General Biology Syllabus and Study Guide

Basic Course Information

Course Overview

This course is an introductory survey of biology, designed for both majors and non-majors. It covers fundamental concepts in physiology, ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on scientific thinking and quantitative models. The course is structured around lectures, discussions, and problem-solving assignments.

• Term: Fall 2025

• Duration: 16 weeks

• Format: Flipped-course with online pre-lecture lessons, in-person lectures, and discussion sessions

• Credit hours: 4

• Location: Lectures in Foellinger Auditorium; discussions in the Natural History Building

Instructor and Teaching Assistant Information

• Professor: Dr. Benjamin Clegg ([e-mail])

• Office hours: 2 hours/week in-person (details on course webpage)

• Instructor office: 3092 Natural History Building

• TA office hours: Posted on Canvas; 2-hour help window in 2092 NHB

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain both proximate and ultimate explanations for biological phenomena.

• Apply fundamental concepts in physiology, ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology.

• Interpret and use quantitative models to analyze biological data.

• Evaluate and differentiate between alternative hypotheses using statistical tools.

• Communicate scientific ideas clearly in both written and oral forms.

Course Structure and Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance at all scheduled classes (lectures and discussions) is mandatory.

• Unexcused absences may result in a lower participation grade.

Acceptable Absences (with documentation)

• Illness (medical documentation required)

• Family emergency (letter from parent/guardian, obituary, etc.)

• Conflict with another course/exam (requires documentation and advance notice)

• University-sanctioned activities (letter from official representative required)

• Job, graduate, or professional school interviews (documentation required)

• Religious observance (advance notice required)

• Official business with a government agency (documentation required)

Documentation for Medical Absences

• Up to three records of having used Dial-a-Nurse via the McKinley portal are accepted.

• More than three absences require a doctor’s note or Dean’s letter.

Reporting Absences

• Email [e-mail] with documentation within 48 hours of the emergency or absence.

Lecture and Discussion Etiquette

• Arrive on time and sit where you will disturb as few people as possible if late.

• Silence all phones and pagers; do not text-message during lecture.

• Do not use laptops for non-class activities during lecture.

• Be considerate; do not talk unless asking a question or participating in discussion.

• Do not pack up until the lecture is finished.

Prerequisites

• None

Course Content and Core Concepts

The course is organized around two core concepts:

• Energy: How energy flows, limits, and constrains living systems, from molecular to ecosystem levels.

• Heredity: How genetic information is transmitted and how it evolves.

By the end of the semester, students will be able to apply these concepts to understand the forces shaping all living organisms.

General Education Categories

• This course satisfies the general education criteria for the Natural Sciences requirement - Life Sciences.

Tentative Class Schedule

The course is divided into three main units, each with associated lectures, discussions, and readings.

Unit	Topics	Sample Readings (Freeman 7th Ed.)
Unit 1: Life and Energy	What is life? • Energy in cells • Respiration • Photosynthesis • Enzymes • Competition • Population growth	Ch. 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3, 6.1-6.3, 8.1-8.3, 9.1-9.3, 10.1-10.3
Unit 2: Life and Heredity	Molecular basis for heredity • Mendelian genetics • DNA structure • Mutation • Evolutionary mechanisms	Ch. 13.1-13.3, 14.1-14.3, 15.1-15.3, 16.1-16.3, 17.1-17.3
Unit 3: Evolving Life	Evolutionary mechanisms • Speciation • Population genetics • Adaptation • Ecosystem dynamics	Ch. 22.1-22.3, 23.1-23.3, 24.1-24.3, 25.1-25.3, 26.1-26.3

Additional info: The schedule includes a "Wellness Week" and a "Thanksgiving Break" with no classes or discussions.

Required & Recommended Readings

• Textbook: Freeman, Biological Science, eText of 7th edition (Pearson).

• Course Manual: IB 150 Fall 2025 course manual (IUB bookstore).

• iClicker: Required for in-class participation.

• Calculator: Non-programmable calculator for exams.

Additional Weekly Readings

• Landmark scientific articles and essays by famous scientists (see course webpage for links).

• Examples: Colin Dixon (2019) on why everyone can and should be a scientist; Daniel Tyrrell (2020) on Marie Maynard Daly; Rachael Bishop (2012) on Rachel Carson; Jane Lubchenco (1980) on algal zonation; S.V. Perce & Xiao, Q. (2021) on Rosalind E. Franklin; Ed Yong (2019) on fish genetics; Katherine Keenan (1983) on Lillian Vaughan Morgan.

Late Assignment Policy

• Late submissions of online assignments will NOT be graded unless due to extenuating circumstances (see Absence Policy above).

• Proper documentation is required for extensions.

Grading and Exams

• Final letter grades are based on cumulative performance in lectures, discussions, assignments, and exams.

• Scientific calculators (with displays larger than 2 rows) are not permitted on exams.

Support and Resources

• Tutoring: Available through campus resources and office hours.

• FERPA: Student privacy is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

• Mental Health: Support services are available for students experiencing stress or mental health challenges.

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

• Emergency Response: Follow campus guidelines for emergencies.

• Religious Observances: Accommodations are available with advance notice.

• Sexual Misconduct: The university has mandatory reporting obligations for sexual misconduct.