General Biology I (BIO 120) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Biology I (BIO 120) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational understanding of biology, focusing on the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Students will explore key biological concepts, scientific methods, and the relevance of biology to health, environment, and society.

• Lecture Times: MWF 8–8:50 a.m., Bush 212

• Laboratory Times: Thursdays 2–5 p.m., Bush 105

• Instructor: Dr. Fiona Harper ([e-mail])

• Office Hours: Mondays 9–10 a.m., Tuesdays 2–3 p.m., Wednesdays 9–10 a.m., or by appointment

Required Materials

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 12th Ed. (Pearson Education, Inc.)

• Lab Coat: Available at the bookstore

• Safety Goggles: Required for laboratory

• Pencil/Pen: For note-taking and lab work

• Lab Notebook: Must be bound and used for all lab work

Course Topics and Learning Objectives

General Biology I covers a wide range of topics, including chemistry of life, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The course emphasizes scientific inquiry, experimental design, and critical thinking.

• Chemistry of Life: Atomic structure, chemical bonds, water properties, macromolecules

• Cell Structure and Function: Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, organelles, membranes

• Genetics: DNA structure, gene expression, Mendelian genetics, population genetics

• Evolution: Natural selection, adaptation, speciation

• Ecology: Energy flow, nutrient cycles, population dynamics

Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the chemical and physical principles underlying biological processes

• Describe the structure and function of cells and their components

• Analyze genetic inheritance and variation

• Interpret evolutionary relationships and mechanisms

• Apply the scientific method to biological questions

• Communicate scientific findings effectively

Assessment and Grading

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of exams, quizzes, laboratory work, and writing assignments. The grading breakdown is as follows:

Assessment	Percentage
Mini-test 1 (Unit I)	2%
Exams (3 x 12% each)	36%
Final Exam	16%
Quizzes	8%
Synthesis & Application Exercises (8 x 1% each)	8%
Lab Exam 1	2%
Lab Exam 2	2%
HHMI Excel Homework	2%
Scientific Writing & Lab Reports Assignments (total 22%)	22%
Total	100%

Grade Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
Below 60%	F
60.0–62.9%	D-
63.0–66.9%	D
67.0–69.9%	D+
70.0–72.9%	C-
73.0–76.9%	C
77.0–79.9%	C+
80.0–82.9%	B-
83.0–86.9%	B
87.0–89.9%	B+
90.0–92.9%	A-
93.0–100%	A

Key Assignments and Exams

• Exams: Combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, covering lecture and lab material.

• Mini-test: Short test to prepare students for exam conditions.

• Quizzes: Weekly, based on lecture and reading assignments.

• Lab Exams: Practical and written assessments of laboratory skills and concepts.

• Scientific Writing & Lab Reports: Includes drafts, peer review, and final submissions.

Course Policies

• Attendance: Required for all lectures and labs. More than three unexcused absences may result in grade reduction.

• Late Work: Late assignments are penalized; extensions only for documented emergencies.

• Lab Safety: Proper attire and safety procedures are mandatory.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Technology Use: Laptops and devices may be restricted during class activities.

Tips for Success in BIO 120

• Attend all classes and labs; participation is essential.

• Review notes daily and keep up with readings.

• Form study groups and seek help when needed.

• Use color and diagrams in notes for better retention.

• Practice scientific writing and data analysis skills.

Additional Resources

• Tutoring: Available at the Tutoring and Writing Center (Bush 123).

• Canvas: Source for announcements, assignments, and grades.

• Library: Access to textbooks and scientific literature.

Scientific Method and Experimental Design

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating biological questions. It involves observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion.

• Steps of the Scientific Method:

  1. Observation

  2. Question

  3. Hypothesis

  4. Experiment

  5. Data Collection

  6. Analysis

  7. Conclusion

• Example: Testing the effect of light on plant growth by comparing plants grown in sunlight vs. darkness.

Key Biological Concepts

• Cell Theory: All living things are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of life.

• Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: Information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.

• Evolution: Populations change over time through natural selection and genetic drift.

• Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Important Equations and Formulas

• Hardy-Weinberg Equation (Population Genetics):

$p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$

• Photosynthesis (Simplified):

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

• Cellular Respiration (Simplified):

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

Example Table: Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Feature	Prokaryotic Cells	Eukaryotic Cells
Nucleus	Absent	Present
Organelles	Few (e.g., ribosomes)	Many (e.g., mitochondria, ER)
Size	Small (1–10 μm)	Larger (10–100 μm)
Examples	Bacteria, Archaea	Plants, Animals, Fungi

Additional info:

• Some details about the scientific method, cell theory, and equations were inferred to provide academic context.

• Specifics about lab safety and writing assignments were expanded for clarity.