General Biology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

General Biology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the principles of biology, focusing on the structure and function of plant and animal organ systems, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior. It is designed for college students beginning their studies in biology.

• Lecture: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

• Instructor: Dr. Monica Mooney

• Office: 4E06C

• Contact: [e-mail]

• Drop-in Hours: Wednesday 11:00 - 12:30 pm, Friday 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, or by appointment

Course Description

• 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 credits

• Topics: Structure and function of plant and animal organ systems, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and experimental study of biological systems.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the process of evolution and its importance to biology

• Identify the characteristics of diverse animal and plant organisms

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic plant physiology

• Gain an understanding of the evolutionary significance of animal behavior

• Learn the basic principles of ecology

Required Text

• Reece et al. 2021. Campbell Biology plus Mastering Biology, 12th Ed. ISBN13: 9780135188743; ISBN10: 0135188741.

Laboratory Component

• 14 laboratory exercises (taught by a different instructor from the lecture part of the class, and with a different Brightspace page).

• Lab info and schedule posted on the Brightspace page for lab section.

Mastering Biology Exercises

• Students must register for a Mastering Biology account (see textbook for instructions).

• Access codes are provided with textbook purchase or can be bought separately.

• Assignments are due as scheduled in the syllabus.

Grading Breakdown

• Mastering Biology Exercises: 10%

• Lab: 30% (quizzes, lab project, midterm exam, final exam)

• Final Exam: 25%

• Extra Credit: Field trip to the American Museum of Natural History with response essay

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
93.0% or more	A
90.0-92.9%	A-
87.0-89.9%	B+
83.0-86.9%	B
80.0-82.9%	B-
77.0-79.9%	C+
73.0-76.9%	C
70.0-72.9%	C-
67.0-69.9%	D+
64.0-66.9%	D
59.9% or lower	F

Lecture Schedule (Subject to Change)

Date	Topic	Textbook Reading	Mastering Biology Assignment
Aug 27	Introduction: Theory of Evolution	Chapter 22
Sept 1	No lecture
Sept 3	Theory of Evolution	22	Sept 7 Ch. 22
Sept 8	Basics of Genetics	14.1
Sept 10	Evolution of Populations	23	Sept 14 Ch. 23
Sept 15	Monday schedule: Evolution of Populations	23	Sept 21 Ch. 24
Sept 17	Origin of Species	24
Sept 22, 24	No lectures
Sept 29	Origin of Species Review	24
Oct 1	Review
Oct 6	EXAM 1 (CH 22, 14.1, 23, 24)
Oct 8	Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells	Figures 6.5 & 6.8, 25
Oct 13	No lecture
Oct 15	History of Life	25
Oct 20	No lecture
Oct 22	Plant Diversity I	29
Oct 24	Monday schedule: Plant Diversity II	30	Oct 26 Ch. 29 & 30
Oct 27	Plant Diversity II; Introduction to Animal Diversity	30, 32	Oct 26 Ch. 32
Oct 29	EXAM 2 (CH 25, 26, 29, 30)
Nov 3	Introduction to Animal Diversity	32
Nov 5	Invertebrates	33
Nov 10	Invertebrates	33	Nov 16 Ch. 33
Nov 12	Invertebrates	33
Nov 17	Vertebrates	34	Nov 23 Ch. 34
Nov 19	Vertebrates	34
Nov 24	Review session
Nov 26	EXAM 3 (CH 32, 33, 34)
Dec 1	Animal Behavior; Population Ecology	51, 53	Dec 7 Ch. 51
Dec 3	Population Ecology	53	Dec 7 Ch. 53
Dec 8	Community Ecology	54
Dec 10	Ecosystem Ecology	55
Dec 15	Conservation Biology and Global Change; Review session: Jeopardy	55	Dec 14 Ch. 54, 55
Date to be determined: Dec 16-Dec 22	Final Exam (cumulative)

Course Policies and Support

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is required. Extra credit at the end of the semester is contingent upon active participation.

Academic Integrity

• All students must adhere to CUNY's academic integrity policy. Cheating, plagiarism, and use of unauthorized materials are strictly prohibited.

• See: CUNY Academic Integrity Policy

Exams and Make-up Policy

• Exams are given at the beginning of the semester to allow for potential conflicts with other courses or work.

• Make-up exams are only given for documented emergencies and must be requested within 24 hours of the missed exam.

• Students with extenuating circumstances may be eligible for an INC grade, subject to instructor approval.

Accommodations and Support Services

• This course strives to be accessible to all students. Contact the instructor for accommodations.

• Student support services are available for academic and personal support. See: York College Student Support Services

• Resources for undocumented students: Undocumented Student Support

Major Topics Covered

• Evolution: Theory of evolution, evolution of populations, origin of species

• Genetics: Basics of genetics

• Cell Biology: Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, history of life

• Plant Biology: Plant diversity and physiology

• Animal Biology: Animal diversity, invertebrates, vertebrates

• Ecology: Population, community, and ecosystem ecology; conservation biology and global change

• Animal Behavior: Evolutionary significance and basic principles

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Evolution: The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

• Genetics: The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

• Prokaryotic Cell: A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, or any other membrane-bound organelle.

• Eukaryotic Cell: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus surrounded by a membrane and whose DNA is bound together by proteins into chromosomes.

• Population Ecology: The study of populations in relation to environment, including environmental influences on population density and distribution, age structure, and population size.

• Community Ecology: The study of how interactions between species affect community structure and organization.

• Ecosystem Ecology: The study of energy flow and the cycling of chemicals among the various biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem.

• Conservation Biology: The management of nature and of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction.

Formulas and Equations

• Hardy-Weinberg Equation (Population Genetics):

$p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$

• Where p and q represent the frequencies of two alleles in a population.

• Population Growth (Exponential Model):

$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$

• Where N is population size, r is the intrinsic rate of increase, and t is time.

• Logistic Growth Model:

$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$

• Where K is the carrying capacity of the environment.

Example Applications

• Evolution: Natural selection explains the adaptation of organisms to their environment, such as the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

• Ecology: Understanding population growth models helps in managing wildlife populations and conservation efforts.

Additional Information

• All exams are cumulative and require understanding of both lecture and laboratory material.

• Students are encouraged to participate in extra credit activities for additional learning opportunities.