General Biology II (BIO 113) Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology II

This course is the second semester of biology for majors, focusing on the diversity, structure, function, and evolution of fungi, plants, animals, and ecological systems. It is designed to build upon foundational biological concepts and laboratory skills, preparing students for advanced study in biological sciences.

• Course Number: BIO 113

• Credits: 4

• Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry or equivalent

• Recommended Preparation: Completion of BIO 112

Major Topics and Competencies

1. Laboratory Skills and Safety

• Locate and use laboratory safety equipment

• Model safe laboratory practices

• Demonstrate proficiency with laboratory equipment and microscopes

• Generate and interpret experimental data

• Engage in scientific writing

2. Prokaryote Biology

• Three-domain classification: Understanding Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya

• Structural and functional differences between Bacteria and Archaea

• Genetic recombination in prokaryotes

• Metabolic diversity: Heterotrophic and autotrophic pathways

• Ecological roles and biotechnology applications

3. Protist Diversity and Evolution

• Origin of life and multicellularity

• Endosymbiosis and eukaryote evolution

• Major supergroups within Eukarya

• Ecological, economic, and health roles of protists

4. Fungi

• Phylogeny and classification

• Economic and ecological significance

• Reproduction and dispersal mechanisms

• Symbiotic relationships

5. Plant Diversity

• Phylogeny and classification of plants

• Adaptations for terrestrial life

• Nonvascular vs. vascular plants

• Seed plant innovations

• Alternation of generations

• Angiosperm vs. gymnosperm reproduction

• Pollination, seed, and fruit development

6. Plant Anatomy and Physiology

• Major plant organs and their functions

• Meristems and plant growth

• Transport in xylem and phloem

• Water potential and transport mechanisms

• Hormonal regulation of plant responses

• Responses to biotic and abiotic factors

7. Animal Evolution and Diversity

• Evolutionary origins of animals

• Animal body plans and germ layers

• Bilateral symmetry and cephalization

• Current hypotheses of animal phylogeny

8. Invertebrate and Vertebrate Diversity

• Major invertebrate and vertebrate taxa

• Phylogeny and classification

• Colonization of land

• Economic, medical, and ecological significance

• Unique adaptations (e.g., amniotes, flight in birds, mammalian traits)

• Human evolution and primate characteristics

9. Animal Anatomy, Physiology, and Behavior

• Tissue structure and function

• Muscular and skeletal systems

• Nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems

• Circulatory, respiratory, and immune systems

• Digestion, excretion, reproduction, and development

• Animal behavior and environmental interactions

10. Ecology

• Influence of climate and disturbance on biomes

• Abiotic and biotic factors affecting diversity

• Population, community, and ecosystem ecology

• Population growth models and carrying capacity

• Interspecific interactions and community structure

• Energy flow and biogeochemical cycles

11. Conservation Biology

• Human impacts on genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity

• Global climate change

• Conservation strategies and sustainable development

Course Structure and Assessment

Grading Distribution

Activity	Percent of Grade
Mastering Biology Activities	20%
Weekly Quizzes/Final Exam	60%
In-Class Lecture and Lab Activities	20%

Grading Scale

Percent	Grade	Percent	Grade
93-100	A	73-76	C
90-92	A-	70-72	C-
87-89	B+	67-69	D+
83-86	B	63-66	D
80-82	B-	60-62	D-
77-79	C+	<60	F

Assessment Policies

• Attendance: Required for in-class activities and quizzes

• Quiz Opt-Out: Students may opt out of one weekly quiz; the next quiz grade will be applied to both

• Late Assignments: 10% deduction per day late; no credit after 10 days

• Extra Credit: Limited, at instructor's discretion

Laboratory Safety Rules

• No food or drink in the lab

• Wear proper PPE (closed-toe shoes, gloves, goggles, lab coats as instructed)

• Follow all instructions and safety guidelines

• Know the location and use of safety equipment

• Report all accidents or unsafe conditions immediately

• Practice good housekeeping and proper disposal of materials

• Treat living organisms with care and respect

• Wash hands regularly

Course Schedule (Selected Topics by Week)

Week	Main Topics/Assignments
1	Bacteria and Archaea (Ch. 27), Tree of Life, Lab: Prokaryotes
2	Protists (Ch. 28), Fungi (Ch. 31), Lab: Fungi, Fungi Life Cycle
3	Plant Diversity I & II (Ch. 29, 30), Plant Life Cycle, Plant Group Comparisons
4	Plant Structure and Growth (Ch. 35), Plant Transport (Ch. 36), Lab: Plant Anatomy
5	Animal Diversity (Ch. 32-34), Animal Form and Function (Ch. 40), Lab: Animal Diversity
6	Immune System (Ch. 43), Endocrine System (Ch. 45), Neurons and Signaling (Ch. 48)
7	Animal Nutrition (Ch. 41), Circulation and Gas Exchange (Ch. 42), Osmoregulation (Ch. 44)
8	Reproduction (Ch. 46), Development (Ch. 47), Sensory and Motor Mechanisms (Ch. 50)
9	Ecology: Biosphere (Ch. 52), Population Ecology (Ch. 53), Community Ecology (Ch. 54), Ecosystems (Ch. 55)

Academic Integrity and Conduct

• Plagiarism and academic misconduct are strictly prohibited. Penalties include a zero on the assignment (first offense) and failing the course (second offense).

• Use of AI: Permitted for initial information gathering on formative assignments, but all submitted work must be in the student's own words. AI is not allowed on quizzes or exams.

Support Services

• Disability accommodations available through the DMACC Disability Services Coordinator

• Student support for advising, counseling, and tutoring

• Commitment to nondiscrimination and diversity

Study Tips for Success

• Attend every class and keep up with online materials

• Review lecture notes daily

• Participate actively in class and lab activities

• Use campus academic resources

• Communicate with your instructor as needed

Key Chapters Covered (Reference to Standard Biology Textbook)

• Ch. 27: Bacteria and Archaea

• Ch. 28: Protists

• Ch. 29-30: Plant Diversity I & II

• Ch. 31: Fungi

• Ch. 32-34: Animal Diversity (Invertebrates and Vertebrates)

• Ch. 35-36: Plant Structure, Growth, and Transport

• Ch. 40-50: Animal Form, Function, and Physiology

• Ch. 52-56: Ecology and Conservation Biology

Additional info: This guide summarizes the syllabus and course structure, providing a framework for study and preparation. For detailed content, refer to the assigned textbook chapters and laboratory manual.