BIO 1500: Introduction to Biological Principles – Syllabus and Study Guide

BIO 1500: Introduction to Biological Principles

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of biology, emphasizing the relationships between metabolism, genetics, cell biology, and evolution. Students will engage in both lecture and laboratory experiences, focusing on cellular and molecular biology.

• Credit Hours: 4 (includes laboratory component)

• General Education: WRIGHT Foundations: Natural Science

• Prerequisite: None specified; designed for biology majors and pre-health students

Course Structure

• Lecture Sections: Multiple sections with different meeting times

• Laboratory: Must be registered separately; attendance in the assigned lab section is mandatory

• Help Sessions: Available by appointment and during posted hours

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Interpret the process of science using the ideas of various philosophers of science and different ethical vantage points.

• Apply scientific concepts and the scientific method in a laboratory setting and in the analysis of historical and current scientific discoveries.

• Demonstrate basic skills in molecular and cellular biology.

• Use both factual and conceptual knowledge to summarize information.

• Apply concepts of cell structure, division, genetics, and metabolism.

• Show how basic function in cells is derived.

Required Texts and Materials

• BIO 1500 Course Guide and Lab Manual (2025 edition, available at the FSC Bookstore)

• Personal protective equipment for laboratory

• Various materials posted on Canvas

• Internet-connected device for using Canvas

Note: Make sure your device is fully charged before class.

Assessment and Grading

Grading in BIO 1500 is based on a contract, mastery-based system. Many assignments allow multiple attempts for full credit. The course is structured into three levels of assignments:

Level 1: Knowledge and Practical Skills

• Focuses on basic concepts and practical skills for lecture and lab.

• Assignments must be completed to demonstrate your knowledge.

• You have unlimited attempts on Level 1 assignments until you earn a Complete (80% or higher).

• If you have not earned a Complete before your lab, your lab grade will be impacted.

Level 2: Student Advantage

• Assignments help you combine concepts from multiple topics.

• Emphasizes analysis, communication, and application of concepts.

• You must attempt all assignments; your lowest grade will be dropped.

Level 3: Application and Synthesis

• Assignments require you to show how much you have learned so far.

• Focuses on data analysis, communication, and application of concepts to new situations.

• Each Level 3 assignment has a bonus opportunity for higher scores.

Grading Table

Letter Grade	Requirements
A	Complete (80% or higher) on all Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 assignments
B	Complete (80% or higher) on all Level 1 and Level 2 assignments, AND on three or more Level 3 assignments
C	Complete (80% or higher) on all Level 1 assignments, AND on four or more Level 2 assignments, AND on at least one Level 3 assignment
D	Complete (80% or higher) on all Level 1 assignments, AND on at least two Level 2 assignments
F	Failure to meet the above requirements or more than two unexcused absences in lab

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week	Date	Topic	Level 1 (Learn)	Level 2 (Reinforce)	Level 3 (Apply)
1	Aug. 26	Introduction	1.00	X	X
2	Sept. 1	Ethics, Philosophy, Scientific Method	1.01, 1.02	1.03	X
3	Sept. 8	Molecules and Water	1.03	2.01	X
4	Sept. 15	Carbon and Organic Molecules	1.04, 1.05	X	X
5	Sept. 22	Origin of Cells & Prokaryotes	1.06	1.08	2.01 (Sept. 26)
6	Sept. 29	Cell Structure and Membranes	1.09, 1.10	X	2.02
7	Oct. 6	DNA Structure & Replication	1.11	X	3.02 (Oct. 17)
8	Oct. 13	Transcription and Translation	1.12	X	X
9	Oct. 20	Fall Break	Meeting	Fall Break	X
10	Oct. 27	Chromosomes, Mitosis, Cell Cycle	1.13, 1.14, 1.15	3.03	X
11	Nov. 3	Meiosis and Inheritance	1.16	X	X
12	Nov. 10	Metabolism	1.18	2.04	X
13	Nov. 17	Respiration	3.04	X	X
14	Nov. 24	Photosynthesis	X	X	X
15	Dec. 8	Final Exam Week	Final Exam: Dec. 15-17

Course Policies

Academic Honesty

• Cheating and Plagiarism: Not tolerated; may result in failure of the course and expulsion from the college.

• Plagiarism: All work must be in your own words. PUT EVERYTHING IN YOUR OWN WORDS!

• Collaboration: Group work is allowed only when specified. Otherwise, all assignments must be completed individually.

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is required for both lecture and laboratory sections.

• More than two unexcused absences in lab will result in automatic failure of the course.

• Active participation in class and lab activities is expected.

Use of Technology

• Devices may be used for class-related activities only.

• No devices should be used during exams or for non-class purposes.

• Course materials are available online, but are not a substitute for taking your own notes.

Student Support

• Help sessions and one-on-one meetings are available for academic support.

• Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Lecture	Core concepts, scientific method, cell biology, genetics, metabolism, evolution
Laboratory	Hands-on experiments, application of scientific method, data analysis
Assignments	Mastery-based, multiple attempts allowed, must meet minimum score for credit
Exams	Final exam covers all major topics
Academic Honesty	Strictly enforced; all work must be original

Additional info:

• Students are encouraged to seek help early and often, especially if struggling with course material.

• Course is designed to prepare students for advanced biology courses and health-related programs.