BIO 110 - General Biology II: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This document outlines the structure, requirements, and schedule for BIO 110 - General Biology II. The course covers advanced topics in general biology, including genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology, as indicated by the chapter schedule and required textbook.

Course Information

• Class Meetings: Monday & Wednesday, 2:30pm - 3:20pm

• Location: Building 2M - Room 213

• Instructor: Seth Wollney

• Required Text: Biological Science by Scott Freeman (5th Ed.)

Grading Structure

• Attendance: 10%

• Exam 1 (Chapters 14-20): 20%

• Exam 2 (Chapters 21-25): 20%

• Exam 3 (Chapters 26-32): 20%

• Cumulative Final: 30%

Letter Grade to Numerical Grade Conversion

Letter Grade	Numerical Grade (%)
A	90-100
B+	85-89
B	80-84
C+	75-79
C	70-74
D	60-69
F	Below 60

Course Policies

Attendance

• Attendance is mandatory and taken at the start of each class.

• Arriving late may result in being marked late or absent for the day.

• Consistent attendance is crucial for success in the course.

Participation

• Active participation is encouraged, including asking questions during lectures.

• Distractions such as cell phones or unrelated activities are discouraged.

Examinations

• Exams test understanding of concepts from lectures and readings.

• Alternate exam arrangements require prior notification and documentation.

• Missing an exam without proper arrangements results in a grade of 0%.

Final Examination

• The final exam is cumulative and covers all course material.

Extra Credit

• No extra credit is offered to ensure fairness for all students.

Study Skills and Success Tips

1. Pay attention in class and review material regularly.

2. Read the textbook and minimize distractions while studying.

3. Practice with exam questions and review notes soon after class.

4. Ask questions if concepts are unclear.

5. Study in groups for collaborative learning.

6. Use flashcards and self-testing to reinforce memory.

7. Seek help from the instructor or peers when needed.

Tentative Course Schedule

Week	Date	Topic	Chapters
1	1/24	Mendel and the Gene	14
2	1/26	DNA and the Gene	15
3	1/31	How Genes Work	16
4	2/2	Transcription and Translation	17
5	2/7	Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria	18
6	2/9	Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes	19
7	2/14	The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology	20
8	2/16	EXAM ONE: Intro to Genetics	14-20
9	2/21	Genes, Development, and Evolution	21
10	2/23	Evolution by Natural Selection	22
11	2/28	Evolutionary Processes	23
12	3/2	Speciation	24
13	3/7	Phylogenies and the History of Life	25
14	3/9	EXAM TWO: Developmental Biology and Evolutionary Processes	21-25
15	3/14	Bacteria and Archaea	26
16	3/16	Protists	27
17	3/21	SPRING BREAK
18	3/28	Green Algae and Land Plants	28
19	3/30	Fungi	29
20	4/4	Introduction to Animals	30
21	4/6	Animals (Protostomes)	31
22	4/11	Animals (Deuterostomes)	32
23	4/13	EXAM THREE: The Diversity of Life	26-32
24	4/18	Introduction to Ecology	49
25	4/20	Ecosystems and Global Ecology	53
26	5/4	Review for Final Exam
27	5/18	CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM	ALL

Key Topics Covered

• Genetics: Mendel and the gene, DNA structure and function, gene expression, biotechnology

• Evolution: Natural selection, evolutionary processes, speciation, phylogenies

• Biodiversity: Bacteria, Archaea, Protists, Plants, Fungi, Animals

• Ecology: Introduction to ecology, ecosystems, global ecology

Additional Info

• Students are responsible for reading the appropriate chapters before each class.

• All exams are based on both lecture material and assigned readings.

• Consistent study and review are recommended for success.