BIO 102 Course Syllabus and Study Guide: Core Concepts in Biology

Course Overview

Course Description

This course focuses on biological processes with a chemical foundation, including macromolecules, cellular structure, metabolism, and genetics in an evolutionary context. It explores the core concepts of evolution, structure and function, information flow, storage and exchange, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems biology. The course emphasizes the process of science, interdisciplinary approaches, and the relevance of biology to society. It is part II of a two-course sequence and is a UCGS transfer course.

Course Schedule

Weekly Topics and Chapters

The course is organized into weekly modules, each covering specific chapters from the textbook. Below is a summary of the weekly schedule:

Week	Topics	Chapters
1	Phylogeny and the Tree of Life, Bacteria and Archaea, Protists	26, 27, 28
2	Plant Diversity I & II, Fungi, Unit Test 1	29, 30, 31
3	An Overview of Animal Diversity, Soil and Plant Nutrition, Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function	32, 37, 40
4	Animal Nutrition, Unit Test 2, Circulation and Gas Exchange, The Immune System	41, 42, 43
5	Unit Test 3, Osmoregulation and Excretion, Animal Development, Hormones and the Endocrine System	44, 45, 47
6	Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling, Nervous Systems, Sensory and Motor Mechanisms	48, 49, 50
7	Animal Behavior, Unit Test 4, Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere, Population Ecology	51, 52, 53
8	Community Ecology, Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology, Conservation Biology and Global Change, Unit Test 5, Final Exam	54, 55, 56

Core Competencies

Process of Science

Students will learn how science seeks to understand the world through observation, hypothesis testing, and experimentation. Key concepts include:

• Scientific Method: Steps include observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

• Variables: Independent variable is manipulated; dependent variable is measured.

• Experiment Design: Students should be able to design hypothetical experiments.

Pathways and Transformations of Energy and Matter

This competency covers how energy and matter are related and transformed in living systems.

• Sources of Energy: Sunlight (photosynthesis), chemical energy (cellular respiration).

• Sources of Matter: Carbon, nitrogen, and other elements from the environment.

• Energy Flow: Energy enters living systems via photosynthesis and is used to transform matter.

Information Flow, Exchange, and Storage

Students will explore how biological information is stored, replicated, processed, and inherited.

• DNA and Genes: Information is stored in DNA, replicated during cell division, and expressed as proteins.

• Inheritance: Observable patterns of inheritance result from information flow between generations.

• Examples: Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance.

Evolution

Understanding evolution by natural selection, including molecular influences and evidence for evolution.

• Natural Selection: Process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

• Evidence: Fossil records, molecular biology, comparative anatomy.

• Modifications: Updates to Darwinian theory based on new evidence.

Structure and Function

Examines how structure and function are interrelated at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

• Examples: Enzyme structure and function, cell membrane structure and transport.

A Systems Approach to Biology

Explains how parts of biological systems interact to form functioning entities and emergent properties.

• Emergent Properties: New properties that arise from the interaction of system components.

General Learning Outcomes

• Scientific Literacy: Evaluate perspectives and statements about biological issues for logic and scientific merit.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Perform calculations, interpret data and graphs, and use results to support conclusions.

• Critical Thinking: Assess credibility, accuracy, and reliability of inferences from data.

Major Course Content Areas

Overview of Biology

• Characteristics of life

• Scientific method

• Levels of biological organization

• Diversity of life

• Three biological domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

Chemistry of Life

• Atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds

• Organic and inorganic compounds

• Macromolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids

• Properties of water

The Cell

• Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells

• Plasma membranes and membrane transport

• Energy and metabolism

• Enzymes

• Cellular respiration and photosynthesis

• Cell reproduction: mitosis and meiosis

Molecular Biology and Genetics

• Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance

• DNA structure and function

• Genetic code and protein synthesis

• Gene expression and biotechnology

Evolution

• Theory of evolution

• Evidence supporting evolution

Required Course Materials

• Modified Mastering Biology for Campbell Biology 12th Edition (Urry et al.)

• Carolina Distance Learning Lab Kit

Technology Requirements

• Reliable computer and internet access

• Word-processing software

• Virus-checking software

• Access to college computers if needed

Course Logistics

• Asynchronous course managed through Canvas

• Weekly modules with assignments and materials

• Recorded lectures and PowerPoint notes provided

Student Requirements and Evaluation

Grade Breakdown

Component	Percentage	Points
Online Labs	25%	250
Unit Exams (5)	40%	400
Discussion Board Participation	5%	50
MasteringBiology Homework	15%	150
Final Exam	15%	150
Total	100%	1000

Grade Scale

• A: 90-100% (900-1000 points)

• B: 80-89% (800-899 points)

• C: 70-79% (700-799 points)

• D: 60-69% (600-699 points)

• F: 59% and below (599 points and below)

Extra Credit

Dynamic Study Modules and other opportunities are available for extra credit, worth approximately 69 points.

Testing Procedures

• 5 regular lecture tests (multiple choice format)

• Comprehensive final exam

• Respondus Lockdown Browser and Web Proctoring required

• No notes or outside resources allowed during tests

Discussion Board Policy

• Participation required for graded assignments

• Professionalism and respect expected in all communications

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited

• Turnitin used for assignment submissions

• Similarity scores above 20% may result in penalties

Recommendations for Success

• Set aside dedicated study time

• Practice and repetition

• Communicate with instructor

• Complete all readings and assignments

Withdrawal and Incomplete Policies

• W: Withdrawal before 60% completion

• I: Incomplete for mitigating circumstances, with completion deadline

Code of Conduct and Academic Dishonesty Policy

• All work must be original

• Collaboration and use of online sources for exams is prohibited

• Refer to Student Handbook for details

Accessibility and FERPA

• ADA and Rehabilitation Act compliance

• FERPA protects student educational records

Student Insurance

• Accident and health insurance options available

• FAMIS for children under 19

SWCC Quality Enhancement Plan

• Goal: Improve student oral communication skills

• Outcomes: Organize presentations, deliver messages, adapt to context, support with evidence, evaluate performance