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BISC 1403 R01: General Biology I - Syllabus and Study Guide

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Study Guide - Smart Notes

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Course Overview

General Introduction

This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and content for BISC 1403 R01: General Biology I, a foundational college-level biology course. The course covers the molecular basis of life, cell structure and function, gene expression, evolutionary patterns, and the diversification of life.

  • Instructor: William Gault, Ph.D.

  • Class Meetings: LH170, Mon/Thurs 8:30am – 9:45am

  • Required Materials: Freeman Biology, 8th Edition; Codon Learning platform; Fordham Bookstore resources

Course Description

Main Modules

The course is divided into five main modules, each focusing on a major area of biology:

  1. The Molecular Origin and Evolution of Life

  2. Cell Structure and Function

  3. Gene Structure and Expression

  4. Evolutionary Patterns and Processes

  5. The Diversification of Life

Learning Objectives

Intro Biology I Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Demonstrate broad content knowledge in biology, from molecules to organisms to evolution.

  • Build a conceptual framework for critical and scientific thinking.

  • Build community and collegiality with peers interested in biology.

  • Develop skills for lifelong learning in biology and related fields.

Student Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Attend all classes and participate actively.

  • Read assigned material and complete assignments on time.

  • Submit assignments via Codon Learning or as instructed.

  • Assignments must be completed individually unless otherwise specified.

  • Contact the instructor for questions or clarifications.

Bloom's Taxonomy

Classification of Learning Outcomes

Bloom's Taxonomy is used to structure learning outcomes, lessons, and assessments. The six levels are:

  • Remembering: Retrieving, recognizing, and recalling relevant knowledge.

  • Understanding: Constructing meaning from oral, written, and graphic messages.

  • Applying: Carrying out or using a procedure for executing or implementing.

  • Analyzing: Breaking material into constituent parts and determining relationships.

  • Evaluating: Making judgments based on criteria and standards.

  • Creating: Putting elements together to form a coherent or functional whole.

Higher levels of learning (Analyze, Evaluate, Create) depend on mastery of lower levels (Remember, Understand, Apply).

Assignments and Exams

  • Assignments posted in Blackboard (BB) or Codon Learning.

  • Reading assignments and quizzes test understanding and application of concepts.

  • Exams include multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

  • Four exams: three midterms and one final.

  • No extra credit assignments.

Grading

Grade Breakdown

Assessment

Percentage

Exam 1 – 3

45%

Final Exam

20%

Codon Learning Assignments

8%

Quizzes/Class Assignments

15%

Reading Assignments

10%

Lowest Exam

10%

Median Exam

15%

Highest Exam

20%

Standard Fordham University grading scale applies: A=100-93%, A-=92-90%, B+=89-88%, B=87-83%, B-=82-80%, C+=79-78%, C=77-73%, C-=72-70%, D=69-60%, F=59% or below.

Lecture Schedule

Module 1: The Molecular Origin and Evolution of Life

  • Introduction to Biology and the Study of Life

  • Chemical Basis of Life

  • Protein Structure and Function

  • Nucleic Acids

  • Carbohydrates

  • Lipid Membrane Structure and Function

Module 2: Cell Structure and Function

  • Inside the Cell

  • Energy and Enzymes

  • Cell Respiration and Fermentation

  • Photosynthesis

Module 3: Gene Structure and Expression

  • Mitosis and Meiosis

  • Mendel and the Gene

  • DNA Synthesis and Repair

  • Central Dogma: How Genes Work

Module 4: Evolutionary Patterns and Processes

  • Evolution by Natural Selection

  • Evolutionary Processes

Module 5: The Diversification of Life

  • Speciation, Phylogenies, and the History of Life

  • Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea

  • Diversification of Eukaryotes

Suggested Study Schedule

  • Textbook readings: 3-4 hours/week

  • Reviewing class notes: 3-4 hours/week

  • Homework: 3-4 hours/week

Support and Accommodations

  • Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services for accommodations.

  • Useful online resources: Codon Learning, Fordham University Bookstore, Biological Sciences Department.

Additional info:

  • Specific chapters from the textbook are assigned for each topic (see lecture schedule).

  • Class meetings and exam dates are clearly indicated in the schedule.

  • Bloom's Taxonomy is emphasized for structuring learning and assessment.

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