BI 111 Concepts in Biology I: Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

BI 111 Concepts in Biology I: Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

BI 111 is the first semester of an introductory biology sequence for biology majors. The course focuses on foundational biological concepts, including biological chemistry and metabolism, cell structure and function, gene expression and regulation, transmission genetics, and basic evolutionary theory. The course uses a 'flipped' format, emphasizing active learning and critical thinking.

• Course Format: Flipped classroom with online videos, in-person class meetings, quizzes, and assignments.

• Location: Marie Theatre, E145 (sections A, B, D, E); Schine Theatre in the Ryan-Matura Library (section C).

• Textbook: Biological Science by Freeman et al., 8th edition (Pearson). 6th, 7th, or 8th editions are acceptable.

• Online Platform: Blackboard for assignments, quizzes, and course materials.

• Additional Tools: Poll Everywhere for in-class participation.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of BI 111, students will be able to:

• Understand basic biological principles: Explain cell biology, cell signaling, gene expression, genetics, and evolutionary theory.

• Develop critical thinking: Analyze scientific data and evaluate scientific claims.

• Work effectively in groups: Collaborate on scientific investigations and communicate findings.

• Summarize core concepts: Articulate the molecular nature of gene expression, cell structure and function, and evolutionary mechanisms.

Course Components and Grading

Student performance is assessed through a combination of exams, homework, quizzes, video questions, and participation. The grading breakdown is as follows:

Assignment/Assessment	Percentage of Grade
Lecture Exams: 4 @15% Each	60%
Homework Assignments and Quizzes	30%
Video Questions	5%
Attendance, Participation, and Preparation	5%
Total	100%

Letter grades are assigned according to the university grading policy:

Letter Grade	Weighted Average	Letter Grade	Weighted Average	Letter Grade	Weighted Average
A	93 to 100	A-	90 to <93	B+	87 to <90
B	83 to <87	B-	80 to <83	C+	77 to <80
C	73 to <77	C-	70 to <73	D+	67 to <70
D	60 to <67	F	< 60

Major Course Activities

• Exams (60%): Four non-cumulative exams, each worth 15% of the final grade. Exams cover material from lectures, readings, and assignments. The fourth exam is administered during the university-assigned final exam period.

• Homework and Quizzes (30%): At least three homework assignments and three quizzes are graded over the semester. The lowest score in each category is dropped. Assignments and quizzes are due on Blackboard by the specified deadlines.

• Video Questions (5%): Pre-recorded videos with embedded questions must be completed before class. Each video is associated with 3-5 interactive questions.

• Attendance, Engagement, and Participation (5%): Based on in-class activities, Poll Everywhere responses, and completion of preparatory work. Regular participation is required.

Extra Credit and the Biology Learning Lab

• Biology Learning Lab (BLL): The only way to earn extra credit in BI 111 is by attending BLL sessions. Participation can earn up to 4 bonus points per exam period (2 points per session, up to 2 sessions per period).

• Purpose: BLL sessions reinforce critical concepts, provide peer support, and help students form study communities.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

The course is organized by weekly modules, each with specific chapter videos, class meetings, and assignments. Below is a sample of the weekly schedule:

Week	Chapter Videos Due	Class Overview
Week 1 (8/28-8/29)	CM1: n/a	Course Introduction, Syllabus Review, Chapter 1: Intro to Biology, Academic Integrity Quiz, Evaluation & Experimental Design HW
Week 2 (9/1 to 9/5)	Sec. A-C, CM1: n/a; Sec. D-G, CM1: C2, Chemistry	Overview of chemical bonds, properties of water, electronegativity, and spontaneity; Evolution & Experimental Design HW; RNA world hypothesis

Note: Homework and video questions are due on Blackboard by the start of the specified class meeting. Quizzes are available Fridays at 8:00 am through Sundays at 11:59 pm.

Student Expectations

• Attendance: Regular attendance and participation are required for success. Absences may affect your grade.

• Preparation: Complete all assigned readings, videos, and preparatory work before class.

• Engagement: Participate in class discussions, group work, and Poll Everywhere activities.

• Academic Integrity: All work must be your own. Violations will result in a grade of zero for the assignment or exam.

Support and Resources

• Instructor Support: Office hours and contact information are available on Blackboard.

• Course Supports: Learning Lab, Center for Teaching and Learning, and university resources are available for academic support and accommodations.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Flipped Classroom: A teaching method where students review lecture material outside of class (e.g., videos) and use class time for active learning and problem-solving.

• Poll Everywhere: A web-based system for in-class participation and formative assessment.

• Academic Integrity: The commitment to honesty and responsibility in scholarship. Plagiarism or cheating results in disciplinary action.

• Experimental Design: The process of planning a scientific experiment to test a hypothesis.

Example: Scientific Method in Biology

• Observation: Noticing a phenomenon (e.g., plants grow towards light).

• Hypothesis: A testable explanation (e.g., plants grow towards light because they need it for photosynthesis).

• Experiment: Design a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis.

• Data Collection: Measure plant growth under different light conditions.

• Conclusion: Analyze results to support or refute the hypothesis.

Additional info: The syllabus emphasizes the importance of time management, regular participation, and the use of university support resources for academic success in General Biology.