General Biology Syllabus & Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology

This course provides a foundational understanding of organismal biology, focusing on Mendelian and population genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will explore patterns of inheritance, speciation, phylogeny, behavioral biology, population dynamics, and ecosystem ecology.

• Course Location & Time: Supple 116; Monday & Wednesday 2:30-3:20 PM

• Office Location & Hours: Supple 166; Monday & Wednesday 3:30-4:30 PM & by arrangement

Course Outcomes

Learning Objectives

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

1. Understand basic mechanisms of evolution: Explain how living organisms adapt to their environments through evolutionary processes.

2. Speciation and Phylogenetic Relationships: Describe the processes of speciation and analyze relationships among living organisms.

3. Complex Interactions: Evaluate interactions between and within individuals, populations, and communities.

4. Contributions to Sustainability: Assess the roles of diverse organisms in maintaining life on Earth and promoting sustainability.

5. Science Identity: Develop a sense of belonging in the scientific community and discover career opportunities in biology.

General Education Core Objectives

Life & Physical Sciences Component Outcomes

Students will describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena using the scientific method. This includes:

• Application of scientific principles to understand biological and physical processes.

• Prediction of outcomes based on empirical evidence.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with others to achieve shared goals.

• Communication: Demonstrate effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.

• Critical Thinking: Employ creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis to synthesize information.

• Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts to reach informed conclusions.

Class Materials, Meetings, and Technology

Required Resources

• Access to e-text and MasteringBiology platform (included with course registration).

• Face-to-face class meetings with supplemental online resources via Canvas.

• Use of e-book, lecture slides, and office hours for additional support.

Attendance and Absences

Attendance Policy

• Attendance code required for each class via Canvas.

• 80% or more attendance earns extra credit points; less than 80% may reduce extra credit.

• Active participation and engagement are encouraged for optimal learning.

• Missed graded work due to absence results in a zero, except for dropped lowest exam grade.

Assessments and Grades

Exams

• Four regular unit exams (80 points each); lowest score dropped.

• One comprehensive final exam (80 points; 75% comprehensive, 25% on last unit).

• Exams are mostly multiple-choice and require timely arrival.

• Calculator and pencil required; no access to other materials during exams.

MasteringBiology Assignments

• Weekly assignments; three lowest scores dropped.

Collaborative Activities

• In-class collaborative activities scheduled about once a week.

• Follow-up Canvas quizzes for each activity; three lowest scores dropped.

Grading Breakdown

Category	Points	Percentage of Grade
Exams (4, lowest dropped)	240	40%
Final Exam	80	13.33%
MasteringBiology Assignments	120	20%
Collaborative Activities	160	26.67%
Attendance	5 (extra credit)	-

Final Grade Standards

Percentage	Letter Grade
90-100%	A
80-89.9%	B
70-79.9%	C
60-69.9%	D
0-59.9%	F

Additional Course Policies

Learning Assistants

• Undergraduate assistants facilitate discussions and provide support during and outside class.

Students with Accommodations

• Contact the Office of Disability Services for academic accommodations.

• Accessible seating and resources available upon request.

Conduct

• Civility and respect are required in the classroom.

• Disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action.

Drop Policy/Academic Calendar

• Automatic "W" deadline for dropping classes is October 27th.

• Consult the academic calendar for important dates.

Honor Code

• All submitted work must be original and reflect academic integrity.

• Academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action.

Summary

This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and learning outcomes for a General Biology course, emphasizing foundational biological concepts, scientific skills, and academic integrity. Students are encouraged to actively participate, collaborate, and utilize available resources to succeed in the course.