BackBIOL 1306: Biology for Science Majors I – Syllabus and Course Structure Overview
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Course Overview
Introduction to BIOL 1306
This course, Biology for Science Majors I (BIOL 1306), is designed for students pursuing a major in the biological sciences. The syllabus outlines the course structure, grading policies, expectations, and a detailed schedule of topics that align with foundational concepts in modern biology.
Course Structure and Policies
Instructor and Contact Information
Instructor: Abraham Roberto Villa-Mundo
Email: avill199@epcc.edu
Office Hours: MW 10:20AM–12:00PM (in-person or virtual by appointment)
Required Materials
Textbook: Freeman Biological Science, 8th Edition (with Mastering Biology access code)
Technology: Computer access for Blackboard, Pearson, and Respondus Lockdown Browser
Grading Breakdown
Category | Points |
|---|---|
Quizzes (16) | 160 |
In-class Participation | 190 |
Exams (5) | 250 |
Presentations and Reports (2) | 200 |
Final Exam | 200 |
Total | 1000 |
Grading Scale: A = 900–1000; B = 800–899.99; C = 700–799.99; D = 600–699.99; F = below 600
Attendance and Participation
Attendance at both lecture and lab is mandatory.
All exam material is drawn from lectures and assigned readings.
Active participation and timely completion of assignments are required for success.
Academic Integrity and Conduct
Code of Conduct: Violations may result in warnings or removal from the course.
Academic Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism result in disciplinary action and a zero on the assignment.
AI Policy: AI tools may only be used if explicitly authorized and must be properly attributed.
Assignments and Exams
Quizzes and exams are administered via Respondus Lockdown Browser during class.
Make-up exams are only allowed with timely notification and instructor approval.
Homework is due by 11:59 PM the day before the corresponding chapter is covered.
Presentations and reports are group assignments, evaluated on understanding, presentation skills, and PowerPoint quality.
Support and Resources
Students with disabilities should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities for accommodations.
Tutors and lab assistants are available; hours are posted on Blackboard.
Faculty advisors are available for academic planning and transfer questions.
Course Schedule and Major Topics
Weekly Topics and Chapters
The course follows a logical progression through foundational topics in biology, closely matching the standard curriculum for introductory biology majors. The following chapters are covered:
Chapter 1: Biology and the Tree of Life
Chapter 2: Water and Carbon: The Chemical Basis of Life
Chapter 3: Protein Structure and Function
Chapter 4: Nucleic Acids and the RNA World
Chapter 5: An Introduction to Carbohydrates
Chapter 6: Lipids, Membranes, and the First Cells
Chapter 7: Inside the Cell
Chapter 8: Energy and Enzymes: An Introduction to Metabolism
Chapter 9: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Chapter 10: Photosynthesis
Chapter 11: Cell–Cell Interactions
Chapter 12: The Cell Cycle
Chapter 13: Meiosis
Chapter 14: Mendel and the Gene
Chapter 15: DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair
Chapter 16: How Genes Work
Chapter 17: Transcription and Translation
Each chapter is accompanied by quizzes, and major exams are scheduled after key content blocks. Presentations and reports are due at specified points in the semester.
Important Dates
Last day to drop with a W: July 2, 2026
Report and Presentation Due Dates: June 22 and July 27, 2026
Comprehensive Final Exam: July 30, 2026
Summary Table: Major Course Components
Component | Description |
|---|---|
Lectures | Mandatory attendance; covers all exam material |
Quizzes | 16 quizzes, one per chapter/topic |
Exams | 5 exams, each covering multiple chapters |
Final Exam | Comprehensive, in-class, cannot be dropped |
Presentations/Reports | Group assignments, two per semester |
Homework | Due before each chapter is covered |
Additional Information
All course materials, updates, and resources are available on Blackboard.
Students are responsible for keeping up with all assignments and announcements.
The instructor reserves the right to revise policies and procedures as needed.
