General Biology I with Lab (BSC-1010C) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Biology I with Lab (BSC-1010C) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the scientific study of life, emphasizing the scientific method, biological concepts, and laboratory skills. It is designed for college students beginning their study of biology and includes both lecture and laboratory components.

• Course Format: Hybrid (On Campus & Online)

• Credits: 4

• Class/Lab Times: See schedule for specific days and times

• Instructor: Farms III, Alan

Course Description

Students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. Major topics include molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and reproduction. Laboratory sessions reinforce lecture concepts and develop practical scientific skills.

• Emphasis: Scientific reasoning, experimental design, and data analysis

• Applications: Understanding biological processes at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels

Course Objectives

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

• Describe Science as Inquiry: Explain the scientific method and its role in investigation and learning.

• Domains of Life: Distinguish between the major Domains of Life and describe their evolutionary relationships.

• Biological Concepts: Compare and contrast unifying concepts and processes in life science, from simple to complex organisms.

• Reproduction: Identify how and why organisms reproduce at both the cellular and organismal levels.

• Energy and Matter: Describe how energy and matter are utilized in life processes.

• Genetics: Discuss the molecular basis of heredity.

Student Learning Outcomes

Lake-Sumter State College aims to provide a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students will:

• Scientific Skills: Describe, identify, and assess scientific concepts and results; design and implement scientific experiments.

• Data Analysis: Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data, applying inductive reasoning to scientific problems.

• Scientific Method: Demonstrate competency with the scientific method, including objective data collection and analysis.

• Integration: Integrate concepts from physical, chemical, and biological sciences into a cohesive understanding of life.

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Scientific Method: A systematic approach to inquiry involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

• Domains of Life: The highest taxonomic rank, including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

• Cellular Reproduction: The process by which cells divide to produce new cells, including mitosis and meiosis.

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism, including catabolic and anabolic pathways.

• Heredity: The passing of genetic traits from parents to offspring, governed by molecular mechanisms such as DNA replication and gene expression.

Methods of Evaluation

Student performance will be assessed through a combination of assignments, quizzes, tests, and laboratory work.

Assessment Type	Percentage of Grade
Assignments	20%
Quizzes	20%
Tests	20%
Midterm & Final Exams	20%
Other (e.g., lab, participation)	20%
Total	100%

Textbooks & Materials

• Required textbook information is available online. Students are encouraged to purchase through the college bookstore for accessibility.

• Reliable computer and internet access are required for course participation.

Instructor & Institutional Policies

• Attendance: Participation is required; missing assignments may affect grades.

• Academic Integrity: All work must be original; plagiarism and use of unauthorized AI are prohibited.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented needs.

• Safety: Emergency procedures and campus safety resources are provided.

• FERPA: Student privacy is protected under federal law.

Additional Information

• Course content is presented at the college level and may include mature topics.

• Students are expected to engage respectfully in all discussions and activities.

• Policies and schedules are subject to change; refer to the official syllabus for updates.

Example: Application of the Scientific Method

• Observation: A plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade.

• Hypothesis: Plants exposed to more sunlight will grow taller than those in shade.

• Experiment: Grow two groups of plants under different light conditions and measure their height.

• Analysis: Compare average heights using statistical methods.

• Conclusion: Determine if the hypothesis is supported by the data.

Additional info: This study guide is based on the official course syllabus and is intended to provide a structured overview of course expectations, objectives, and foundational biology concepts for exam preparation.