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BIO 101: General Biology I – Syllabus and Core Concepts Study Guide

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Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology I

This course provides a foundational understanding of biological processes with a chemical basis, focusing on macromolecules, cellular structure, metabolism, genetics, and evolutionary context. It emphasizes the core concepts of evolution, structure and function, information flow, energy pathways, and the relevance of biology to society. The course is designed for college-level students and serves as a Passport Transfer course.

  • Course Credits: 4

  • Prerequisites: None

  • Delivery Method: Online, Asynchronous

Core Competencies and Objectives

Competency 1: Process of Science

Understanding how science seeks to explain the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

  • Observation: The role of observation in scientific inquiry.

  • Variables: Definition of independent and dependent variables.

Competency 2: Pathways and Transformations of Energy and Matter

Explores how energy and matter flow through living systems and how these processes sustain life.

  • Energy Relationships: How energy and matter are related in biological systems.

  • Sources of Energy: Identification of energy sources in living things.

  • Transformation: How living systems use energy to transform matter.

Competency 3: Information Flow, Exchange, and Storage

Examines how biological information is stored, exchanged, and inherited in living organisms.

  • Genetic Information: How information is stored in biological systems (e.g., DNA).

  • Replication and Inheritance: How information is replicated and inherited.

  • Observable Patterns: How inheritance leads to observable traits.

Competency 4: Evolution

Focuses on the theory of evolution by natural selection and its impact on biological diversity.

  • Natural Selection: Explanation of evolution by natural selection, including historical and current examples.

  • Darwinian Evolution: Summary of the evidence for evolution.

Competency 5: Structure and Function

Explores the relationship between the structure and function of biological molecules, cells, and organisms.

  • Interrelation: How structure and function are interrelated at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

  • Emergent Properties: Emergent properties in biological systems.

Competency 6: Systems Approach to Biology

Examines how biological systems interact to maintain homeostasis and function as a whole.

  • System Interactions: How parts of a system interact to maintain function.

  • Emergent Properties: Emergent properties in biological systems.

General Learning Outcomes

Scientific Method and Biological Organization

  • Characteristics of Life: List and describe the shared characteristics of living systems.

  • Levels of Organization: Describe levels from molecules to ecosystems.

  • Science vs. Pseudoscience: Differentiate basic science from applied science and pseudoscience.

Chemistry of Life

  • Atoms and Molecules: Structure of atoms, subatomic particles, and chemical bonds.

  • Organic and Inorganic Compounds: Properties and differences.

  • Water Properties: Importance of water in biological systems.

Cell Structure and Function

  • Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Key differences and similarities.

  • Plasma Membrane: Structure and function, including the fluid mosaic model.

  • Transport Mechanisms: How substances cross membranes.

Energy and Metabolism

  • Thermodynamics: Laws governing energy and metabolism in cells.

  • Cellular Respiration: Aerobic and anaerobic processes, glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport system.

  • Photosynthesis: Light-dependent and light-independent reactions, C4 and CAM modifications.

  • Comparison: Differences and similarities between cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Cell Division

  • Mitosis and Meiosis: Processes, significance, and differences.

  • Inheritance: How meiosis is involved in genetic inheritance and formation of new species.

Molecular Biology and Genetics

  • Mendelian Inheritance: Simple and non-Mendelian patterns.

  • DNA and RNA: Structure, replication, transcription, and translation.

  • Gene Expression: Central dogma, protein synthesis, and regulation.

  • Biotechnology: Applications and ethical considerations.

Evolution

  • Theory of Evolution: Core concepts and supporting evidence.

Course Materials

  • Textbook: Biology 2e, OpenStax (link)

Course Organization and Delivery

  • Course is divided into modules by topic.

  • Modules include links, power points, videos, and assignments.

  • Due dates for each module are provided in the syllabus.

Attendance Policy

General Policy

  • Online participation is tracked by assignment submissions, exam completions, and discussion posts.

  • In-person attendance is tracked by physical presence and participation.

Absence Guidelines

Course Length

Weekly Class Meetings

Absences Permitted

15 week

2

6

12 week

2

6

7 week

4

3

5 week

4

1

Grading Policy and Scale

  • Grades are based on assignments, exams, and participation.

  • All exams must be proctored using the Respondus Lockdown Browser.

Academic Integrity

  • Use of artificial intelligence tools may be restricted; follow instructor guidelines.

  • Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

Key Dates (Fall 2025)

Event

Date

Classes Begin

Aug 12

Labor Day (College Closed)

Sep 1

Thanksgiving Break

Nov 26-30

Classes End

Dec 16

Additional Info

  • For more details on course policies, refer to the full syllabus and student handbook.

  • Contact the instructor for questions about course materials, attendance, or academic integrity.

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