune System and Mechanisms of Defense

• Ch. 10 The Respiratory System. Exchange of Gases

• Ch. 13 The Endocrine System

• Ch. 14 The Digestive System and Nutrition

• Ch. 15 The Urinary System

• Ch. 17 Cell Reproduction and Differentiation

• Ch. 18 Cancer. Uncontrolled Cell Division and Differentiation

Visual Aids

The Nipissing University logo represents the institution offering this course.