General Biology I (BIOL 189) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Instructor and Contact Information

This course is taught by Dr. Richard Oxborough, Ph.D. Office hours and contact details are provided for student support. Students are encouraged to communicate via email and attend office hours for academic assistance.

• Instructor: Dr. Richard Oxborough

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Location: WC Bldg H, 201-K

• Office Telephone: [phone] ext. 2924

Required Textbooks & Materials

Students must purchase the Campbell Biology: Custom Biology Package for CSN with an access code for MyLab & MasteringBiology. This access code is required for online homework and course resources.

• Textbook: Campbell Biology (Custom Edition for CSN)

• Access Code: Required for MyLab & MasteringBiology

• Lab Coat: Required for laboratory sessions

Course Description & Objectives

Catalog Description

Biology 189 is a comprehensive course covering the structure and function of biological molecules, cell structure and physiology, scientific inquiry, and the principles of inheritance and evolution. The course is designed for science majors and pre-professional students.

• Topics include: Chemistry of life, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, and evolution.

• Prerequisites: Recommended completion of college-level math and chemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

• Evaluate the process of scientific inquiry and the principles of life.

• Describe the structure and function of biological molecules and cells.

• Explain the processes of DNA replication, gene expression, and genetic inheritance.

Course Evaluation & Grading

Grading Breakdown

Grades are determined by a combination of assignments, quizzes, exams, and lab work. The total possible points for the course are 800.

Assessment	Points
Syllabus quiz and signature page	10
10 Homework assignments @ 20 pts each	200
5 Unit Exams @ 65 pts each	325
1 Final Exam (65 pts)	65
Lab Assignments	200
Total	800

Grade Scale

Grade	Point Range	Percentage
A	720 – 800	90–100%
B	640 – 719	80–89%
C	560 – 639	70–79%
D	480 – 559	60–69%
F	0 – 479	<60%

Exams and Assignments

• Exams include multiple choice, true/false, identification, and short answer questions.

• Homework assignments are submitted online via Canvas.

• Late assignments are penalized (15% deduction for late submission).

• Make-up exams are only allowed for documented medical emergencies.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

• Regular attendance is required for both lecture and laboratory sections.

• Students are responsible for all material covered in class and on Canvas.

Laboratory Policy

• Lab attendance is mandatory; students must attend the lab section they are enrolled in.

• Lab assignments and activities are essential for course completion.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

• Violations may result in disciplinary action.

NSHE Policy

• Students must notify the instructor in advance for absences due to official college activities.

• Documentation is required for excused absences.

Important Dates

• August 31: Last day to receive 100% refund for 16-week courses.

• September 7: Last day to receive 50% refund for 16-week courses.

• October 31: Last day to officially withdraw from the course.

Course Schedule

The following table outlines the lecture topics, corresponding textbook chapters, and assessments for the first part of the semester. This schedule is subject to change.

DATE	Lecture Topic (subject to change)	Campbell Textbook Chapters	Assessments
Aug 25	Lecture 1: Course Overview; Introduction	NA	Syllabus quiz at the start of lecture 2 (10 pts)
Aug 27	Lecture 2: Biology Fundamentals	1 - Evolution, the themes of biology and scientific inquiry
Sep 1	Labor Day Holiday - No class
Sep 3	Lecture 3: Atomic Structure & Bonds	2 - The chemical context of life	Homework 1 (20 pts, Due: 9/8-11:59pm)
Sep 8	Lecture 4: Water & Life	3 - Water and life
Sep 10	Lecture 5: Acids, Bases & pH	3 - Water and life	Homework 2 (20 pts, Due: 9/15-11:59pm)
Sep 15	Lecture 6: Carbon, Chemical Reactions & Functional Groups	4 - Carbon and the molecular diversity of life
Sep 17	Lecture 7: Carbohydrates & Lipids	5 - The structure and function of large biological molecules	Homework 3 (20 pts, Due: 9/22-11:59pm)
Sep 22	Exam 1: Unit 1, In-person. Covering Lectures 2-6	Chapters 1-4	Exam 1 (65 points)
Sep 24	Lecture 8: Proteins	5 - The structure and function of large molecules
Sep 29	Lecture 9: Nucleic Acids	5 - The structure and function of large molecules	Homework 4 (20 pts, Due: 10/6-11:59pm)
Oct 1	Lecture 10: Cell Structure & Function	6 - A tour of the cell
Oct 6	Lecture 11: Cell Structure & Function	6 - A tour of the cell	Homework 5 (20 pts, Due: 10/13-11:59pm)
Oct 8	Lecture 12: Membrane Structure & Function	7 - Membrane structure and function
Oct 13	Exam 2: Unit 2, In-person. Covering Lectures 6-10	Chapters 5-6	Exam 2 (65 points)
Oct 15	Lecture 13: Membrane Transport	7 - Membrane structure and function

Student Success Tips

• Attend all lectures and labs.

• Complete all assignments and quizzes.

• Read the textbook and take notes.

• Ask questions in class and seek help when needed.

• Utilize resources on Canvas and participate in study sessions.

• Set aside dedicated study time and believe in your ability to succeed.