General Biology I (BIOL 160) Syllabus and Course Structure – Spring 2026

Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology I (BIOL 160)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary biology for science majors, focusing on the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, genetics, and molecular biology. The curriculum is designed to align with foundational chapters from the Campbell Biology in Focus textbook, covering essential topics for college-level biology students.

• Course Number: BIOL 160 (General Biology I)

• Credits: 3 (Lecture: 3 hours/week)

• Prerequisites: Placement at MA 116 level (College Algebra) or equivalent

• Required Textbook: Campbell Biology in Focus, 4th edition (Pearson)

Course Learning Goals & Outcomes

Key Learning Outcomes

Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain foundational knowledge in the following areas:

• Chemical organization of the cell and its relationship to cellular functions, including metabolism, energy, and inheritance.

• Structural organization of the cell and cellular diversity.

• Function and significance of cell membranes.

• Metabolic pathways: cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

• Cell division, sexual reproduction, and inheritance.

• Role of nucleic acids in cellular properties and inheritance mechanisms.

• Structure and function of genes and their control over protein synthesis.

• Gene regulation of cellular and organismal function.

Course Structure & Assessment

Grading Components

The course grade is determined by the following components:

• Exams (4): 60% (15% each)

• Chapter Quizzes: 20%

• Mastering Biology Homework: 10%

• Recitation: 10%

Exams and quizzes are administered in person, with homework completed online via Mastering Biology. Recitation sessions reinforce lecture material and provide collaborative learning opportunities.

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	93-100
A-	90-92
B+	87-89
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79
C	73-76
C-	70-72
D+	67-69
D	60-66
F	59 and below

Course Chronology & Chapter Coverage

Lecture and Homework Schedule

The course follows a structured schedule, covering the following chapters (aligned with the Campbell Biology in Focus textbook):

• Ch. 2: The Chemical Context of Life

• Ch. 3: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

• Ch. 4: A Tour of the Cell

• Ch. 5: Membrane Structure and Function

• Ch. 6: Enzymes (Section 6.4)

• Ch. 7: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

• Ch. 8: Photosynthesis

• Ch. 9: The Cell Cycle

• Ch. 10: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

• Ch. 11: Mendel and the Gene Idea

• Ch. 12: The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

• Ch. 13: The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

• Ch. 14: Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein

Each chapter is accompanied by quizzes, homework, and recitation activities to reinforce learning.

Policies & Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance and active participation are required for success.

• Quizzes and exams must be taken in person; missed assessments result in a zero unless accommodations are granted.

• Late or missed homework will result in a zero.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and dishonest acts are strictly prohibited and subject to university sanctions.

• Students must adhere to Mercy University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Support Services

• Libraries: Access to research assistance and information resources.

• PACT Advising: Academic and career guidance.

• Tutoring: Academic support in science and other subjects.

• Health & Wellness: Medical and counseling services available to all students.

• Office of Accessibility: Accommodations for students with disabilities.

• Mav Market: Free food and personal items for students.

Summary Table: Course Components and Chapter Alignment

Exam	Chapters Covered	Learning Outcomes
Exam 1	2, 3, 4	Chemical & structural organization of cells
Exam 2	5, 6.4, 7, 8	Membrane function, metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis
Exam 3	9, 10, 11	Cell cycle, meiosis, Mendelian genetics
Exam 4	12, 13, 14	Chromosomal inheritance, molecular genetics, gene expression

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to read textbook chapters before lectures and complete all assignments by due dates.

• Recitation sessions provide collaborative learning and reinforce lecture material.

• Optional cumulative exam available to replace one missed or lowest exam score.