General Biology II (BIO-122) Syllabus and Course Structure – Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology II (BIO-122)

This course is the second in a core sequence for biology majors, focusing on the diversity of life, evolutionary relationships, and ecological principles. It builds upon foundational knowledge of cell structure and function, genetics, and physiology covered in the first course (BIO-121).

• Course Emphasis: Survey of life's diversity, evolutionary mechanisms, phylogeny, and ecological interactions.

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 12th Edition (Pearson) with Mastering Biology online platform.

• Structure: Lecture (75% of grade) and laboratory (25% of grade) components.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Major Objectives

• Survey the diversity of life: microbes, protists, fungi, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates.

• Compare and contrast distinguishing features of major life forms.

• Understand phylogenetic relationships and classification systems.

• Apply evolutionary concepts to explain biological diversity.

• Describe adaptations for survival in various habitats.

Course Structure and Policies

Lecture and Laboratory

• Lecture: Meets twice weekly; participation and preparation are expected.

• Laboratory: Separate syllabus; required for course completion.

Study Techniques for Success

• Study daily in short, frequent intervals.

• Review and analyze notes promptly after class.

• Engage in active learning: self-quizzing, making tables, and group study.

• Integrate textbook, notes, and lab exercises.

• Seek help proactively from the instructor or campus resources.

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is required for all meetings and exams.

• Responsible for all material covered in class, including content not in the textbook.

• Legitimate absences: university activities, illness, accident, or family emergency (with notification).

• Make-up exams/assignments are not offered except as specified; lowest exam score is dropped.

Academic Integrity

• All work must be original and properly cited (APA format).

• Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

Grading and Assessment

Grade Components

Component	Percentage
Mastering Biology Dynamic Study Modules	15%
Mastering Biology Homework	20%
Exams (3 total; best 2 count)	40% (20% each)
Cumulative Final Exam	25%

• Laboratory: 25% of final grade (separate syllabus).

• Letter Grade Scale: Straight scale (A = 93–100%, A- = 90–92%, etc.; no rounding).

• Exam Policy: No leaving during exams; no hats, watches, food, or drinks allowed.

• Grade Disputes: Must be submitted in writing within 24 hours to 7 days of receiving the grade, with supporting evidence.

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Weekly Topics and Corresponding Textbook Chapters

Week	Dates	Lecture Topics	Textbook Chapters
1	22 Jan	Darwin and Evolution	Ch. 22
2	27–29 Jan	Microevolution, Macroevolution	Ch. 23, 24
3	3–5 Feb	Origin and History of Life; Taxonomy, Systematics, Phylogeny	Ch. 25, 26
4	10–12 Feb	Taxonomy, Systematics, Phylogeny	Ch. 26
5	17–19 Feb	Viruses; Review for Exam	Ch. 19
6	24–26 Feb	Exam 1 (Ch. 22–26); Bacteria & Archaea	Ch. 27
7	3–5 Mar	Bacteria & Archaea; Protists	Ch. 27, 28
8	10–12 Mar	Protists; Fungi	Ch. 28, 31
9	16–22 Mar	Spring Break	-
10	24–26 Mar	Plant – Land Colonization; Review	Ch. 29
11	31 Mar–2 Apr	Exam 2 (Ch. 19, 27, 28, 31); Plant Development & Reproduction	Ch. 30
12	7–9 Apr	Plant Development & Reproduction; Invertebrates	Ch. 30, 33
13	14–16 Apr	Invertebrates; Vertebrates	Ch. 33, 34
14	21–23 Apr	Ecology; Review	Ch. 52
15	28–30 Apr	Exam 3 (Ch. 29, 30, 33, 34); Ecology	Ch. 52
16	5–7 May	Review for Final Exam	-
17	12 May	Final Exam (Cumulative)	All covered material

Key Topics Covered (with Reference to Campbell Biology)

• Evolution and Natural Selection (Ch. 22–24): Mechanisms of evolution, microevolution, macroevolution, speciation.

• Origin and History of Life (Ch. 25): Early Earth, chemical evolution, first cells.

• Phylogeny and Classification (Ch. 26): Systematics, taxonomy, evolutionary trees.

• Viruses, Bacteria, and Archaea (Ch. 19, 27): Structure, function, diversity, and ecological roles.

• Protists and Fungi (Ch. 28, 31): Diversity, life cycles, ecological importance.

• Plant Diversity and Evolution (Ch. 29, 30): Land colonization, seed plants, reproduction.

• Animal Diversity (Ch. 33, 34): Invertebrates, vertebrates, evolutionary trends.

• Ecology (Ch. 52): Introduction to ecological principles and the biosphere.

Student Support and Resources

Academic and Campus Resources

• Writing Center: Assistance with writing assignments and research integration.

• Learning Center: Tutoring for biology, chemistry, physics, and math; academic coaching.

• Library: Research support, access to scholarly resources, citation help.

• Health and Wellness: Medical care, counseling, and mental health support.

• Accessibility Services: Accommodations for students with disabilities or temporary impairments.

• Equity and Inclusion: Support for discrimination, harassment, and Title IX concerns.

Important Policies

• Academic Integrity: All assignments must be original and properly cited.

• Attendance: Required for all scheduled meetings and exams.

• Technical Requirements: Access to a computer, internet, MasteringBiology, and Microsoft Office is necessary.

• Communication: Use official CCSU email and check Blackboard regularly for updates.

Key Dates

• Pre-registration Advising: March 23 – April 2

• Summer Registration Begins: March 25

• Fall Registration Begins: April 2

• Last Day to Withdraw Without Permission: April 21

• Final Exam: May 12, 8:00–10:00 am

Summary Table: Major Topics and Corresponding Chapters

Topic	Campbell Biology Chapter(s)
Evolution & Natural Selection	22–24
Origin & History of Life	25
Phylogeny & Classification	26
Viruses	19
Bacteria & Archaea	27
Protists	28
Fungi	31
Plant Diversity & Evolution	29–30
Animal Diversity	33–34
Ecology	52

Additional Info

• Lecture topics and exam dates are subject to change with notice; students are responsible for all updates posted on Blackboard or announced in class.

• All university policies on accessibility, equity, and student conduct apply to this course.