Biology I (BIOLOGY 121 TUV) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Information

Overview

Biology I (BIOLOGY 121 TUV) is an introductory college-level course in general biology, focusing on cellular and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and laboratory techniques. The course is designed for students pursuing careers in biological sciences and related disciplines.

• Credit Hours: 5

• Lecture Contact Hours: 4

• Laboratory Contact Hours: 2

• Course Code: BIO 910, LI 910L

• PCS Code: 1.1

• Course Number: 001644

Instructor Information

Contact Details

• Name: Andre Wimberly

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: 30 mins after each class or by appointment via email

• Office Location: Zoom

• Course Communication: Zoom, Message/Bio

Course Catalog Description

Scope and Content

This course covers cellular and molecular biology, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell structure, function, and processes. Laboratory work emphasizes scientific inquiry, experimental design, and data analysis. Writing assignments and projects are included to develop scientific communication skills.

Course Objectives

Goals

• Develop skills in basic laboratory techniques and procedures.

• Understand scientific methodologies and basic biological principles.

• Familiarize with chemical and molecular bases of life.

• Explore metabolism, photosynthesis, and cell respiration.

• Understand cell reproduction and inheritance principles.

• Comprehend gene regulation and biotechnology.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon Completion, Students Will Be Able To:

• Articulate the nature of science and scientific inquiry.

• Develop and test hypotheses.

• Conduct experiments using scientific principles and laboratory equipment.

• Evaluate scientific studies and data.

• Classify biological molecules by structure and function.

• Explain cell reproduction and death.

• Describe metabolic and cellular processes.

• Perform genetic problem-solving and analyze inheritance patterns.

• Explain molecular cellular processes by which DNA is used to control and maintain living organisms.

• Identify medical, agricultural, and investigative uses for biotechnology.

Topical Outline

Major Units and Topics

• Unit 1: Evolution, Scientific Inquiry

• Unit 2: Carbon and the Cell

• Unit 3: Introduction to the Cell

• Unit 4: Meiosis and Mendel

• Unit 4 (cont.): Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology

Example: In Unit 2, students will learn about the chemical properties of carbon, its role in biological molecules, and the structure and function of cells.

Texts, Materials, and Resources

Required Materials

• Textbook: Campbell Biology - Modified Mastering Biology with Pearson eText Access Code (18 Weeks) 12th Edition, Authors: Urry, Lisa A.

• Lab Kit: Biology 121 Custom Laboratory Kit KK, City Colleges of Chicago

Methods of Instruction

Teaching Strategies

• Active Learning Techniques (ALT): virtual, dry, and wet labs

• Lectures, video/animations, problem-based learning, critical thinking

• Cooperative and collaborative learning

Method of Assessment and Evaluation

Grading Components

• Exams: 3-5 exams, posted on Brightspace, cumulative final exam

• Quizzes: 5-10 quizzes, covering material from the beginning of the course

• Labs: Virtual labs assigned on Mastering Pearson

Final Grade Calculation

Component	Points
Quizzes	50 each
Exams	100 each
Final Exam	200
Mastering Pearson	100

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage
A	90% - 100%
B	80% - 89%
C	70% - 79%
D	60% - 69%
F	Below 60%

Important Dates

Academic Calendar Highlights

Event	Date
First Day of Class	Aug 21, 2025
Labor Day Holiday	Sep 1, 2025
Thanksgiving Holiday	Nov 27 - Nov 29, 2025
Last Day for Student Withdrawal	Nov 14, 2025
Final Exam	Dec 9, 2025

Class Policy

Attendance and Academic Integrity

• Students are expected to attend class on time and complete all lab activities.

• Academic Dishonesty: Includes cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification.

• Use of AI: Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E) are prohibited for assignments unless explicitly authorized.

Active Pursuit and Withdrawal Policy

Administrative Withdrawal (ADW)

• Students not actively pursuing the course may be withdrawn (ADW) at mid-term.

• ADW may affect financial aid and GPA.

• Students must complete assignments and attend class to avoid ADW.

Additional Resources

Support Services

• Refer to the Web Links Tab in Brightspace for additional resources.

• College resources include tutoring, counseling, and accessibility services.

Summary Table: Major Topics in Biology I

Unit	Main Topics	Key Concepts
1	Evolution, Scientific Inquiry	Nature of science, hypothesis testing, experimental design
2	Carbon and the Cell	Biochemistry, cell structure, macromolecules
3	Introduction to the Cell	Cell theory, organelles, cell function
4	Meiosis and Mendel	Cell division, inheritance, Mendelian genetics
4 (cont.)	Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology	DNA structure, gene regulation, biotechnology applications

Key Definitions

• Cell: The basic unit of life, consisting of cytoplasm enclosed within a membrane.

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism.

• Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

• Genetics: The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

• Biotechnology: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products.

Example Formula

Photosynthesis Equation:

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and major biological concepts covered in a typical General Biology I college course.