BIOL 213: Principles of Biology III – Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview

BIOL 213: Principles of Biology III is the third foundational course for biology majors at Christopher Newport University. The course focuses on the form and function of plants and animals, covering key topics in botany and zoology. The course uses Campbell Biology, 12th edition as its primary textbook and is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of plant and animal biology, integrating both lecture and assessment components.

Course Structure and Grading

Botany Section

• Participation: 10% (based on attendance and class activity involvement)

• Quizzes: 25% (three quizzes on specified dates)

• Final Exam: 15% (cumulative, covering all plant topics)

Zoology Section

• Participation: 10% (completion of in-class activities)

• Quizzes: 25% (three quizzes, every other week)

• Final Exam: 15% (cumulative, covering all animal topics)

Grading Scale

• A: 90-100%

• B: 80-89.9%

• C: 70-79.9%

• D: 60-69.9%

• F: <60%

• Plus/minus system applies to top/bottom two percentage points of each grade range.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

The course is divided into two main halves: Botany (plants) and Zoology (animals). Each week covers specific chapters from the textbook, aligning with the major themes in college-level biology.

Week	Topic	Textbook Chapter(s)
Jan 12 - 16	Plant Structure and Anatomy	35
Jan 19 - 23	Plant Growth (No class Monday, MLK Day); Quiz 1 (Friday)	35
Jan 26 - 30	Water Movement, Sugar Movement, Soil	36
Feb 2 - 6	Plant Nutrition; Quiz 2 (Friday)	36
Feb 9 – 13	Angiosperm Reproduction, Seeds	37
Feb 16 – 20	Asexual Reproduction; Quiz 3 (Friday)	38
Feb 23 – 27	Plant Behavior; Plant Final Exam (Friday)	39
Mar 2 - 6	No class – Spring Break
Mar 9-13	Introduction; Animal Form and Function Basics	40
Mar 16 - 20	Regulation and Control; Food Processing	41
Mar 23 - 27	Quiz 1 (Monday); Food Processing & Gas Exchange	41/42
Mar 30 – Apr 3	Circulation & Immune Function	42/43
Apr 6 - 10	Quiz 2 (Monday); Osmoregulation & Excretion, Endocrine Systems	44/45
Apr 13 - 17	Nervous Systems; Sensory Systems	48/49/50
Apr 20 - 24	Quiz 3 (Monday); Musculoskeletal Systems	50
Apr 27	Final Review
May 4	Animal Final Exam (11:00)

Key Topics Covered (by Chapter)

• Ch. 35: Vascular Plant Structure, Growth, and Development

• Ch. 36: Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants

• Ch. 37: Soil and Plant Nutrition

• Ch. 38: Angiosperm Reproduction and Biotechnology

• Ch. 39: Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals

• Ch. 40: Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function

• Ch. 41: Animal Nutrition

• Ch. 42: Circulation and Gas Exchange

• Ch. 43: The Immune System

• Ch. 44: Osmoregulation and Excretion

• Ch. 45: Hormones and the Endocrine System

• Ch. 48: Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling

• Ch. 49: Nervous Systems

• Ch. 50: Sensory and Motor Mechanisms

Course Policies and Support

• Attendance: Expected for all sessions; students must make up missed material.

• Make-up Policy: Make-up quizzes/exams only for excused absences with advance notice.

• Academic Integrity: Adherence to the CNU Honor Code is required; plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated.

• Accessibility: Accommodations available for students with documented disabilities; contact the Office of Student Affairs.

• Diversity and Inclusion: The course and university affirm a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Academic Support: The Center for Student Success offers tutoring, writing support, and study skills resources.

• Basic Needs: Resources are available for students facing food or housing insecurity.

• Use of Course Materials: Course content is for enrolled students only; distribution or recording without permission is prohibited.

• AI Policy: AI is not permitted for graded assignments or tests.

Success Strategies

• Attend all classes and participate actively.

• Engage with the material by reading assignments and asking questions.

• Study collaboratively and review material regularly.

• Seek help from instructors and academic support services as needed.

Important Dates

• Add/Drop Deadline: January 16, 2026

• Last Day for Withdrawal: March 20, 2026

• Plant Final Exam: February 27, 2026

• Animal Final Exam: May 4, 2026 (11:00 AM)

Contact Information

• Dr. Heather Harwell: Forbes Hall, Room 1021B, [e-mail]

• Dr. Janet Steven: Forbes Hall, Room 1017, [e-mail]

• Office Hours: See syllabus for specific times or by appointment.

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a framework for the course but is subject to change. Updates will be communicated in class and via email.

• Students are encouraged to utilize all available resources to maximize their success in BIOL 213.