BackBIO101: Life – An Introduction to Biology (Syllabus and Study Guide)
Study Guide - Smart Notes
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Course Overview
Introduction
This syllabus outlines the structure, content, and policies for BIO101: Life – An Introduction to Biology, a foundational course in General Biology at Owens Community College. The course covers the scientific study of life, including structure, function, diversity, and evolution of living organisms, and introduces students to key biological principles and laboratory techniques.
Course Structure and Evaluation
Grading Components
Homework Assignments: 10 assignments @10 points each (100 points)
In-class Activities: 6 activities @10 points each (60 points)
Quizzes: 4 quizzes @35 points each (140 points)
Exams: 4 exams @100 points each (400 points)
Total Lecture Points: 700
Lab Guide: 15 points
Lab Question Sets: 6 sets @15 points each (lowest dropped)
Lab Reports: 2 reports @30 points each (60 points)
Lab Exams: 2 exams @40 points each (80 points)
Total Lab Points: 290
Grading Scale
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: 59% or less
Course Topics
Major Units
Introduction to Life
Biochemistry and Energy
Cells and Tissues
Photosynthesis and Respiration
Genetics and Inheritance
DNA Technology
Evolutionary Theory
Prokaryotes and Protists
Plant Diversity
Animal Diversity
Classification
Populations
Communities
Ecosystems
Textbook and Materials
Required Text
Campbell’s Essential Biology with Mastering Biology, 7th Edition by Simon, Eric J., et al. (Pearson Education Publishing, 2019)
Learning Objectives
Course Goals
To examine the scientific study of life.
To discuss the concepts of population, community, and natural selection.
To recognize the importance of biochemistry and energy in living systems.
To recognize the structures of cells and tissues of all life forms.
To evaluate the diversity and classification of organisms in the cell-life cycle.
Course Policies
Attendance and Participation
Regular attendance is essential for success.
Students are responsible for all class announcements and changes.
Makeup exams are allowed under specific conditions (emergencies, instructor approval).
Devices
Phones and electronic devices must be silent and not used during class or exams.
Calculators are required for certain activities.
Support Services
Disability Services
Students with disabilities may be entitled to accommodations. Contact the Office of Disability Services for more information.
Counseling and Tutoring
Counseling and academic support services are available to all students.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism and Conduct
Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with according to college policy.
Students must follow the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam Schedule
Exam | Date |
|---|---|
Quiz 1 | 9/2 |
Exam 1 | 9/16 |
Quiz 2 | 9/30 |
Exam 2 | 10/14 |
Quiz 3 | 10/21 |
Exam 3 | 11/4 |
Quiz 4 | 11/18 |
Exam 4 | 12/09 |
Lecture Schedule
Week | Topic |
|---|---|
1 | Introduction to life |
2 | Biochemistry and energy; Quiz 1 |
3 | Cells and tissues |
4 | Cells and tissues continued; Exam 1 |
5 | Photosynthesis and respiration |
6 | Genetics and inheritance; Quiz 2 |
7 | Genetics and DNA technology |
8 | DNA technology |
9 | Evolutionary theory |
10 | Prokaryotes and Protists; Quiz 3 |
11 | Plant Diversity |
12 | Animal Diversity; Exam 3 |
13 | Classification |
14 | Populations; Quiz 4 |
15 | Communities |
16 | Ecosystems |
Final Exam | Last day of class |
Additional Info
FERPA guidelines and student privacy are strictly observed.
Health and safety policies may affect course delivery; updates will be communicated as needed.
All students are expected to follow anti-discrimination and harassment policies.
