General Biology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

General Biology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of biology, including biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, and physiology. It is designed for students pursuing health sciences and related fields, and it emphasizes both lecture and laboratory experiences.

• Lecture Hours: 3 per week

• Laboratory Hours: 3 per week

• Credits: 4

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Pam Lunn, Ph.D.

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: Mon & Wed 9:30-10:30am, Mon-Wed 2-3pm in office HCH 301M (additional by appointment)

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the process of scientific inquiry and the properties of life.

• Compare the properties of different major classes of biologically important molecules.

• Integrate basic properties and structure of cells with their functions in cellular metabolism.

• Summarize the structure and function of biological membranes and explain how structure relates to membrane transport and energy function.

• Analyze the energy transformations that drive biosynthesis as they apply to cellular energetics.

• Assess and make conclusions about the signaling and communication systems of cellular reproduction.

• Describe the processes of cell division and compare mitosis with meiosis and sexual reproduction.

• Summarize molecular genetic processes including DNA replication, gene expression (transcription, translation), and regulation of gene expression.

• Distinguish the structure and function of human tissue types and histologically identify the differing tissues.

Required Course Textbook

• Text: Campbell Biology (Custom Package for CSN, 12th ed.)

• ISBN: 978-0-13-690529-5

Course Schedule

The following table outlines the weekly topics, assignments, and corresponding textbook chapters:

Week	Lecture Topics	Assignments Due	Textbook Chapters
1	Course Description and Study Techniques	Ch 1 HW	Ch 1.1–1.4
2	Introduction to Life		Ch 1.1–1.4
3	Chemistry – Atomic Structure	Discussion 1	Ch 2.1–2.2
4	Chemistry – Bonds and Chemical Reactions	Ch 2 HW	Ch 2.3–2.4
5	Chemistry – Water, Acids, Bases, & Buffers	Ch 3 HW/Quiz 1	Ch 3.1–3.2
6	Organic Chemistry		Ch 4
7	EXAM 1 (Ch 1–4)
8	Macromolecules – Carbohydrates and Lipids		Ch 5.1–5.3
9	Macromolecules – Proteins	Discussion 2	Ch 5.4
10	Macromolecules – Nucleic acids	Ch 5 HW	Ch 5.5
11	Cell Structure and Function: Bacteria	Ch 6 HW	Ch 6.1–6.3, 27.1
12	Cell Structure and Function: Eukaryotes		Ch 6.4–6.7
13	Membrane Function – Transport	Ch 7 HW/Quiz 2	Ch 7.1–7.3
14	EXAM 2 (Ch 5, 6, 7)
15	Introduction to Metabolism		Ch 8
16	Cellular Respiration – Glycolysis, Pyruvate Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, Electron Transport Chain, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Fermentation	Ch 9 HW/Quiz 3	Ch 9.1–9.5
17	Photosynthesis	Ch 10 HW	Ch 10.1–10.3
18	DNA Structure and Replication	Ch 16 HW/Quiz 4	Ch 16.1–16.3
19	Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Apoptosis & Cancer		Ch 12.1–12.5, 18.6, 20.3
20	EXAM 3 (Ch 8, 9, 10, 12, 15.4, 16, 18.6, 20.3)
21	Meiosis		Ch 13
22	Inheritance – Mendelian Genetics	Ch 14 HW	Ch 14.1–14.3
23	Inheritance – Human and Bacterial Genetics	Ch 15 HW	Ch 15.1–15.3, 27.2
24	From Gene to Protein – Transcription	Ch 17 HW	Ch 17.1–17.3
25	From Gene to Protein – Translation/Mutations	Ch 18 HW/Quiz 5	Ch 18.1–18.3
26	EXAM 4 (Ch 13, 14, 15, 17, 18.7)
27	Viruses/Final Exam Review	Ch 19 HW	Ch 19
28	Final Exam

Grading Policy

Item	Pts Each	Number	Total	Portion Totals
Lecture Exams	100	4	400	Lecture = 600 (75%)
Online quizzes	10	10	100
Homework (HW)	10	10	100
Discussions	5	4	20
Laboratory				Lab = 200 (25%)
Course total				800 (100%)

Assessment and Assignments

• Exams: Four in-person exams, each worth 100 points, and a comprehensive final exam.

• Quizzes: Online quizzes on Canvas, typically due before each exam and before major topic changes.

• Homework: Dynamic Study Modules and chapter homework on Access Pearson.

• Discussions: Four graded discussion assignments, each worth 5 points.

• Laboratory: Required attendance and completion of lab assignments, quizzes, and practicals. Lab is 25% of the total grade.

Technology and Online Resources

• Canvas: Used for course announcements, quizzes, and assignment submissions.

• Access Pearson: Required for online textbook and homework modules.

• Technology Requirements: Computer with internet access, ability to watch recorded lectures, and use of headphones or speakers.

Key Topics Covered

• Scientific Inquiry and Properties of Life

• Basic Chemistry for Biology

• Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids

• Cell Structure and Function

• Membrane Structure and Transport

• Metabolism and Energy Transformations

• Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

• Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis

• Genetics: Mendelian and Molecular

• Gene Expression: Transcription and Translation

• Viruses and Biotechnology (selected topics)

Additional Information

• Attendance and participation are required for both lecture and laboratory sections.

• Make-up exams and assignments are only allowed under special circumstances (e.g., illness, emergency).

• Grades and feedback will be posted on Canvas.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a structured overview of the course, including weekly topics, assessment methods, and required materials. Students are expected to keep up with readings, assignments, and laboratory work to succeed in General Biology I.