General Biology I: Course Syllabus and Topic Overview (Fall 2025)

Course Structure and Major Topics

This syllabus outlines the schedule, reading assignments, and major topics for a General Biology I course. The course covers foundational concepts in plant and animal biology, including structure, function, development, and evolution, as well as key physiological processes. Below is a structured summary of the main topics and subtopics, organized by week and chapter focus.

Course Introduction and Foundations

Course Introduction & Scientific Inquiry

• Overview of Biology: Introduction to the scope and themes of biology, including the scientific method and inquiry-based learning.

• Key Concepts: Evolution, structure and function, information flow, energy and matter, and interactions within biological systems.

• Reading: Chapter 1 (Concepts 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4)

Plant Biology

Plant Structure and Growth

• Roots, Stems, and Leaves: Structure and function of primary plant organs.

• Plant Cells and Tissues: Types of plant cells (parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma) and tissues (dermal, vascular, ground).

• Cell Division and Elongation: Meristems, growth patterns, and differentiation.

• Reading: Chapter 35 (pg. 757-777)

Plant Life Cycles and Diversity

• Life Cycles & Bryophytes: Alternation of generations, nonvascular plants.

• Ferns and Relatives: Seedless vascular plants.

• Seed Plants & Gymnosperms: Evolution and adaptations of seed plants.

• Angiosperms: Flowering plants, reproductive structures, and diversity.

• Reading: Chapters 29, 30 (pg. 618-652)

Angiosperm Reproduction and Development

• Angiosperm Life Cycle: Pollination, fertilization, seed and fruit development.

• Asexual Reproduction & Breeding: Mechanisms and applications in agriculture.

• Reading: Chapter 38 (pg. 822-840)

Plant Physiology

• Resource Acquisition and Transport: Water and nutrient uptake, xylem and phloem function.

• Plant Nutrition: Essential elements, soil interactions, and nutrient cycles.

• Plant Hormones: Types (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid), roles in growth and development.

• Plant Responses: Tropisms, photoperiodism, and responses to environmental stimuli.

• Reading: Chapters 36, 37, 39 (pg. 784-869)

Animal Diversity and Evolution

Animal History and Development

• Animal Origins: Evolutionary history, major transitions, and body plans.

• Animal Development: Embryonic development, germ layers, and developmental patterns.

• Reading: Chapter 32 (pg. 673-684)

Invertebrate Diversity

• Introduction to Invertebrates: Overview of major invertebrate phyla.

• Cnidarians: Basic body plan, life cycle, and ecological roles.

• Lophotrochozoans: Key groups such as mollusks and annelids.

• Ecdysozoans: Arthropods and nematodes, molting process.

• Deuterostomes: Echinoderms and chordates.

• Reading: Chapter 33 (pg. 686-715)

Vertebrate Evolution

• Vertebrate Origins: Evolution of the vertebrate body plan.

• Gnathostomes: Evolution of jaws and major vertebrate groups.

• Amniotes: Adaptations for terrestrial life (amniotic egg, skin, etc.).

• Mammals and Humans: Evolution, diversity, and unique characteristics.

• Reading: Chapter 34 (pg. 718-754)

Animal Form and Function

Principles of Animal Physiology

• Form & Function: Relationship between anatomy and physiology; adaptation to environments.

• Homeostasis: Mechanisms for maintaining internal balance (temperature, water, etc.).

• Energy Needs: Metabolic rates, energy budgets, and nutritional requirements.

• Reading: Chapter 40 (pg. 873-895)

Animal Behavior

Behavior and Learning

• Behavior & Learning: Types of animal behavior, mechanisms of learning, and evolutionary significance.

• Evolution of Behavior: Genetic and environmental influences, natural selection and behavioral adaptations.

• Reading: Chapter 51 (pg. 1139-1160)

Assessment and Assignments

• Lecture Assignments: Periodic assignments based on lecture material and readings.

• Tests: Three in-term tests and a comprehensive final exam.

• Mastering Biology Questions: Practice and review questions grouped as "Get Ready for this Chapter," "Practice Test," or "End of Chapter Quiz."

Key Dates

• First Test: September 24

• Second Test: October 17

• Third Test: November 10

• Final Exam: December 15, Monday, 10:30 a.m.

• Breaks: Labor Day, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a week-by-week guide to topics, readings, and assignments. Students are expected to complete readings before class and participate in all assessments.

• Chapters and page numbers correspond to the course textbook (exact edition not specified).