BIO102 Spring 2026 Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview: General Biology II (BIO102)

Course Description and Structure

General Biology II (BIO102) is a foundational course for biology majors, focusing on the diversity of life, evolutionary processes, and the integration of structure, function, and ecology. The course includes both lecture and laboratory components, emphasizing scientific inquiry and experimental methods.

• Lecture Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:35 am–12:00 pm

• Laboratory Sessions: Multiple sections throughout the week

• Required Text: Campbell Biology, 12th Edition (Urry et al.)

• Online Platform: Pearson MasteringBiology for homework and assessments

Course Objectives

• Foster appreciation for biological diversity and the natural world

• Link structure and function to ecology and evolution

• Develop proficiency in formulating and investigating biological questions at the organismal level

Program Outcomes and Pillars of Learning

Integration of Scientific Method and Experimental Design

The course is structured around the application of the scientific method to develop questions and experimental methods that integrate all areas of biology. Students are expected to build foundational knowledge and demonstrate proficiency in the following pillars:

• Outline and defend the role of evolution in all disciplines of biology

• Read and critique primary literature research papers

• Design experiments and develop hypotheses

• Generate and interpret graphs displaying experimental data

• Analyze data from laboratory and research activities

• Communicate results in both oral and written formats

Additional info: These pillars are assessed through exams, lab quizzes, worksheets, oral presentations, and data analysis assignments. Mastery of these skills is essential for success in advanced biology courses and research.

Lecture and Laboratory Topics

Lecture Schedule and Major Topics

The course covers the following major topics, each aligned with chapters from the textbook:

• Descent with Modification (Ch. 22)

• Evolution of Populations (Ch. 23)

• Origin of Species (Ch. 24)

• Phylogeny and Classification (Ch. 25-26)

• Diversity of Life: Bacteria, Archaea, Protists (Ch. 27-28)

• Animal Diversity: Invertebrates and Vertebrates (Ch. 32-34)

• Animal Form and Function (Ch. 40-42)

• Fungi and Plant Diversity (Ch. 29-31, 35-36)

• Conservation Biology and Global Change (Ch. 56)

Exams and review sessions are interspersed throughout the semester to reinforce learning and assess understanding.

Laboratory Schedule and Skills Development

Laboratory sessions are designed to reinforce lecture material and develop practical scientific skills. Key laboratory topics include:

• Microscopy and data analysis using R and RStudio

• Evolutionary concepts using model organisms (e.g., Darwin’s finches, tuco-tucos)

• Genetic drift and phylogenetic analysis

• Experimental design and hypothesis testing (e.g., crayfish dimorphism, tapeworm allometry)

• Plant physiology and transpiration studies

• Oral presentations and written lab reports

Each lab session includes pre-lab quizzes, worksheets, and opportunities for data collection and analysis.

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

• Lecture (50%): Midterm exams, MasteringBiology homework, final cumulative exam

• Laboratory (50%): Written and microscope exams, pre-lab quizzes, worksheets, oral presentation

Students must pass both lecture and laboratory components to pass the course. Attendance and participation are mandatory, especially for laboratory sessions.

Academic Integrity and Support Services

Academic Integrity

Students are required to adhere to the university’s Academic Integrity Code. Plagiarism and other forms of cheating will result in a zero for the assignment and may lead to failure in the course.

Support Services

• Student Accessibility Services for accommodations

• Learning Commons for tutoring and academic support

• Resources for health, counseling, and academic advisement

Students are encouraged to seek help early and utilize available resources to ensure academic success and well-being.