Biology I (Bio 103) Syllabus and Course Overview – Fall 2024

Biology I (Bio 103) – Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Description

Biology I (Bio 103) is a foundational course for science majors, focusing on the molecular and cellular basis of life. The course covers the properties of biological macromolecules, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and cellular communication. It is designed to prepare students for advanced biology courses and related fields.

• Prerequisite: None

• Corequisite: BIOL 101 (lab)

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 12th edition (Urry et al., 2020)

Course Goals

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Describe the properties of biological macromolecules and water as they relate to living systems.

• Understand the structure and function of cells, cell membranes, and organelles.

• Explain cellular metabolism, including the role of ATP and energy transfer.

• Analyze physiological systems in terms of cellular and molecular mechanisms.

• Describe the process and purpose of mitosis and meiosis.

• Practice independent learning and study skills.

Hallmarks Learning Goals for Science (SCI)

• Rigorous Inquiry (RI): Critically analyze scientific information and apply disciplinary methods.

• Critical Analysis (CA2): Evaluate scientific claims and arguments using appropriate evidence.

• Collaborative Creation (CC3): Develop and document group processes for collective work.

Course Structure and Schedule

Lecture and ALT (Active Learning Team) Information

• Lecture Instructors: Dr. Jeffrey Klemens, Dr. Genevieve Regan

• Lecture Meeting Times: Multiple sections, Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu, Tuttleman 107

• ALT Sessions: Small group meetings led by assigned instructors (see table below)

ALT Section Table

Section	Day/Time	Room	Primary Instructor	Contact Information
11	Fri, 8am	T108	Dr. Jeffrey Klemens	[e-mail]
12	Fri, 8am	T107	Dr. Tara Simon	[e-mail]
13	Fri, 9am	T202	Prof. Ashley Lui	[e-mail]
14	Fri, 9am	T108	Prof. Kayla Butts	[e-mail]
15	Fri, 9am	T202	Dr. Alex Simon	[e-mail]
16	Fri, 10am	T101	Prof. Sarah Beaumont	[e-mail]
17	Fri, 10am	T201	Dr. Amanda Redding	[e-mail]
18	Fri, 10am	T205	Prof. Matt Aquilone	[e-mail]
19	Fri, 11am	T101	Prof. Sarah Beaumont	[e-mail]
20	Fri, 11am	T201	Dr. Amanda Redding	[e-mail]
21	Fri, 11am	T205	Prof. Matt Aquilone	[e-mail]
44	Fri, 11am	T107	Dr. Genevieve Regan	[e-mail]

Grading Breakdown

Exercise	Percentage	Date
Exam 1	15%	9/12
Exam 2	15%	10/10
Exam 3	15%	11/7
Comprehensive Final Exam	20%	Finals Period (TBD)
ALT Assignments	25%	various
Mastering Bio Homework	5%	various
Quizzes	5%	various
TOTAL	100%

Letter Grade Table

Percentage	Letter	Percentage	Letter	Percentage	Letter	Percentage	Letter
≥93.0	A	≥87.0	B+	≥77.0	C+	≥67.0	D+
≥90.0	A-	≥80.0	B	≥70.0	C	<66.0	F
		≥80.0	B-	≥70.0	C-	≥60.0	D

