General Biology I (BIOL 1110) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology I

This course provides a foundational understanding of biology for college students, focusing on the scientific method, basic principles of biology, evolutionary theory, cell structure and function, genetics, biodiversity, and ecology. It is designed for biology majors and covers both theoretical and practical aspects of biological science.

• Course Credit Hours: 4

• Format: Hybrid (combination of in-person and online learning)

• Lecture Hours: 3 per week

• Laboratory Hours: 0 (lab content integrated into course assignments)

Required Textbook/Materials

Biological Science (Pearson, 2024)

• Authors: Scott Freeman, Kim Quillin, Elizabeth Allison, Michael Black, Greg Podgorski, Emily Taylor, Jeff Carmichael

• ISBN: 9780137683221

• Description: This textbook is designed for introductory biology courses, emphasizing discovery-based learning, scientific thinking, and connections between core concepts. It covers cell biology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology, with updated features for digital learning and assessment.

Course Description

Scientific Method and Principles of Biology

The course introduces students to the unifying principles of biology, including evolutionary theory, basic genetic principles, biodiversity, anatomical and physiological concepts, development and function, and behavior and ecology. It prepares students for advanced studies in biology and related fields.

• Prerequisites: All required learning support reading and writing courses.

Course Learning Outcomes

Skills and Competencies Developed

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

• Conduct experiments: Collect, analyze, and interpret data in a laboratory setting.

• Analyze scientific hypotheses: Evaluate and test scientific ideas.

• Understand scientific language and processes: Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific explanations.

• Identify unifying principles: Recognize repeatable patterns in nature and apply them to scientific problems.

• Assess scientific impact: Evaluate the influence of scientific discovery on human thought and behavior.

Course Learning Indicators

Key Concepts and Abilities

• Discuss characteristics common to all forms of life.

• Apply the scientific method to biological study.

• Assess the importance of observation and experimentation.

• Explain cell structure and function.

• Describe the structure and function of genes.

• Understand developmental biology and organismal development.

• Explain genetic control over cell differentiation and organism development.

• Describe evolution from a scientific basis and its importance.

• Define taxonomy and classify living organisms.

• Compare viruses, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

• Describe plant structure, function, and development.

• Evaluate evolutionary trends in plants and animals.

• Distinguish innate and learned animal behaviors.

• Explain ecological relationships and the complexity of the web of life.

• Discuss human impact on ecosystems.

• Demonstrate proper scientific record keeping and analysis.

Course Outline

Major Topics and Chapters

The following chapters are covered in the course:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Science and Biology

• Chapter 3: Protein Structure and Function

• Chapter 4: DNA and RNA Structure and Function

• Chapter 6: Lipids, Cell Membranes, and Membrane Transport

• Chapter 7: Cells

• Chapter 12: Mitosis

• Chapter 13: Meiosis

• Chapter 14: Inheritance Genetics

• Chapter 16: DNA and RNA Function; Gene Expression; Mutation

• Chapter 21: Genetics and Cell Biology of Embryonic Development

• Chapter 22: Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection

• Chapter 23: Microevolution

• Chapter 24: Speciation

• Chapter 25: Macroevolution, Taxonomy and Phylogeny

• Chapter 33: Viruses

• Chapter 26: Bacteria and Archaea

• Chapter 27: Protists

• Chapter 30: Introduction to Animals

• Chapter 31: Protostome Animals

• Chapter 32: Deuterostome Animals

• Chapter 34: Plant Form and Function

• Chapter 35: Water and Sugar Transport in Plants

• Chapter 36: Plant Nutrition

• Chapter 37: Plant Sensory Systems, Signals, and Responses

• Chapter 47: Animal Reproduction and Embryonic Development

• Chapter 49: Introduction to Ecology

• Chapter 50: Behavioral Ecology

• Chapter 51: Population Ecology

• Chapter 52: Community Ecology

• Chapter 53: Ecosystem and Global Ecology

• Chapter 54: Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Assessment and Grading

Evaluation Methods

Student performance is assessed through a combination of exams, assignments, quizzes, and laboratory activities. The grading categories and points are as follows:

Grading Category	Points
Lecture Exams (Comprehensive Final)	500
Lab Exams (4 x 65 points each)	260
Laboratory Quizzes and Assignments	160
Other Assignments	100
Dynamic Study Modules	100
Total Points	1120

Grading Scale

Grade	Points
A	900 - 1000
B	800 - 899
C	700 - 799
D	600 - 699
F	Below 600

Policies and Student Support

Attendance Policy

• Regular attendance is required. Absences must be explained.

• Attendance records are kept and may affect course status.

Submission of Papers and Late Assignments

• Dynamic Study Module assignments must be completed before the exam for which the unit is taken.

• Make-up exams/assignments require instructor approval within 2 calendar days of the original due date, or within 7 days for other assignments.

Academic Integrity

• Students must adhere to standards of good behavior, honesty, civility, and respect.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized use of electronic devices are prohibited.

Disability Statement

• Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities through the Counseling & Support Services Department.

Student Resources

• Support services include counseling, tutoring, and access to library resources.

• Additional resources are available for equity, inclusion, and suicide prevention.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive outline of topics and expectations for General Biology I, suitable for exam preparation and course planning.

• For detailed content on each chapter, refer to the required textbook and course materials.