Biology 111: Introductory Biology – Course Introduction and Foundations

Course Overview

Introduction to Biology 111

This course, Biology 111: Introductory Biology, provides a foundational understanding of biological principles, focusing on the study of life at the cellular level. The course is designed for students pursuing majors in biology, health sciences, biotechnology, education, and related fields, as well as those preparing for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, and allied health.

• Instructor: Dr. Larissa Patterson

• Semester: Fall 2025

• Meeting Times: Lectures on Monday and Wednesday, 2:00–3:20 pm; Lab on Thursday, 1:00–3:50 pm

• Location: Fogarty 213 (lecture), Fogarty 060 (lab)

• Course Platform: Blackboard and Mastering Biology

Course Structure and Requirements

Materials and Technology

Students are required to have access to the eText (Campbell Biology, 12th Edition), Mastering Biology access code, and basic technology skills. Lab materials will be provided online or as printed copies in lab.

• Required Materials: eText, Mastering Biology, RIC email, internet connection, Microsoft Word and Excel, scanning app

• Lab: No separate lab manual or textbook required

Assignments and Grading

The course includes weekly reading assignments, Mastering Biology assignments, lab reports, and in-person quizzes. Consistent participation and timely submission of assignments are essential for success.

• Lecture Assignments: Weekly reading and Mastering Biology assignments

• Lab Assignments: Weekly lab reports

• Quizzes: In-person, weekly

• Grading: Based on lecture and lab performance; details provided in the syllabus on Blackboard

How to Succeed in Biology 111

Study Strategies

Success in college-level biology requires consistent effort, active engagement, and effective time management. The pace is faster than high school, and students are encouraged to develop new study habits.

• Preparation: Complete assignments before class, review material, and write down questions

• Engagement: Attend lectures, participate in discussions, and ask questions

• Review: Take notes, review after class, and prepare for quizzes

• Time Management: Plan study times around other commitments; use a schedule to organize lectures, assignments, and lab activities

Example: Student-athletes or those with work/family responsibilities should create a detailed weekly schedule to balance all obligations and ensure regular study sessions for Biology 111.

Foundations of Biology

What is Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life. It encompasses a vast range of topics, from the molecular mechanisms within cells to the interactions of organisms within ecosystems.

• Key Characteristics of Life:

  • Order and organization

  • Regulation (homeostasis)

  • Growth and development

  • Energy processing

  • Response to the environment

  • Reproduction

  • Evolutionary adaptation

Levels of Biological Organization

Biological systems are organized in a hierarchy from the smallest to the largest scale:

• Atoms

• Molecules

• Organelles

• Cells

• Tissues

• Organs and organ systems

• Organisms

• Populations

• Communities

• Ecosystems

• Biosphere

Unifying Themes in Biology

Despite its broad scope, biology is unified by several key themes:

• Organization: Structure and order at every level of life

• Information: Expression and transmission of genetic information (DNA)

• Energy and Matter: Transformation and flow of energy and matter through living systems

• Interactions: Interdependence and interactions among biological components

• Evolution: The process that accounts for the diversity and unity of life

Quote: "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." – Theodosius Dobzhansky

The Cell: The Fundamental Unit of Life

Cell Theory

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. The cell theory states:

• All living things are composed of one or more cells

• The cell is the most basic unit of life

• All cells arise from pre-existing cells

Why Are Cells Small?

Cells are small to maximize their surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates efficient exchange of materials (nutrients, waste, gases) with the environment. Larger organisms are composed of many specialized cells rather than a few giant cells.

• Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio: Smaller cells have a higher ratio, allowing more efficient transport across the membrane

• Specialization: Multicellular organisms have many cell types with dedicated functions

Types of Cells

There are two main types of cells:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria and archaea)

• Eukaryotic Cells: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, protists)

Basic Cell Structures

• All cells share:

  • Plasma membrane

  • Cytoplasm

  • Genetic material (DNA)

  • Ribosomes (for protein synthesis)

• Prokaryotic cell features: Nucleoid, cell wall, capsule, flagella, fimbriae

• Eukaryotic cell features: Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, lysosomes, peroxisomes

Organelles and Their Functions

• Nucleus: Stores and protects DNA; site of transcription

• Mitochondria: Convert potential energy from food into chemical energy (ATP)

• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Synthesis of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER)

• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids

• Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support and facilitates movement

Chemical Composition of Cells

Cells are composed of four major types of biological molecules:

• Proteins

• Nucleic acids

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

Understanding how atoms interact to form these molecules is essential for understanding cellular structure and function.

Academic Success Tips

• Register for Mastering Biology and access the eText

• Read assigned chapters before lectures

• Attend lab sessions and participate actively

• Stay organized and manage your time effectively

• Seek help from your instructor or classmates when needed

Table: Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Feature	Prokaryotic Cells	Eukaryotic Cells
Nucleus	Absent	Present
Membrane-bound Organelles	Absent	Present
Cell Size	Generally smaller	Generally larger
Examples	Bacteria, Archaea	Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists

Additional info:

• Some content was inferred and expanded for clarity and completeness, such as the detailed functions of organelles and the academic success tips.

• Table content was logically grouped and expanded based on standard introductory biology knowledge.