Course Schedule Overview

Week	Date	Chapters	Topics	ALT Activity	Notes
1	8/18	Chapter 1	Class Intro, Syllabus, Big Picture Themes, Study Skills	ALT Session Intro, Note Taking
2	8/25	Chapters 2,3,4,5	Chemistry of Life: chemistry refresher, water and biology, organic chemistry, biological molecules	Protein Structure Activity
3	9/1	Chapter 6	Cells & Organelles, Central Dogma	Tour of a Cell Activity	Labor Day: No class Mon. 9/1
4	9/8	Review	Unit 1 wrap-up, review, Exam 1		Exam 1 on Friday 9/12
5	9/15	Chapters 7,11	Study Skills Follow Up, Membranes, Cellular Communication	Transport Table Activity
6	9/22	Chapters 45,48	Endocrine, start Nervous/Neurons	Endocrine Pathway Assignment
7	9/29	Chapters 49,50	Continue Nervous, Sensory	Action Potential Drawing and Sensory System Assignment
8	10/6	Review	Unit 2 wrap-up, review, Exam 2		Exam 2 on Friday 10/10
9	10/13	Chapters 8,9	Metabolism and Cellular Respiration		Fall Break: No class Mon. 10/13
10	10/20	Chapters 41	Nutrition/Digestion	Digestion & Nutrition Assignment
11	10/27	Chapter 42	Circulation and Respiration	Heart Circulation Assignment	Exam 3 on Friday 11/7
12	11/3	Review	Unit 3 wrap-up, review, Exam 3
13	11/10	Chapters 12,13	Mitosis/Cell Cycle, Meiosis	Pep Bead Activity
14	11/17	Chapter 43,19	Immune, Viruses	Immune System Assignment
15	11/24	Continue Immune, Viruses	Immunity Simulation (Mon/Tues)	Thanksgiving: No class Wed. 11/26, Fri. 11/28
16	12/1	Final Exam Review	Last day of class is Tues. 12/3
Final	TBD	All of the above	Final Exam (comprehensive)

Course Policies and Resources

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance at Friday morning ALT sessions is required.

• Missed ALT sessions due to university events, religious observances, or emergencies require documentation and use of the Designated Retake time.

• Unexcused absences from exams or quizzes result in a grade of zero.

Academic Integrity

• All assignments must be your own work; plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Use of generative AI is prohibited in this course.

• Violations will be reported and may result in disciplinary action.

Accessibility and Inclusion

• Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and a respectful learning environment.

• Title IX policies protect against sexual misconduct and discrimination.

Electronic Devices

• Students are required to bring a working electronic device for quizzes and polls.

Key Topics Covered in Biology I

Chemistry of Life

Understanding the chemical basis of life is essential for studying biology. This includes the properties of water, organic molecules, and the role of chemical bonds in biological systems.

• Biological macromolecules: Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids

• Water: Solvent properties, hydrogen bonding, importance for life

• Organic chemistry: Carbon-based molecules, functional groups

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life. Their structure and organization determine their function in living organisms.

• Cell organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus

• Cell membranes: Structure, fluid mosaic model, transport mechanisms

• Central Dogma: Flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein

Metabolism and Cellular Respiration

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions in cells, including energy production and usage.

• ATP: The energy currency of the cell

• Cellular respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain

• Equation for cellular respiration:

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy (ATP)}$

Genetics: Mitosis and Meiosis

Genetics explores how traits are inherited and how cells divide to produce new cells.

• Mitosis: Cell division for growth and repair

• Meiosis: Cell division for sexual reproduction, producing gametes

• Key differences: Mitosis produces identical cells; meiosis produces genetically unique cells

Cell Communication and Signaling

Cells communicate through chemical signals to coordinate activities and respond to their environment.

• Membrane receptors: Proteins that receive signals

• Signal transduction: Pathways that transmit signals inside the cell

• Examples: Hormone signaling, neurotransmitter action

Physiology: Endocrine, Nervous, and Immune Systems

Physiology examines how organ systems function and interact to maintain homeostasis.

• Endocrine system: Hormone production and regulation

• Nervous system: Neuron structure, action potentials, sensory systems

• Immune system: Defense against pathogens, immune response

Nutrition, Digestion, and Circulation

These systems are essential for acquiring nutrients, distributing them, and removing waste.

• Nutrition: Macronutrients and micronutrients

• Digestion: Breakdown and absorption of food

• Circulation: Heart and blood vessels, transport of oxygen and nutrients

Additional info:

• Students are expected to participate in group activities and collaborative assignments.

• Course includes regular quizzes, homework, and three major exams plus a comprehensive final.

• Support resources are available for academic and personal needs.