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General Biology I (BISC 1403) Syllabus and Study Guide

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Course Overview

This study guide summarizes the key information and structure of the General Biology I (BISC 1403) course, as outlined in the syllabus for Fall 2025. The course introduces foundational concepts in biology, covering molecular biology, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and the diversity of life. The guide also details course policies, learning objectives, assessment methods, and a week-by-week lecture schedule.

Required Materials

  • Textbook: Biology, 8th Edition, by Quillin et al.

  • Mastering Biology (Pearson online resource)

  • Additional resources: Fordham bookstore (for new, used, rental, and digital textbooks), Pearson’s website, and the Biological Sciences section.

Course Description

The course is structured 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

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

  • Develop a foundational framework for critical and scientific thinking.

  • Build community and identify colleagues with shared interests and challenges in biology.

Student Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Attend all classes and review assigned material.

  • Complete all assignments on time and with academic integrity.

  • Assignments must be submitted individually unless otherwise specified.

  • Students are responsible for their own learning and time management.

Bloom’s Taxonomy in Biology

Bloom’s Taxonomy is used to structure learning outcomes and assessments in this course. The six levels are:

  • Remembering: Retrieving and recalling facts.

  • Understanding: Explaining ideas or concepts.

  • Applying: Using information in new situations.

  • Analyzing: Breaking down information into parts and examining relationships.

  • Evaluating: Justifying decisions or courses of action.

  • Creating: Generating new ideas, products, or ways of viewing things.

In this course, most assessments focus on Remembering, Understanding, Applying, and Analyzing.

Assignments and Exams

  • Assignments are posted in Blackboard (BB) or Mastering Biology and may include pre- and post-lecture questions, quizzes, and homework.

  • Exams are held in person and may include multiple choice and short answer questions.

  • The final exam is cumulative and covers all course material.

Grading Breakdown

Assessment

Percentage of Final Grade

Exams 1-3

45%

Final Exam

20%

Mastering Assignments

15%

Quizzes/Class Assignments

10%

Reading Assignments

10%

Each exam is weighted as follows:

Exam Section

Weight

Lowest Exam

10%

Median Exam

15%

Highest Exam

20%

Standard Fordham University grading scale applies (A: 100-93%, A-: 92-90%, etc.). No extra credit assignments are offered.

Lecture Schedule Overview

Module

Topics

Text Chapters

1. The Molecular Origin and Evolution of Life

Introduction, Study of Life, Chemical Basis, Protein Structure, Nucleic Acids, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Membrane Structure/Function

1-6

2. Cell Structure and Function

Inside the Cell, Energy and Enzymes, Cell Respiration, Fermentation, Photosynthesis

7-10

3. Gene Structure and Expression

Mitosis, Meiosis, Mendel and the Gene, DNA Synthesis and Repair, Central Dogma

12-17

4. Evolutionary Patterns and Processes

Evolution by Natural Selection, Evolutionary Processes

22-23

5. The Diversification of Life

Speciation, Phylogenies, Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryote Diversification

24-27, 33.1-33.2, 36

Exams are scheduled after each major module, with a cumulative final exam at the end of the semester.

General Timeline for Course Work

  • Quizzes: Appear in Blackboard at least a week prior to exams; due one class before the exam.

  • Textbook Readings: Assigned prior to class meetings.

  • Homework: Due at the end of the week after assigned.

  • Reading Assignments: Based on short articles; due weekly.

Suggested Study Schedule

  • Textbook readings: 3-4 hours/week

  • Reviewing class notes: 3-4 hours/week

  • Homework: 3-4 hours/week

Additional Information

  • Accommodations are available for students with disabilities (contact Fordham’s disability services).

  • Contact the instructor for office hours or to schedule appointments outside posted times.

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