General Biology I: Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

General Biology I: Course Overview

Course Description

This course is the first in a two-semester, graduate-level introductory biology series. It covers fundamental biological principles with a focus on inheritance, evolution, and organ systems. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of biological processes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

• Prerequisite: BIO-511L (Biology 511 laboratory)

• Topics include: Sexual reproduction, patterns of inheritance, evolution, and organ systems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the process of meiosis and gametogenesis in sexual reproduction.

• Explain Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance and apply this knowledge to genetic problems.

• Discuss evolutionary patterns and trends, and mechanisms of evolution.

• Describe the structure of organ systems and how they contribute to overall physiological function.

• Integrate information to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex biological phenomena.

• Demonstrate advanced scientific reasoning, showing the ability to integrate knowledge from different fields to address complex biological challenges.

Course Structure and Grading

Class Meetings

• Lecture: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

• Lab: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

• Location: Hopkins 106

• Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00–12:00, Fridays by appointment

Grading Breakdown

The course grade is determined by the following components:

Category	Percentage
Quizzes and In-Class Assignments (Team-Based Learning Work)	45%
Unit Exams	45%
Final Exam	10%
Total	100%

Letter Grade Scale

Grade	Percentage Range	Grade	Percentage Range
A	93 to 100	C	73 to less than 77
A-	90 to less than 93	C-	70 to less than 73
B+	87 to less than 90	D+	67 to less than 70
B	83 to less than 87	D	63 to less than 67
B-	80 to less than 83	D-	60 to less than 63
C+	77 to less than 80	F	Less than 60

Course Policies

Attendance

• Regular attendance is required for all aspects of the course.

• Students are responsible for keeping up with announcements and course activities.

• Contact the instructor before class if you need to be absent to determine if it is excused and to arrange make-up assignments.

Late Work

• Late work is not accepted unless previously coordinated with the instructor for extenuating circumstances.

• Unexcused late work will receive a grade of zero.

AI Course Policy

• AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) may not be used during any exam or quiz, and may not be used to directly complete assignments.

• AI may be used for brainstorming, outlining, and revising if the following conditions are met:

  • AI use is cited in your submission, including the tool, prompts, and all generated content.

  • Information is checked for reliability and significantly revised by the student.

• Failure to meet these conditions is considered an academic integrity violation.

Honor Code

• Students must abide by the Agnes Scott Honor Code in and outside the classroom.

• Academic honesty is expected in all coursework and assessments.

Course Evaluations

• Students are encouraged to provide feedback at the end of the semester via anonymous course evaluations.

Expectations for Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students

• Attendance and participation are expected to be regular and on-time.

• Assignments should reflect graduate-level thinking, analysis, and synthesis of ideas.

• Students are expected to go above and beyond minimum requirements, including:

  • Using effective textbook reading skills

  • Reviewing assignments and seeking improvement

  • Completing assignments and taking tests on time

  • Reviewing assignments and key concepts even when not graded

  • Demonstrating advanced reasoning and synthesis

College Policies and Student Resources

Title IX and Accessibility

• Agnes Scott College provides support for students experiencing harassment, discrimination, or accessibility challenges.

• Students needing accommodations should contact the Office of Accessible Education.

Diversity and Inclusion

• The college is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, respecting all backgrounds and identities.

Academic Honesty

• Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

• Students are expected to cite sources and complete their own work independently.

Student Support Services

Department	What We Do For You	Hours and Location	URLs
CDVL	Podcasting, Video Production, Infographics, Copyright, Digital Presentations, Website Development, Digital Citizenship	McCain G-11, G-37, G-43; Peer Tutoring: Mon-Fri 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-6:00pm	Our Website
CWS	Brainstorming, Draft Review, Public Speaking, Presentations	Campbell G14; Sun-Thurs: 1:00pm-10:00pm, Fri: 9:00am-4:00pm	Make an Appointment
McCain Library - Research, Study & Course Support	Research help through one-on-one appointments, guides in specialized databases, access to journal articles, Course Materials for specific classes (Reserves), Group Study Rooms, Lockers for After-Hours Pick-Ups	McCain Library; Mon-Thurs 8:00am-1:00am, Fri 8:00am-6:00pm, Sat 10:00am-6:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-1:00am	Library Website

Required Course Materials

• Textbook: Biology in Focus, Third Edition, Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Pearson Publishing, Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0-13-471067-9

• This text is on reserve at the McCain Library.

• Contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Workload Expectations

• This is a 3-credit-hour course that meets in person for a total of 3 hours a week.

• For each credit hour, students should expect approximately 3 hours of work per week (in-person hours plus out-of-class hours).

Summary

• This syllabus provides an overview of the course structure, expectations, grading, and resources for General Biology I.

• Students are expected to engage actively, maintain academic integrity, and utilize available support services to succeed in the course.