General Biology Syllabus and Study Guide Overview

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General Biology: Semester Overview

Course Description

This course is an integrative Learning Core course designed for non-science majors. It covers foundational concepts in biology, including cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical skills and the ability to transfer learning to new situations. Students will gain a broad understanding of biological principles and their applications in everyday life.

Integrative Learning: Encourages making connections among ideas and experiences from various disciplines.
Key Concepts: Cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution.
Skills Developed: Analytical thinking, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving.
Applications: Preparation for informed citizenship and post-baccalaureate careers.

Course Structure and Expectations

Class Meetings: MWF 2:30-3:30 (Williams 103), TTh 10:30-12:50 (Williams 102).
Instructor: Tatiana Luzan
Required Textbook: Pearson Publishing Company (ISBN: 0134813449)
Assessment: Class participation, homework, exams.
Grading: Four exams, homework blocks, participation. See grading table below.

Class Expectations and Conduct

Study Time: At least two hours of study per class hour, including reading, reviewing notes, and completing assignments.
Code of Conduct: Adherence to LSU's Commitment to Community and Code of Student Conduct is required.
Academic Integrity: All students must submit their own work and avoid plagiarism or cheating.

Assessment Breakdown

Class Participation: May include response systems, assignments, and in-class activities. At least 20% of questions will align with the ILC proficiency of Inquiry and Analysis.
Homework: Quizzes and activities for each chapter. At least 20% of questions will align with ILC proficiency.
Exams: Four exams during the semester, each covering multiple chapters. At least 20% of multiple-choice questions will align with ILC proficiency.

Grading Scale

Final Grade	Percent	Final Grade	Percent	Final Grade	Percent
A+	100-97	B-	82.99-80	D	66.99-63
A	96-93.99	C+	79.99-77	D-	62.99-60
A-	92-90	C	76.99-73	F	<60
B+	89.99-87	C-	72.99-70
B	86.99-83	D+	69.99-67

Attendance Policy

Attendance: Required for all classes and completion of assignments.
Valid Excuses: Illness, family emergencies, court obligations, hazardous conditions, religious observances, university representation, professional/graduate interviews, and voting.
Make-up Policy: Students with approved excuses may make up missed work within a reasonable time.

Course Schedule: Main Topics

Week	Dates	Topic(s)
1	Aug	Introduction to Course, Introduction to Life on Earth (Ch 1)
2	Sep 2-5	Atoms, Molecules, and Life (Ch 2); Biological Molecules (Ch 3)
3	Sep 8-12	Biological Molecules (Ch 3); Cell Structure and Function (Ch 4)
4	Sep 15-19	Cell Structure and Function (Ch 4); Cell Membrane Structure and Function (Ch 5)
5	Sep 22-26	Energy Flow in the Life of the Cell (Ch 6)
6	Sep 29-Oct 3	Photosynthesis (Ch 7); Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration (Ch 8)
7	Oct 6-10	Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration (Ch 8); Cellular Reproduction (Ch 9)
8	Oct 13-15	Meiosis: The Basis of Sexual Reproduction (Ch 10)
9	Oct 20-24	Patterns of Inheritance (Ch 11); DNA: The Molecule of Life (Ch 12)
10	Oct 27-31	DNA: The Molecule of Life (Ch 12); Gene Expression and Regulation (Ch 13)
11	Nov 3-7	Biotechnology (Ch 14)
12	Nov 10-14	Principles of Evolution (Ch 15)
13	Nov 17-21	The Origin of Species (Ch 17); The History of Life (Ch 18)
14	Nov 24-25	Population Growth and Regulation (Ch 27); Community Interactions (Ch 28)
15	Dec 1-6	Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling in Ecosystems (Ch 29)

Key Topics and Subtopics

Atoms, Molecules, and Life

Understanding the chemical basis of life is essential in biology. Atoms and molecules form the building blocks of all living organisms.

Atom: The smallest unit of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Molecule: Two or more atoms bonded together.
Biological Molecules: Includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Example: Water (H2O) is a vital molecule for life due to its solvent properties.

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the fundamental units of life. Their structure determines their function in living organisms.

Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus; found in bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells: Have a nucleus and organelles; found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Cell Membrane: Regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Example: Mitochondria are organelles responsible for energy production.

Energy Flow in Cells

Cells require energy to perform functions. Energy is obtained and transformed through metabolic pathways.

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert solar energy into chemical energy.
Cellular Respiration: Process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP.
Key Equation:

Cellular Reproduction

Cells reproduce to maintain life and ensure genetic continuity.

Mitosis: Produces two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.
Meiosis: Produces gametes for sexual reproduction, introducing genetic variation.
Example: Human somatic cells divide by mitosis; gametes are produced by meiosis.

Genetics and Inheritance

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in organisms.

Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
DNA: The molecule of inheritance; double helix structure.
Patterns of Inheritance: Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance.
Example: Eye color inheritance follows Mendelian patterns.

Gene Expression and Biotechnology

Gene expression determines how genetic information is used in cells. Biotechnology applies biological knowledge for practical purposes.

Transcription: DNA is transcribed into RNA.
Translation: RNA is translated into protein.
Biotechnology: Includes genetic engineering, cloning, and CRISPR technology.
Example: Insulin production using recombinant DNA technology.

Evolution and the History of Life

Evolution explains the diversity of life through natural selection and adaptation.

Natural Selection: Process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.
Speciation: Formation of new species.
History of Life: Fossil record provides evidence for evolution.
Example: Darwin's finches demonstrate adaptive radiation.

Ecology: Population and Community Interactions

Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Population Growth: Describes how populations change over time.
Community Interactions: Includes competition, predation, and symbiosis.
Energy Flow: Movement of energy through ecosystems.
Nutrient Cycling: Recycling of essential elements like carbon and nitrogen.
Example: Food webs illustrate energy flow in ecosystems.

Summary Table: Major Biological Molecules

Molecule	Function	Example
Carbohydrates	Energy storage, structural support	Glucose, cellulose
Lipids	Energy storage, membrane structure	Fats, phospholipids
Proteins	Catalysis, structure, transport	Enzymes, hemoglobin
Nucleic Acids	Genetic information storage	DNA, RNA

Additional info:

Some chapter numbers (e.g., Ch 27-29) suggest the textbook covers ecology and ecosystem topics in later chapters.
Pop-up attendance quizzes and online homework are part of the course structure.