Biology II for Science Majors (BIOL 1407) Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

Introduction to Biology II for Science Majors

This course is a continuation of introductory Biology I, focusing on the diversity, classification, and evolutionary relationships of major phylogenetic lineages. It emphasizes comparative anatomy and physiology, ecological roles, evolutionary processes, and the behavior of organisms. The course integrates laboratory investigations and critical thinking to develop scientific reasoning and communication skills.

• Credit Hours: 4

• Term: 2026 Summer

• Prerequisite: College Level Readiness in Reading, Writing, and Math; BIOL 1406

Student Learning Outcomes

Core Competencies and Biological Concepts

• Scientific Reasoning: Apply scientific methods and utilize laboratory tools to collect and analyze biological data.

• Critical Thinking: Use scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in laboratory and field settings.

• Communication: Effectively communicate scientific findings through written and oral formats.

• Phylogenetic Identification: Identify major phyla, focusing on plants and animals, and understand their classification, adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.

• Animal Physiology: Describe basic physiological processes and homeostasis in animal organ systems.

• Life Cycles: Compare sexual and asexual life cycles, noting adaptive advantages.

• Evolutionary Trends: Illustrate the relationship between geologic changes, extinctions, and evolutionary trends.

• Modern Evolutionary Synthesis: Explain concepts such as natural selection, population genetics, microevolution, macroevolution, and speciation.

• Phylogenetic Relationships: Describe and distinguish between phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively in laboratory teams to achieve shared goals.

Course Materials and Technology Requirements

Required Texts and Resources

• Textbook: Biological Science eText with Access Code for Mastering Biology (Freeman, Quillin, and Allison, 8th Edition, Pearson)

• Lab Manual: Investigating the Phylogenetic Relationships of Organisms (Durant and Penrod, 3rd Edition, MacMillan)

• Technology: Computer with webcam and microphone, reliable WiFi, and optionally a drawing tablet or touchscreen computer.

STAR Bundle: Provides access to all required course materials by the first day of class. Students may opt out but must then purchase materials independently.

Course Structure and Assessment

Grading Components

• Lecture Exams (4 exams, 8% each): Multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions. One make-up allowed.

• Mastering Biology Activities (8%): Online assignments with tutorials, exercises, and review questions. Three lowest grades dropped.

• Lab Reports (20%): Team-based prelabs and lab reports, submitted digitally. Three lowest grades dropped.

• Lab Quizzes (4%): Unit 1 lab quizzes, one make-up allowed.

• Lab Practicals (16%): Practical exams for Units 2-5, one make-up allowed.

• Final Exam (20%): Comprehensive, divided into five parts. May replace lowest exam or Mastering Biology average if higher.

• Extra Credit: Scavenger Hunt project (up to 3% added to final grade).

Assessment	Percent of Final Grade
Lecture Exams (4)	32%
Mastering Biology Activities	8%
Lab Reports	20%
Lab Quizzes (Unit 1)	4%
Lab Practicals (Units 2-5)	16%
Final Exam	20%
Total	100%

Major Topics and Tentative Schedule

Units and Chapters Covered

• Unit 1: The Tree of Life, Evolutionary Processes, Speciation, Phylogenies & History of Life (Ch. 1.5, 23, 24, 25)

• Unit 2: Bacteria & Archaea, Protists, Fungi (Ch. 26, 27, 29)

• Unit 3: Green Plants, Angiosperm Reproduction, Plant Form & Function (Ch. 28, 38, 34)

• Unit 4: Introduction to Animals, Protostome Animals (Ch. 30, 31)

• Unit 5: Deuterostome Animals, Echinoderms, Chordates, Vertebrates (Ch. 32)

Each unit includes corresponding laboratory activities, quizzes, and practicals. Specific dates and assignments are posted in the course learning management system (D2L).

Policies and Expectations

Attendance, Academic Integrity, and Communication

• Attendance: Participation in academically related activities is required by the official day of record to avoid being dropped from the course.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating is strictly prohibited and may result in severe penalties, including a zero on assessments or expulsion.

• Communication: Students are responsible for checking D2L Announcements and college email regularly for updates and instructions.

• Technology Issues: Report technical problems immediately with documentation (e.g., screenshots).

• Exam Security: Online exams require Lockdown Browser, webcam, and a second camera. Strict rules apply to maintain exam integrity.

Support Services and Resources

Student Success and Accessibility

• Disability Services: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented needs.

• Student Support: Counseling, tutoring, library resources, and other support services are available to promote academic success.

• Course Evaluation: Students are encouraged to provide feedback through course evaluations.

Summary Table: Major Units and Chapters

Unit	Main Topics	Chapters
1	The Tree of Life, Evolution, Speciation, Phylogenies	1.5, 23, 24, 25
2	Bacteria & Archaea, Protists, Fungi	26, 27, 29
3	Green Plants, Angiosperm Reproduction, Plant Form & Function	28, 38, 34
4	Introduction to Animals, Protostome Animals	30, 31
5	Deuterostome Animals, Echinoderms, Chordates, Vertebrates	32

Additional info: This syllabus aligns with the General Biology II curriculum, covering evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, biodiversity, plant and animal biology, and laboratory skills. Students are expected to engage in both theoretical and practical aspects of biology, preparing them for advanced study in the life sciences.